1、innov ation!2017 A N N UA L R E P O RTCAUTION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This annual report contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements,as defined under applicable securities laws,(hereinafter collectively referred to as“forward-looking statements”)that involve a numbe
2、r of risks and uncertainties.Forward-looking statements include all statements that are predictive in nature or depend on future events or conditions.Forward-looking statements are typically identified by,but not limited to,the words“believes,”“expects,”“anticipates,”“estimates,”“intends,”“plans”or
3、similar expressions.Statements regarding the operations,business,financial condition,priorities,ongoing objectives,strategies and outlook of the Company,other than statements of historical fact,are forward-looking statements.Specifically,this MD&A contains forward-looking statements regarding the an
4、ticipated growth in sales,income and profitability of the Companys segments;the Companys improvement in market share;the Companys capital spending levels and planned capital expenditures in 2018;the adequacy of the Companys financial liquidity;the Companys targeted return on equity,earnings per shar
5、e,EBITDA growth rates and dividend payout;the Companys effective tax rate;the Companys ongoing business strategy;and the Companys expectations regarding general business and economic conditions.Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.They involve known and unknown risks a
6、nd uncertainties relating to future events and conditions including,but not limited to,the impact of competition;consumer confidence and spending preferences;general economic and geopolitical conditions;currency exchange rates;interest rates and credit availability;technological change;changes in go