HispanicBusiness

Total assets increased in 2010 on the acquisition of ESIF. Total assets acquired were approximately $1 billion. Total assets decreased in 2011 on the spinoff of Enerflex. Total assets at Enerflex at the time of spinoff were approximately $1.4 billion.

Long-term debt increased in 2010 on financing assumed to fund the acquisition of ESIF. In conjunction with the spinoff, certain financing was repaid. Total debt net of cash to total capitalization was 25% at December 31, 2012, well within target levels.

RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

In the normal course of business, Toromont is exposed to risks that may potentially impact its financial results in any or all of its business segments. The Company and each operating segment employ risk management strategies with a view to mitigating these risks on a cost-effective basis.

Business Cycle

Expenditures on capital goods have historically been cyclical, reflecting a variety of factors including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, consumer and business confidence, commodity prices, corporate profits, credit conditions and the availability of capital to finance purchases. Toromont's customers are typically affected, to varying degrees, by these factors and trends in the general business cycle within their respective markets. As a result, Toromont's financial performance is affected by the impact of such business cycles on the Company's customer base.

Commodity prices, and, in particular, changes in the view on long-term trends, affect demand for the Company's products and services in the Equipment Group. Commodity price movements in base metals sectors in particular can have an impact on customers' demands for equipment and customer service. With lower commodity prices, demand is reduced as development of new projects is often stopped and existing projects can be curtailed, both leading to less demand for heavy equipment.

The business of the Company is diversified across a wide range of industry market segments, serving to temper the effects of business cycles on consolidated results. Continued diversification strategies such as expanding the Company's customer base, broadening product offerings and geographic diversification are designed to moderate business cycle impacts. The Company has focused on the sale of specialized equipment and ongoing support through parts distribution and skilled service. Product support growth has been, and will continue to be, fundamental to the mitigation of downturns in the business cycle. The product support business contributes significantly higher profit margins and is typically subject to less volatility than equipment supply activities.

Product and Supply

The Equipment Group purchases most of its equipment inventories and parts from Caterpillar under a dealership agreement that dates back to 1993. As is customary in distribution arrangements of this type, the agreement with Caterpillar can be terminated by either party upon 90 days' notice. In the event Caterpillar terminates, it must repurchase substantially all inventories of new equipment and parts at cost. Toromont has maintained an excellent relationship with Caterpillar for 19 years and management expects this will continue going forward.

Toromont is dependent on the continued market acceptance of Caterpillar's products. It is believed that Caterpillar has a solid reputation as a high-quality manufacturer, with excellent brand recognition and customer support as well as leading market shares in many of the markets it serves. However, there can be no assurance that Caterpillar will be able to maintain its reputation and market position in the future. Any resulting decrease in the demand for Caterpillar products could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, results of operations and future prospects.