Wajax Announces 2020 First Quarter Results and Provides an Update Regarding COVID-19 Response

TSX Symbol:  WJX

TORONTO, May 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Wajax Corporation ("Wajax" or the "Corporation") today announced its 2020 first quarter results.

First Quarter Highlights

• Revenue in the first quarter of 2020 decreased $30.5 million or 8.1%, to $344.1 million, from $374.6 million in the first quarter of 2019. Regionally:
  
  
• Revenue in western Canada of $137.5 million decreased 13.6% over the prior year due primarily to lower construction and forestry equipment sales and lower product support revenue in the construction and engines and transmissions categories.
• Revenue in central Canada of $73.0 million decreased 1.9% over the prior year mainly due to lower product support and industrial parts sales, partially offset by higher Engineered Repair Services ("ERS") sales attributable to the acquisition of NorthPoint Technical Services ULC ("NorthPoint") effective January 13, 2020.
• Revenue in eastern Canada of $133.5 million decreased 5.2% over the prior year due to lower equipment sales in the material handling, power generation and forestry categories, partially offset by sales gains in industrial parts and ERS. The sales gains in ERS were partially attributable to the acquisition of NorthPoint effective January 13, 2020.

• Within the quarter, the revenue decline was primarily attributable to the March period and the emergence of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Consolidated revenue for the January and February periods were comparable to the prior year.
  
  
• Gross profit margin of 20.0% in the first quarter of 2020 increased 0.5% compared to the same period of 2019, due mainly to higher equipment and product support margins, and a higher proportion of parts and service sales compared to equipment sales.
  
  
• Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased 140 bps to 16.6% in the first quarter of 2020 from 15.2% in the same period of 2019, primarily due to lower revenue. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2019 due mainly to non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments, partially offset by lower variable incentive and vacation accruals, lower sales-related expenses, and lower professional fees relating to the Customer Support Centres ("CSC") project. Actions taken to reduce costs, discussed below, began in late March and as such, did not have a material effect in offsetting the negative earnings impact of the volume decline in the first quarter.
  
  
• EBIT decreased $4.0 million, or 26.0%, to $11.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 versus $15.4 million in the same period of 2019.⁽²⁾ The year-over-year decrease in EBIT is primarily attributable to lower revenue.⁽²⁾
  
  
• The Corporation generated net earnings of $4.1 million, or $0.20 per share, in the first quarter of 2020 versus $7.9 million, or $0.39 per share, in the same period of 2019. The Corporation generated adjusted net earnings of $5.8 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2020 versus $8.7 million, or $0.43 per share, in the same period of 2019.⁽²⁾
  
  
• Adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2020 remained unchanged from the same period of 2019.⁽²⁾
  
  
• The Corporation's backlog at March 31, 2020 of $231.8 million increased $13.7 million, or 6.3%, compared to December 31, 2019 due primarily to increases in construction and ERS orders.⁽²⁾ Compared to March 31, 2019, backlog decreased $23.5 million, or 9.2%, due primarily to lower power generation, material handling, and engines and transmissions orders offset partially by higher mining, crane and utility, and construction orders.⁽²⁾
  
  
• Inventory of $442.8 million at March 31, 2020 increased $27.8 million from December 31, 2019 due primarily to higher equipment inventory in the forestry, construction and mining categories, including the receipt of a large mining shovel at the end of the quarter.
  
  
• Working capital of $423.3 million at March 31, 2020 increased $19.2 million from December 31, 2019 due primarily to higher inventory and deposits on inventory, partially offset by higher contract liabilities and higher bank indebtedness.⁽²⁾ Trailing four-quarter average working capital as a percentage of the trailing 12-month sales was 26.4%, an increase of 1.1% from December 31, 2019 due to both the higher trailing four-quarter average working capital and the lower trailing 12-month sales.⁽²⁾
  
  
• The Corporation's leverage ratio increased to 3.04 times at March 31, 2020 compared to 2.60 times at December 31, 2019.⁽²⁾ The increase in the leverage ratio was due to the higher debt level combined with the lower trailing 12-month pro-forma adjusted EBITDA.⁽²⁾ The Corporation's senior secured leverage ratio was 2.53 times at March 31, 2020.⁽²⁾
  
  
• The Corporation acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Calgary, Alberta-based NorthPoint effective January 13, 2020. The shares were acquired from an affiliate of Denver, Colorado-based Lion Equity Partners for an aggregate purchase price of $19.0 million.

On May 4, 2020, the Corporation declared a dividend of $0.25 per share for the second quarter of 2020 payable on July 3, 2020 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The coronavirus pandemic and the measures implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 have had a significant effect on Wajax. The table below summarizes the Corporation's four main objectives in managing through this difficult period, as well as key actions taken to date in furtherance of these objectives.

Commenting on the Corporation's results, President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Foote stated, "Current business conditions had a negative effect on Wajax's results during the first quarter of 2020, due primarily to volume declines in March. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains the primary challenge, the significant decline in oil prices has also negatively affected the Corporation's volumes in western Canada. Actions taken to reduce costs began late in the month of March and as such, did not have a material impact on offsetting the negative earnings impact of the volume decline in the first quarter."

Mr. Foote continued, "Based on internal estimates, approximately 90% of the Corporation's customers fall within the definition of 'essential' workplaces or businesses, as defined by provinces where commercial activity has been limited to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and the majority of categories in which the Corporation provides products and services remain operational in all regions of the country. Volume from 'essential' workplace and business customers has declined, however, due to temporary constraints on operations and/or production curtailments.

Category revenue declines are expected in the second quarter of 2020 when compared to last year, particularly in new equipment sales. Cost reductions are anticipated to partially offset the effect of the expected declines in category revenue.

As the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown, the duration and magnitude of any revenue declines beyond the second quarter is uncertain. As and when public health conditions improve and provincial limitations on commercial activity are lifted, volumes derived from 'essential' customers and the opportunity to serve additional customers is expected to increase.

Wajax's focus is to manage the business according to four objectives: protecting the health and safety of our employees, providing strong service to our customers, protecting the financial health of the Corporation and positioning Wajax to execute its growth strategy as conditions improve. We expect to partially offset volume declines with cost reductions while managing customer service levels, working capital and capital spending accordingly. Cost management programs and current sources of liquidity are expected to allow the Corporation to weather this difficult period while preparing to return to growing its business and supporting its customers as conditions improve."

Mr. Foote concluded, "We thank our employees for their exemplary performance, flexibility and contribution during a period of significant challenges. Our team delivered another quarterly improvement in workplace safety and did so while focusing on how best to serve our customers as they adjust their operations. The dedication of our employees, including our new colleagues at NorthPoint, is even more impressive under these conditions."

Wajax Corporation

Founded in 1858, Wajax (TSX: WJX) is one of Canada's longest-standing and most diversified industrial products and services providers. The Corporation operates an integrated distribution system providing sales, parts and services to a broad range of customers in diverse sectors of the Canadian economy, including: construction, forestry, mining, industrial and commercial, oil sands, transportation, metal processing, government and utilities, and oil and gas.

The Corporation's goal is to be Canada's leading industrial products and services provider, distinguished through its three core capabilities: sales force excellence, the breadth and efficiency of repair and maintenance operations, and the ability to work closely with existing and new vendor partners to constantly expand its product offering to customers. The Corporation believes that achieving excellence in these three areas will position it to create value for its customers, employees, vendors and shareholders.

Wajax will webcast its First Quarter Financial Results Conference Call. You are invited to listen to the live webcast on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. ET. To access the webcast, please visit our website wajax.com, under "Investor Relations", "Events and Presentations", "Q1 2020 Financial Results" and click on the "Webcast" link.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements").  These forward-looking statements relate to future events or the Corporation's future performance.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.  Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "predicts", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "believes", "estimates", "projects" or "forecasts", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.  Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Corporation's ability to predict or control which may cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such forward looking statements.  There can be no assurance that any forward looking statement will materialize.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.  The forward looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.  Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Specifically, this news release includes forward looking statements regarding, among other things, our actions and plans in response to uncertainties and changing conditions caused by COVID-19 as well as the recent and significant decrease in oil prices, including our main objectives in managing the business through this difficult time; our expectation that category revenues will decline in the second quarter of 2020 when compared to 2019, particularly in new equipment sales; our expectation that anticipated declines in category revenue/volume will be partially offset by cost reductions, while we manage customer service levels, working capital and capital spending accordingly; our expectation that, as and when public health conditions improve and limitations on commercial activity are lifted, volumes from "essential" workplaces and businesses, as well as opportunities to serve additional customers, will increase; our expectation that cost management programs and current sources of liquidity will allow the Corporation to weather this difficult time; our goal of becoming Canada's leading industrial products and services provider, distinguished through our core capabilities; and our belief that achieving excellence in our areas of core capability will position Wajax to create value for its customers, employees, vendors and shareholders. These statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, general business and economic conditions; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of prices for, oil, natural gas and other commodities; financial market conditions, including interest rates; our ability to execute our updated Strategic Plan, including our ability to develop our core capabilities, execute on our organic growth priorities, complete and effectively integrate acquisitions, such as NorthPoint, and to successfully implement new information technology platforms, systems and software; the future financial performance of the Corporation; our costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain skilled staff; our ability to procure quality products and inventory; and our ongoing relations with suppliers, employees and customers.  The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.  Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, the geographic spread and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 virus and the duration of the coronavirus pandemic; the duration of travel, business and other restrictions imposed by governments and public authorities in response to COVID-19, as well as other measures that may be taken by such authorities; actions taken by our customers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, including slowing, reducing or halting operations; a continued or prolonged deterioration in general business and economic conditions (including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic); volatility in the supply and demand for, and the level of prices for, oil, natural gas and other commodities; a continued or prolonged decrease in the price of oil or natural gas; fluctuations in financial market conditions, including interest rates; the level of demand for, and prices of, the products and services we offer; levels of customer confidence and spending; market acceptance of the products we offer; termination of distribution or original equipment manufacturer agreements; unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, our inability to reduce costs in response to slow-downs in market activity, unavailability of quality products or inventory, supply disruptions (including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic), job action and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); our ability to attract and retain skilled staff and our ability to maintain our relationships with suppliers, employees and customers.  The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.  Further information concerning the risks and uncertainties associated with these forward looking statements and the Corporation's business may be found in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the "AIF"), filed on SEDAR.  The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.  The Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Readers are cautioned that the risks described in the AIF are not the only risks that could impact the Corporation. We cannot accurately predict the full impact that COVID-19 will have on our business, results of operations, financial condition or the demand for our products and services due to the uncertainties related to the spread of the virus. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Corporation, or currently deemed to be immaterial, may have a material affect on the Corporation's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Additional information, including Wajax's Annual Report, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Wajax Corporation
Management's Discussion and Analysis – Q1 2020

The following management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") discusses the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Wajax Corporation ("Wajax" or the "Corporation") for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.  This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the annual audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2019 that are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the associated MD&A.  Information contained in this MD&A is based on information available to management as of May 4, 2020.

Management is responsible for the information disclosed in this MD&A and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes, and has in place appropriate information systems, procedures and controls to ensure that information used internally by management and disclosed externally is materially complete and reliable. Wajax's Board of Directors has approved this MD&A and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes.  In addition, Wajax's Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board of Directors, provides an oversight role with respect to all public financial disclosures made by Wajax and has reviewed this MD&A and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes.

Unless otherwise indicated, all financial information within this MD&A is in millions of Canadian dollars, except ratio calculations, share, share rights and per share data.  Additional information, including Wajax's Annual Report and Annual Information Form, are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Wajax Corporation Overview

Founded in 1858, Wajax (TSX: WJX) is one of Canada's longest-standing and most diversified industrial products and services providers. The Corporation operates an integrated distribution system, providing sales, parts and services to a broad range of customers in diverse sectors of the Canadian economy, including: construction, forestry, mining, industrial and commercial, oil sands, transportation, metal processing, government and utilities, and oil and gas.

Strategic Direction and Outlook

The goal of the One Wajax strategy is to provide customers with access to the Corporation's full range of products and services while delivering a consistently excellent level of customer service. Wajax is focused on delivering a strong experience for its customers and employees through the execution of clear plans in five key areas:

• Investing in the Wajax team - The safety, well-being and engagement of the Corporation's team of nearly 2,900 technicians, sales professionals, support staff and leaders is the foundation of the Corporation.
  
  
• Investing in Wajax customers - The Corporation has the privilege of supporting 32,000 individual customers across Canada ranging from small local contractors to the country's largest industrial and resource organizations.
  
  
• Executing a clear organic growth strategy - The Corporation has classified each of its ten current product and service categories based on a category's contribution to sustainable growth. While Wajax is competitive in all of the categories it participates in, these classifications ensure that resources (such as inventory, capital, personnel and marketing) are allocated appropriately.
  
  
• Accretive acquisitions strategy - Wajax has developed clear acquisition criteria for the Canadian and U.S. markets. In Canada, the focus is primarily on acquisitions that add to the Corporation's scale in the Engineered Repair Services ("ERS") business and secondarily to extensions to the Corporation's existing distribution businesses. In the U.S. market, the focus is on reviewing growth opportunities related to distribution businesses that provide a long-term growth platform for the One Wajax multi-category model.
  
  
• Investing in the Wajax infrastructure - The Corporation is making major changes to its infrastructure to improve the consistency of customer service and lower costs. The Corporation's current programs include the ongoing consolidation of its branch network, investing in new information systems and implementing Customer Support Centres that provide 24/7 customer support in all product and service categories.

Outlook
Current business conditions had a negative effect on the Corporation's results during the first quarter of 2020, due primarily to volume declines in March. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains the primary challenge, the significant decline in oil prices has also negatively affected the Corporation's volumes in western Canada. Actions taken to reduce costs began late in the month of March and as such, did not have a material impact on offsetting the negative earnings impact of the volume decline in the first quarter.

Based on internal estimates, approximately 90% of the Corporation's customers fall within the definition of "essential" workplaces or businesses, as defined by provinces where commercial activity has been limited to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and the majority of categories in which the Corporation provides products and services remain operational in all regions of the country. Volume from "essential" workplace and business customers has declined, however, due to temporary constraints on operations and/or production curtailments.

Category revenue declines are expected in the second quarter of 2020 when compared to last year, particularly in new equipment sales. Cost reductions are anticipated to partially offset the effect of the expected declines in category revenue.

As the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown, the duration and magnitude of any revenue declines beyond the second quarter is uncertain. As and when public health conditions improve and provincial limitations on commercial activity are lifted, volumes derived from "essential" customers and the opportunity to serve additional customers is expected to increase.

Wajax's focus is to manage the business according to four objectives: protecting the health and safety of its employees, providing strong service to its customers, protecting the financial health of the Corporation and positioning the Corporation to execute its growth strategy as conditions improve. Wajax expects to partially offset volume declines with cost reductions while managing customer service levels, working capital and capital spending accordingly. Cost management programs and current sources of liquidity are expected to allow the Corporation to weather this difficult period while preparing to return to growing its business and supporting its customers as conditions improve.

Additional information regarding Wajax's response to COVID-19 is set out below.

See the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information section.

Highlights for the Quarter

• Revenue in the first quarter of 2020 decreased $30.5 million or 8.1%, to $344.1 million, from $374.6 million in the first quarter of 2019. Regionally:
  
  
• Revenue in western Canada of $137.5 million decreased 13.6% over the prior year due primarily to lower construction and forestry equipment sales and lower product support revenue in the construction and engines and transmissions categories.
• Revenue in central Canada of $73.0 million decreased 1.9% over the prior year mainly due to lower product support and industrial parts sales, partially offset by higher ERS sales attributable to the acquisition of NorthPoint Technical Services ULC ("NorthPoint") effective January 13, 2020.
• Revenue in eastern Canada of $133.5 million decreased 5.2% over the prior year due to lower equipment sales in the material handling, power generation and forestry categories, partially offset by sales gains in industrial parts and ERS. The sales gains in ERS were partially attributable to the acquisition of NorthPoint effective January 13, 2020.
  
• Within the quarter, the revenue decline was primarily attributable to the March period and the emergence of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Consolidated revenue for the January and February periods were comparable to the prior year.
  
  
• Gross profit margin of 20.0% in the first quarter of 2020 increased 0.5% compared to the same period of 2019, due mainly to higher equipment and product support margins, and a higher proportion of parts and service sales compared to equipment sales.
  
  
• Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased 140 bps to 16.6% in the first quarter of 2020 from 15.2% in the same period of 2019, primarily due to lower revenue. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2019 due mainly to non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments, partially offset by lower variable incentive and vacation accruals, lower sales-related expenses, and lower professional fees relating to the Customer Support Centres ("CSC") project. Actions taken to reduce costs, described below, began late in the month of March and as such, did not have a material effect in offsetting the negative earnings impact of the volume decline in the first quarter.
  
  
• EBIT decreased $4.0 million, or 26.0%, to $11.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 versus $15.4 million in the same period of 2019.⁽¹⁾ The year-over-year decrease in EBIT is primarily attributable to lower revenue.
  
  
• The Corporation generated net earnings of $4.1 million, or $0.20 per share, in the first quarter of 2020 versus $7.9 million, or $0.39 per share, in the same period of 2019. The Corporation generated adjusted net earnings of $5.8 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2020 versus $8.7 million, or $0.43 per share, in the same period of 2019.⁽¹⁾
  
  
• Adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2020 remained unchanged from the same period of 2019.⁽¹⁾
  
  
• The Corporation's backlog at March 31, 2020 of $231.8 million increased $13.7 million, or 6.3%, compared to December 31, 2019 due primarily to increases in construction and ERS orders. Compared to March 31, 2019, backlog decreased $23.5 million, or 9.2%, due primarily to lower power generation, material handling, and engines and transmissions orders offset partially by higher mining, crane and utility, and construction orders.⁽¹⁾
  
  
• Inventory of $442.8 million at March 31, 2020 increased $27.8 million from December 31, 2019 due primarily to higher equipment inventory in the forestry, construction and mining categories, including the receipt of a large mining shovel at the end of the quarter.
  
  
• Working capital of $423.3 million at March 31, 2020 increased $19.2 million from December 31, 2019 due primarily to higher inventory and deposits on inventory, partially offset by higher contract liabilities and higher bank indebtedness. Trailing four-quarter average working capital as a percentage of the trailing 12-month sales was 26.4%, an increase of 1.1% from December 31, 2019 due to both the higher trailing four-quarter average working capital and the lower trailing 12-month sales.
   
  
• The Corporation's leverage ratio increased to 3.04 times at March 31, 2020 compared to 2.60 times at December 31, 2019. The increase in the leverage ratio was due to the higher debt level combined with the lower trailing 12-month pro-forma adjusted EBITDA.⁽¹⁾  The Corporation's senior secured leverage ratio was 2.53 times at March 31, 2020.⁽¹⁾
  
  
• The Corporation acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Calgary, Alberta-based NorthPoint effective January 13, 2020. The shares were acquired from an affiliate of Denver, Colorado-based Lion Equity Partners for an aggregate purchase price of $19.0 million.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The coronavirus pandemic and the measures implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 have had a significant effect on Wajax. The table below summarizes the Corporation's four main objectives in managing through this difficult period, as well as key actions taken to date in furtherance of these objectives.

Summary of Operating Results

Results of Operations

Revenue Sources

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, revenue decreased 8.1%, or $30.5 million, to $344.1 million, from $374.6 million in the same period of 2019. In addition to regional revenue commentary provided herein, the following factors contributed to the decrease in revenue:

• Equipment sales have decreased due mainly to lower construction sales across all regions, lower forestry sales in western and eastern Canada, lower power generation sales in central and eastern Canada, and lower material handling sales in eastern Canada.
  
  
• Product support sales have decreased primarily on weakness in engines and transmissions sales in western Canada, lower construction sales in western Canada, and lower on-highway sales. These decreases were partially offset by higher mining parts sales in western Canada.
  
  
• ERS sales have increased on higher ERS revenues nationally due primarily to the acquisition of NorthPoint effective January 13, 2020.

Backlog
Backlog of $231.8 million at March 31, 2020 increased $13.7 million compared to December 31, 2019 due primarily to increases in construction and ERS orders. Backlog of $231.8 million at March 31, 2020 decreased $23.5 million compared to March 31, 2019 due primarily to lower power generation, material handling, and engines and transmissions orders offset partially by higher mining, crane and utility, and construction orders.

Gross profit
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, gross profit decreased $4.4 million, or 6.0%, compared to the same period last year due to decreased volumes. Gross profit margin of 20.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased 0.5% compared to the same period in 2019 due to higher equipment and product support margins, and a higher proportion of parts and service sales compared to equipment sales.

Selling and administrative expenses
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, selling and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million compared to the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments, partially offset by lower variable incentive and vacation accruals, lower sales-related expenses, and lower professional fees relating to the CSC project. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 16.6% in 2020 from 15.2% in 2019, primarily due to the decrease in revenue.

Restructuring and other related costs
In the first quarter of 2018, the Corporation commenced the redesign of its finance function (the "Finance Reorganization Plan"). During the quarter the Corporation recognized $0.1 million related to duplicate labour costs. The Corporation does not expect to incur additional costs relating to the Finance Reorganization Plan subsequent to the second quarter of 2020.

Finance costs
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, finance costs of $5.8 million increased $1.3 million compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to the issuance of debentures in the fourth quarter of 2019, the acquisition of NorthPoint in the first quarter of 2020 and higher interest on lease liabilities. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Income tax expense
The Corporation's effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was 27.4% (2019 – 27.7%) compared to the statutory rate of 26.5% (2019 – 26.9%) due mainly to the impact of expenses not deductible for tax purposes.

Net earnings
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Corporation generated net earnings of $4.1 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to $7.9 million, or $0.39 per share, in the same period of 2019. The $3.8 million decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from lower revenue and higher finance costs.

Adjusted net earnings (See the Non-GAAP and Additional GAAP Measures section)
Adjusted net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes restructuring and other related costs of $0.1 million after-tax, or less than $0.01 per share (2019 – $0.7 million after-tax, or $0.04 per share), non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments of $1.4 million after-tax, or $0.07 per share (2019 – gains of $0.4 million after-tax, or $0.02 per share), and NorthPoint transaction costs of $0.2 million after-tax, or $0.01 per share (2019 - nil).

As such, adjusted net earnings decreased $2.9 million to $5.8 million, or $0.29 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $8.7 million, or $0.43 per share, in the same period of 2019.

Comprehensive income
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the total comprehensive income of $1.7 million included net earnings of $4.1 million and an other comprehensive loss of $2.4 million. The other comprehensive loss of $2.4 million in the current year resulted primarily from $2.7 million of losses on derivative instruments outstanding at the end of the period designated as cash flow hedges.

Acquisition of NorthPoint
Effective January 13, 2020, the Corporation completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of NorthPoint for an aggregate purchase price of $19.0 million. NorthPoint was formed in 2018 as a national electro-mechanical services provider and serves a broad range of resource and industrial customers.  Specializing in the repair of rotating industrial equipment, including motors, generators, gearboxes, switchgear, transformers, pumps, fans and turbines, NorthPoint operates nine branches across Canada and employs approximately 177 people. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, NorthPoint had revenues of approximately $49.2 million. Consistent with Wajax's strategy, the acquisition of NorthPoint is expected to provide meaningful growth in the Corporation's ERS business. NorthPoint is complementary to Wajax's existing ERS business, which includes Montréal, Québec-based Groupe Delom Inc. ("Delom"), acquired by Wajax in October 2018. The addition of NorthPoint provides further technical expertise, a skilled workforce and minimal branch overlap with Wajax's current ERS locations.

Selected Quarterly Information

The following table summarizes unaudited quarterly consolidated financial data for the eight most recently completed quarters. The 2018 financial data has not been adjusted for the adoption on January 1, 2019 of IFRS 16 Leases ("IFRS 16").

Although quarterly fluctuations in revenue and net earnings are difficult to predict, during times of weak resource sector activity, the first quarter will tend to have seasonally lower revenues.  As well, the project timing of large mining trucks and shovels and power generation packages can shift the revenue and net earnings throughout the year.

First quarter 2019 net earnings of $7.9 million included after-tax restructuring and other related costs of $0.7 million, certain non-recurring after-tax CSC project costs of $0.5 million and after-tax non-cash gains on mark to market of derivative instruments of $0.4 million. Excluding these items, first quarter 2019 adjusted net earnings were $8.7 million. Second quarter 2019 net earnings of $11.9 million included after-tax restructuring and other related costs of $0.3 million, certain non-recurring after-tax CSC project costs of $0.3 million and after-tax non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments of $0.2 million. Excluding these items, second quarter 2019 adjusted net earnings were $12.6 million. Third quarter 2019 net earnings of $7.6 million included after-tax restructuring and other related costs of $2.9 million, and after-tax non-cash gains on mark to market of derivative instruments of $0.2 million. Excluding these items, third quarter 2019 adjusted net earnings were $10.3 million. Fourth quarter 2019 earnings of $12.2 million included after-tax restructuring and other related costs of $0.1 million, and after-tax gain recorded on sales of properties of $2.3 million. Excluding these items, fourth quarter 2019 adjusted net earnings were $10.1 million.

First quarter 2020 net earnings of $4.1 million included after-tax restructuring and other related costs of $0.1 million, after-tax non-cash losses on mark to market of derivative instruments of $1.4 million, and after-tax NorthPoint transaction costs of $0.2 million. Excluding these items, first quarter 2020 adjusted net earnings were $5.8 million. See the Non-GAAP and Additional GAAP Measures section.

A discussion of Wajax's previous quarterly results can be found in Wajax's quarterly MD&A available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Consolidated Financial Condition

Capital Structure and Key Financial Condition Measures

The Corporation's objective is to manage its working capital and normal-course capital investment programs within a leverage range of 1.5 to 2.0 times and to fund those programs through operating cash flow and its bank credit facilities as required. There may be instances whereby the Corporation is willing to maintain a leverage ratio outside of this range during changes in economic cycles. The Corporation may also maintain a leverage ratio above the stated range as a result of investment in acquisitions and may fund those acquisitions using its bank credit facilities and other debt instruments in accordance with the Corporation's expectations of total future cash flows, financing costs and other factors. The Corporation's leverage ratio is currently above the target range primarily due to the acquisition of NorthPoint in the current quarter, the acquisition of Delom in the fourth quarter of 2018, investments made in working capital and the adverse effect of COVID-19 on the Corporation's operating results. See the Funded Net Debt section.

Shareholders' Equity

The Corporation's shareholders' equity at March 31, 2020 of $313.7 million decreased $3.1 million from December 31, 2019, as dividends declared of $5.0 million exceeded total comprehensive income of $1.7 million.

The Corporation's share capital included in shareholders' equity on the condensed consolidated interim statements of financial position, consists of:

At the date of this MD&A, the Corporation had 20,033,619 common shares issued and outstanding, net of shares held in trust.

At March 31, 2020, Wajax had four share-based compensation plans; the Wajax Share Ownership Plan (the "SOP"), the Directors' Deferred Share Unit Plan (the "DDSUP"), the Mid-Term Incentive Plan for Senior Executives (the "MTIP") (with MTIP awards being composed of performance share units ("PSUs") and restricted share units ("RSUs")) and the Deferred Share Unit Plan (the "DSUP").

As of March 31, 2020, there were 394,649 SOP and DDSUP (treasury share rights plans) rights outstanding of which 381,273 rights were vested, 267,507 MTIP PSUs and equity-settled DSUP (market-purchased share rights plans) rights outstanding of which 19,149 rights were vested, and 534,302 MTIP RSUs and cash-settled DSUP (cash-settled rights plans) rights outstanding of which 107,439 rights were vested. Depending on the actual level of achievement of the performance targets associated with the outstanding MTIP PSUs, the number of market-purchased shares required to satisfy the Corporation's obligations could be higher or lower.

Wajax recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (2019 – expense of $1.7 million) in respect of these plans.

Funded Net Debt (See the Non-GAAP and Additional GAAP Measures section)

Funded net debt of $314.7 million at March 31, 2020 increased $38.2 million compared to $276.5 million at December 31, 2019. The increase during the quarter was due primarily to cash used in operating activities of $7.4 million, acquisition of business of $17.6 million, payment of lease liabilities of $6.0 million and dividends paid of $5.0 million.

The Corporation's ratio of funded net debt to total capital increased to 50.1% at March 31, 2020 from 46.6% at December 31, 2019, primarily due to the higher funded net debt level in the current period.

The Corporation's leverage ratio of 3.04 times at March 31, 2020 increased from the December 31, 2019 ratio of 2.60 times due to the higher debt level associated with the acquisition of business and increase in working capital, as well as the lower trailing 12-month pro-forma adjusted EBITDA. See the Non-GAAP and Additional GAAP Measures section.

See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Financial Instruments

Wajax uses derivative financial instruments in the management of its foreign currency, interest rate and share-based compensation exposures.  Wajax policy restricts the use of derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 

Wajax monitors the proportion of variable rate debt to its total debt portfolio and may enter into interest rate hedge contracts to mitigate a portion of the interest rate risk on its variable rate debt. A change in interest rates, in particular related to the Corporation's unhedged variable rate debt, is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's results of operations or financial condition over the long term.

Wajax has entered into interest rate hedge contracts to minimize exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its variable rate debt.  All interest rate hedge contracts are recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements at fair value. As at March 31, 2020, Wajax had the following interest rate hedge contracts outstanding:

• $150.0 million, expiring in November 2024, with a weighted average interest rate of 2.12% (December 31, 2019 - $104.0 million, expiring in November 2024, with a weighted average interest rate of 2.56%)

Wajax enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the exchange risk associated with the cost of certain inbound inventory and foreign currency-denominated sales to customers along with the associated receivables as part of its normal course of business.  As at March 31, 2020, Wajax had the following contracts outstanding:

• to buy U.S. $56.4 million (December 31, 2019 – to buy U.S. $45.2 million),
• to sell U.S. $38.7 million (December 31, 2019 – to sell U.S. $30.5 million),
• to buy Euro €0.4 million (December 31, 2019 – nil), and
• to sell Euro €0.9 million (December 31, 2019 – €1.1 million).

The U.S. dollar contracts expire between April 2020 and July 2021, with an average U.S./Canadian dollar rate of 1.3247.

The Euro contracts expire between June 2020 and January 2021, with an average Euro/Canadian dollar rate of 1.5489.

Wajax has entered into total return swap contracts to hedge the exposure to share price market risk on a class of MTIP rights that are cash-settled.  All total return swap contracts are recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements at fair value. As at March 31, 2020, Wajax had the following total return swap contracts outstanding:

• contracts totaling 387,000 shares at an initial share value of $7.2 million (December 31, 2019 - contracts totaling 365,000 shares at an initial share value of $8.3 million)

The total return swap contracts expire between March 2021 and March 2023.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to the Corporation's contractual obligations since December 31, 2019. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Off Balance Sheet Financing

It is likely but not reasonably certain that existing leases will be renewed or replaced, resulting in lease commitments being sustained at current levels.  In the alternative, Wajax may incur capital expenditures to acquire equivalent capacity.

The Corporation had $107.9 million (December 31, 2019 – $123.3 million) of consigned inventory on hand from a major manufacturer at March 31, 2020, net of deposits of $40.2 million (December 31, 2019 – $33.1 million).  In the normal course of business, Wajax receives inventory on consignment from this manufacturer which is generally sold or rented to customers or purchased by Wajax.  Under the terms of the consignment program, Wajax is required to make periodic deposits to the manufacturer on the consigned inventory that is rented to Wajax customers or on-hand for greater than nine months.  This consigned inventory is not included in Wajax's inventory as the manufacturer retains title to the goods.  In the event the inventory consignment program was terminated, Wajax would utilize interest free financing, if any, made available by the manufacturer and/or utilize capacity under its credit facility to finance the purchase of inventory.

Although management currently believes Wajax has adequate debt capacity, Wajax would have to access the equity or debt capital markets, or reduce dividends to accommodate any shortfalls in Wajax's credit facility.  See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation's liquidity is maintained through various sources, including bank and non-bank credit facilities, debentures and cash generated from operations.

Bank and Non-bank Credit Facilities and Debentures

At March 31, 2020, Wajax had borrowed $256.2 million and issued $6.5 million of letters of credit for a total utilization of $262.6 million of its $400.0 million bank credit facility. Borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility is dependent on the level of inventories on-hand and outstanding trade accounts receivables. At March 31, 2020, borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility was equal to $400.0 million.

The bank credit facility contains customary restrictive covenants, including limitations on the payment of cash dividends and an interest coverage maintenance ratio, all of which were met as at March 31, 2020. In particular, the Corporation is restricted from declaring dividends in the event the Corporation's senior secured leverage ratio, as defined in the bank credit facility agreement, exceeds 4.0 times. At March 31, 2020, the Corporation's senior secured leverage ratio was 2.53 times.

Borrowings under the bank credit facility bear floating rates of interest at margins over Canadian dollar bankers' acceptance yields, U.S. dollar LIBOR rates or prime. Margins on the facility depend on the Corporation's leverage ratio at the time of borrowing and range between 1.5% and 3.0% for Canadian dollar bankers' acceptances and U.S. dollar LIBOR borrowings, and 0.5% and 2.0% for prime rate borrowings.

In addition, Wajax had $57.0 million of senior unsecured debentures outstanding at March 31, 2020, bearing interest at a rate of 6.00% per annum, payable semi-annually and maturing on January 15, 2025 (the "Debentures"). The Debentures will not be redeemable before January 15, 2023 (the "First Call Date"), except upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Corporation in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the Debentures (the "Indenture"). On and after the First Call Date and prior to January 15, 2024, the Debentures will be redeemable in whole or in part from time to time at the Corporation's option at a redemption price equal to 103.0% of the principal amount of the Debentures redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. On and after January 15, 2024 and prior to the maturity date, the Debentures will be redeemable, in whole or in part, from time to time at the Corporation's option at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. The Corporation shall provide not more than 60 nor less than 30 days' prior notice of redemption of the Debentures.

The Corporation will have the option to satisfy its obligation to repay the principal amount of the Debentures due at redemption or maturity by issuing and delivering that number of freely tradeable common shares determined in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. The Debentures will not be convertible into common shares at the option of the holders at any time.

Under the terms of the bank credit facility, Wajax is permitted to have additional interest bearing debt of $25.0 million.  As such, Wajax has up to $25.0 million of demand inventory equipment financing capacity with two non-bank lenders.  At March 31, 2020, Wajax had no utilization of the interest bearing equipment financing facilities.

In addition, the Corporation has an agreement with a financial institution to sell 100% of selected accounts receivable on a recurring, non-recourse basis. Under this facility, up to $20.0 million of accounts receivable is permitted to be sold to the financial institution and can remain outstanding at any point in time. After the sale, Wajax does not retain any interests in the accounts receivable, but continues to service and collect the outstanding accounts receivable on behalf of the financial institution. At March 31, 2020, the Corporation continues to service and collect $12.4 million in accounts receivable on behalf of the financial institution.

As at March 31, 2020, $137.4 million was unutilized under the bank facility and $25.0 million was unutilized under the non-bank facilities. As of May 4, 2020, Wajax continues to maintain its $400.0 million bank credit facility and an additional $25.0 million in credit facilities with non-bank lenders. Wajax maintains sufficient liquidity to meet short-term normal course working capital and maintenance capital requirements and certain strategic investments. However, Wajax may be required to access the equity or debt capital markets to fund significant acquisitions.

The Corporation's tolerance to interest rate risk decreases/increases as the Corporation's leverage ratio increases/decreases.  At March 31, 2020, $204.2 million of the Corporation's funded net debt, or 64.9%, was at a fixed interest rate which is within the Corporation's interest rate risk policy.

Cash Flow

The following table highlights the major components of cash flow as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash Used In Operating Activities
Cash flows used in operating activities amounted to $7.4 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to $37.2 million in the same quarter of the previous year. The increase in cash generated of $29.8 million was mainly attributable to a decrease in cash used in changes in non-cash operating working capital of $20.2 million and a decrease in income taxes paid of $12.8 million, partially offset by lower net earnings of $3.8 million.

Rental equipment additions in the first quarter of 2020 of $9.4 million (2019 – $7.3 million) related primarily to material handling lift trucks.

Changes in significant components of non-cash operating working capital include the following:

Significant components of the changes in non-cash operating working capital for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2019 are as follows:

• Trade and other receivables decreased $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to an increase of $12.0 million in the same period of 2019. The decrease in the first quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from lower sales activity in the quarter compared to the previous quarter. The increase in 2019 resulted primarily from higher trade receivables from certain large mining customers in the first quarter.
  
  
• Inventory increased $22.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to an increase of $23.6 million in the same period of 2019. The increase in the first quarter of 2020 was due primarily to higher equipment inventory in the forestry, construction and mining categories, including the receipt of a large mining shovel at the end of the quarter. The increase in 2019 was due mainly to higher equipment inventory in the construction, forestry and material handling categories, higher parts inventory in the industrial parts and mining categories, and higher work-in-process.
  
  
• Deposits on inventory increased $8.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to an increase of $2.0 million in the same period of 2019. The increase in the first quarter of 2020 was due primarily to increased deposits related to consignment inventory being held in excess of nine months.
  
  
• Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to an increase of $7.9 million in the same period of 2019. The decrease in the first quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from payments on certain large supplier payable balances and lower accrued liabilities, partially offset by the receipt of a large mining shovel at the end of the quarter. The increase in 2019 resulted primarily from higher accrued liabilities.
  
  
• Contract liabilities increased $11.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to an increase of $0.5 million in the same period of 2019. The increase in the first quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from a deposit received in the quarter on a large mining equipment order not yet delivered.

Investing Activities
During the first quarter of 2020, Wajax invested $1.0 million in property, plant and equipment additions, compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2019. Intangible assets additions of $1.0 million (2019 – $1.1 million) in the first quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from software additions relating to the new ERP system.  During the first quarter of 2020, Wajax invested $17.6 million (2019 - nil) on the acquisition of NorthPoint, net of cash acquired of $1.4 million.

Financing Activities
The Corporation generated $17.5 million of cash from financing activities in the first quarter of 2020 compared to cash generated from financing activities of $49.4 million in the same quarter of 2019. Financing activities in the quarter included a net bank credit facility borrowing of $28.8 million (2019 – net borrowing of $60.0 million), offset partially by dividends paid to shareholders of $5.0 million (2019 – $5.0 million) and payment of lease liabilities of $6.0 million (2019 – $5.2 million).

Dividends

Dividends to shareholders were declared and payable to shareholders of record as follows:

On May 4, 2020, the Corporation declared a dividend of $0.25 per share for the second quarter of 2020 payable on July 3, 2020 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2020.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses.  Critical  accounting  estimates are  those  that  require  management  to  make  assumptions  about  matters  that  are  highly uncertain  at  the  time  the  estimate  or  assumption  is  made. Critical  accounting  estimates  are  also  those  that  could potentially have a material impact on the Corporation's financial results were a different estimate or assumption used.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. These estimates and assumptions are subject to change at any time based on experience and new information. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period  in  which  the  estimates  are  revised  and  in  any  future  periods affected. 

On March 11, 2020,  the  World  Health  Organization  declared  the  novel  coronavirus a global pandemic.  With the majority of governments declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,  any estimate of the length and severity of these developments is therefore subject to significant uncertainty, and  accordingly  estimates  of  the  extent  to  which  the COVID-19  pandemic  may  materially  and  adversely  affect  the Corporation's  operations, financial  results  and  condition  in  future  periods  are  also  subject  to  significant  uncertainty. Therefore, uncertainty about judgements, estimates and assumptions made by management during the preparation of the Corporation's  unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements related  to the potential impacts  of  the  COVID-19  outbreak  on  revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and note disclosures could result in a material adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or liability affected.

The key assumptions concerning the future and other 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 fiscal year are as follows:

Allowance for credit losses
The Corporation is exposed to credit risk with respect to its trade and other receivables. However, this is partially mitigated by the Corporation's diversified customer base of over 32,000 customers, with no one customer accounting for more than 10% of the Corporation's annual consolidated sales, which covers many business sectors across Canada. In addition, the Corporation's customer base spans large public companies, small independent contractors, original equipment manufacturers and various levels of government.  The Corporation follows a program of credit evaluations of customers and limits the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary.  The Corporation maintains an allowance for possible credit losses, and any such losses to date have been within management's expectations.  The allowance for credit losses is determined by estimating the lifetime expected credit losses, taking into account the Corporation's past experience of collecting payments as well as observable changes in and forecasts of future economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.  At the point when the Corporation is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible, the amount is considered not recoverable and the financial asset is written off.  The $2.5 million allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2020 increased $0.1 million from $2.4 million at December 31, 2019.  As economic conditions change, there is risk that the Corporation could experience a greater number of defaults compared to prior periods which would result in an increased charge to earnings.

Inventory obsolescence
The value of the Corporation's new and used equipment and high value parts are evaluated by management throughout the year, on a unit-by-unit basis.  When required, provisions are recorded to ensure that the book value of equipment and parts are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.  The Corporation performs an aging analysis to identify slow moving or obsolete lower value parts inventory and estimates appropriate obsolescence provisions related thereto.  The Corporation takes advantage of supplier programs that allow for the return of eligible parts for credit within specified time periods.  The inventory obsolescence impact on earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a charge of $1.0 million (2019 – charge of $1.3 million).  As economic conditions change, there is risk that the Corporation could have an increase in inventory obsolescence compared to prior periods which would result in an increased charge to earnings.

Goodwill and intangible assets
The value in use of goodwill and intangible assets has been estimated using the forecasts prepared by management for the next five years.  The key assumptions for the estimate are those regarding revenue growth, EBITDA margin, discount rate and the level of working capital required to support the business.  These estimates are based on past experience and management's expectations of future changes in the market and forecasted growth initiatives.

Unanticipated changes in management's assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of the fair value of Corporation therefore, could reduce or eliminate the excess of fair value over the carrying value of a Corporation and could potentially result in an impairment charge in the future.

The Corporation performs an annual impairment test of its goodwill and intangible assets unless there is an early indication that the assets may be impaired in which case the impairment tests would occur earlier. There was no impairment recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

Lease term of contracts with renewal options 

The lease term is defined as the non-cancellable term of the lease, including any periods covered by a renewal option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that the renewal option will be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain that the termination option will not be exercised.

Significant judgement is used when evaluating whether the Corporation is reasonably certain that the lease renewal option will be exercised, including examining any factors that may provide an economic advantage for renewal. In the event of a significant event within the Corporation's control that could affect its ability to exercise the renewal option, the lease term will be reassessed.

Changes in Accounting Policies

No new standards have been adopted in the current period, and there are no known upcoming new standards or amendments to existing standards that are considered to be significant to the Corporation.

Risk Management and Uncertainties

As with most businesses, the Corporation is subject to a number of marketplace and industry related risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on operating results and the Corporation's ability to pay cash dividends to shareholders.  The Corporation attempts to minimize many of these risks through diversification of core businesses and through the geographic diversity of its operations.  In addition, the Corporation has adopted an annual enterprise risk management assessment which is prepared by the senior management and overseen by the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors. The enterprise risk management framework sets out principles and tools for identifying, evaluating, prioritizing and managing risk effectively and consistently across the Corporation. There are however, a number of risks that deserve particular comment which are discussed in detail in the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2019 which can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Corporation has identified a new risk factor related to the outbreak of the novel strain of coronavirus, which is further discussed below:

COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. COVID-19's impact on  global markets has been significant through the first quarter of 2020 and as the situation continues to rapidly evolve, the magnitude of its effects on the economy and on the Corporation's financial and operational performance, is uncertain at this time. 

The coronavirus pandemic and the measures implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 have had a significant effect on the Corporation. The Corporation's focus is to manage the business according to the four objectives outlined in the Strategic Direction and Outlook section of the Corporation's MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and to partially offset volume declines with cost reductions while managing customer service levels, working capital and capital spending accordingly. 

The Corporation will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and should the duration, spread or intensity of the pandemic further develop in 2020, the supply chain, market pricing and customer demand could  be affected. These factors may further impact the Corporation's operating plan, its liquidity and cash flows, and the valuation of its long-lived assets.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Wajax's management, under the supervision of its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P") and internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR").

As at March 31, 2020, Wajax's management, under the supervision of its CEO and CFO, had designed DC&P to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Wajax in annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted under applicable securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in such securities legislation.  DC&P are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Wajax in annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted under applicable securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to Wajax's management, including its CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As at March 31, 2020, Wajax's management, under the supervision of its CEO and CFO, had designed ICFR to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. In completing the design, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in its 2013 version of Internal Control – Integrated Framework. With regard to general controls over information technology, management also used the set of practices of Control Objectives for Information and related Technology created by the IT Governance Institute. The Corporation has excluded from its evaluation the ICFR of NorthPoint, which was acquired effective January 13, 2020, as discussed in Note 3 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes for the period ended March 31, 2020. The total revenue subject to NorthPoint's ICFR represented 2.8% of the Corporation's consolidated total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The total assets subject to NorthPoint's ICFR represented 2.1% of the Corporation's consolidated total assets as at March 31, 2020.

There was no change in Wajax's ICFR that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Wajax's ICFR.

Non-GAAP and Additional GAAP Measures

The MD&A contains certain non-GAAP and additional GAAP measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP.  Therefore, these financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.  Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings or to cash flow from operating, investing, and financing activities determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of the Corporation's performance.  The Corporation's management believes that:

Non-GAAP financial measures are identified and defined below:

Additional GAAP measures are identified and defined below:

Reconciliation of the Corporation's net earnings to adjusted net earnings and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

Reconciliation of the Corporation's net earnings to EBT, EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Pro-forma adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

Calculation of the Corporation's funded net debt, debt, leverage ratio and senior secured leverage ratio is as follows:

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements").  These forward-looking statements relate to future events or the Corporation's future performance.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.  Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "predicts", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "believes", "estimates", "projects" or "forecasts", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.  Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Corporation's ability to predict or control which may cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such forward looking statements.  There can be no assurance that any forward looking statement will materialize.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.  The forward looking statements in this MD&A are made as of the date of this MD&A, reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.  Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Specifically, this MD&A includes forward looking statements regarding, among other things, the main elements of our updated Strategic Plan, including our focus on executing clear plans in five important areas: investments in our team, investments in our customers, our organic growth strategy, our acquisition strategy and investments in our infrastructure; our actions and plans in response to uncertainties and changing conditions caused by COVID-19 as well as the recent and significant decrease in oil prices, including our main objectives in managing the business through this difficult time; our expectation that category revenues will decline in the second quarter of 2020 when compared to 2019, particularly in new equipment sales; our expectation that anticipated declines in category revenue/volume will be partially offset by cost reductions, while we manage customer service levels, working capital and capital spending accordingly; our expectation that, as and when public health conditions improve and limitations on commercial activity are lifted, volumes from "essential" workplaces and businesses, as well as opportunities to serve additional customers, will increase; our expectation that cost management programs and current sources of liquidity will allow the Corporation to weather this difficult time; our belief that we will not incur additional costs relating to the Finance Reorganization Plan subsequent to Q2 2020; our expectation that the impact of changes in interest rates (in particular, related to unhedged variable rate debt), will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition over the longer term; the adequacy of our debt capacity and sufficiency of our debt facilities; our intention and ability to access debt and equity markets or reduce dividends should additional capital be required, including the potential that we may access equity or debt markets to fund significant acquisitions, growth related capital and capital expenditures; our objective of managing our working capital and normal-course capital investments programs within a leverage ratio range of 1.5 - 2.0 times and to fund those programs through operating cash flow and our bank credit facilities as required; and our financing, working and maintenance capital requirements, as well as our capital structure and leverage ratio. These statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of prices for, oil, natural gas and other commodities; financial market conditions, including interest rates; our ability to execute our updated Strategic Plan, including our ability to develop our core capabilities, execute our organic growth priorities, complete and effectively integrate acquisitions, such as Delom and NorthPoint, and to successfully implement new information technology platforms, systems and software; the future financial performance of the Corporation; our costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain skilled staff; our ability to procure quality products and inventory; and our ongoing relations with suppliers, employees and customers. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.  Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, the geographic spread and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 virus and the duration of the coronavirus pandemic; the duration of travel, business and other restrictions imposed by governments and public authorities in response to COVID-19, as well as other measures that may be taken by such authorities; actions taken by our customers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, including slowing, reducing or halting operations; a continued or prolonged deterioration in general business and economic conditions (including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic); volatility in the supply and demand for, and the level of prices for, oil, natural gas and other commodities; a continued or prolonged decrease in the price of oil or natural gas; fluctuations in financial market conditions, including interest rates; the level of demand for, and prices of, the products and services we offer; levels of customer confidence and spending; market acceptance of the products we offer; termination of distribution or original equipment manufacturer agreements; unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, our inability to reduce costs in response to slow-downs in market activity, unavailability of quality products or inventory, supply disruptions (including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic), job action and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); our ability to attract and retain skilled staff and our ability to maintain our relationships with suppliers, employees and customers.  The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.  Further information concerning the risks and uncertainties associated with these forward looking statements and the Corporation's business may be found in this MD&A under the heading "Risk Management and Uncertainties" and in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the "AIF"), filed on SEDAR.  The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.  The Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Readers are cautioned that the risks described in the AIF are not the only risks that could impact the Corporation. We cannot accurately predict the full impact that COVID-19 will have on our business, results of operations, financial condition or the demand for our products and services due to the uncertainties related to the spread of the virus. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Corporation, or currently deemed to be immaterial, may have a material affect on the Corporation's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Additional information, including Wajax's Annual Report, are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
FINANCIAL POSITION

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
EARNINGS

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

WAJAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF
CASH FLOWS

WAJAX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020
(unaudited, amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share data)

1. COMPANY PROFILE

Wajax Corporation (the "Corporation") is incorporated in Canada. The address of the Corporation's registered head office is 2250 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The Corporation operates an integrated distribution system, providing sales, parts and services to a broad range of customers in diversified sectors of the Canadian economy, including: construction, forestry, mining, industrial and commercial, oil sands, transportation, metal processing, government and utilities, and oil and gas.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

Statement of compliance
These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34 Interim Financial Reporting and do not include all of the disclosures required for annual consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2019. The significant accounting policies follow those disclosed in the most recently reported audited consolidated financial statements. 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on May 4, 2020.

3. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS

NorthPoint Technical Services ULC ("NorthPoint")
On January 13, 2020, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Calgary, Alberta-based NorthPoint. The aggregate purchase price for the shares was $19,027 cash (subject to final working capital adjustments). NorthPoint was formed in 2018 as a national electro-mechanical services provider and specializes in the repair of rotating industrial equipment. NorthPoint revenues of $9,551 and net earnings of $539 were included in the condensed consolidated interim statements of earnings from the date of acquisition.

Final valuations of certain items, including goodwill and intangibles, are not yet complete due to the inherent complexity associated with valuations and the timing of the acquisition. Therefore, the purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to adjustment on completion of the valuation process.

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the acquisition are as follows:

Net cash outflow for the acquisition was $17,589, as $1,438 of cash was acquired as part of NorthPoint's net assets.

Trade and other receivables represents gross contractual amounts receivable of $8,294 less management's best estimate of the allowance for credit losses of $58.

Goodwill arises principally from the ability to leverage the assembled workforce, industry knowledge, future growth and the potential to realize synergies in the form of cost savings. The goodwill recorded on the acquisition of NorthPoint is not deductible for income tax purposes.

NorthPoint transaction costs, primarily for advisory services, were approximately $241 and were included in selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

4. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

The Corporation's trade and other receivables consist of trade accounts receivable from customers and other accounts receivable, generally from suppliers for warranty and rebates. Trade and other receivables are comprised of the following:

5. CONTRACT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

The contract assets primarily relate to the Corporation's rights to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date on product support and engineered repair services ("ERS") revenue. The contract assets are transferred to receivables when billed upon completion of significant milestones. The contract liabilities primarily relate to the advance consideration received from customers on equipment sales, industrial parts, and ERS revenue, for which revenue is recognized when control transfers to the customer.

6. INVENTORY

The Corporation's inventory balances consisted of the following:

All amounts shown are net of obsolescence reserves of $27,002 (2019 - $26,263).

As at March 31, 2020, the Corporation has included $58,180 (December 31, 2019 - $54,022) in equipment inventory related to short-term rental contracts that are expected to convert to equipment sales within a six to twelve month period.

Substantially all of the Corporation's inventory is pledged as security for the bank credit facility.

Deposits on inventory in the condensed consolidated interim statements of financial position, amounting to $46,169 as at March 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $37,513), represents deposits and other required periodic payments on equipment held on consignment. These payments reduce the collateral value of the equipment and therefore the ultimate amount owing to the supplier upon eventual purchase. Upon sale of the equipment to a customer, the Corporation is required to purchase the equipment in full from the supplier.

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT & RENTAL EQUIPMENT

The Corporation's property, plant and equipment balance at March 31, 2020 is $44,782 (December 31, 2019 - $42,139). The Corporation acquired property, plant and equipment with a cost of $1,006 during the quarter (2019 - $1,516), net of property, plant and equipment acquired through business acquisitions of $3,409. Assets with a carrying amount of $119 during the quarter (2019 - $55) were disposed of, resulting in a gain on disposal of $35 (2019 - gain of $95). During the quarter, the Corporation recognized depreciation of property, plant and equipment of $1,828 (2019 - $1,642).

The Corporation's rental equipment balance at March 31, 2020 is $76,758 (December 31, 2019 - $77,020). The Corporation acquired rental equipment with a cost of $9,364 during the quarter (2019 - $7,269). Equipment with a carrying amount of $1,611 during the quarter (2019 - $185) was transferred from inventory to rental equipment. Equipment with a carrying amount of $6,107 during the quarter (2019 - $2,830) was transferred from rental equipment to inventory. During the quarter, the Corporation recognized depreciation of rental equipment of $5,129 (2019 - $5,178).

8. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

The Corporation's right-of-use assets balance at March 31, 2020 is $126,230 (December 31, 2019 - $117,091). The Corporation recognized net right-of-use assets additions of $2,301 during the quarter (2019 - $323). In addition, the Corporation acquired right-of-use assets through business acquisitions of $12,926.

During the quarter, the Corporation recognized depreciation of right-of-use assets of $5,913 (2019 - $5,457).

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are comprised of the following:

Supplier payables with extended terms relate to equipment purchases from suppliers with payment terms ranging anywhere from approximately 60 days to 8 months.

10. LEASE LIABILITIES & LEASE RECEIVABLES

Lessee
The Corporation leases properties for its branch network, certain vehicles, machinery and IT equipment. The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted using the implicit interest rate in the lease or, if that rate is not readily determinable, the Corporation's incremental borrowing rate.

The change in lease liabilities is as follows:

Not included in the balance of lease liabilities are short-term leases, leases of low-value assets and variable lease payments not linked to an index. Variable lease payments, lease payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are expensed as incurred in the condensed consolidated interim statements of earnings.

Lessor
When the Corporation acts as lessor, it determines at lease commencement whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. To classify each lease, the Corporation makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Corporation considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset.

Operating leases
The Corporation rents equipment to customers under rental agreements with terms of up to 5 years. The rentals have been assessed and classified as operating leases. The rentals may be cancelled subject to a cancellation fee.

Finance leases
The Corporation subleases certain equipment to customers. The Corporation assessed and classified its subleases as finance leases, and therefore derecognized the right-of-use assets relating to the respective head leases being sublet, recognized lease receivables equal to the net investment in the subleases, and retained the previously recognized lease liabilities in its capacity as lessee.

11. DEBENTURES

Senior Unsecured Debentures - 6%, due January 15, 2025
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Corporation issued $57,000 in unsecured subordinated debentures with a term of five years due January 15, 2025. These debentures bear a fixed interest rate of 6.00% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2020.

The debentures will not be redeemable before January 15, 2023, except upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Corporation in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the debentures. On or after January 15, 2023, but prior to January 15, 2024, the debentures are redeemable, in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the option of the Corporation at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after January 15, 2024, but prior to the maturity date of January 15, 2025, the debentures are redeemable at a price equal to their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

On redemption or at maturity on January 15, 2025, the Corporation has the option to repay the debentures in either cash or freely tradable voting shares of the Corporation.

Movements in the debentures balance are as follows:

Interest expense on the debentures for the three months ended March 31, 2020 amounted to $984 (2019 - nil).

12. LONG-TERM DEBT

Borrowings under the bank credit facility bear floating rates of interest at margins over Canadian dollar bankers' acceptance yields, U.S. dollar LIBOR rates or prime. Margins on the facility depend on the Corporation's leverage ratio at the time of borrowing and range between 1.5% and 3.0% for Canadian dollar bankers' acceptances and U.S. dollar LIBOR borrowings, and 0.5% and 2.0% for prime rate borrowings.

Borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility is dependent upon the level of the Corporation's inventory on hand and the outstanding trade accounts receivable. In addition, the bank credit facility contains customary restrictive covenants including limitations on the declaration of cash dividends and an interest coverage maintenance ratio, all of which were met as at March 31, 2020.

The following balances were outstanding: