HispanicBusiness

Toromont is also dependent on Caterpillar for timely supply of equipment and parts. From time to time during periods of intense demand, Caterpillar may find it necessary to allocate its supply of particular products among its dealers. Such allocations of supply have not, in the past, proven to be a significant impediment in the conduct of business. However, there can be no assurance that Caterpillar will continue to supply its products in the quantities and timeframes required by customers.

Competition

The Company competes with a large number of international, national, regional and local suppliers in each of its markets. Although price competition can be strong, there are a number of factors that have enhanced the Company's ability to compete throughout its market areas including: the range and quality of products and services; ability to meet sophisticated customer requirements; distribution capabilities including number and proximity of locations; financing offered by Caterpillar Finance; e-commerce solutions; reputation and financial strength.

Increased competitive pressures or the inability of the Company to maintain the factors that have enhanced its competitive position to date could adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company relies on the skills and availability of trained and experienced tradesmen and technicians in order to provide efficient and appropriate services to customers. Hiring and retaining such individuals is critical to the success of these businesses. Demographic trends are reducing the number of individuals entering the trades, making access to skilled individuals more difficult. The Company has several remote locations which make attracting and retaining skilled individuals more difficult.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. The carrying amount of assets included on the balance sheet represents the maximum credit exposure.

When the Company has cash on hand it may be invested in short-term instruments, such as money market deposits. The Company manages its credit exposure associated with cash equivalents by ensuring there is no significant concentration of credit risk with a single counterparty, and by dealing only with highly rated financial institutions as counterparties.

The Company has accounts receivable from a large diversified customer base, and is not dependent on any single customer or industry. The Company has accounts receivable from customers engaged in various industries including construction, mining, food and beverage, and governmental agencies. Management does not believe that any single industry represents significant credit risk. These customers are based predominately in Canada.

The credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments arises from the possibility that the counterparties may default on their obligations. In order to minimize this risk, the Company enters into derivative transactions only with highly rated financial institutions.

Warranties and Maintenance Contracts

Toromont provides warranties for most of the equipment it sells, typically for a one-year period following sale. The warranty claim risk is generally shared jointly with the equipment manufacturer. Accordingly, liability is generally limited to the service component of the warranty claim, while the manufacturer is responsible for providing the required parts.