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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549



FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of March 2005

CELESTICA INC.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

1150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M3C 1H7
(416) 448-5800
(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F   ý   Form 40-F   o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes   o   No   ý

        If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                             





Celestica Inc.
Form 6-K
Month of March 2005

        The following information filed with this Form 6-K shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of Celestica's registration statements on Forms S-8 (Nos. 333-9500, 333-9822, 333-9780, 333-71126, 333-66276, 333-63112, 333-88210, 333-113591) and on Forms F-3 (Nos. 333-12272, 333-50240, 333-69278 and 333-113728), or the prospectuses included therein, or any registration statement subsequently filed by Celestica with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except as provided for herein or as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing:

    Notice of the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1;

    Multiple Voting Shares Proxy for use at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2;

    Subordinate Voting Shares Proxy for use at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3;

    Chief Executive Officer's Letter to Shareholders, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.4;

    Annual Report for fiscal year 2004, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.5 and is incorporated by reference herein and into such registration statements;

    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.6; and

    Consent of KPMG, LLP, Chartered Accountants, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.7 and is incorporated by reference herein and into such registration statements.

    99.1   Notice of the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement

 

 

99.2

 

Multiple Voting Shares Proxy

 

 

99.3

 

Subordinate Voting Shares Proxy

 

 

99.4

 

Letter to Shareholders

 

 

99.5

 

Annual Report for fiscal year 2004

 

 

99.6

 

Report of KPMG LLP

 

 

99.7

 

Consent of KPMG LLP


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    CELESTICA INC.

Date: March 21, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  
ELIZABETH L. DELBIANCO      
Name: Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Title: Chief Legal Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

99.1   Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement

99.2

 

Multiple Voting Shares Proxy

99.3

 

Subordinate Voting Shares Proxy

99.4

 

Letter to Shareholders

99.5

 

Annual Report for fiscal year 2004

99.6

 

Report of KPMG LLP

99.7

 

Consent of KPMG LLP



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Celestica Inc. Form 6-K Month of March 2005
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX

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Exhibit 99.1

         GRAPHIC

MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION CIRCULAR


GRAPHIC


INVITATION TO SHAREHOLDERS



Dear Shareholder:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, management and employees of Celestica, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us at Celestica's Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Ballroom A of the Hotel Intercontinental, 225 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

The items of business to be considered and voted upon by shareholders at this meeting are described in the Notice of Annual and Special Meeting and the accompanying Management Information Circular.

You may find further information concerning the Corporation on our website: www.celestica.com. We encourage you to visit our website before attending the meeting, as it provides useful information regarding Celestica.

Your participation at this meeting is important. We encourage you to exercise your right to vote, which can easily be done by following the instructions provided in the Management Information Circular and Form of Proxy.

Stephen Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, and Anthony Puppi, Chief Financial Officer, will provide a report on Celestica's affairs. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and to meet Celestica's Board of Directors and executives.

Yours sincerely,

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC
Robert L. Crandall
Chairman of the Board
  Stephen Delaney
Chief Executive Officer

Your Vote Is Important

Registered Shareholders

You will have received a form of proxy from Celestica's transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada. Complete, sign and mail your form of proxy in the envelope provided or follow the instructions provided on the form of proxy to vote by telephone or the internet. To vote in person at the meeting, see "How Do I Exercise My Vote (and by When)?" on page 2 of the Circular.

Non-Registered Shareholders

Your shares are held in the name of a nominee (securities broker, trustee or other financial institution). You will have received a request for voting instructions from your broker. Follow the instructions on your Voting Instruction Form to vote by telephone or Internet, or complete, sign and mail the Voting Instruction Form in the envelope provided. To vote in person at the meeting, see "How Do I Vote if I Am a Non-Registered Shareholder" on page 3 of the Circular.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CELESTICA   i

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR

 

1
 
Questions and Answers On Voting and Proxies

 

1
  Principal Holders of Voting Shares   4
    Agreement for the Benefit of Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares   5
 
Information Relating to Our Directors

 

5
    Election of Directors   5
    Directors' Compensation   9
    Attendance of Directors at Board and Committee Meetings   11
 
Information About Our Auditor

 

12
  Information about the Option Exchange Program and Long-Term Incentive Plan Amendments   13
  Report on Executive Compensation   17
  Report on the Chief Executive Officer's Compensation   23
  Executive Compensation   25
    Compensation of Named Executive Officers   25
 
Indebtedness of Directors and Officers

 

31
  Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Liability Insurance   32
  Interest of Informed Persons in Certain Transactions   32
  Corporate Governance Practices   33
  Statement of Corporate Governance   33
  Performance Graph   34
  Other Matters   34
  Requests for Documents   34
  Certificate   35
  Schedule A   A-1
  Schedule B   B-1


NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CELESTICA



The Annual and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of CELESTICA INC. (the "Corporation") will be held in Ballroom A of the Hotel Intercontinental, 225 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday, the 21st day of April, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. (EST) for the following purposes:

    to receive and consider the financial statements of the Corporation for its financial year ended December 31, 2004, together with the report of the auditors thereon;

    to elect directors for the ensuing year;

    to appoint auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix the auditors' remuneration;

    to authorize the exchange of certain options issued to employees under the Corporation's equity incentive plans for cash payments and certain amendments to the Corporation's Long-Term Incentive Plan that are conditional on the option exchange; and

    to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.


Shareholders are invited to vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the accompanying form of proxy by mail or by following the instructions for voting by telephone or over the Internet in the accompanying form of proxy, whether or not they are able to attend personally.

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2005 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting, except to the extent that a shareholder of record has transferred any shares after that date and the transferee of such shares establishes proper ownership and requests not later than 10 days before the Meeting that the transferee's name be included in the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.

DATED at Toronto, Ontario this
4th day of March, 2005.

By Order of the Board of Directors

GRAPHIC

Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
and Corporate Secretary

i


GRAPHIC

CELESTICA INC.
1150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1H7


MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR



In this Management Information Circular (the "Circular"), all information is given as of February 21, 2005 and all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, except where stated otherwise. Unless stated otherwise, all references to "US$" or "$" are to US dollars and all references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference in this Circular to a conversion between US$ and C$ is a conversion at the average of the exchange rates in effect for 2004. During that period, based on the relevant 2004 noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the average exchange rate was US $1.00 = C$1.3017.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON VOTING AND PROXIES


Q.
WHAT DECISIONS WILL I BE ASKED TO MAKE?

A.
Shareholders will be voting on three resolutions: the election of each individual director to the Board of Celestica for 2005; the appointment of an auditor for Celestica for 2005 and authorization of the Board to fix the auditor's remuneration; and the authorization of the exchange for cash of all options exercisable at or over US$30.00 or C$40.00, subject to certain exceptions along with the authorization of certain amendments to the Corporation's Long-Term Incentive Plan that are conditional on the option exchange, as outlined on page 16 of this Circular. The Board of Celestica and management recommends that you vote in favour of all three of the resolutions.

Q.
WHO IS SOLICITING MY PROXY?

A.
Celestica's management is soliciting your proxy. All associated costs of solicitation will be borne by Celestica. The solicitation will be primarily by mail, but proxies may also be solicited personally by regular employees of the Corporation for which no additional compensation will be paid. The Corporation has retained the services of Georgeson Shareholder Communication Canada, Inc. ("Georgeson") for the solicitation of proxies in Canada and the United States. Georgeson's services are estimated to cost $32,000. Celestica anticipates that copies of this Circular and accompanying proxy will be sent to shareholders on or about March 21, 2005.

Q.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?

A.
The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares or Multiple Voting Shares as at the close of business on March 14, 2005 or their duly appointed representatives are entitled to vote.

    As at February 21, 2005, 195,304,563 Subordinate Voting Shares (which carry one vote per share and represent approximately 20.7% of the voting power of Celestica's securities) and 29,851,630 Multiple Voting Shares (which carry 25 votes per share and represent 79.3% of the voting power of Celestica's securities) were issued and outstanding and are entitled to be voted at the meeting.

1


Q.
HOW DO I EXERCISE MY VOTE (AND BY WHEN)?

A.
You may exercise your right to vote by attending and voting your shares in person at the Meeting, by mailing in the attached form of proxy or by voting by telephone or internet.

    If you vote your shares in person, your vote will be taken and counted at the Meeting. Non-registered shareholders should refer to How Do I Vote If I Am a Non-Registered Shareholder? on page 3 of this Circular.

    If you choose to vote your shares using the form of proxy, your proxy form must be received by Celestica's registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, 100 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2Y1, not later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) on April 20, 2005. If the Meeting is adjourned or postponed, Computershare must receive the form of proxy at least 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before the rescheduled Meeting. Alternatively, the form of proxy may be given to the Chairman of the Meeting at which the form of proxy is to be used.

    If you choose to vote your shares by telephone or internet, your vote must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Q.
WHAT IF I SIGN THE FORM OF PROXY ENCLOSED WITH THIS CIRCULAR?

A.
Signing the form of proxy gives authority to Mr. Robert L. Crandall or Mr. Stephen W. Delaney to vote your shares at the meeting, unless you give authority to another person to vote your shares by providing that person's name on the form of proxy.

Q.
CAN I APPOINT SOMEONE OTHER THAN THESE PERSONS TO VOTE MY SHARES AT THE MEETING?

A.
Yes. Write the name of the person of your choice in the blank space provided in the form of proxy. The person whom you choose need not be a shareholder.

    Please ensure that the person you have appointed is attending the meeting and is aware that he or she will be voting your shares. Proxyholders should speak to a representative of Computershare upon arriving at the meeting.

Q.
HOW WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED IF I GIVE MY PROXY?

A.
The persons named in the form of proxy must vote or withhold from voting your shares in accordance with your instructions on the form of proxy. In the absence of such directions and unless you specify a person other than Mr. Crandall or Mr. Delaney to vote your shares, your shares will be voted in favour of the election to Celestica's Board of the nominees proposed by management, as described in this Circular, in favour of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Celestica's auditor for 2005 and in favour of the resolution authorizing the exchange of options for cash, as described.

Q.
IF I CHANGE MY MIND, CAN I TAKE BACK MY PROXY ONCE I HAVE GIVEN IT?

A.
Yes, you may revoke any proxy that you have given at any time prior to its use at the Meeting for which it was given or any adjournment or postponement thereof. In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, you may revoke the proxy by preparing a written statement, signed by you or your attorney as authorized, or if the proxy is given on behalf of a corporation, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of such corporation, and deposited at the office of Computershare at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting at which the proxy is to be used, or with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting prior to the proxy being voted.

    Note that your participation in person in a vote by ballot at the Meeting will automatically revoke any proxy previously given by you regarding business considered by that vote.

Q.
WHAT IF AMENDMENTS ARE MADE TO THESE MATTERS OR IF OTHER MATTERS ARE BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING?

A.
The accompanying form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the proxy nominees in respect of amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting or other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

2


    As of the date of this Circular, Celestica's management was not aware of any such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any amendments, variations or other matters which are not now known to management should properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, the shares represented by proxies in favour of the management nominees will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the proxy nominees.

Q.
HOW WILL THE VOTES BE COUNTED?

A.
Each question brought before the meeting is determined by a majority of the votes cast on the question by both Subordinate Voting Shareholders and Multiple Voting Shareholders voting as a single class. Persons who are considered insiders of the Corporation and interested parties will not be entitled to vote on the resolution set out in Schedule A.

Q.
HOW DO I VOTE IF I AM A NON-REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER?

A.
The form of proxy provided with this Circular will indicate whether or not you are a registered shareholder. Non-registered shareholders hold their shares through intermediaries, such as banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers. If you are a non-registered shareholder, the intermediary holding your shares should provide a voting instruction form which you must complete and sign. This form will constitute voting instructions which the intermediary must follow.

    Alternatively, the intermediary may provide you a signed form of proxy. In this case, you do not need to sign the form of proxy, but should complete it and forward it directly to Computershare.

    Should you, as a non-registered shareholder, wish to attend the Meeting and vote your shares in person, or have another person attend and vote your shares on your behalf, you should fill your own name, or the name of your appointee, in the space provided on the form of proxy. An intermediary's voting instruction form will likely provide corresponding instructions to cast your vote in person. In either case, you should carefully follow the instructions provided by the intermediary and contact the intermediary promptly if you require assistance.

    If you vote by mail and would subsequently like to change your vote (whether by revoking a voting instruction or by revoking a proxy), you should contact the intermediary to discuss whether this is possible and what procedures you should follow.

Q.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN?

A.
You may contact the independent directors, including the independent Chairman of Celestica, with the assistance of Celestica Investor Relations. Shareholders or other interested persons can send a letter, e-mail or fax c/o Celestica Investor Relations at the following coordinates:

    Celestica Investor Relations
    1150 Eglinton Avenue East
    Toronto, ON M3C 1H7
    Phone: 416-448-2211
    Fax: 416-448-2280
    E-mail: contactus@celestica.com

Q.
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CIRCULAR OR FORM OF PROXY?

A.
If you have questions concerning the information contained in this Circular or require assistance in completing the proxy form you may contact Georgeson Shareholder Communications Canada, Inc. at 1-877-288-4803 for service in English or French.

Q.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE TRANSFER AGENT?

A.
You may contact the transfer agent by mail:

    Computershare Trust Company of Canada
    100 University Avenue
    9th Floor
    Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1

    or by telephone:
    within Canada and the United States
    1-800-564-6253
    all other countries
    514-982-7555

3



PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SHARES


As of February 21, 2005, the only persons or corporations who, to the knowledge of the Corporation, its directors or officers, own beneficially, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, in excess of 10% of any class of the voting securities of the Corporation are as follows:


Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
  Type of Ownership
  Number of Shares
  Percentage of Class
  Percentage of All Equity Shares
  Percentage of Voting Power

Onex Corporation(2)
Toronto, Ontario
  Direct and Indirect   29,851,630
Multiple Voting Shares
  100%   13.26%   79.3%
       
        2,925,643
Subordinate Voting Shares
  1.5%   1.3%   *

Gerald W. Schwartz(3)
Toronto, Ontario
  Direct and Indirect   29,851,630
Multiple Voting Shares
  100%   13.26%   79.3%
       
        3,114,387
Subordinate Voting Shares
  1.6%   1.4%   *


*
Less than 1%.

(1)
As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). A person is deemed at any date to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days of such date. More than one person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the same securities.

(2)
Includes 2,421,638 Multiple Voting Shares held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Onex Corporation ("Onex"), 917,361 Subordinate Voting Shares held in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation as agent for and on behalf of certain executives and employees of Celestica pursuant to certain of Celestica's employee share purchase and option plans, 33,755 Subordinate Voting Shares representing an undivided interest of approximately 10.2% in 330,872 Subordinate Voting Shares, and 225,376 Subordinate Voting Shares directly or indirectly held by certain officers of Onex which Onex has the right to vote. Of these shares 1,757,467 Subordinate Voting Shares may be delivered, at the option of Onex or certain persons related to Onex, to satisfy the obligations of such persons under equity forward agreements. If an equity forward agreement is settled and Onex does not elect to satisfy its obligations in cash rather than delivering Subordinate Voting Shares, if Onex does not hold a sufficient number of Subordinate Voting Shares to satisfy its obligations, the requisite number of Multiple Voting Shares held by such person will immediately be converted into Subordinate Voting Shares, which will be delivered to satisfy such obligations. On February 16, 2005, subsidiaries of Onex redeemed their previously disclosed exchangeable debentures due 2025, which were issued in 2000, and delivered 9,214,320 Subordinate Voting Shares to debentureholders in connection with the redemption. Onex converted 9,214,320 Multiple Voting Shares into Subordinate Voting Shares in January 2005 to facilitate the redemption.

(3)
Includes 188,744 Subordinate Voting Shares owned by a company controlled by Mr. Schwartz and all of the shares of Celestica beneficially owned by Onex Corporation, or in respect of which Onex Corporation exercises control or direction, of which 1,077,500 Subordinate Voting Shares are subject to options granted to Mr. Schwartz pursuant to certain management investment plans of Onex Corporation. Mr. Schwartz is a director of Celestica and the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex Corporation, and controls Onex Corporation through his ownership of shares with a majority of the voting rights attaching to all shares of Onex Corporation. Accordingly, Mr. Schwartz may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Celestica shares owned by Onex Corporation.

4


Agreement for the Benefit of Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares



Onex Corporation, which, directly or indirectly, owns all of the outstanding Multiple Voting Shares, has entered into an agreement with Computershare, as trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Subordinate Voting Shares, which has the effect of preventing transactions that otherwise would deprive the holders of Subordinate Voting Shares of rights under applicable provincial take-over bid legislation to which they would be entitled in the event of a take-over bid for the Multiple Voting Shares if the Multiple Voting Shares were Subordinate Voting Shares.


INFORMATION RELATING TO OUR DIRECTORS


Election of Directors



The seven individuals listed below are being recommended for election as directors of the Corporation. If elected, they will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed. All of the proposed nominees are now directors of the Corporation. The Articles of the Corporation provide for a minimum of three and a maximum of 20 directors. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors") has the authority to set the number of directors of the Corporation to be elected at the Meeting and has set that number at seven.

Unless authority to do so is withheld, proxies given pursuant to this solicitation by the management of the Corporation will be voted in favour of each of the proposed nominees for election as directors. Management of the Corporation does not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable, or for any reason unwilling, to serve as a director, but if that should occur for any reason prior to their election, the proxy nominees may, in their discretion, nominate and vote for another nominee.

There are no contracts, arrangements or understandings between any director or executive officer or any other person pursuant to which any of the nominees has been nominated.

The following table sets out certain information with respect to the nominees, including their municipalities of residence; their ages and the year from which each has continually served as a director of the Corporation; all positions and offices held by them with the Corporation; their principal occupations or employment during the past five years; the other corporations of which they are directors; and the number of shares, options, deferred share units ("DSUs") and restricted share units ("RSUs") beneficially owned, directly or indirectly. For a description of the DSUs and RSUs, see Directors' Compensation and Report on Executive Compensation, respectively. Options were awarded to directors under the directors' option program, which was discontinued in 2004.

5



 
   
   
  Beneficially Owned Subordinate Voting Shares
Directly or Indirectly(2)


Nominee for Election as Director
  Age
  Director Since
  Subordinate Voting Shares(1)
  Options(7)
  Deferred Share Units
  Restricted Share Units

Robert L. Crandall(3)(4)(5)(6)
Dallas, Texas
  69   1998   20,000   130,000(9)   38,186   62,500
    Additional Information:   Mr. Crandall also holds 15,130 Liquid Yield Option Notes. TM(1)(8)
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Crandall was awarded 10,000 Options and 8,580 Deferred
Share Units. There were no other changes.
GRAPHIC   Mr. Crandall has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Celestica since January 2004. He is the retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AMR Corporation / American Airlines Inc. Mr. Crandall currently serves on the boards of Anixter International Inc., the Halliburton Company, and i2 Technologies Inc., each of which is a public corporation, and Air Cell, Inc. He is involved with a number of private companies and is also a member of the Federal Aviation Administration Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Crandall holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.


William Etherington(4)(5)(6)
Toronto, Ontario
  63   2001   10,000   35,000(10)   15,220   Nil
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Etherington was awarded 5,000 Options and
5,832 Deferred Share Units. There were no other changes.
GRAPHIC   William A. Etherington is a director and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a public corporation. He also serves on the boards of Dofasco Inc, MDS Inc., which are public corporations, and The Relizon Company (a private equities firm), and is a member of the President's Council, The University of Western Ontario. Mr. Etherington is the former Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Sales and Distribution, IBM Corporation, and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM World Trade Corporation. After joining IBM Canada in 1964, he ran successively larger portions of the company's business in Canada, Latin America, Europe and from the corporate office in Armonk, New York, retiring from IBM with over 37 years of service. Mr. Etherington holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from the University of Western Ontario.


Richard S. Love(6)
Los Altos Hills, California
  67   1998   5,000   120,000(11)   5,094   Nil
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Love was awarded 5,000 Options and 3,052 Deferred
Share Units. There were no other changes.
GRAPHIC   Mr. Love is a former Vice President of Hewlett-Packard and a former General Manager of the Computer Order Fulfillment and Manufacturing Group for Hewlett-Packard's Computer Systems Organization. From 1962 until 1997, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Hewlett-Packard, becoming Vice President in 1992. He is a former director of HMT Technology Corporation (electronics manufacturing) and the Information Technology Industry Council. Mr. Love holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Technology from Oregon State University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.


                         

6


Anthony R. Melman(3)
Toronto, Ontario
  57   1996   450,000(12)   Nil   Nil   Nil
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Dr. Melman's shareholdings in Celestica did not change during 2004.
GRAPHIC   Dr. Melman is Managing Director of Onex, a public corporation. Dr. Melman joined Onex Corporation in 1984. He serves on the boards of various Onex subsidiaries. From 1977 to 1984, Dr. Melman was Senior Vice President of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in charge of worldwide merchant banking, project financing, acquisitions and other specialized financing activities. Prior to emigrating to Canada in 1977, he had extensive merchant banking experience in South Africa and the U.K. Dr. Melman is also a director of The Baycrest Centre Foundation, The Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation, and a member of the Board of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital. He is also Chair of Fundraising for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). Dr. Melman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of The Witwatersrand, a Master of Business Administration (gold medallist) from the University of Cape Town and a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of The Witwatersrand.


Gerald W. Schwartz
Toronto, Ontario
  63   1998   3,114,387(13)   Nil   Nil   Nil
    Additional Information:   Mr. Schwartz is also the indirect beneficial owner of
29,851,630(13) Multiple Voting Shares.
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Schwartz's shareholdings in Celestica did not change
during 2004.
GRAPHIC   Mr. Schwartz is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex Corporation. Prior to founding Onex in 1983, Mr. Schwartz was a co-founder (in 1977) of what is now CanWest Global Communications Corp. He is a director of Onex, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Indigo Books & Music Inc., each of which is a public corporation, and Phoenix Entertainment Corp. Mr. Schwartz is also Vice Chairman and a member of the Executive Committee of Mount Sinai Hospital, Chairman of the Canadian Friends of Simon Weisenthal Center and is a director, governor or trustee of a number of other organizations, including Junior Achievement of Toronto, Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, and The Simon Wiesenthal Center. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from St. Francis Xavier University.


                         

7


Charles W. Szuluk(5)
Vero Beach, Florida
  62   2003   Nil   25,000(14)   4,730   Nil
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Szuluk was awarded 5,000 Options and 2,578 Deferred
Share Units. There were no other changes.
GRAPHIC   Mr. Szuluk is formerly an officer of Ford Motor Company, was President of Visteon Automotive Systems, and a former Group Vice President. From 1988 until 1999, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Ford, including General Manager, Electronics Division, and Vice President, Process Leadership and Information Systems. He retired from Ford in 1999. Prior to joining Ford, he spent 24 years with IBM Corporation in a variety of management and executive management positions. Mr. Szuluk holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and attended Union College of New York in Advanced Graduate Studies.


Don Tapscott(4)(5)(6)
Toronto, Ontario
  57   1998   3,700   113,000(15)   35,368   Nil
    Changes in Shareholdings During 2004:   Mr. Tapscott was awarded 5,000 Options and 5,048 Deferred
Share Units. He also purchased 3,700 Subordinate Voting
Shares in February 2005. There were no other changes.
GRAPHIC   Mr. Tapscott is an internationally respected authority, consultant and speaker on business strategy and organizational transformation and the author of several widely-read books on the application of technology in business. Mr. Tapscott is Chief Executive Officer of New Paradigm Learning Corporation, a business strategy and education company he founded in 1992, and an adjunct Professor of Management at the University of Toronto's Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. He is also a founding member of the Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, and a fellow of the World Economic Forum. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Statistics, and a Master of Education degree, specializing in Research Methodology, as well as a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from the University of Alberta.


(1)
Information as to shares beneficially owned, shares over which control or direction is exercised, or Liquid Yield Option NotesTM is not within Celestica's knowledge and therefore has been provided by each nominee.

(2)
As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). Shares subject to options granted to the individuals named above have been included as owned beneficially, whether or not such options are currently vested. Certain shares subject to options granted pursuant to management investment plans of Onex are included as owned beneficially by named individuals although the exercise of these options is subject to Onex meeting certain financial targets. More than one person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the same securities.

(3)
Member of the Corporation's Executive Committee.

(4)
Member of the Corporation's Audit Committee.

(5)
Member of the Corporation's Compensation Committee. Dr. Melman was a member of this committee during 2004, but was no longer a member as of January 2005.

(6)
Member of the Corporation's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Dr. Melman was a member of this committee during 2004, but was no longer a member as of January 2005.

(7)
Subordinate Voting Shares subject to exercisable options.

(8)
Each Liquid Yield Option™ Note is convertible into 5.6748 Subordinate Voting Shares at the option of the holder.

(9)
Exercisable at prices between $8.75 and $48.69.

(10)
Exercisable at prices between $10.62 and $35.95.

(11)
Exercisable at prices between $8.75 and $48.69.

(12)
Includes 274,588 Subordinate Voting Shares owned by Onex which are subject to options granted to Dr. Melman pursuant to certain management investment plans of Onex.

(13)
Includes 188,744 Subordinate Voting Shares owned by a company controlled by Mr. Schwartz and all of the shares of Celestica beneficially owned by Onex or in respect of which Onex Corporation exercises control or direction, of which 1,077,500 Subordinate Voting Shares are subject to options granted to Mr. Schwartz pursuant to certain management investment plans of Onex. Mr. Schwartz is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex, and controls Onex through his ownership of shares with a majority of the voting rights attaching to all shares of Onex. Accordingly, Mr. Schwartz may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of shares of Celestica owned by Onex.

(14)
Exercisable at prices between $10.62 and $18.25.

(15)
Exercisable at prices between $8.75 and C$72.60.

8


Directors' Compensation



Director compensation is set by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and in accordance with director compensation guidelines established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Under these guidelines, the Board seeks to maintain director compensation at a level which is competitive with director compensation at comparable companies. The guidelines also contemplate that at least half of the directors' compensation be paid in Celestica's Deferred Share Units ("DSUs"). Each DSU represents the right to receive one Subordinate Voting Share when the director ceases to be a director.

In April 2004, the Board of Directors established minimum shareholding requirements for independent directors (the "Guideline"). The Guideline currently requires that directors hold securities of Celestica of a value proportionate to their annual retainer and the years they have served on the Board. Directors on the Board for less than one year are not required, but are encouraged, to hold Celestica's securities. Directors on the Board between one and two years must hold Celestica's securities of the same value as their annual retainer, while directors with Board experience of between two and five years must hold securities of Celestica with value of at least three times their annual retainer. Directors who have served on the Board for five years or more are required to hold securities of Celestica with a value of at least five times their annual retainer. Although directors will not be deemed to have breached the Guideline by reason of a decrease in the market value of Celestica's securities, the directors will be required to purchase further securities within a reasonable period of time to comply with the Guideline. The start date for determining compliance with the requirements for existing directors is April 22, 2004, the date on which the Guideline was introduced. The start date for determining compliance for new directors will be the date on which they join the Board.

The following table sets out all annual retainers and meeting fees payable to Celestica's directors (other than those who are employed by Celestica or Onex and who, therefore, do not receive such compensation).

Annual Board Retainer   $45,000

Additional Annual Retainer for non-executive Chairman(1)   $30,000

Additional Annual Retainer for Audit Committee Chair   $10,000

Additional Annual Retainer for Compensation Committee Chair   $10,000

Board Per Day Meeting Fee   $2,500

Committee Per Day Meeting Fee(2)   $2,500

Travel Fee(3)   $2,500

DSU Grant (for directors other than the Chairman)   3,350 DSUs

DSU Grant — Chairman   6,700 DSUs


(1)
The non-executive Chairman also serves as the Chair of the Executive and Corporate Governance Committees.

(2)
This fee is paid for all committees other than the Executive Committee, for which no fee is paid.

(3)
The Travel Fee is only available to directors who travel outside of their home state or province to attend a Board or Committee meeting.

Directors receive half of their fees (or all their fees, if they so elect) in DSUs. The number of DSUs paid in lieu of cash meeting fees is calculated by dividing the cash fee that would otherwise be payable by the closing price of Subordinate Voting Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on the date of the meeting. In the case of annual retainer fees, the number of DSUs paid is calculated by dividing the cash amount that would otherwise be payable quarterly by the closing price of Subordinate Voting Shares on the NYSE on the last day of the quarter. The Board of Directors discontinued the granting of options for directors in December 2004. Instead, directors now receive annual grants of DSUs. Each

9


director receives 3,350 DSUs annually, except for the Chairman, who receives 6,700 DSUs annually. New directors will receive an initial grant of 10,000 DSUs when they join the Board. Prior to the introduction of the DSU program, the directors' compensation plan provided that each director would be granted options to acquire 5,000 Subordinate Voting Shares each year. The non-executive Chairman was entitled to receive an additional grant of 5,000 options. New directors received an initial grant of options to acquire 15,000 Subordinate Voting Shares when they joined the Board.

The compensation paid in 2004 by the Corporation to its directors is set out in the table below. None of the directors received any fee or payment from Celestica except as set out below. Messrs. Melman and Schwartz are officers and employees of Onex, and therefore do not receive any compensation in their capacity as directors of the Corporation.


Director
  Cash Equivalent of Compensation Received in 2004

Robert L. Crandall   $135,000(1)

William Etherington   $92,500(1)

Richard S. Love   $97,500(2)

Charles W. Szuluk   $90,000(2)

Don Tapscott   $80,000(1)

Gerald W. Schwartz   N/A(3)

Anthony R. Melman   N/A(3)


(1)
Elected to receive fees entirely in the form of DSUs.

(2)
Elected to receive 50% of fees in cash and 50% in DSUs.

(3)
Mr. Schwartz and Dr. Melman were not compensated by Celestica as they are directors or officers of Onex Corporation.

10


Attendance of Directors at Board and Committee Meetings



The written charter of the Board of Directors requires every director to prepare for and attend (absent extenuating circumstances) all scheduled meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board on which the director serves. In 2004, the Board had seven scheduled meetings and one teleconference held on short notice. The Audit Committee had four scheduled meetings, the Compensation Committee had five scheduled meetings and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee had three scheduled meetings in 2004.


Board Meetings

Director
  Attendance

Robert L. Crandall   7 of 8

William Etherington   8 of 8

Richard S. Love   8 of 8

Anthony R. Melman   8 of 8

Gerald W. Schwartz   7 of 8

Charles W. Szuluk   7 of 8

Don Tapscott   7 of 8


Committee Meetings(1)

Committee
  Members
  Attendance

Audit   Robert L. Crandall (Chair)   4 of 4
   
    William Etherington   4 of 4
   
    Don Tapscott   4 of 4

Compensation   William Etherington (Chair)   5 of 5
   
    Robert L. Crandall   5 of 5
   
    Charles W. Szuluk   4 of 5
   
    Anthony R. Melman(2)   5 of 5
   
    Don Tapscott   5 of 5

Nominating and Corporate Governance   Robert L. Crandall (Chair)   3 of 3
   
    William Etherington   3 of 3
   
    Don Tapscott   3 of 3
   
    Anthony R. Melman(2)   3 of 3
   
    Richard S. Love   3 of 3


(1)
Celestica also has an Executive Committee, composed of Mr. Crandall (Chairman) and Dr. Melman, which meets on an ad hoc basis to review business matters from time to time, and which is further discussed on page B-6 of this Circular. In 2004, the Executive Committee met 10 times.

(2)
Dr. Melman ceased to be a member of this committee in January 2005.

11



INFORMATION ABOUT OUR AUDITOR


Appointment of Auditor



It is proposed that KPMG LLP be appointed as the auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors negotiates with the auditor of the Corporation on an arm's length basis in determining the fees to be paid to the auditor. Such fees have been based upon the complexity of the matters dealt with and the time expended by the auditor in providing services to the Corporation. The Corporation believes that the fees negotiated in the past with the auditor of the Corporation have been reasonable and would be comparable to fees charged by other auditors providing similar services.

      Fees Paid to KPMG LLP


 
  Year Ended December 31
(in millions)


KPMG LLP     2004     2003
Audit Services   $ 2.1   $ 1.7
Audit Related Services   $ 1.0   $ 0.4
Tax Services   $ 1.6   $ 2.0
Non-Audit Services   $ 0.2   $ 0.6
   
 
Total   $ 4.9   $ 4.7
   
 

The Corporation's Audit Committee believes that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with maintaining KPMG LLP's independence. KPMG LLP did not provide any financial information systems design or implementation services to the Corporation during 2004. The Corporation also used other public accounting firms for consulting and other services for fees totalling $4.7 million.

It is intended that, on any ballot that may be called for relating to the appointment of the auditor, the shares represented by proxies in favour of management nominees will be voted in favour of the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders, and authorizing the Board of Directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor, unless authority to do so is withheld. KPMG LLP has been the auditor of the Corporation since October 14, 1997.

12



INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM AND
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS


Celestica's compensation policy is predicated on the belief that broadly-based employee participation in share ownership is critical in order to maintain a common entrepreneurial culture and motivation throughout its operational units, and across functional and geographic boundaries. Accordingly, prior to the completion of Celestica's initial public offering, it established the Celestica Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") and the Employee Share Ownership Plans (the "ESPO Plans"). See Report on Executive Compensation — Long-Term Incentives.

Since that time, Celestica has generally granted options under the LTIP to eligible employees, senior executives and directors annually and has granted options and/or restricted stock units ("RSUs") under the LTIP to newly hired employees or in special retention circumstances with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer. Celestica's current practice is to establish the total number of options and RSUs to be granted in a year with reference to the total number of shares outstanding (sometimes referred to as the "Burn Rate"), as well as the total number of stock options and RSUs issued and outstanding relative to the total number of shares outstanding (sometimes referred to as "Overhang"). Celestica targets a maximum level for both Burn Rate and Overhang after taking into account competitive practice with reference to a comparison group that includes its direct competitors.

As at February 21, 2005, options to purchase 19,718,178 Subordinate Voting Shares and RSUs in respect of 942,728 Subordinate Voting Shares had been granted and were outstanding under the LTIP. No more than 2 million of the 29 million shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP may be issued in connection with the grant of RSUs. Celestica also maintains stock option plans that it assumed in connection with acquisitions (collectively, the "Acquisition Plans") and the ESPO Plans. Under the ESPO Plans, employees were permitted to buy Celestica shares prior to its IPO and received options based on the number of shares purchased. As at February 21, 2005, options to purchase 2,306,205 Subordinate Voting Shares were outstanding under the Acquisition Plans, and options to purchase 2,319,918 Subordinate Voting Shares were outstanding under the ESPO Plans. Each Acquisition Plan and ESPO Plan is closed; no further options may be granted under these plans. In total, Celestica's issued options and RSUs represented an 11.2% Overhang relative to the aggregate 225,156,193 Multiple Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares (collectively, the "Voting Shares") outstanding as at February 21, 2005.

The weighted average exercise price of all options outstanding as at February 21, 2005 was US$24.13 for US$ based options and C$48.10 for C$ based options. Many of these options have exercise prices significantly higher than the current trading range of the Subordinate Voting Shares. As a result, Celestica believes that these significantly out-of-the-money options have become ineffective because, in order to be an effective incentive, employees must believe that options provide them with an opportunity to realize value within a reasonable period of time. In light of Celestica's current share price, Celestica recognizes that employees may believe that their opportunity for realizing value from some of their most significantly out-of-the-money options is limited. In addition, since these out-of-the-money options are not exercised in the ordinary course, they contribute to an increasing Overhang.

The Board has on a number of occasions considered how to restructure Celestica's long-term incentive arrangements to provide more effective equity-based incentives to employees and to reduce Overhang. In January 2005, the Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, a proposal consisting of an option exchange program (the "Option Exchange Program"), allowing eligible participants to elect to exchange significantly out-of-the-money options for a cash payment. The proposal also includes amendments to the LTIP (the "LTIP Amendments") to limit future option grants, eliminate options for directors and prohibit the repricing of options. The Board of Directors also adopted the Celestica Share Unit Plan, a long-term incentive plan providing for the issuance of restricted share units that the Corporation will satisfy through the delivery of either Subordinate Voting Shares purchased in the market or cash, as opposed to the issuance of shares from treasury. In addition, the Board approved share ownership guidelines for directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Financial Officer. See Report on Executive Compensation — Long-Term Incentives and Directors' Compensation. These initiatives reflect a shift

13



away from reliance on stock options as an equity-based long-term incentive for employees, senior executives and directors.

The proposal was prepared by management of Celestica in consultation with external human resources and compensation advisors and in light of programs that other technology companies in the United States and Canada have undertaken to deal with similar issues. The Compensation Committee reviewed a number of possible initiatives and unanimously recommended the proposal to the Board of Directors.

      Option Exchange Program


If the Option Exchange Program is approved by shareholders, Celestica will offer to purchase for cancellation all options granted under the LTIP and all options granted under the Acquisition Plans assumed in connection with Celestica's acquisition of Manufacturers' Services Limited (collectively, the "MSL Plans") with an exercise price of US$30 or more for US$ based options and C$40 or more for C$ based options held by employees other than members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Financial Officer, participants who retired on or prior to March 31, 2005 and employees who ceased to be employed by Celestica prior to the date of the offer to purchase. The purchase price to be paid for each eligible option tendered under the Option Exchange Program will be US$1.00. This will be a one-time offer. As at February 21, 2005, there were outstanding options to purchase 8,076,450 Subordinate Voting Shares that satisfied these eligibility requirements. The weighted average exercise price of these eligible options is US$44.70 for US$ based options and C$69.06 for C$ based options. The following table sets out information about these eligible options:



 


 

Number of Subordinate Voting Shares


 

 


 

 

 
  Under Option
  Exercise Price
  Grant Date
  Expiry Date

 

 

24,569

(1)

$53.33

 

September 30, 1997

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

15,293

(2)

$31.34 to $36.47

 

During 1999

 

November 10, 2009 to December 6, 2009

 

 

1,424,200

 

$39.03/C$57.845

 

December 7, 1999

 

December 7, 2009

 

 

865,911

(2)

$31.67 to C$123.65

 

During 2000

 

January 1, 2010 to October 24, 2010

 

 

1,403,065

 

$56.1875/C$86.50

 

December 5, 2000

 

December 5, 2010

 

 

398,500

 

$30.23 to C$108.45

 

During 2001

 

January 11, 2011 to
December 5, 2011

 

 

3,730,684

 

$41.89/C$66.06

 

December 4, 2001

 

December 4, 2011

 

 

214,228

 

$32.22 to C$70.81

 

During 2002

 

January 8, 2012 to
April 10, 2012

Total:

 

8,076,450

(3)

 

 

 

 

 



(1)
Represents options outstanding under the MSL Plans, which were assumed by Celestica on March 12, 2004.

(2)
Includes options outstanding under the MSL Plans, which were assumed by Celestica on March 12, 2004.

(3)
Includes 1,949,694 options held by eligible insiders of Celestica.

The US$1.00 purchase price to be paid for each eligible option tendered under the Option Exchange Program represents approximately a one-third discount to the average estimated present value of the options as at February 1, 2005 (US$1.52) based on a binomial option pricing model (the "Binomial Value"). In valuing the options using the binomial model, certain assumptions were made regarding employee turnover and option exercise patterns, in addition to standard assumptions regarding matters

14



such as volatility and dividend yield. Celestica then applied the one-third discount to the estimated value of the options in order to balance the interests of employees with the financial interests of the Corporation's shareholders. For the purposes of the exchange, the discounted value per option was rounded down to US$1.00. Sample summary calculations under this model for options to purchase one Subordinate Voting Share are set out below:


 
  Example 1
  Example 2
  Example 3
Grant Date:   December 7, 1999   December 5, 2000   December 4, 2001
Expiry Date:   December 7, 2009   December 5, 2010   December 4, 2011
Exercise Price:   US$39.03   US$56.19   US$41.89
Binomial Value:   US$1.54   US$1.33   US$1.71


An optionholder entitled to more than US$10,000 on the exchange will receive 50% of the cash purchase price payable at the time when Celestica accepts the tendered options; the remainder of the purchase price will be deferred for three years. Interest at an annual rate of 2.5% compounded annually will be paid on the deferred portion of the purchase price. Any eligible optionholder who ceases to be an employee of Celestica or its subsidiaries during this three-year period, other than as a result of death, disability, retirement or termination without cause, will forfeit his or her right to receive the deferred portion of the purchase price. The full amount of the cash purchase price for optionholders entitled to US$10,000 or less will be paid to eligible optionholders at the time the options are accepted by Celestica. Amounts paid under the Option Exchange Program will be subject to applicable withholding taxes.

Celestica estimates that if all eligible optionholders were to tender all eligible options under the Option Exchange Program, the repurchase cost would be approximately US$8.1 million.

If the Option Exchange Program is approved by shareholders, Celestica expects to deliver a tender offer statement, setting out the details of the Option Exchange Program and providing instructions for the tender of eligible options to eligible optionholders in June 2005 and expects to complete the Option Exchange Program in July 2005.

Participation by eligible optionholders in the Option Exchange Program will be entirely voluntary and will in no way affect any eligible optionholder's employment with Celestica. Eligible optionholders who choose to participate in the Option Exchange Program will be required to tender all of their eligible options.

Options validly tendered under the Option Exchange Program will be cancelled. Since the LTIP limits the number of Subordinate Voting Shares that may be issued pursuant to options or other rights granted under the LTIP to 29 million, in the aggregate, the cancellation of validly-tendered LTIP options will permit Celestica to grant new options or other rights under the LTIP in respect of the Subordinate Voting Shares that had been reserved for issuance pursuant to the cancelled options; however, Celestica will place restrictions on the number of options that may be granted annually. See the discussion under LTIP Amendments below. As at February 21, 2005, under the terms of the LTIP, options and restricted stock units in respect of 20,660,906 Subordinate Voting Shares were outstanding and Celestica was entitled to issue up to 7,310,535 additional options. Celestica is also permitted to satisfy its obligations under the LTIP through the delivery of Subordinate Voting Shares purchased in the market or in cash. No further options may be granted under the MSL Plans. The number of Subordinate Voting Shares issuable under the MSL Plans will be reduced by the number of MSL Plan options cancelled pursuant to the Option Exchange Program.

15


      LTIP Amendments


The LTIP Amendments are designed to reflect Celestica's shift away from reliance on stock options as a long-term incentive for employees, senior executives and directors by placing limits on future option grants. Specifically, the LTIP amendments would:

    limit the number of options and other rights that may be granted annually under the LTIP to 1.2% of the Voting Shares outstanding from time to time;

    prohibit option grants to directors; and

    prohibit the repricing of options granted under the LTIP.

The LTIP Amendments are conditional upon the approval of the Option Exchange Program.

Celestica expects that the combined effect of the completion of the Option Exchange Program and the adoption of the LTIP Amendments will be to reduce the total Overhang of options and other rights granted under the LTIP and options granted under Celestica's other stock option plans to less than 10% of the outstanding Voting Shares for the foreseeable future.

      Shareholder Approval


The rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") require that the Option Exchange Program be approved by an ordinary resolution passed by shareholders, excluding any insider of Celestica who may participate in the Option Exchange Program. Accordingly, insiders of Celestica (other than Onex Corporation and Celestica's directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer and insiders who are exempt from complying with the insider reporting requirements under applicable Canadian securities legislation) will not be entitled to vote on the resolution. The insiders not entitled to vote on the resolution approving the Option Exchange and LTIP Amendments hold an aggregate of 434,330 Subordinate Voting Shares. Celestica is not required to obtain shareholder approval for the LTIP Amendments but is doing so because the LTIP Amendments are conditional upon the approval of the Option Exchange Program.

The text of the resolution approving the Option Exchange Program and the LTIP Amendments is attached as Schedule A to this Circular. In order to be passed, the resolution must be approved by at least a majority of the votes cast by shareholders represented in person or proxy at the meeting, excluding shareholders who are insiders of Celestica who may participate in the Option Exchange Program.

Directors' Recommendation


The Board of Directors has determined that the Option Exchange Program and the LTIP Amendments are in the best interests of Celestica and the shareholders, and recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the resolution.

16



REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


This report of the Compensation Committee of Celestica's Board of Directors sets out the policies of the Compensation Committee for determining compensation of Celestica's executive officers. Compensation paid to Celestica's chief executive officers (current and former), chief financial officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers is set out in the section of this circular entitled Executive Compensation.

      Composition of the Compensation Committee


During 2004, William Etherington, Robert Crandall, Charles Szuluk, Don Tapscott and Anthony Melman were members of the Committee. Dr. Melman ceased to be a member of the Compensation Committee in January 2005. Since then, the Compensation Committee has been comprised of Mr. Etherington, Mr. Crandall, Mr. Szuluk and Mr. Tapscott, each of whom is an independent director.

      Mandate of the Compensation Committee


It is the responsibility of the Compensation Committee to define and communicate compensation policy and principles that reflect and support the Corporation's strategic direction, business goals and desired culture. The mandate of the Compensation Committee includes the following:

    review and recommend to the Board of Directors an overall reward/compensation policy for the Corporation, including an executive compensation policy that is consistent with competitive practice and supports organizational objectives and shareholder interests;

    review annually, and submit to the Board for approval, the elements of the Corporation's annual and long-term equity-based incentive compensation plans, including plan design, performance targets, administration and total funds/shares reserved for payment;

    review and recommend to the Board compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") based on the Board of Directors' assessment of the annual performance for the CEO;

    review and recommend to the Board of Directors the compensation of the Corporation's most senior executives;

    review the Corporation's succession plans for key executive positions; and

    review and approve material changes to the Corporation's organizational structure and human resource policies.

      Independent Advice


The Compensation Committee engages an independent consultant to help it identify the appropriate comparator companies against which to evaluate Celestica's compensation levels and to provide it with data about those companies.

      Compensation Philosophy and Objectives


The Corporation's executive compensation policies and practices are designed to:

    align the interests of the executive officers with the interests of the Corporation's shareholders;

    link executive compensation to the performance of the Corporation relative to that of its competitors and the contribution of the individual to such performance;

    compensate executive officers at a level and in a manner that ensures the Corporation is capable of attracting, motivating and retaining individuals with exceptional executive skills and abilities; and

    ensure direct accountability for the overall results of Celestica.

The compensation of Celestica's executive officers is comprised of the following elements: base salary, annual incentive plan, long-term incentive plans and benefits. The following chart summarizes each element of compensation:

17


Table 1  Compensation Elements


Element
  Form
  Eligibility
  Performance Period
  Determination

Base Salary   Cash   All employees, up to and including CEO   1 year   Salary benchmarking at market median and individual performance determines pay level.

Annual Incentive   Cash   All employees, up to and including CEO   1 year   Incentive pay is based on various combinations of: (i) corporate or business unit results, depending on position; and (ii) individual results. Executive pay is also based on corporate performance relative to direct competitors.

Long-Term Incentive   Restricted Share Units   Director level employees and above, including CEO   Typically 3 years, 100% released at end of the period   Each RSU entitles the holder to receive one Subordinate Voting Share of Celestica on the release date. Initial grant value is based on market median and individual performance. Final value is based on share price at time of release.

Long-Term Incentive   Performance Share Units   Vice President and above, including CEO   Typically 3 years, 100% released at end of the period   Each PSU entitles the holder to receive one Subordinate Voting Share of Celestica on the release date. Initial grant value is based on market median and individual performance. Number of shares released varies based on specific performance measures relative to direct electronics manufacturing service competitors. Final value is based on share price at time of release.

Long-Term Incentive   Stock Options   Director level employees and above, including CEO   Stock Options vest at a rate of 25% annually over the first four years and have a 10-year term.   Initial grant value is based on market median and individual performance. Final value is based on share price at time of exercise relative to the exercise price, which is the market price at the date of grant.

Long-Term Incentive   Performance Contingent Stock Options   Executive Vice Presidents (President and CFO) and CEO   Performance Options vest at a rate of 331/3% annually over the first 3 years and have a 10-year term.   Initial grant value is based on market median and individual performance. Number of options that vest varies based on specific performance measures relative to direct electronics manufacturing service competitors. Final value is based on share price at time of exercise relative to the exercise price, which is the market price at the date of grant.

Benefits   Health, dental, pension, life insurance and long-term disability programs.   All employees. Celestica does not offer additional perquisites for executives.   Ongoing   Based on market median.

18


      Comparator Companies and Market Positioning


The Compensation Committee benchmarks all elements of executive compensation against executive compensation of a comparator group of companies in the technology sector with revenue similar to Celestica and including four of the Corporation's direct competitors in the electronics manufacturing services industry (the "EMS Competitors"). The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the comparator companies each year.

For executive positions where no direct match exists or where there is insufficient data within that group, benchmarking is done using executive salary survey data for organizations similar in size to Celestica pursuant to a process approved by the Compensation Committee.

Target compensation is benchmarked at the market median (50th percentile) for both executive and non-executive levels.

      Pay Mix


At the executive levels, a high portion of the pay mix includes "at risk" components which are comprised of cash and long-term equity-based incentive plans. The target pay mix is based on competitive benchmarks. The portion of compensation which is "at risk" is set at approximately 80% for the CEO and Executive Vice Presidents (the CFO and the President) and 70% for Senior Vice Presidents.

      Base Salary


Base salaries are established taking into account individual performance and experience, level of responsibility and competitive pay practices through market median benchmarking. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate. Although base salaries are not directly linked to specific corporate performance, the Corporation considers the level of corporate performance achieved in the prior year as well as the expected level of performance in making any adjustments. The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends to the Board the salary ranges and individual salary increases for the CEO, as well as all Executive and Senior Vice Presidents.

      Annual Incentive Plans


Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan

Executives of the Corporation participate in the Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan. Payments under this plan are tied to achievement relative to pre-determined targets for financial and customer results at a corporate or business unit level, individual performance and the Corporation's performance relative to its direct competitors on key financial metrics. Corporate and business unit targets are approved by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and are based on profitability, inventory days and customer satisfaction measures. In 2004, certain executives had a customized performance objective as a component of their business unit targets, which related to special initiatives for their business units.

The CEO assesses each executive's individual performance in accordance with business results, teamwork and the executive's key accomplishments. This assessment is factored into the executive's earned award.

The Compensation Committee evaluates the Corporation's performance for the year relative to that of the EMS Competitors on performance metrics relating to adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") and return on capital. This relative performance is one factor in determining the amount available to be paid out under the plan.

In 2004, most employees and executives were awarded a bonus under the annual incentive plans based on achievements related to:

    profitability

    inventory days

    customer satisfaction

    metrics related to EPS and return on capital.

Celestica Team Incentive Plan

Any executives not participating in the Executive Team Incentive Plan and most non-executive employees participate in the Celestica Team Incentive Plan. Awards under this plan are based on corporate or business unit financial and customer results, as well as individual performance.

19


      Long-Term Incentives


Celestica's long-term equity-based incentive plans for senior executives consist of restricted share units, performance share units, stock options and performance contingent stock options. The objectives of the long-term equity-based incentive plans are:

    to align employee interests with those of shareholders and incent appropriate behaviours over the longer term;

    to reward employees for their contribution to Celestica's success; and

    to allow the Corporation to attract and retain the qualified and experienced employees who are critical to the Corporation's success.

The equity mix will vary by employee level and targets a higher percentage of performance elements at the senior levels where there is a stronger influence on results.

The Compensation Committee recommends to the Board of Directors for approval all awards under equity-based incentive plans for the CEO and the Executive and Senior Vice Presidents.

Long-term incentives to employees are issued under the Long Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"), which allows Celestica to satisfy its obligations by issuing shares from treasury, acquiring shares in the market or paying cash. The Board has also recently adopted the Celestica Share Unit Plan (the "CSUP"), which provides for the issuance of restricted share units and performance share units in the same manner as provided in the LTIP, except that Celestica may not issue shares from treasury to satisfy its obligations under the Plan. The total number of equity grants in a given year is established after taking into account the Burn Rate as well as the Overhang (each as defined above on page 13). Celestica is taking measures to lower the Overhang and Burn Rate and considerably reduced the number of stock option grants in 2004 as compared to previous years.

Please see the discussion under Information About the Option Exchange Program and Long-Term Incentive Plan Amendments starting on page 13.

Table 2  Equity-Based Compensation


% of Equity-Based Compensation Granted in 2004
 
  PSUs
  RSUs
  PCOs
  Stock Options

CEO/EVPs   40%   20%   40%   N/A

SVPs/VPs   30%   40%   N/A   30%

      Restricted Share Units


RSUs are granted annually based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and are subject to the approval of the CEO. These grants convert into Celestica Subordinate Voting Shares ("SVS") and are released in full at the end of three years. Throughout the year, Celestica may grant RSUs for new hire or retention purposes.

The number of RSUs granted is determined with consideration to individual performance and with reference to grants at the median level for the comparator group. The percentage of total equity-based compensation represented by RSUs is outlined in Table 2.

The December 2004 annual RSU grant to executives, including the CEO, totalled 436,148 units. Specifics of the RSU grant to the CEO are contained in the Report on the Chief Executive Officer's Compensation.

      Performance Share Units


The use of Performance Share Units ("PSUs") allows Celestica to link rewards for executives more closely with individual and corporate performance. PSUs are granted annually based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and are subject to the approval of the CEO. These grants convert into SVS and are released in full at the end of three years.

    There is a strong correlation between individual performance and the number of PSUs that executives will receive.

    The mix of PSUs granted differs within the executive levels to reflect a higher percentage of performance-based equity granted to more senior executives as outlined in Table 2.

20


    The number of PSUs that vests is determined by Celestica's rank compared to the EMS competitors on a return on capital performance metric.

    High performance means units vest at above the median level and results in above average reward levels. Conversely, low performance will result in no reward.

The number of PSUs granted is determined with consideration to individual performance and with reference to grants at the median level for the comparator group.

The number of PSUs granted in December 2004 to executives, including the CEO, totalled 792,966 units. The number of PSUs that vest will range from 0 to 792,966 depending on the Corporation's relative performance ranking. Specifics of the PSU grant to the CEO are contained in the Report on the Chief Executive Officer's Compensation.

      Stock Options


Stock options are currently granted annually to eligible employees, under Celestica's LTIP, based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and are subject to the approval of the CEO. During the year, the Corporation may grant stock options to newly hired employees or to existing employees for retention purposes.

The December 2004 annual stock option grants to executives totalled 421,450.

      Performance Contingent Stock Options


Performance Contingent Stock Options ("PCOs") provide the opportunity for significant gains for superior performance and reduced gain for marginal performance. Options vest annually over three years. The number of options that vest each year is dependent on Celestica's performance on a return on capital measure relative to that of the EMS Competitors.

The number of PCOs granted is determined with consideration to individual performance and with reference to grants at the median level for the comparator group. PCOs are granted to the CEO and Executive Vice President level executives and will comprise the percentage of their total equity grants indicated in Table 2.

High performance means options vest at above the median level and results in above average reward levels. Conversely, low performance will result in no reward.

The number of PCOs granted in December 2004 to executives, including the CEO, was 376,000. The number of PCOs that vest will range from 0 to 376,000 depending on the Corporation's relative performance rating. Specifics of the PCO grant to the CEO are contained in the Report on the Chief Executive Officer's Compensation.

      Employee Share Ownership and Option Plans (the "ESPO Plans")


Celestica has issued SVS and has granted options to acquire SVS for the benefit of certain of its employees and executives pursuant to the ESPO Plans which were in effect prior to Celestica's initial public offering. No further options or SVS (other than pursuant to outstanding options) may be issued under these ESPO Plans.

Pursuant to the ESPO Plans, employees and executives of Celestica were offered the opportunity to purchase SVS and, in connection with such purchase, receive options to acquire an additional number of SVS based on the number of SVS acquired by them under the ESPO Plans (on average, approximately 1.435 options for each SVS acquired under the ESPO Plans). In each case, the exercise price for the options is equal to the price per share paid for the SVS acquired under the ESPO Plans.

Upon the completion of Celestica's initial public offering, certain options became exercisable. The balance of the options issued under the ESPO Plans vested over a period of five years beginning December 31, 1998. All options granted under the ESPO Plans were fully vested as of December 31, 2002. All SVS acquired by employees under the ESPO Plans are held either by the employee or by Towers Perrin Share Plan Services in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation as agent for and on behalf of such employees.

21


      Celestica Employee Share Ownership Plan (the "CESOP")


The CESOP enables eligible employees, including executive officers, to acquire Subordinate Voting Shares, so as to encourage continued employee interest in Celestica's operation, growth and development. Under the CESOP, an eligible participant may elect to contribute an amount representing no more than 10% of his or her salary. The Corporation will contribute 25% of the amount of the employee contributions, up to a maximum of 1% of the employee's salary for the relevant payroll period. Contributions are used to purchase SVS of the Corporation on the open market.

      Executive Share Ownership


The Corporation has recently established share ownership guidelines for the CEO and Executive Vice Presidents. The guidelines require these individuals to hold a multiple of their salary in Celestica stock as shown in Table 3 below. Each executive will have five years to meet the share ownership guidelines.

Table 3  Share Ownership Guidelines

 
  Ownership Guidelines

CEO   3 × Salary

EVPs   2 × Salary

22



REPORT ON THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S COMPENSATION


Mr. Delaney was appointed Chief Executive Officer on January 28, 2004. Mr. Polistuk resigned as Chief Executive Officer on January 28, 2004 and retired from the Corporation on February 27, 2004.

The independent directors approve all components of the CEO's compensation based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.

      Comparator Companies and Market Positioning


Benchmarking for all elements of the CEO's compensation is based on the comparator group of companies described under Report on Executive Compensation — Comparator Companies and Market Positioning on page 19 of this Circular. An external consultant provides all benchmark data for the CEO.

All compensation elements for the CEO are benchmarked at the market median (50th percentile).

CEO compensation contains a high proportion of cash and equity incentives that are "at risk" based on performance. The target pay mix is based on competitive benchmarks. The short- and long-term incentive awards represent approximately 80% of total direct compensation for the CEO at target.

      Cash


The base salary for the CEO is established taking into account individual performance and experience, level of responsibility and competitive pay practices. Mr. Polistuk's annual compensation for 2004 was set in 2003 and remained unchanged from the previous year. The Compensation Committee set Mr. Delaney's compensation significantly below the comparator group of companies in 2004 because he was new to the CEO position.

The CEO's salary is set in US dollars but is paid in Canadian dollars. An adjustment to reflect exchange rate differentials is conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure that compensation paid reflects the US salary value. In addition, Mr. Delaney, who is a U.S. resident, is entitled to a "gross-up" payment to ensure that he will not bear more tax on an annual basis than he would bear if he were earning his total compensation in the US.

      Annual Incentive Plan


The CEO participates in the Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan on the same basis as other executives as outlined under Report on Executive Compensation — Annual Incentive Plans on page 19 of this Circular.

In addition, the Board establishes performance targets for the CEO and evaluates his performance relative to those targets. In 2004, Mr. Delaney was measured on his success relative to:

    building sustainable growth and achieving specified targets for revenue in new and existing markets and services, and achieving specified targets for profit and return on capital;

    implementing cost reduction initiatives, accelerating profit improvements and achieving specified targets for improvements in EBIAT;

    achieving specified targets for customer satisfaction;

    achieving specified targets for improvements in operational efficiencies; and

    extending the Corporation's reputation for technology leadership.

The Board of Directors determined that the CEO had achieved his personal objectives in 2004 and significantly improved the Corporation's operating performance. However, on balance, although the Corporation's operating performance had improved on many fronts in 2004, due to significant non-operating charges taken during the year that were not included in the 2004 operating plan, the Board of Directors elected not to award a cash bonus in addition to the equity compensation awarded to the CEO, the President and the CFO. As a result, those executives were not granted an annual incentive award.

Mr. Polistuk did not receive any compensation under the Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan due to his retirement.

23



      Long-Term Incentives


Equity grants to the CEO consist of restricted share units, performance share units and performance contingent stock options. The latter two vehicles vest based on performance as discussed at pages 20 and 21. Of the CEO's equity-based compensation, 80% is dependent on the Corporation's performance relative to that of its competitors.

Table 4    CEO Equity-Based Compensation


% of Equity-Based Compensation Granted in 2004
 
  PSUs
  RSUs
  PCOs

CEO   40%   20%   40%

In 2004, Celestica granted Mr. Delaney the following equity-based compensation:

    230,000 restricted share units. 200,000 of these were awarded at the time Mr. Delaney was appointed CEO.

    120,000 performance share units. This assumes vesting at the maximum level. The actual number that vest will vary depending on performance.

    200,000 performance contingent options. This assumes vesting at the maximum level. The actual number that vest will vary depending on performance. Mr. Delaney did not receive any options without performance contingencies.

The value of Mr. Delaney's equity-based compensation granted in 2004 is equivalent to equity compensation for the CEOs of the comparator group of companies at the market median. An external consultant provided the comparator data.

In summary, in 2004, Mr. Delaney received a salary of $550,000, no payment under the Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan, 230,000 Restricted Share Units, 120,000 Performance Share Units and 200,000 Performance Contingent Options. In addition, the Corporation incurred an expense of $12,300 with respect to Mr. Delaney's participation in the U.S. Pension Plan and $7,043 in the Canadian Pension Plan. Other compensation included a housing allowance of C$23,526.39 and CESOP contributions of $5,529, a travel allowance of $9,771 and a tax gross-up payment of $52,033.

Mr. Polistuk did not receive any compensation under the Corporation's long-term incentive arrangements with respect to 2004 due to his retirement.

Report presented by the Compensation Committee:

William Etherington (Chairman)
Robert Crandall
Charles Szuluk
Don Tapscott

24



EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Compensation of Named Executive Officers


The following table sets forth the compensation of Celestica's Chief Executive Officer (and his predecessor, who retired in 2004), Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly-compensated executives of Celestica and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") for the three most recently completed financial years of the Corporation.


 
 
  Annual Compensation
  Long-Term Compensation Awards
 
Name and Principal Position

  Year
  Salary
(US$)

  Bonus
(US$)

  Securities Under Options Granted(1)
(#)

  Units Subject to Resale Restriction(2)
(US$)

  LTIP Payouts
($)

  All Other Compensation(3)(4)
(US$)

 

 
Stephen Delaney(5)(6)
Chief Executive Officer
  2004
2003
2002
  550,000
360,000
333,750
 

  200,000
200,000
75,000
(11)
(11)
5,659,000
173,400
(12)
(13)
Nil
Nil
Nil
  110,203
12,000
7,000
 

 
Anthony P. Puppi(7)
Chief Financial Officer
  2004
2003
2002
  604,978
455,065
382,117
 

  88,000
160,000
60,000
(11)
(11)
4,511,808

(14)

Nil
Nil
Nil
  210,563
147,048
125,369
 

 
J. Marvin MaGee(7)(8)
President
  2004
2003
2002
  604,978
562,139
501,528
 

  88,000
160,000
110,000
(11)
(11)
4,511,808

(14)

Nil
Nil
Nil
  41,182
35,998
33,673
 

 
Neo Kia Quek(9)
President, Asia
  2004
2003
2002
  390,000
305,927
291,827
  607,430
64,000
  28,000
90,000
30,000

(11)
1,111,776

(15)

Nil
Nil
Nil
  3,327
4,043
10,921
 

 
Nate Kawaye
Senior Vice President
Group GM,
Enterprise Accounts
  2004
2003
2002
  300,000
275,000
275,000
  592,410
137,500
  28,000
60,000
45,000

(11)
915,376

(16)

Nil
Nil
Nil
  12,300
12,000
11,000
 

 
Rahul Suri(7)
Senior Vice President
Corporate Development
  2004
2003
2002
  374,510
321,222
262,705
  413,743
64,244
0
  9,000
80,000
25,000

(11)
297,200

(17)

Nil
Nil
Nil
  15,930
9,555
8,440
 

 
Eugene V. Polistuk(7)(10)
Former Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive
Officer
  2004
2003
2002
  134,440
749,518
668,705
 

 

150,000
 

  Nil
Nil
Nil
  3,250,529
812,335
687,741
(18)


 

(1)
See table under Options Granted for Year Ended December 31, 2004.

(2)
Amounts shown represent RSUs issued under the Celestica Long-term Incentive Plan or the CSUP, valued as of the grant date. PSUs are subject to performance conditions as described in the Report on Executive Compensation on page 17 of this Circular. RSUs vest and are distributed three years from the grant date and PSUs vest on January 31, three years after the grant date.

(3)
Excludes perquisites and other benefits because such compensation did not exceed the lesser of C$50,000 and 10% of the total annual salary and bonus for any of the Named Executive Officers.

(4)
Amounts shown in the column represent (i) amounts set aside to provide benefits under Celestica's pension plans (US and Canada); (ii) Celestica contributions to CESOP (see p. 22), if any; and (iii) in Mr. Delaney's case, housing, travel costs and a tax gross up payment.

(5)
Mr. Delaney was appointed CEO on January 28, 2004; prior to this, he was President of Celestica's Americas operations from October 2002.

(6)
Mr. Delaney's salary is set in US dollars; however, he is paid in Canadian dollars. An adjustment to reflect exchange rate differentials is conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure his pay reflects the US salary value.

(7)
Messrs. Polistuk, Puppi, MaGee and Suri are paid in Canadian dollars. Amounts shown are in US$ converted at a rate of C$1.3017 per US$1.00 for 2004, C$1.4009 per US$1.00 for 2003, and C$1.5702 per US$1.00 for 2002.

(8)
Although Celestica is not obligated to provide information for Mr. MaGee in the table based on his 2004 compensation, given Mr. MaGee's position in Celestica's organizational structure, the Corporation has elected to include this disclosure.

(9)
Mr. Quek is paid in Singapore dollars. Amounts shown are in US$ converted at a rate of S$1.69 per US$1.00 for 2004, S$1.7426 per US$1.00 for 2003, and S$1.7908 per US$1.00 for 2002.

(10)
Mr. Polistuk resigned as CEO of the Corporation on January 28, 2004 and retired from the Corporation on February 27, 2004. Had he been employed for the entire year, he would have been paid a salary of $806,637, paid in Canadian dollars converted at a rate of C$1.3017 per US$1.00.

(11)
These options are subject to performance conditions as described in the Report on Executive Compensation on page 17 of this Circular.

25


(12)
Represents 200,000 RSUs vesting on January 31, 2007, 30,000 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007, and 120,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(13)
Represents 15,000 RSUs vesting on May 1, 2006.

(14)
Represents 200,000 RSUs vesting on January 31, 2007, 14,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007, and 58,200 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(15)
Represents 10,000 RSUs vesting on June 8, 2007, 24,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 37,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(16)
Represents 24,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 37,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(17)
Represents 8,000 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 12,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(18)
Includes accrued vacation pay, accrued pension benefits and an amount paid to Mr. Polistuk in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement with the Corporation upon his retirement in 2004.

      Options Granted for Year Ended December 31, 2004


The following table sets out options to purchase Subordinate Voting Shares granted by the Corporation to the Named Executive Officers in relation to the year ended December 31, 2004.


Name

  Securities, Under Options Granted
(#)

  % of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2004
  Exercise or Base Price
($/Security)

  Market Value of Securities Underlying Options on the Date of Grant
($/Security)

  Expiration Date

Stephen Delaney   200,000 (1) 12.10%   US$14.86   US$14.86   December 9, 2014

J. Marvin MaGee   88,000 (1) 5.30%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014

Anthony P. Puppi   88,000 (1) 5.30%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014

Nate Kawaye   28,000   1.70%   US$14.86   US$14.86   December 9, 2014

Neo Kia Quek   28,000   1.70%   US$14.86   US$14.86   December 9, 2014

Rahul Suri   9,000   0.55%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014

Eugene V. Polistuk          


(1)
The options granted in respect of 2004 are subject to performance conditions and vesting as described in the Report on Executive Compensation on page 17 of this Circular.

      Options Exercised During Most Recently Completed Financial Year and Value of Options at December 31, 2004


The following table sets out certain information with respect to options to purchase Subordinate Voting Shares that were exercised by Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2004 and Subordinate Voting Shares under option to the Named Executive Officers as at December 31, 2004.


 
   
   
  Unexercised Options at December 31, 2004
  Value of Unexercised in-the-Money Options at December 31, 2004(1)
 
  Subordinate Voting Shares Acquired on Exercise
   
 
  Aggregate Value Realized
Name

  Exercisable(2)
  Unexercisable(2)
  Exercisable(2)
  Unexercisable(2)


Stephen Delaney

 


 


 

142,500

 

472,500

 

12,625

 

12,625



Anthony P. Puppi

 


 


 

287,946

 

292,750

 

362,724

 

0



J. Marvin MaGee

 


 


 

412,382

 

336,750

 

875,763

 

0



Neo Kia Quek

 


 


 

391,500

 

153,000

 

3,234,395

 

12,625



Nate Kawaye

 


 


 

159,749

 

104,250

 

487,755

 

0



Rahul Suri

 


 


 

147,000

 

109,000

 

0

 

0



Eugene V. Polistuk

 

275,833

 

3,150,013

 

557,500

 

112,500

 

0

 

0



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
Based on the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the NYSE on December 31, 2004 of $14.11.

(2)
Options granted under the ESPO Plans and the LTIP.

26


      Pension Plans


Messrs. Delaney, Puppi, MaGee and Suri each participate in Celestica's non-contributory pension plan (the "Canadian Pension Plan"). The Canadian Pension Plan has a defined benefit and a defined contribution portion and provides for a maximum of 30 years' service and retirement eligibility at the earlier of 30 years' service or age 55. They also participate in an unregistered supplementary pension plan (the "Supplementary Plan") that provides benefits equal to the difference between the benefits determined in accordance with the formula set out in the Canadian Pension Plan and Canada Revenue Agency maximum pension benefits.

Messrs. MaGee and Suri participate only in the defined contribution portion of the Canadian Pension Plan. The defined contribution portion of the Canadian Pension Plan allows employees to choose how Celestica contributions are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options provided by third party fund managers. Celestica's contributions to this plan on behalf of an employee range from 3% of earnings to a maximum of 6.75% of earnings based on the number of years of service. Retirement benefits depend upon the performance of the investment options chosen. Celestica currently contributes 3% of annual earnings on behalf of Mr. Suri and 6.75% of earnings annually on behalf of Mr. MaGee.

Mr. Puppi participates only in the defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan. The benefit provided under this plan is equal to the benefit entitlement accrued under the relevant IBM plan prior to October 22, 1996, the date Celestica was divested from IBM, plus the benefits earned under the Canadian Pension Plan since that date. The terms of the Canadian Pension Plan, which were accepted by certain employees when they transferred to Celestica, mirrored those of the IBM pension plan in place at the time of divestiture. The Plan is of a modified career average design with benefits based on a three-year earnings average to December 31 of a designated base year (the "Base Year"). In 2004, the Base Year was updated to December 31, 2003 and may be updated from time to time until December 31, 2009. The formula for calculating benefits for the period after October 22, 1996 is the greater of earnings (salary and bonus) or 0.9% of earnings up to the yearly maximum pensionable earnings ("YMPE") level, plus 1.45% of earnings above the YMPE. The defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan also provides for supplementary early retirement benefits from the date of early retirement to age 65.

The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate annual benefits payable under the defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplementary Plan based on average earnings and years of service.


Canadian Pension Plan Table(1)(2)
 
  Years of Service
Earnings Average
  20
  25
  30+(3)

$400,000   $104,000   $130,000   $156,000

$600,000   $156,000   $194,000   $234,000

$800,000   $207,000   $288,000   $311,000

$1,000,000   $260,000   $343,000   $389,000

$1,200,000   $311,000   $389,000   $467,000

$1,400,000   $363,000   $454,000   $545,000

$1,600,000   $415,000   $519,000   $588,000

$1,800,000   $467,000   $584,000   $621,000


(1)
This table assumes total of retirement age and years of service is greater than or equal to 80.

(2)
All amounts are shown converted into US dollars from Canadian dollars at an average 2004 exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.3017.

(3)
The maximum years of credited service for purposes of the Canadian Pension Plan is 30.

27


Mr. Puppi currently has accrued 24.7 years of credited service, which entitles him to a total annual pension under the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan of C$204,000 payable on June 1, 2010. If Mr. Puppi completes 30 years of credited service, then, based on his current best average earnings, he would be entitled to a total annual benefit of C$412,000.

At the time of his retirement, Mr. Polistuk had accrued the maximum of 30 years of credited service. Therefore, the total annual benefit payable to Mr. Polistuk under the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan is C$778,450.

Mr. Kawaye participated in the "U.S. Plan". The U.S. Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (United States). Under the U.S. Plan, participating employees may defer 100% of their pre-tax earnings. Celestica may make contributions for the benefit of eligible employees.

During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica contributed $12,300 in the aggregate to the U.S. Plan for the benefit of Mr. Kawaye. Except as described above, no other amounts were set aside or accrued by Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for Mr. Kawaye.

During 2004, Mr. Delaney participated in both the U.S. Plan and the Canadian Pension Plan as a result of his assuming the CEO role in Canada during the year. During 2004, Celestica contributed $12,300 to the U.S. Plan for the benefit of Mr. Delaney. The U.S. Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (United States). Mr. Delaney participates only in the defined contribution portion of the Canadian Pension Plan which allows employees to choose how Celestica contributions are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options provided by third party fund managers. Celestica's contribution to this plan in 2004 on behalf of Mr. Delaney was $7,043. Celestica currently contributes 3% of annual earnings on behalf of Mr. Delaney. No other amounts were set aside or accrued by Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for Mr. Delaney.

Mr. Quek participates in the "Singapore Plan". The Singapore Plan is a deferred salary arrangement under the Central Provident Fund Act (Singapore). Under the Singapore Plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings not to exceed 20% of their total compensation, but up to a cap limit. Celestica may make contributions for the benefit of eligible employees. Celestica contributed $3,327 for Mr. Quek in 2004.

Mr. Polistuk retired from Celestica on February 27, 2004. In 2004, Celestica accrued an aggregate of $741,261 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for him.

During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica accrued an aggregate of $1,009,995 to provide pension benefits to Messrs. Delaney, Puppi, MaGee, Suri and Polistuk pursuant to the Canadian Pension Plan. No other amounts were set aside during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for Messrs. Delaney, Puppi, MaGee, Suri and Polistuk.

During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica contributed $24,600 in the aggregate to the U.S. Plan for the benefit of Messrs. Delaney and Kawaye. Except as described above, no other amounts were set aside or accrued by Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits to Messrs. Delaney and Kawaye.

28


      Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements
      with Named Executive Officers


At the end of 2004, each of the Named Executive Officers had employment agreements with Celestica. Except for continuing obligations with respect to confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation, Mr. Polistuk's employment agreement was no longer in effect at the end of 2004 because his employment terminated during the year.

Delaney, MaGee, Puppi and Suri

Each of the agreements with Messrs. Delaney, MaGee, Puppi and Suri provides that the executive is entitled to certain severance benefits if, within three years of a change in control of Celestica, he is terminated without cause or resigns for reasons specified in the contract. The amount of the severance payment for each executive is equal to three times his annual base salary and annual target bonus, together with a portion of his target bonus for the year pro-rated to the date of termination. The 2004 annual base salary and 2004 annual target bonus for each of these executives is as follows:


 
  2004 Base Salary
  2004 Target Bonus

Mr. Delaney   550,000   550,000

Mr. Puppi   604,978   483,983

Mr. MaGee   604,978   483,983

Mr. Suri   374,150   188,192

In addition, the contracts provide for a cash settlement to cover benefits that would otherwise be payable during the severance period and the continuation of pension contributions or, in Mr. Puppi's case, a credit for years of service up to June 1, 2010 under Celestica's Canadian Pension Plan. Mr. Delaney is entitled to a payment to make him whole for any United States excise tax payable by him if his severance benefits constitute parachute payments within the meaning of the U.S. Tax Code.

Options or rights granted pursuant to Celestica's equity incentive plans vest upon change of control and options or rights subject to performance conditions vest at the median level of performance.

In the absence of a change of control of Celestica, upon termination without cause or resignation for reasons specified in the contract, each executive is entitled, in lieu of two years' notice (or three years in Mr. Delaney's case), to payments and benefits that are substantially similar to those provided following termination after a change in control, except that there is no accelerated vesting of options or rights and, in the case of Messrs. MaGee, Puppi and Suri, Celestica's obligations regarding lump sum payments, the continuation of benefits plans and contributions to or continuation of pension and retirement plans is for the two-year period following termination.

Quek and Kawaye

Celestica entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Quek and Kawaye at the time Celestica acquired IMS International Manufacturing Services Limited in 1998.

Each of the contracts provides that upon termination of the executive without cause, or upon resignation of the executive for reasons specified in the contract, the executive is entitled to receive his monthly salary for a period of 36 months following the date of termination, together with a bonus amount based on average bonus received over the previous three years. The 2004 annual base salary and the 3-year average bonus paid for the three years 2002 – 2004 for these executives is as follows:


 
  2004
Base Salary

  3-Year
Average Bonus


Mr. Quek   390,000   223,810

Mr. Kawaye   300,000   243,303

The payments shall be reduced by an amount equal to a portion of any replacement earnings earned during that period. Each executive is also entitled to receive a cash settlement to cover benefits that would otherwise be payable during the two-year period following termination.

Under the terms of Celestica's general employment guidelines for executives, which guidelines may be amended at the Board's discretion, options or rights granted pursuant to Celestica's equity incentive plans vest upon change of control. The terms and conditions of options or rights subject to performance conditions stipulate that they will vest at the median level of performance upon a change of control.

29


      Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans



Plan Category

   
  Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
(#)

  Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
  Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans(1)
(#)


Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Securityholders   ESPO   2,466,490   $5.32   0
   
    IMS   666,645   $5.39   0
   
    Primetech   48,951   $79.00   0
   
    MSL   1,656,309   $17.55   0
   
    LTIP (Options ) 20,907,061   $31.02/C$48.19   5,085,520
   
    LTIP
(RSUs

)
672,500   $16.90   1,327,500
   
    Total:   26,417,956   $24.61/C$48.19   6,413,000

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Securityholders   1,527,149 (2) $14.86/C$18.00   N/A

Total   27,945,105       6,413,000


(1)
Excluding securities that may be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights.

(2)
These represent RSUs and PSUs granted under the CSUP as described on page 20 of this Circular.

30



INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS


As at February 25, 2005, no officers of Celestica were indebted to the Corporation in connection with the purchase of Subordinate Voting Shares. The amount outstanding during 2004 represented a guarantee of indebtedness by the Corporation and included indebtedness to the Corporation for interest accrued on such guaranteed indebtedness. The security for each of the guaranteed amounts was the purchased Subordinate Voting Shares. The last such arrangement was entered into in July 2000 and no further such arrangements are permitted.

The following table sets forth details of such indebtedness of senior executives of Celestica.


Name and Principal Position

  Involvement of Company
  Largest Amount Outstanding During 2004(1)
($)

  Amount Outstanding As At February 25, 2005
($)

  Financially Assisted Securities Purchases During 2004
(#)

  Security for Indebtedness
  Amount Forgiven During 2004
($)


J. Marvin MaGee
    
President
    Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor   190,464   0   0   SVS   0

Daniel P. Shea
    
Senior Vice President and
    Group General Manager

    Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor   344,421   0   0   SVS   0

Rahul Suri
    
Senior Vice President, Corporate
    Development

    Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor(2)   1,431,166   0   0   SVS   0


(1)
All amounts are shown in US dollars converted, where necessary, from Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.3017.

(2)
The guarantee was in respect of a share loan, the interest for which is owed directly to Celestica.

No securities were purchased by any director or officer during 2004 with the financial assistance of Celestica. Other than as described above, no director, officer or executive was indebted to Celestica in connection with securities purchase programs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

31



DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE


Celestica and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into indemnification agreements with certain of the directors and officers of Celestica and its subsidiaries. These agreements generally provide that Celestica or the subsidiary of Celestica which is a party to the agreement, as applicable, will indemnify the director or officer in question (including his or her heirs and legal representatives) against all costs, charges and expenses incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of such corporation or a subsidiary thereof, provided that (a) he or she has acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation, and (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that his or her conduct was lawful.

Celestica participates in an umbrella insurance coverage program which benefits all Onex group companies. This policy, which was renewed on November 29, 2004 for a 12-month period, provides for aggregate coverage of $90 million. The policy protects directors and officers against liability incurred by them while acting in their capacities as directors and officers of Celestica and its subsidiaries. Coverage under this policy is available to all Onex group companies on a first-come basis to the aggregate amount of coverage. Celestica also purchases supplemental insurance coverage which benefits Celestica only. This policy provides for Celestica-specific coverage in the event that capacity available under the Onex group companies umbrella policy has been exhausted. This policy provides aggregate coverage of $35 million for a 12-month period commencing November 29, 2004. Celestica's cost for these policies is approximately $3 million. Limits available under the policy are in excess of a self-retention or deductible of $10 million for each loss or claim.


INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS


Celestica has not entered into any transactions with informed persons during 2004 and, other than the arrangement described below, Celestica does not have any such arrangements in place with such persons. "Informed persons" include directors and executive officers of Celestica and its subsidiaries and shareholders holding or having control over more than 10% of Celestica's voting securities and any associates or affiliates of such persons. Celestica and Onex are parties to an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement dated July 1, 2003 (the "Agreement") under which Onex has agreed to provide certain strategic planning, financial and support services to Celestica of such nature as Celestica may reasonably request from time to time having regard to Onex's experience, expertise and personnel or the personnel of its subsidiaries, as the case may be. Celestica has agreed to pay Onex certain fees under the Agreement, including a base fee and a performance incentive fee, if any. The base fee is equal to approximately $500,000 per year, increasing after two years to $1 million per year. The incentive fee payable in any year is tied to Celestica's performance. The Agreement also provides that if Celestica uses Onex management personnel to provide investment banking or financial advice in connection with any acquisition, Onex will be entitled to receive fees consistent, in the determination of the Board of Directors of Celestica, with fees typically paid for financial advice in such circumstances to investment bankers or other expert advisors at arm's length to Celestica. The Agreement terminates on December 31, 2008, subject to automatic termination 30 days after the first day upon which Onex ceases to hold at least one Multiple Voting Share. In the event of a change in control of Celestica, Onex is entitled to receive an amount equal to the difference between $10 million and the aggregate amount of base fees and incentive fees paid to Onex during the term of the Agreement, and no further base or incentive fees are payable thereafter. During 2004, Celestica paid to Onex management and investment banking fees of approximately US$683,000. The payment obligations under the Agreement are not considered to be material to either Celestica or Onex.

32



CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES


At Celestica, we remain committed to the highest standards of corporate governance in all aspects of our decision-making processes. Celestica's Board of Directors has put into place systems and procedures that support independent, thoughtful and informed decisions. As governance regulation has evolved over the past several years, Celestica has been committed to adapting its practices to reflect changing standards. Today, Celestica meets and often exceeds not only corporate governance legal requirements in Canada and the United States, but also the best practices recommended by securities regulators. Celestica is listed on the NYSE and, although it is not required to comply with all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements to which it would be subject if it were a U.S. corporation, Celestica has aligned its governance practices with all of those requirements.

Since the beginning of 2004, Celestica has introduced a number of changes to its governance practices in response to evolving standards. These changes include:

    appointment of an independent director as Chairman

    Compensation and Governance Committees comprised solely of independent directors

    performance evaluations of Board, individual directors and CEO facilitated by independent third party

    shareholder voting for individual directors, rather than for a slate of directors

    elimination of stock options for directors in favour of deferred share units

    introduction of stock ownership requirements for Celestica's directors

    introduction of stock ownership requirements for Celestica's CEO

    de-emphasis of stock options as an element of compensation and wide use of performance-based equity awards

Celestica's Board is charged with responsibility for the oversight of Celestica's management team. All of Celestica's directors have significant business experience and have invested personally in Celestica through direct stock ownership and/or holdings of DSUs. It is expected that each of the directors will attend the Meeting. The Chairman of the Board and of each of the Committees will be pleased to answer questions from Celestica's shareholders.


STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


The Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") requires that the Corporation disclose, on an annual basis, its approach to corporate governance with specific reference to the TSX Guidelines on Corporate Governance (the "TSX Guidelines"). It is expected that the Canadian Securities Regulators will introduce National Policy 58-201 and National Instrument 58-101 (the "CSA Governance Requirements"), which will replace the TSX Guidelines. The disclosure set out in tabular form in Schedule B beginning on page B-1 reflects both the TSX Guidelines and the CSA Governance Requirements, in the form in which they were released for comment.

33



PERFORMANCE GRAPH


The Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation have been listed and posted for trading under the symbol "CLS" on the TSX and the NYSE since June 30, 1998. In 2004, the trading symbol on the TSX was amended to CLS.SV. The following chart compares the cumulative total shareholder return of $100 invested in Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation on December 31, 1998 with the cumulative total shareholder return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index(1) for the period December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2004.

GRAPHIC


(1)
The TSE 300 Index was replaced by the S&P/TSX Composite Index on May 1, 2002. The historical values of the TSE 300 Index and the S&P/TSX Composite Index are identical for the period in question.

OTHER MATTERS


Management knows of no matters to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matters which are not now known to management should properly come before the Meeting, the proxy will be voted upon such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the person voting the proxy.


REQUESTS FOR DOCUMENTS


Celestica's financial information is contained in its comparative financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Additional information about Celestica is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Celestica will provide to any person, upon request to the Secretary of the Corporation, the following documents:

    (a)
    one copy of the latest annual information form, together with one copy of any document, or the pertinent pages of any document, incorporated therein by reference;

    (b)
    one copy of the comparative financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, together with the accompanying report of the auditor, and one copy of any interim financial statements of the Corporation subsequent thereto; and

    (c)
    the Corporation's Management Information Circular for its last annual meeting of shareholders.

34



CERTIFICATE


The contents of this Circular and the sending thereof to the shareholders of the Corporation have been approved by the Board of Directors.

Toronto, Ontario, March 4, 2005.

    By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

GRAPHIC
    Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
and Corporate Secretary

35



SCHEDULE A


      RESOLUTION APPROVING OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM
      AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS


BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1.            the option exchange program, as described in the Management Information Circular, which will permit eligible holders of eligible options granted under the Celestica Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") and the Acquisition Plans assumed in connection with Celestica Inc.'s acquisition of Manufacturers' Services Limited (collectively, the "MSL Plans") to elect, in accordance with the terms of the program, to exchange such options for a cash payment, is hereby approved;

2.            the amendment to the terms of the LTIP, as described in the Management Information Circular, to limit the maximum aggregate number of Options, Rights and Performance Units (each as defined in the LTIP) that may be granted annually under the LTIP to 1.2% of the outstanding Multiple Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares of Celestica Inc. from time to time, prohibit the granting of Options to directors and prohibit the repricing of Options is hereby approved; and

3.            any one officer or director of the Corporation is hereby authorized and directed to do all such acts and things and execute (whether under the corporate seal of the Corporation or otherwise) and deliver for, on behalf of or in the name of the Corporation all such documents, instruments and agreements as he or she may in his or her absolute discretion determine to be necessary or desirable to carry out the intention of the foregoing provisions of this resolution, the doing of all such acts and things and the execution of all such documents, instruments and agreements being conclusive evidence of such determination.

A-1



SCHEDULE B


      STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES


The Corporation's statement of corporate governance practices is set out below.


Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Celestica's Board of Directors

A majority of our directors are independent

 

A majority of our directors are independent. Independence has been determined in the case of each director on the basis of whether that director has any relationship (other than as a director of Celestica) with Celestica, any of Celestica's subsidiaries or with Onex Corporation (which holds 79.3% of the voting rights attaching to shares of Celestica).

 

 

Messrs. Crandall Etherington Love, Szuluk and Tapscott are independent for all purposes described above. Mr. Schwartz and Dr. Melman are shareholders, officers and/or directors of Onex and are therefore not independent.

 

 

The independent directors are also "unrelated" both from Celestica and Onex for the purposes of the TSX Guidelines. The Board believes that the number of directors who are unrelated to both Celestica and Onex (being five of seven directors) fairly reflects the investment in Celestica of shareholders other than Onex.
         
The members of our Board are experienced directors   Celestica benefits from the experience many of its directors gain from serving on boards of other public companies. A list of the other public company boards on which each of our directors serves is included as part of the biographical information provided about each director under Information Relating to Our Directors — Election of Directors on page 5 of this Circular. The companies represent a cross-range of industries in both the United States and Canada.
         
The independent directors meet in camera as part of each Board meeting   The independent directors meet separately as part of every Board meeting. Mr. Crandall, the Chairman of the Board, presides at all such meetings. In 2004, the independent directors met seven times in these in camera sessions.
         
Our Chairman is independent   Mr. Crandall is the Chairman of the Board and is an independent director. Celestica shareholders and other interested parties may communicate directly to the Chairman any concerns they have about Celestica. See the contact information under "How Can I Contact the Independent Directors and Non-Executive Chairman?" on page 3 of this Circular.
         

B-1



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Board Mandate
         
Our Board has approved a comprehensive mandate   The mandate of the Board of Directors is posted on our website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.
    Under the mandate, the Board of Directors has explicitly assumed stewardship responsibility for the Corporation as well as responsibility for the matters specifically set out in the TSX Guidelines.
         
Position Descriptions
         

Our Board has adopted position descriptions for the Board and each Committee

 

The Board has approved position descriptions for:

•    the Chairman of the Board

•    the Chairman of each Committee of the Board

 

 

These position descriptions are posted on our website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance. The Chairman of the Board and of each Committee is available to respond to questions from shareholders at Celestica's annual meeting.
         
There is a position description in place for the CEO   The Board has approved a position description for the CEO. This position description is posted on our website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.

 

 

The Board requires management to obtain the Board's approval for all significant decisions, including major financings, acquisitions, dispositions, budgets and capital expenditures. The Board expects management to keep it aware of the Corporation's performance and events affecting the Corporation's business, including opportunities in the marketplace and adverse or position developments. The Board remains responsible for any matter that has not been delegated to senior management or to a committee of directors.
         
Orientation and Continuing Education
         
New directors receive a comprehensive orientation   The Corporation's orientation program helps new directors contribute effectively to the work of the Board as soon as possible. As part of this program, new directors receive written materials on Celestica's structure, organization, current priorities and issues that have been considered by the Board. New directors also attend meetings with the Chairman and key executives and receive presentations from senior management on all aspects of the Corporation's business. Through this orientation program, new directors have the opportunity to become familiar with the operations and culture of the organization.
         
All directors participate in an ongoing education program   Through the Board's continuing education program, directors are provided with information about Celestica's business and industry through management presentations, analyst reports and regular business updates from the CEO. Celestica also provides each director with a membership in the National Association of Corporate Directors to keep them up to date on the role of an effective Board member and help them stay in touch with issues of common interest to all directors.

B-2



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Ethical Business Conduct
         
The Board monitors compliance with our Business Conduct Governance Policy   Celestica's Business Conduct Governance Policy applies to all the Corporation's directors, officers and employees. In addition, Celestica's CEO, senior finance officers and all personnel in the finance area are subject to Celestica's Finance Code of Business Conduct. Both of these codes can be found on Celestica's website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.

 

 

Managers are required to review the Policy with their employees each year and all managers above a designated level are required to certify compliance with the Policy annually. The Policy requires ethical behaviour from employees and encourages employees to report breaches of the Policy to their manager. From the time that Celestica was established as a separate public company, it has always provided a mechanism whereby employees could report unethical behaviour on an anonymous basis. In 2004, the Corporation launched the Celestica Ethics Hotline which provides another method for employees in every jurisdiction in the world to report unethical conduct, on an anonymous basis if they so choose. In addition, as part of its written mandate, the Board has adopted as a minimum standard that directors must demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards. The mandate also requires the Board, to the extent feasible, to satisfy itself as to the integrity of the Corporation's CEO and other executive officers and that the CEO and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the organization.

 

 

The Board receives regular reports on compliance with the Business Conduct Governance Policy.
         
How the Board would deal with a conflict of interest if it arose   The Corporation has no contracts or other arrangements in place in which any of its directors or officers has a material interest and does not anticipate entering into any such arrangement. If any such arrangement were to arise, it would first be considered by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors (in each case, without the participation of the director who had the material interest in question).

 

 

Celestica and Onex are parties to an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement which is described in detail on page 32 of this Circular. The Agreement is not material to either corporation. Any amendments to this agreement would be approved by the Celestica board without the participation of Mr. Schwartz or Dr. Melman.

B-3



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Audit Committee
         
Our Audit Committee is fully independent and operates pursuant to a comprehensive mandate   The mandate for the Audit Committee includes responsibility for reviewing the Corporation's quarterly and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis and for monitoring the Corporation's internal control procedures. As contemplated in its mandate, the Audit Committee meets regularly with the Corporation's external auditors without management being present. All members are independent directors. The Audit Committee mandate is posted on our website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.

 

 

Under the Canadian securities laws and the listing requirements of the NYSE, each member of the Audit Committee must be financially literate. The Board of Directors adopted the definition of "financially literate" as set out under Canadian securities laws. Under that definition, it has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are financially literate, since each member has the ability to read and understand a balance sheet, an income statement, a cash flow statement and notes attached thereto that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and level of complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Corporation's balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and notes attached thereto.

 

 

The NYSE also requires at least one member of the Audit Committee to have accounting or related financial management expertise, as interpreted by the Board of Directors in its business judgment. The Board of Directors has considered the extensive financial experience of each of Mr. Crandall and Mr. Etherington, including their respective experience serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large U.S. and/or Canadian organization, and has determined that each of them is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. For the purposes of the NYSE listing requirements, an audit committee financial expert is presumed to have accounting or related financial management expertise.

 

 

Mr. Crandall serves on the Corporation's Audit Committee as well as on the audit committees of three other public companies. The Board is satisfied not only that this fact does not impair Mr. Crandall's effectiveness on the Corporation's Audit Committee, but that the experience he gains through exposure to the issues facing audit committees in other public companies enhances his effectiveness.

B-4



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Nomination of Directors
         
Our process for recruiting new directors   There are currently no plans to recruit new directors. However, recognizing that new directors are periodically required, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee maintains a matrix of the competencies and skills each existing director possesses for the purpose of identifying any gaps and determining the skill set of a potential director that it believes would best suit Celestica. This has helped the Committee develop several profiles of individuals whose background and skills would complement those of the existing directors. The Committee is developing an evergreen list of candidates from which it could draw when it is appropriate to consider new candidates for election to the Board.
         

 

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is a fully independent committee of the Board. The mandate of the Committee is posted on our website at www.celestica.com. See Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.

 

 

The Committee is responsible for:

 

 


 

developing and recommending governance guidelines for Celestica (and to recommend changes to those guidelines)

 

 


 

identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board and

 

 


 

recommending director nominees to be put before the shareholders at each annual meeting.
         
    The Committee and its Chairman are appointed annually by the Board. As part of each meeting, Committee members meet without any member of management present. The Committee has the authority to retain and compensate any consultants and advisors it considers necessary to fulfill its mandate.
         
Compensation
         
How we set compensation for our directors and officers   In setting the compensation of Celestica's officers, the Compensation Committee targets a median level of compensation for each component in the officer's compensation package (base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and benefits) compared to a group of companies in closely-related industries. For more detail on the philosophy and approach adopted by the Compensation Committee, see the Report on Executive Compensation on page 17 of this Circular.

 

 

Director compensation is set by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and in accordance with director compensation guidelines established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Compensation Committee retains an independent compensation consultant to provide it with market advice. The Board feels that the remuneration paid to directors is appropriate in light of the time commitment and risks and responsibilities involved.

B-5



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Our Compensation Committee is fully independent   The Board has a fully independent Compensation Committee (currently comprised of William Etherington (Chairman), Robert Crandall, Charles Szuluk and Don Tapscott). The Committee's responsibilities include:

 

 


 

reviewing and recommending to the Board compensation of the CEO

 

 


 

recommending to the Board non-CEO compensation, incentive-based plans and equity-based plans

 

 


 

producing compensation disclosure in public documents, including the Committee's annual report on executive compensation, which is included in the Corporation's information (proxy) circular.
    The Committee considers matters within its mandate and makes recommendations to the full Board. The independent directors approve the CEO's compensation. The Committee and its Chairman are appointed annually by the Board. As part of each meeting, Committee members meet without any member of management present. The Committee has the authority to retain and compensate any consultants and advisors it considers necessary. The Committee has retained an independent compensation consultant to assist in the discharge of its mandate.
         
Other Board Committees
         
Other Board Committees   The following is a list of Celestica Board committees:

 

 


 

Audit Committee

 

 


 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

 


 

Audit Committee

 

 


 

Executive Committee
         
Executive Committee   The purpose of the Executive Committee is to provide a degree of flexibility and ability to respond to time-sensitive matters where it is impractical to call a meeting of the full Board. The Committee reviews such matters and makes such recommendations thereon to the Board as it considers appropriate, including matters designated by the Board as requiring Committee review. Members of the Committee also meet approximately once a month on an informal basis to review and stay informed about current business issues. The Board is briefed on these issues at their regularly scheduled meetings or, if the matter is material, between regularly scheduled meetings.

 

 

No decision of the Committee shall be effective until it is approved or ratified by the Board.

B-6



Disclosure Requirement



 

Celestica's Practices


Board, Committee and Director Assessments
         
Assessment   The Board of Directors of Celestica has retained an external advisor to assist in Board evaluation for each of the last two years. The evaluation process involved a careful examination of the Board of its role, objectives, and relationship with management. Each director and member of the executive management team was given the opportunity to contribute individually and independently during a one-on-one interview with the external advisor. The aggregated input was then used to provide feedback to each of the full Board, committees, the Board Chair, individual directors and the CEO.

 

 

Feedback on Board performance from all directors and members of the executive management team was gathered by the external advisor using a combination of survey and interview methods. The external advisor then analyzed that feedback and presented it to the Board. Consideration was given to prioritizing areas of performance in which the Board decided it could add further value to the business and support to the executive management team. The results of the evaluation, and feedback on the evaluation process itself, are integrated into the next year's Board evaluation cycle.
         
Outside Advisors   Each director has the authority to retain external advisors with the approval of the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Fees and expenses relating to the retention of such advisors are pre-approved by the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and paid by the Corporation.

B-7


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QuickLinks

INVITATION TO SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CELESTICA
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR

Exhibit 99.2

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

9th Floor, 100 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
www.computershare.com
 
 
 
    Security Class        Multiple Voting Shares
     
    Holder Account Number
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fold    


Form of Proxy — Annual and Special Meeting to be held on April 21, 2005


Notes to Proxy

1.
You have the right to appoint some other person of your choice, who need not be a shareholder, to attend and act on your behalf at the meeting. If you wish to appoint a person other than the persons whose names are printed herein, please insert the name of your chosen proxyholder in the space provided (see reverse).

2.
If the securities represented by this form of proxy are registered in the name of more than one owner (for example, joint ownership, trustees, executors, etc.), then all those registered owners should sign this proxy. If you are voting on behalf of a corporation or another individual you may be required to provide documentation evidencing your power to sign this proxy with signing capacity stated.

3.
This proxy should be signed in the exact manner as the name appears on the proxy.

4.
If this proxy is not dated, it will be deemed to bear the date on which it was mailed by Management to you.

5.
The securities represented by this proxy will be voted or withheld from voting as you direct, however, if you do not direct your vote in respect of any matter, this proxy will be voted as recommended by Management.

VOTE USING THE TELEPHONE OR INTERNET 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS AWEEK!

Fold    

Voting by mail may be the only method for holdings held in the name of a corporation or holdings being voted on behalf of another individual.

Voting by mail or by Internet, are the only methods by which a holder may appoint a person as proxyholder other than the Management nominees named on the reverse of this proxy. Instead of mailing this proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined below to vote this proxy. Please have this proxy in hand when you call or access the internet.

To Receive Documents Electronically — You can enrol to receive future securityholder communications electronically after you vote using the Internet. If you don't vote online, you can still enrol for this service. Follow the instructions below.

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC




Call the toll free number listed BELOW
from a touch tone telephone.
There is NO CHARGE for this call.

Proxy Instructions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005.
 

Go to the following web site:

Proxy Instructions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005.
  You can enrol to receive future securityholder communications electronically, after you vote using the Internet. If you don't vote online, you can still enrol by visiting www.computershare.com — click "Investors" and then "Electronic Shareholder Communications".

To vote by telephone or the Internet, you will need to provide your CONTROL NUMBER, HOLDER ACCOUNT NUMBER and ACCESS NUMBER listed below.

If you vote by telephone or the Internet, DO NOT mail back this proxy.
Proxies submitted must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005



This Form of Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of Management.


Appointment of Proxyholder

I/We being holder(s) of Celestica Inc. hereby appoint: Robert L. Crandall, or failing him Stephen W. Delaney   OR   Print the name of the person you are appointing if this person is someone other than Robert L. Crandall or Stephen W. Delaney.    
           

as my/our proxyholder with full power of substitution and to vote in accordance with the following direction (or, if no directions have been given, as the proxyholder sees fit) and all other matters that may properly come before the Annual and Special Meeting of Celestica Inc. to be held in Ballroom A of the Hotel Intercontinental, 225 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario on April 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) and at any adjournment thereof.

1. Election of Directors

 
   
  For
  Withhold
   
   
  For
  Withhold
01. Robert L. Crandall   -->   o   o   05. Gerald W. Schwartz   -->   o   o
02. William Etherington   -->   o   o   06. Charles W. Szuluk   -->   o   o
03. Richard S. Love   -->   o   o   07. Don Tapscott   -->   o   o
04. Anthony R. Melman   -->   o   o                

2. Appointment of Auditors

Appointment of KPMG LLP as Auditor and authorization of the Board of Directors of Celestica Inc. to fix the remuneration of the Auditor.   For --> o   Withhold --> o

3. Exchange of Options

Resolution in the form of Schedule A to the accompanying Management Information Circular authorizing the exchange for cash payments of certain options issued to employees, other than certain employees and the directors, pursuant to the Corporation's Long-Term Incentive Plan, and also authorizing certain amendments to the Long-Term Incentive Plan which are conditional on the option exchange. Management recommends a vote FOR this resolution. Please read the resolution in full in the accompanying Management Information Circular [or at www.celestica.com].   For --> o   Against --> o

Authorized Signature(s) — Sign Here — This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed.

I/We authorize you to act in accordance with my/our instructions set out above. I/We hereby revoke any proxy previously given with respect to the Meeting. If no voting instructions are indicated above, this Proxy will be voted as recommended by management.

Signature(s)    
     

 
    Date
 
Financial Statements Request   Interim Financial Reports
         
In accordance with securities regulations, shareholders may elect annually to receive financial statements, if they so request. If you wish to receive such mailings, please mark your selection.   o   Mark this box if you would like to receive interim financial reports by mail. You may also register online to receive financial statements at www.computershare.com/ca/mailinglist

If you do not mark the box, or do not return this PROXY or register online, then it will be assumed you do NOT want to receive interim financial statements.




Exhibit 99.3

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

9th Floor, 100 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
www.computershare.com
 
 
 
    Security Class        Subordinate Voting Shares
     
    Holder Account Number
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fold    


Form of Proxy — Annual and Special Meeting to be held on April 21, 2005


Notes to Proxy

1.
You have the right to appoint some other person of your choice, who need not be a shareholder, to attend and act on your behalf at the meeting. If you wish to appoint a person other than the persons whose names are printed herein, please insert the name of your chosen proxyholder in the space provided (see reverse).

2.
If the securities represented by this form of proxy are registered in the name of more than one owner (for example, joint ownership, trustees, executors, etc.), then all those registered owners should sign this proxy. If you are voting on behalf of a corporation or another individual you may be required to provide documentation evidencing your power to sign this proxy with signing capacity stated.

3.
This proxy should be signed in the exact manner as the name appears on the proxy.

4.
If this proxy is not dated, it will be deemed to bear the date on which it was mailed by Management to you.

5.
The securities represented by this proxy will be voted or withheld from voting as you direct, however, if you do not direct your vote in respect of any matter, this proxy will be voted as recommended by Management.

VOTE USING THE TELEPHONE OR INTERNET 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS AWEEK!

Fold    

Voting by mail may be the only method for holdings held in the name of a corporation or holdings being voted on behalf of another individual.

Voting by mail or by Internet, are the only methods by which a holder may appoint a person as proxyholder other than the Management nominees named on the reverse of this proxy. Instead of mailing this proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined below to vote this proxy. Please have this proxy in hand when you call or access the internet.

To Receive Documents Electronically — You can enrol to receive future securityholder communications electronically after you vote using the Internet. If you don't vote online, you can still enrol for this service. Follow the instructions below.

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC




Call the toll free number listed BELOW
from a touch tone telephone.
There is NO CHARGE for this call.

Proxy Instructions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005.
 

Go to the following web site:

Proxy Instructions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005.
  You can enrol to receive future securityholder communications electronically, after you vote using the Internet. If you don't vote online, you can still enrol by visiting www.computershare.com — click "Investors" and then "Electronic Shareholder Communications".

To vote by telephone or the Internet, you will need to provide your CONTROL NUMBER, HOLDER ACCOUNT NUMBER and ACCESS NUMBER listed below.

If you vote by telephone or the Internet, DO NOT mail back this proxy.
Proxies submitted must be received by 5:00 p.m., Toronto Time, on April 20, 2005



This Form of Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of Management.


Appointment of Proxyholder

I/We being holder(s) of Celestica Inc. hereby appoint: Robert L. Crandall, or failing him Stephen W. Delaney   OR   Print the name of the person you are appointing if this person is someone other than Robert L. Crandall or Stephen W. Delaney.    
           

as my/our proxyholder with full power of substitution and to vote in accordance with the following direction (or, if no directions have been given, as the proxyholder sees fit) and all other matters that may properly come before the Annual and Special Meeting of Celestica Inc. to be held in Ballroom A of the Hotel Intercontinental, 225 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario on April 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) and at any adjournment thereof.

1. Election of Directors

 
   
  For
  Withhold
   
   
  For
  Withhold
01. Robert L. Crandall   -->   o   o   05. Gerald W. Schwartz   -->   o   o
02. William Etherington   -->   o   o   06. Charles W. Szuluk   -->   o   o
03. Richard S. Love   -->   o   o   07. Don Tapscott   -->   o   o
04. Anthony R. Melman   -->   o   o                

2. Appointment of Auditors

Appointment of KPMG LLP as Auditor and authorization of the Board of Directors of Celestica Inc. to fix the remuneration of the Auditor.   For --> o   Withhold --> o

3. Exchange of Options

Resolution in the form of Schedule A to the accompanying Management Information Circular authorizing the exchange for cash payments of certain options issued to employees, other than certain employees and the directors, pursuant to the Corporation's Long-Term Incentive Plan, and also authorizing certain amendments to the Long-Term Incentive Plan which are conditional on the option exchange. Management recommends a vote FOR this resolution. Please read the resolution in full in the accompanying Management Information Circular [or at www.celestica.com].   For --> o   Against --> o

Authorized Signature(s) — Sign Here — This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed.

I/We authorize you to act in accordance with my/our instructions set out above. I/We hereby revoke any proxy previously given with respect to the Meeting. If no voting instructions are indicated above, this Proxy will be voted as recommended by management.

Signature(s)    
     

 
    Date
 
Financial Statements Request   Interim Financial Reports
         
In accordance with securities regulations, shareholders may elect annually to receive financial statements, if they so request. If you wish to receive such mailings, please mark your selection.   o   Mark this box if you would like to receive interim financial reports by mail. You may also register online to receive financial statements at www.computershare.com/ca/mailinglist

If you do not mark the box, or do not return this PROXY or register online, then it will be assumed you do NOT want to receive interim financial statements.




QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.4

         GRAPHIC


Chief Executive Officer's

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

[PHOTO]

Dear Shareholder,

        When I took over the CEO position at the beginning of 2004, my first priorities were to assess the state of Celestica's business, relative to the challenges and opportunities in today's highly competitive and constantly evolving electronics manufacturing services (EMS) marketplace.

        Celestica has struggled over the past three years as revenues from its key end markets have been slow to recover and capacity in higher-cost geographies remained underutilized. These conditions have caused significant pressure on operating margins and overall returns.

        To address these conditions, we implemented a capacity reduction program at the start of the year that would help to address our operating results in the near term. Concurrently, we conducted a more thorough review of our operations to ensure we had the appropriate structure for sustainable levels of profitability and the right capabilities to meet the needs of our customers.

        We were encouraged in the first half of 2004 as the economic environment improved, driving better demand in our key end markets of communications and information technology. Our diversification efforts were also producing solid results in the form of new customers and new end markets, and operating margins had started to recover. Overall, we saw positive momentum in our total business.

        However, end-market demand moderated in the second half of the year. Though margins continued to improve throughout 2004, volumes in the second half were lower than we had previously expected, and it became apparent that we were not seeing the recovery needed — particularly in higher-cost geographies — to sustain the current manufacturing footprint. As a result, we decided to implement a more aggressive restructuring program that would significantly reduce excess capacity and remove the remaining barriers that were preventing the company from driving positive returns even in a moderate growth environment.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

        Overall, we produced solid revenue growth in 2004, up 31% to $8.8 billion compared to $6.7 billion in 2003. Revenue grew in all regions, with Asia up 44%, Americas up 22% and Europe up 30%. Of this growth, 17% was organic, representing a recovery in our key communications and information technology end markets and our success in winning new customers and new programs.

        The remaining 14% growth came from our acquisitions, most notably Manufacturers' Services Limited, a full service global electronics manufacturing and supply chain services company. This provided us an excellent platform for further growth in our diversified markets, which grew by 152% from 2003.


        GAAP net loss in 2004 was ($854) million or ($3.85) per share compared to a net loss of ($267) million or ($1.23) per share last year. Our results in 2004 were impacted by impairment, restructuring and other charges totaling $912.6 million. The fundamental driver behind these charges was the slow recovery of volumes in our higher-cost geographies in the Americas and Europe.

        The expectation of slower growth in these regions, which drove our decision to implement further restructuring, also adversely impacted the assessment of the carrying value of goodwill, long-lived assets and deferred income tax assets in those regions. The charges also included $161 million related to increasing our reserves for uncollectible receivables and an inventory write-down for a specific customer who, after very strong and rapid growth in 2003 and early 2004, saw significant deterioration of its financial condition at the end of the year.

        All the charges in 2004 are significant, disappointing and unacceptable. You can be assured that our efforts are directed towards effectively completing our restructuring, and growing revenue and profitability through a very competitive EMS offering and avoiding these types of disappointments in the future.

POSITIVE TRENDS IN 2004

        On an operating basis, we were pleased with the steady progress we made in several areas.

        Adjusted net earnings for the year were $96 million or $0.43 per share compared to an adjusted net loss of ($24) million or ($0.11) per share for the same period in 2003.

        Gross margins improved every quarter in 2004. These improvements came as a result of improved utilization throughout the business due to restructuring activities and organic revenue growth.

        In addition, margins were further improved as a result of greater efficiency in our operations as we increased our Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma deployments around the company, resulting in significant cost benefits to us and our customers. Our accomplishments in this area resulted in our Monterrey, Mexico facility winning the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. This is the premier award for Lean manufacturing success in North America and we are proud that our Celestica Monterrey facility is the first EMS factory to have ever received the award.

        Finally, we refocused the company's energy on our core EMS operations and exited non-core operations that were unproductively consuming our organization's time and negatively impacting our results. This included exiting our 64-bit reference design and related channel activity and divesting our Power Systems operations.

        On top of these financial and operational improvements, we also saw the positive trends in customer satisfaction, resulting in many customer recognition awards for Celestica's service and accomplishments in 2004.

OUTLOOK

        In 2005, our focus will be similar to that of 2004.

        Our top priorities will be to align our capacity and capabilities in order to improve our returns while ensuring we can effectively support our customers' requirements.

        We will also continue to focus on our revenue diversification efforts, particularly in areas outside our strong positions in communications and information technology infrastructure, such as aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer and industrial.

        While we look to expand into other complementary end markets, we will also be focused on continuing to grow our services business, particularly in the areas of design capability, logistics, order fulfillment, after-market services and Green Services. All of these areas represent growing opportunities for outsourcing, where the market is under-penetrated and customers are looking for solutions from their EMS providers that cover the entire spectrum of their product supply chain. Meeting the growing demand for these services will be a key focus for us in 2005.


        The final area on which we will remain very focused in 2005 and beyond is the global implementation of our Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing culture. We believe we are an EMS industry leader in this area and that there is tremendous opportunity to reduce waste and enhance efficiency in our operations and those of our customers.

        We expect that by continuing to show success in all these areas in 2005, we will be able to drive more consistent and better returns while continuing to enhance customer satisfaction through superior execution and customer care.

        To further address lagging profitability in both our NorthAmerican and European operations, we announced a $225-$275 million restructuring program primarily targeted to the higher-cost geographies. This initiative will take approximately 15 months to complete and should take our capacity utilization to approximately 70%, up from 60% at the end of 2004. Upon completion, we believe our manufacturing network will be a leader in competitiveness, with approximately 80% of our EMS manufacturing capacity located in lower-cost regions. At this level, we fully expect the company will be in a position to earn more than its cost of capital on a consistent basis while still providing customers with the flexibility for upside growth.

        We made very good progress in key operational areas in 2004. Our objective is to move aggressively beyond any lingering structural issues from the past and ensure the company is positioned to capitalize on the outsourcing trend and compete effectively in the future.

        While this has been a challenging time for our employees, their passion for improving the company has been impressive. I thank them for their energy and the commitment they have displayed during this period of recovery. It is very encouraging to all of us that we believe there is more improvement to be gained in the coming years and I know I can count on our team to be intensely focused on delivering further improvements in 2005.

/s/ STEPHEN W. DELANEY

Stephen W. Delaney

Chief Executive Officer

CUSTOMER RECOGNITION IN 2004

Adtran V3 Award


Andrew Corporation Most Responsive Supplier Award


Cisco Excellence in B2B Collaboration in the EMS Industry


Cisco Excellence in Supplier Account Team Service


Crossroads Supplier Excellence Award


Foundry Networks Quality Excellence Award


Hitachi Global Storage Technology, Number One EMS Supplier


Matrox Supplier Award


Olympus Gold Business Partner Award


Powerwave Supplier of the Year Award


Raytheon Missile Systems Accelerator Excellence Award


SanDisk Corporation Outstanding Performance Award


Sun Microsystems PCA Best in Class Award


Sun Microsystems Systems for Integration Meritorious Award


QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue
(U.S. $ Billions)
  Operating Margins
(EBIAT)(1)
(Percentage of revenue)
  Adjusted Earnings
Per Share(3)
(U.S.$Diluted)

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GRAPHIC

 

GRAPHIC
 


GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTATION

2002 Revenue: $8.3 Billion
% of Total Sales
  2004 Revenue: $8.8 Billion
% of Total Sales

GRAPHIC

 

GRAPHIC
 


END MARKET SEGMENTATION

2002 Revenue: $8.3 Billion
% of Total Sales
  2004 Revenue: $8.8 Billion
% of Total Sales

GRAPHIC

 

GRAPHIC
 
 

(1),(3)    Defined on Financial Highlights page.



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS*
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Operations                                            
Revenue   $ 8,839.8   $ 6,735.3   $ 8,271.6   $ 10,004.4   $ 9,752.1   $ 5,297.2   $ 3,249.2  
Gross profit %     4.6 %   3.9 %   6.7 %   7.1 %   7.1 %   7.2 %   7.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses %     3.8 %   4.1 %   3.6 %   3.4 %   3.3 %   3.8 %   4.0 %
EBIAT(1)   $ 145.1   $ (13.7 ) $ 256.6   $ 370.6   $ 361.8   $ 180.3   $ 100.0  
EBIAT %(1)     1.6 %   -0.2 %   3.1 %   3.7 %   3.7 %   3.4 %   3.1 %
Effective tax rate %     -41.9 %   -14.4 %   17.8 %   19.0 %   24.4 %   34.5 %   4.1 %
GAAP net earnings (loss)   $ (854.1 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (455.4 ) $ (55.9 ) $ 200.8   $ 68.4   $ (48.5 )
GAAP earnings (loss) per share — diluted(2)   $ (3.85 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (1.98 ) $ (0.26 ) $ 0.98   $ 0.40   $ (0.47 )
Adjusted net earnings (loss)(3)   $ 95.8   $ (24.0 ) $ 203.9   $ 304.7   $ 298.2   $ 123.0   $ 45.3  
Adjusted net earnings (loss)%(3)     1.1 %   -0.4 %   2.5 %   3.0 %   3.1 %   2.3 %   1.4 %
Adjusted net earnings (loss) per share — diluted(2)(3)   $ 0.43   $ (0.11 ) $ 0.86   $ 1.37   $ 1.44   $ 0.72   $ 0.42  

Balance sheet data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cash   $ 968.8   $ 1,028.8   $ 1,851.0   $ 1,342.8   $ 883.8   $ 371.5   $ 31.7  
Total current assets   $ 3,273.3   $ 3,030.1   $ 3,564.5   $ 3,996.6   $ 4,521.0   $ 1,851.3   $ 982.9  
Total current liabilities     1,815.0   $ 1,516.5   $ 1,471.3   $ 1,656.8   $ 2,258.4   $ 851.1   $ 626.7  
Working capital, net of cash(4)   $ 491.7   $ 317.9   $ 138.9   $ 822.8   $ 1,253.3   $ 604.9   $ 290.5  
Long-term debt(6)   $ 627.5   $ 213.9   $ 269.0   $ 416.8   $ 375.1   $ 134.2   $ 135.8  
Shareholders' equity   $ 2,488.8   $ 3,255.9   $ 3,941.7   $ 4,478.0   $ 3,229.1   $ 1,658.2   $ 859.3  

Key ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Days sales outstanding     39     38     44     53     44     39     43  
Inventory turns     7x     7x     7x     6x     7x     8x     8x  
Cash cycle days     18     7     18     49     35     27     24  
ROIC(5)     8.6 %   -1.0 %   14.5 %   14.8 %   21.6 %   21.7 %   20.4 %
Debt to capital(6)     26.9 %   17.5 %   19.3 %   21.1 %   27.6 %   7.5 %   13.6 %

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Basic (in millions)     222.1     216.5     229.8     213.9     199.8     167.2     103.0  
Diluted (in millions)(2)     222.1     216.5     229.8     213.9     211.8     171.2     103.0  
Total shares outstanding at December 31 (in millions)     225.0     208.9     228.6     229.7     203.4     185.4     149.1  

EBIAT calculation(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
GAAP net earnings (loss)   $ (854.1 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (455.4 ) $ (55.9 ) $ 200.8   $ 68.4   $ (48.5 )
Add (deduct): interest expense (income) and accretion on convertible debt     37.3     19.4     27.6     18.7     (8.7 )   10.7     32.3  
Add: amortization of goodwill and intangible assets     34.6     48.5     95.9     125.0     88.9     55.6     45.4  
Add: integration costs related to acquisitions     3.1         21.1     22.8     16.1     9.6     8.1  
Add: other charges     664.4     151.6     665.7     273.1             64.7  
Add: option expense     7.6                          
Tax impact of above and tax write-off     252.2     33.5     (98.3 )   (13.1 )   64.7     36.0     (2.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBIAT   $ 145.1   $ (13.7 ) $ 256.6   $ 370.6   $ 361.8   $ 180.3   $ 100.0  

Adjusted net earnings calculation(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
GAAP net earnings (loss)   $ (854.1 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (455.4 ) $ (55.9 ) $ 200.8   $ 68.4   $ (48.5 )
Add: amortization of goodwill and intangible assets     34.6     48.5     95.9     125.0     88.9     55.6     45.4  
Add: integration costs related to acquisitions     3.1         21.1     22.8     16.1     9.6     8.1  
Add: other charges     664.4     151.6     665.7     273.1             64.7  
Add: option expense     7.6     0.3                      
Tax impact of above and tax write-off     240.2     42.3     (123.4 )   (60.3 )   (7.6 )   (10.6 )   (24.4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net earnings (loss)   $ 95.8   $ (24.0 ) $ 203.9   $ 304.7   $ 298.2   $ 123.0   $ 45.3  

(1)
The company manages its operations on a geographic basis and uses EBIAT as its measure to assess operating performance by geographic segment. EBIAT is calculated as net earnings (loss) before interest and accretion on convertible debt, amortization of goodwill and intangible assets, integration costs related to acquisitions, other charges (most significantly restructuring costs and the write-down of goodwill and long-lived assets) non-cash option expense and income taxes. Management believes that EBIAT is the appropriate measure to compare each segment's operating performance from period-to-period and against other segments. Because EBIAT isolates operating activities before interest and taxes, management also believes that investors might consider EBIAT a useful measure to compare the Company's operating performance from period-to-period. EBIAT does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. EBIAT is not a measure of performance under Canadian or U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings (loss) prepared in accordance with Canadian or U.S. GAAP. The company has provided a reconciliation of EBIAT to GAAP net earnings (loss) above.

(2)
Shares outstanding and per share amounts have been restated for 1998, 1999 and 2000 to reflect the treasury stock method, retroactively applied, and for 1998 to reflect the two-for-one stock split, retroactively applied. For purposes of calculating diluted adjusted net earnings (loss) per share for 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, the weighted average number of shares outstanding, in millions, was 232.9, 236.2, 216.5 and 223.7 respectively.

(3)
Management uses adjusted net earnings as a measure of enterprise-wide performance. As a result of acquisitions made by the company, restructuring activities, securities repurchases and the adoption of fair-value accounting for stock options, management believes adjusted net earnings is a useful measure that facilitates period-to-period operating comparisons and allows the company to compare its operating results with its competitors in the U.S. and Asia. Adjusted net earnings excludes the effects of acquisition-related charges (most significantly, amortization of goodwill and intangible assets, and integration costs related to acquisitions), other charges (most significantly, restructuring costs and the write-down of goodwill and long-lived assets), gains or losses on the repurchase of shares or debt, non-cash option expenses and the related income tax effect of these adjustments and any significant deferred tax write-offs. Adjusted net earnings does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Adjusted net earnings is not a measure of performance under Canadian or U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings (loss) prepared in accordance with Canadian or U.S. GAAP. The company has provided a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings (loss) to GAAP net earnings (loss) above.

(4)
Working capital, net of cash, is calculated as accounts receivable and inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

(5)
ROIC is calculated as EBIAT/average net invested capital. Net invested capital includes tangible assets less cash, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable.

(6)
Calculated as debt/capital. Debt is composed of long-term debt which includes principal component of convertible debt. Capital includes total shareholders' equity, long-term debt and convertible debt.

*
In 2004, the company adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3110 relating to asset retirement obligations and the revised CICA Handbook Section 3860 relating to convertible debt. The standards are effective on a retroactive basis and the company has restated its prior periods. See additional details in note 2(r) to the consolidated financial statements.

GRAPHIC

 
 

        Celestica is a world leader in the delivery of innovative electronics manufacturing services (EMS). Celestica operates a highly sophisticated global manufacturing network with operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, providing a broad range of integrated services and solutions to leading OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). A recognized leader in quality, technology and supply chain management, Celestica provides competitive advantage to its customers by improving time-to-market, scalability and manufacturing efficiency. For further information on Celestica, visit its Web site at www.celestica.com. The company's securities law filings can also be accessed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov.

 
 

1150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M3C 1H7

www.celestica.com




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Chief Executive Officer's
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTATION
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS* (in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

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Exhibit 99.5

        UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 20-F

o    Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
ý    Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
or
o    Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number: 1-14832


CELESTICA INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ontario, Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1H7
(Address of registrant's principal executive offices)


SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Subordinate Voting Shares
(Title of Class)
  The Toronto Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange
(Name of each Exchange on which Registered)

Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020
(Title of Class)

 

The New York Stock Exchange
(Name of each Exchange on which Registered)

SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

N/A


SECURITIES FOR WHICH THERE IS A REPORTING OBLIGATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT:

N/A


        Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

             185,913,462 Subordinate Voting Shares       0     Preference Shares
              39,065,950 Multiple Voting Shares    

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ý    No  o

        Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17  o    Item 18  ý





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
PART I   1
  Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers   1
  Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable   1
  Item 3. Key Information   1
      A.      Selected Financial Data   1
      B.      Capitalization and Indebtedness   6
      C.      Reasons for Offer and Use of Proceeds   6
      D.     Risk Factors   6
  Item 4. Information on the Company   15
      A.      History and Development of the Company   15
      B.      Business Overview   16
      C.      Organizational Structure   25
      D.     Description of Property   25
  Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects   26
      A.      Operating Results   33
      B.      Liquidity and Capital Resources   41
      C.      Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.   47
      D.     Trend Information   47
  Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees   47
      A.      Directors and Senior Management   47
      B.      Compensation   51
      C.      Board Practices   63
      D.     Employees   64
      E.      Share Ownership   65
  Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions   68
      A.      Major Shareholders   68
      B.      Related Party Transactions   70
      C.      Interests of Experts and Counsel   71
  Item 8. Financial Information   71
      A.      Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information   71
      B.      Significant Changes   71
  Item 9. The Offer and Listing   71
      A.      Offer and Listing Details   71
      B.      Plan of Distribution   73
      C.      Markets   73
      D.     Selling Shareholders   73
      E.      Dilution   73
      F.       Expense of the Issue   74
     

i


  Item 10. Additional Information   74
      A.      Share Capital   74
      B.      Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation   74
      C.      Material Contracts   76
      D.     Exchange Controls   76
      E.      Taxation   77
      F.       Dividends and Paying Agents   82
      G.     Statement by Experts   82
      H.     Documents on Display   82
      I.       Subsidiary Information   82
  Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   82
  Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities   84
PART II   84
  Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies   84
  Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds   84
  Item 15. Controls and Procedures   84
  Item 16. [Reserved]   84
  Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert   84
  Item 16B. Code of Ethics   84
  Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Service   84
  Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees   85
  Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers   85
PART III   85
  Item 17. Financial Statements   85
  Item 18. Financial Statements   85
  Item 19. Exhibits   86

ii



PART I

        In this Annual Report, "Celestica," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Celestica Inc. and its subsidiaries.

        In this Annual Report, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, except where we state otherwise. All references to "U.S.$" or "$" are to U.S. dollars and all references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars. Unless we indicate otherwise, any reference in this Annual Report to a conversion between U.S.$ and C$ is a conversion at the average of the exchange rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2004. During that period, based on the relevant noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the average daily exchange rate was U.S.$1.00 = C$1.3017.

        Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this Annual Report is stated as of February 21, 2005, the date as of which we prepared information for our annual report to shareholders and management information circular and proxy statement.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Item 4, "Information on the Company," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 5 and other sections of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the U.S. Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the U.S. Exchange Act, including (without limitation) statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Celestica preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

        Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Item 3, "Key Information — Risk Factors," and elsewhere in this Annual Report, could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements: variability of operating results among periods; inability to retain or grow our business due to execution problems resulting from significant headcount reductions, plant closures and product transfer associated with major restructuring activities; the effects of price competition and other business and competitive factors generally affecting the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry; the challenges of effectively managing our operations during uncertain economic conditions; our dependence on a limited number of customers; our dependence on industries affected by rapid technological change; the challenge of responding to lower-than-expected customer demand; our ability to successfully manage our international operations; component constraints; and our ability to manage our restructuring and the shift of production to lower-cost geographies.

        Except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should read this Annual Report and the documents, if any, that we incorporate by reference with the understanding that the actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We may not update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

        Not applicable.

Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

        Not applicable.

Item 3.    Key Information

A.    Selected Financial Data

        You should read the following selected financial data together with Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects," the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18, and the other information in this



Annual Report. The selected financial data is derived from the consolidated financial statements for the years we present.

        The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. These principles conform in all material respects with U.S. GAAP except as described in note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. For all the years presented, the selected financial data is prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP unless otherwise indicated.

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2000(1)
  2001(1)
  2002(1)
  2003(1)
  2004(1)
 
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) Data (Canadian GAAP):                                
Revenue   $ 9,752.1   $ 10,004.4   $ 8,271.6   $ 6,735.3   $ 8,839.8  
Cost of sales     9,064.2     9,292.4     7,716.5     6,475.2     8,431.9  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit     687.9     712.0     555.1     260.1     407.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2)     326.1     341.4     298.5     273.8     331.6  
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets(3)     88.9     125.0     95.9     48.5     34.6  
Integration costs related to acquisitions(4)     16.1     22.8     21.1         3.1  
Other charges(5)         273.1     665.7     151.6     603.2  
Accretion of convertible debt     10.3     26.6     28.7     23.4     17.6  
Interest expense (income), net(6)     (19.0 )   (7.9 )   (1.1 )   (4.0 )   19.7  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes     265.5     (69.0 )   (553.7 )   (233.2 )   (601.9 )
Income tax expense (recovery)(7)     64.7     (13.1 )   (98.3 )   33.5     252.2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 200.8   $ (55.9 ) $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ 1.01   $ (0.26 ) $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(8)   $ 0.98   $ (0.26 ) $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
Capital expenditures   $ 282.8   $ 199.3   $ 151.4   $ 175.9   $ 142.2  

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) Data (U.S. GAAP)(9):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 197.4   $ (51.3 ) $ (494.9 ) $ (269.2 ) $ (867.5 )
 
  As at December 31
 
  2000(1)
  2001(1)
  2002(1)
  2003(1)
  2004(1)
 
  (in millions)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (Canadian GAAP):                              
Cash and short-term investments   $ 883.8   $ 1,342.8   $ 1,851.0   $ 1,028.8   $ 968.8
Working capital(10)   $ 2,262.6   $ 2,339.8   $ 2,093.2   $ 1,513.6   $ 1,458.3
Capital assets   $ 634.0   $ 917.1   $ 730.2   $ 681.4   $ 569.3
Total assets   $ 5,941.9   $ 6,637.9   $ 5,811.4   $ 5,137.4   $ 4,939.8
Total long-term debt, including current portion(11)   $ 375.1   $ 416.8   $ 269.0   $ 213.9   $ 627.5
Shareholders' equity   $ 3,229.1   $ 4,478.0   $ 3,941.7   $ 3,255.9   $ 2,488.8
                               

2



Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (U.S. GAAP)(9):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Total assets   $ 5,939.3   $ 6,643.3   $ 5,805.6   $ 5,182.2   $ 4,988.7
Total long-term debt, including current portion   $ 1,005.1   $ 1,046.8   $ 831.7   $ 626.4   $ 846.1
Shareholders' equity   $ 2,605.4   $ 3,841.1   $ 3,344.4   $ 2,844.4   $ 2,257.6

(1)
Changes in accounting policies:

(i)
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3063, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," and the revised Section 3475, "Disposal of Long-Lived Assets and Discontinued Operations," which are consistent with U.S. GAAP. These sections establish standards for recognizing, measuring and disclosing impairment for long-lived assets held-for-use, and for measuring and separately classifying assets available-for-sale. Previously, long-lived assets were written down to net recoverable value if the undiscounted future cash flows were less than net book value. Under the new standards, assets must be classified as either held-for-use or available-for-sale. Impairment losses for assets held-for-use are measured based on fair value, which is measured by discounted cash flows. Available-for-sale assets are measured based on expected proceeds less direct costs to sell.

(ii)
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the CICA Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) Abstracts EIC-134, "Accounting for Severance and Termination Benefits," and EIC-135, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities," which establish standards for recognizing, measuring and disclosing costs relating to an exit or disposal activity. These standards are similar to U.S. GAAP. We have applied these standards to restructuring plans initiated after January 1, 2003. These EICs allow recognition of a liability for an exit or disposal activity only when the costs are incurred and can be measured at fair value. Previously, a commitment to an exit or disposal plan was sufficient to record the majority of costs.

(iii)
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the revised CICA Handbook Series 3870, "Stock-Based Compensation," which requires that a fair-value method of accounting be applied to all stock-based compensation payments to both employees and non-employees. In accordance with the transitional provisions of Section 3870, we have prospectively applied the fair-value method of accounting for stock option awards granted after January 1, 2003 and, accordingly, have recorded compensation expense of $7.6 million in 2004 ($0.3 million in 2003). Prior to January 1, 2003, we accounted for our stock options using the settlement method and no compensation expense was recognized.

(iv)
Effective January 1, 2004, we retroactively adopted the new CICA Handbook Section 3110, which requires the recognition of liabilities for asset retirement obligations and the associated retirement costs, and have retroactively restated our results of operations for all prior periods. The impact to our cost of sales and net earnings (loss) for Canadian GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $0.9 million (2003 — $0.9 million; 2002 — $0.7 million; 2001 — $0.5 million; 2000 — $0.1 million). See note 2(r)(i) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

(v)
Effective December 31, 2004, we adopted the amendment to CICA Handbook Section 3860, "Financial Instruments — Presentation and Disclosure." The revised standard requires obligations of a fixed amount that may be settled, at the issuer's option, by a variable number of the issuer's own equity instruments to be presented as liabilities. Any securities issued by an enterprise that give the issuer unrestricted rights to settle the principal amount in cash or the equivalent value of its own equity instruments will no longer be presented as equity. The standard is effective on a retroactive basis with restatement of prior periods. As a result of adopting this standard, we reclassified the principal component of our Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020 (LYONs) as a debt instrument and recorded all accretion charges, amortization of deferred financing costs, gains and losses on repurchases relating to the principal component and related tax effects as charges to operations. The option component of the LYONs continues to be accounted for as an equity instrument.

 
  As at December 31
 
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
  (in millions)

(a) Reclassified from equity to debt   $ 243.1   $ 269.4   $ 262.1   $ 210.5   $ 124.1
(b) Reclassified deferred financing costs from equity to other assets   $ 5.2   $ 4.9   $ 4.1   $ 2.8   $ 1.3
(c) Reduced deferred income tax assets and equity   $ 1.9   $ 1.9   $ 1.9   $ 1.9   $ 1.9
 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
(d) Recorded accretion charges and amortization of deferred financing costs, net of tax   $ 5.8   $ 15.6   $ 17.8   $ 16.1   $ 12.0  
(e) Reclassified gain on repurchases of LYONs and related tax from equity to other charges and tax expense, net of tax           $ (8.3 ) $ (16.1 ) $ (22.0 )

3


    The consolidated statements of earnings (loss) data for:

    2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 include the results of IBM Corporation's operations in Minnesota and Italy acquired in February and May 2000, respectively, NDB Industrial Ltda. acquired in June 2000, Bull Electronics Inc. acquired in August 2000, and NEC Technologies (UK) Ltd. acquired in November 2000;

    2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 include the results of operations of Excel Electronics, Inc. acquired in January 2001, certain assets of Motorola Inc. in Ireland and Iowa acquired in February 2001, certain assets of a repair facility of N.K. Techno Co., Ltd. in Japan acquired in March 2001, certain assets of Avaya Inc. in Arkansas and Colorado acquired in May 2001, Sagem CR s.r.o. acquired in June 2001, certain assets of Avaya Inc. in France acquired in August 2001, certain assets of Lucent Technologies Inc. in Ohio and Oklahoma acquired in August 2001, Primetech Electronics Inc. acquired in August 2001, and Omni Industries Limited acquired in October 2001;

    2002, 2003 and 2004 include the results of operations of certain assets of NEC Corporation in Miyagi and Yamanashi, Japan acquired in March 2002, and certain assets of Corvis Corporation in the United States acquired in August 2002; and

    2004 includes the results of operations of MSL acquired in March 2004 and certain assets of NEC Corporation in the Philippines acquired in April 2004.

(2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses include research and development costs.

(3)
The CICA Handbook Sections 1581, "Business Combinations," and 3062, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," mandate the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and require that the value of the shares issued in a business combination be measured using the average share price for a reasonable period before and after the date in which the terms of the acquisition are agreed to and announced. These standards are substantially consistent with U.S. GAAP.

    Effective July 1, 2001, goodwill acquired in business combinations completed after June 30, 2001 has not been amortized and, effective January 1, 2002, we discontinued amortizing all goodwill. We also evaluated existing intangible assets, including estimates of remaining useful lives, and have reclassified $9.1 million from intellectual property to goodwill, as of January 1, 2002, to conform with the standards.

    Section 3062 required the completion of a transitional goodwill impairment evaluation within six months of adoption. We completed the transitional goodwill impairment assessment during the second quarter of 2002, and determined that no impairment existed as of the date of adoption.

    Effective January 1, 2002, we had unamortized goodwill of $1,137.9 million which was no longer being amortized. This change in accounting policy was not applied retroactively and the amounts presented for prior periods have not been restated for this change. The following table shows the impact of this change as if the policy had been applied retroactively to 2000 and 2001:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2000
  2001
 
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

 
Net loss:              
As reported   $ 200.8   $ (55.9 )
Add back: goodwill amortization     39.1     39.2  
   
 
 
Net loss before goodwill amortization   $ 239.9   $ (16.7 )
   
 
 

Basic loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As reported   $ 1.01   $ (0.26 )
Before goodwill amortization   $ 1.20   $ (0.08 )

Diluted loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As reported   $ 0.98   $ (0.26 )
Before goodwill amortization   $ 1.16   $ (0.08 )
(4)
These costs include costs to implement new information systems and processes, including salary and other costs directly related to the integration activities in newly acquired facilities.

(5)
In 2001, Other charges totaled $273.1 million, comprised of: (a) a $237.0 million restructuring charge; and (b) a non-cash charge of $36.1 million relating to the annual impairment assessment of long-lived assets, comprised primarily of a write-down of goodwill, intangible assets and certain long-term equity investments.

    In 2002, Other charges totaled $665.7 million, comprised primarily of: (a) a $385.4 million restructuring charge; (b) a non-cash write-down of $203.7 million relating to the annual goodwill impairment assessment; (c) a non-cash write-down of $81.7 million relating to the annual impairment assessment of long-lived assets, primarily intangible and capital assets; and (d) a $9.6 million charge for the premium paid and related deferred financing costs on the redemption of our 2006 Senior Subordinated Notes; offset, in part, by (e) a $12.1 million gain on repurchase of LYONs.

4


    In 2003, Other charges totaled $151.6 million, comprised primarily of: (a) a $94.9 million restructuring charge; and (b) a non-cash write-down of $82.8 million relating to the annual impairment assessment of long-lived assets, primarily intangible and capital assets; offset, in part, by (c) a $23.8 million gain on repurchase of LYONs.

    In 2004, Other charges totaled $603.2 million, comprised primarily of: (a) a $153.7 million restructuring charge; (b) a non-cash write-down of $288.0 million relating to the annual goodwill impairment assessment; (c) a non-cash write-down of $99.3 million relating to the annual impairment assessment of long-lived assets, primarily intangible and capital assets; and (d) a $116.8 million non-cash write-down of receivables for a specific customer risk; offset, in part, by (e) a $32.9 million gain on repurchase of LYONs.

    In the normal course of operations, we adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts for specific customer risks and credit factors. One of our customers experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition. Although the customer is attempting to recapitalize, there are no assurances that it will be successful. As a result, we have determined that an additional provision was required to reflect estimated recoverable amounts for accounts and notes receivable, inventory and non-cancelable purchase orders. In determining the incremental charges of $116.8 million and $44.6 million recorded in the fourth quarter and included in Other charges and Cost of sales, respectively, management assessed a variety of outcomes and determined the best estimate of the net recoverable amount to be $20.8 million. If the financial condition affecting that customer or our estimates of the customer's cash flows change in future reporting periods, there could be further impairment or a recovery of amounts previously written down.

(6)
Interest expense (income), net is comprised of interest expense incurred on indebtedness and debt facilities, less interest income earned on cash and short-term investments.

(7)
The income tax expense for 2004 includes a charge of $248.2 million relating to a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets. During the fourth quarter of 2004, in the course of finalizing our 2005 business plan, we identified significant developments, discussed in Other charges above, which we considered in determining our valuation allowance. Reduced future expected profits and the cost of restructuring actions and planned program transfers negatively impacted previous estimates of taxable income, particularly in the United States and Europe. We determined the more likely than not criteria was no longer met and accordingly increased the valuation allowance.

(8)
In 2001, we retroactively adopted CICA Handbook Section 3500, "Earnings per Share," which requires the retroactive use of the treasury stock method for calculating diluted earnings per share. This standard is consistent with U.S. GAAP.

    For purposes of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations, the weighted average number of shares outstanding were:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
  (in millions)

Basic   199.8   213.9   229.8   216.5   222.1
Diluted   211.8   213.9   229.8   216.5   222.1
(9)
The significant differences between the line items under Canadian GAAP and those as determined under U.S. GAAP arise primarily from:

For 2000: non-cash charges for compensation expense, interest on the convertible debt we issued in August 2000 and classification of the convertible debt as a long-term liability rather than as a bifurcated instrument;

For 2001: non-cash charges for compensation expense, interest on convertible debt classified as a long-term liability rather than as a bifurcated instrument, impairment charges to write-down certain assets and gain on a foreign exchange contract;

For 2002: non-cash charges for compensation expense, interest on convertible debt classified as a long-term liability rather than as a bifurcated instrument, impairment charges to write-down certain assets and gain on repurchase of convertible debt;

For 2003 and 2004: interest and deferred taxes on convertible debt classified as a long-term liability rather than as a bifurcated instrument, impairment on certain long-lived assets, gain (loss) on repurchase of convertible debt, and the adoption of fair-value accounting for stock compensation expense for Canadian GAAP only; and

For 2003: net loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP is after the cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy.

(10)
Calculated as current assets less current liabilities.

(11)
Long-term debt includes capital lease obligations and the principal component of convertible debt instruments. For convertible debt amounts see footnote (1)(v)(a).

Exchange Rate Information

        The rate of exchange as of February 17, 2005 for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was U.S.$0.813 and for the conversion of United States dollars into Canadian dollars was C$1.230. The following table sets forth the exchange rates for the conversion of U.S.$1.00 into Canadian dollars for the following periods. The rates of exchange set forth herein are shown as, or are derived from, the reciprocals of the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers payable in Canadian dollars, as certified for customs

5



purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The source of this data is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's website (http://www.ny.frb.org).

 
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
Average(1)   1.4855   1.5487   1.5704   1.3916   1.2984
 
  February
2005

  January
2005

  December
2004

  November
2004

  October
2004

  September
2004

High   1.2562   1.2422   1.2401   1.2263   1.2726   1.3071
Low   1.2294   1.1982   1.1856   1.1775   1.2194   1.2648

(1)
Calculated by using the averages of the exchange rates as of the last day of each month during the period.

B.    Capitalization and Indebtedness

        Not applicable.

C.    Reasons for Offer and Use of Proceeds

        Not applicable.

D.    Risk Factors

        Our shareholders and prospective investors should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report.

    We have had recent operating losses and significant restructuring charges and may experience losses and restructuring charges in future periods

        We generated net earnings in 1999 and 2000. We recorded net losses of $55.9 million in 2001, $455.4 million in 2002, $266.7 million in 2003 and $854.1 million in 2004. In 2001, we incurred $22.8 million of integration costs related to acquisitions, $237.0 million of restructuring charges, and a $36.1 million write-down of certain assets, primarily goodwill, intangible assets and certain long-term equity investments, with these charges totaling $295.9 million ($245.2 million after income taxes). In 2002, we incurred $21.1 million of integration costs related to acquisitions, $385.4 million of restructuring charges, a $285.4 million write-down of certain assets, primarily goodwill and intangible assets, and $9.6 million in deferred financing costs and debt redemption fees, with these charges totaling $701.5 million ($582.2 million after income taxes). In 2003, we incurred $94.9 million of restructuring charges, and an $82.8 million write-down of intangible assets and capital assets, with these charges totaling $177.7 million ($166.8 million after income taxes). In 2004, we incurred $153.7 million of restructuring charges, a $387.3 million write-down of goodwill, capital and intangible assets, and a $116.8 million write-down of doubtful accounts receivable for a specific customer, with these charges totaling $657.8 million (there was no tax benefit recorded on these charges in 2004).

        In January 2005, we announced additional pre-tax restructuring charges of between $225.0 million and $275.0 million, to be recorded over the next 15 months. We have undertaken numerous initiatives to restructure and reduce our capacity in response to the challenging technology end-markets, with the intention of improving utilization and realizing cost savings in the future. These initiatives have included reducing and consolidating the number and location of our production facilities, largely to align our capacity and infrastructure with anticipated customer demand, and to rationalize our operations worldwide. We will continue to evaluate our operations, and may propose future restructuring actions as a result of changes in the marketplace, including the exit from less profitable operations or services no longer demanded by our customers. Any failure to successfully execute these initiatives, including any delay in effecting these initiatives, can have a material adverse impact on our results. Furthermore, we may not be profitable in future periods.

6



    Moving our manufacturing base to lower-cost regions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations

        With the significant and severe weakness in technology end markets over the past few years and the highly competitive nature of their businesses, our customers require significant cost reductions in order to maintain sales and improve their financial performance. This environment has resulted in an accelerated movement of our production from higher-cost regions such as North America and Western Europe to lower-cost regions such as Asia, Latin America and Central Europe. This accelerated move could impact current and future results by such factors as increasing the risks associated with transferring production to new regions where skills or experience may be more limited than in higher-cost regions, higher operating expenses during the transition, additional restructuring costs associated with the decrease in production levels in higher-cost geographies and the risks of operating in new foreign jurisdictions. Product transfers could also result in our inability to retain our existing business or grow future revenue due to potential execution problems resulting from significant headcount reductions, plant closures and product transfer associated with major restructuring activities.

    We are in a highly competitive industry which has resulted in lower prices, reduced gross margins and loss of revenue

        We are in a highly competitive industry. We compete on a global basis to provide EMS services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the communications, high-end computing, personal computing, storage, aerospace and defense, automotive, industrial and consumer end markets. Our competitors include major domestic and foreign companies such as Flextronics International Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sanmina-SCI Corporation, Solectron Corporation and Jabil Circuit, Inc., as well as smaller EMS companies that often have a regional product, service or industry specific focus. In addition, in recent years, original design manufacturers (ODMs), which are companies that provide design and manufacturing services to OEMs, have been increasing their share of outsourced manufacturing services provided to OEMs in several markets, such as notebook and desktop computers, personal computer motherboards, and consumer electronic products, such as cell phones. While we have not, to date, encountered significant competition from ODMs, such competition may increase if our business in these markets grows, or if ODMs expand further into or beyond these markets. We also face indirect competition from the manufacturing operations of our current and prospective customers, which could choose to manufacture products internally rather than to outsource to EMS providers.

        Some of our competitors have more geographically diversified international operations, a greater production presence in lower-cost geographies, as well as greater manufacturing, financial, procurement, research and development and marketing resources than we have. Accordingly, our current or potential competitors may develop or acquire services comparable or superior to those we develop, combine or merge to form larger competitors, or adapt quicker than we will to new technologies, evolving industry trends and changing customer requirements. Competition has caused and may continue to cause excessive pricing pressures, reduced profits or loss of market share, any of which could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, the EMS industry has been experiencing an increase in excess manufacturing capacity as well as increased competition from Asian competitors. This has and will continue to exert additional pressures on pricing for components and services, thereby increasing the competitive pressures in the EMS industry. We may not be able to compete successfully against our current and future competitors, and the competitive pressures we face may materially adversely affect us.

    We are dependent on the computing and communications industries and are exposed to changes in general economic conditions that can continue to adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition

        As a result of the unfavorable general economic conditions over the past four years and the reduced demand for technology capital goods, our sales have been negatively affected. Our financial performance depends on our customers' viability, financial stability, and the end-market demand for our customers' products. Most of our customers, in turn, depend substantially on the growth of the computing and communications industries. The computing and communications industries are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and shortening product lifecycles. These industries have experienced severe revenue erosion, pricing and margin pressures, and excess inventories over this period. More recently, many of the customers of our communication

7


customers have merged or been acquired. These mergers and acquisitions could result in a decrease in demand from our customers in the telecommunications industry.

    We depend on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue and declines in sales to these customers could continue to adversely affect our operating results

        Our two largest customers in 2004 were Cisco Systems, Inc. and IBM, each of which represented more than 10% of our total 2004 revenue and which in the aggregate represented 26% of our total 2004 revenue. Our top ten customers represented 65% of our total 2004 revenue. Our four largest customers in 2003 were Cisco Systems, IBM, Lucent Technologies, and Sun Microsystems Inc., each of which represented more than 10% of our total 2003 revenue and in the aggregate represented 44% of our total 2003 revenue. Our top ten customers in 2003 represented 73% of our total 2003 revenue. We expect to continue to depend upon a relatively small number of customers for a significant percentage of our revenue.

        Mergers among our customers or our customers' customers could both increase concentration and/or reduce total demand as the combined entities rationalize their business. In addition, some of our customers have, over the past several years, significantly reduced or delayed the volume of manufacturing services ordered from us. We cannot assure you that present or future large customers will not terminate their manufacturing arrangements with us or significantly change, reduce, or delay the amount of manufacturing services ordered from us, any of which would adversely affect our operating results.

        Other than in connection with asset acquisitions, otherwise known as "OEM divestitures," we generally do not enter into long-term supply commitments with our customers. Instead, we bid on a project basis and typically have supply contracts or purchase orders in place for the project. We are dependent on customers to fulfill the terms associated with these orders and/or contracts. Significant reductions in, or the loss of, sales to any of our large customers would have a material adverse effect on us. OEM divestitures often entail long-term supply agreements between ourselves and the OEM customer, and we are similarly dependent on customers to fulfill their obligations under these contracts.

    Our customers may be adversely affected by rapid technological change which can adversely impact our business

        Our customers compete in markets that are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and continuous improvements in products and services. These conditions frequently result in short product lifecycles. Our success will depend largely on the success achieved by our customers in developing and marketing their products. If technologies or standards supported by our customers' products become obsolete or fail to gain widespread commercial acceptance, our business could be materially adversely affected.

    Inherent difficulties in managing capacity utilization and unanticipated changes in customer orders places strains on our planning and may affect our results of operations

        Our customers are increasingly dependent on EMS providers for new product introductions and rapid response times to changes in volume requirements. Most of our customers typically do not commit to firm production schedules for more than 30 to 90 days in advance and we often experience reduced lead-times in customers' orders. Accordingly, we cannot always forecast the level of customer orders with certainty. This can make it difficult to order appropriate levels of materials and to schedule production and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity. In addition, customers may cancel their orders, change production quantities, or delay production for a number of reasons. The uncertain economic condition of our customers' end markets, intense competition with respect to some of our customers' products and general order volume volatility has resulted, and may continue to result, in some of our customers delaying or canceling the delivery of some of the products we manufacture for them, and placing purchase orders for lower volumes of products than previously anticipated. Cancellations, reductions or delays by a significant customer, by a group of customers, or by a single customer whose production is material to an individual facility would seriously harm results of that operation in that period. Such order changes could also cause a delay in the repayment to us for inventory expenditures we incurred in preparation for the customer orders or, in certain circumstances, require us to return the inventory to our suppliers, re-sell the inventory to another customer or continue to hold the inventory. Order cancellations and delays could also lower our asset utilization, resulting in higher levels of unproductive assets and lower

8


margins. In some cases, dramatic changes in circumstances for a customer could also negatively impact the collectability of receivables or carrying value of our inventory for that customer. On other occasions, customers have required rapid and sudden increases in production, which has placed an excessive burden on our manufacturing capacity. Rapid changes in product ramps, weakening financial condition or the deterioration of any single customer's financial condition could prevent us from collecting receivables or realizing inventory on hand. Any of these factors or a combination of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

    Any failure to successfully manage our international operations would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations

        During 2004, more than half of our revenue was produced from locations outside of North America. In addition, we purchased material from international suppliers for much of our business, including our North American business. We believe that our future growth depends largely on our ability to increase our business in international markets and, as we describe above, to shift much of our production to lower-cost geographies. We will continue to expand our operations both inside and outside of North America.

        This expansion will require significant management attention and financial resources. International operations are subject to inherent risks, which may adversely affect us, including:

    labor unrest and differences in regulations and statutes governing employee relations;

    changes in regulatory requirements;

    tariffs, import and export duties, value-added taxes and other barriers;

    less favorable intellectual property laws;

    difficulties in staffing and managing foreign sales and support operations;

    longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting payments;

    changes in local tax rates and other potentially adverse tax consequences, including the cost of repatriation of earnings;

    burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws, including changing import and export regulations, which could erode our profit margins or restrict exports;

    adverse changes in trade policies between countries in which we maintain operations;

    political instability;

    potential restrictions on the transfer of funds;

    inflexible employee contracts that restrict our flexibility in responding to business downturns; and

    foreign exchange risks.

        We have either purchased or built manufacturing facilities in numerous Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Singapore and the Philippines, and could be subject to the political, economic and legal risks associated with doing business in these countries. Each of these regions has a long history of promoting foreign investment but has experienced economic and political turmoil and fluctuations in the value of its currencies in the recent past. There is a potential risk that economic and political turmoil may result in the reversal of current policies encouraging foreign investment and trade, restrictions on the transfer of funds overseas, employee turnover, labor unrest or other domestic problems that could adversely affect us.

    Our results can be affected by limited availability of components

        A significant portion of our costs is for electronics components. All of the products we manufacture require one or more components that we order from suppliers of these particular components. In many cases, there may be only one supplier of a particular component. Supply shortages for a particular component can delay production and thus delay the revenue of all products using that component or can cause price increases in the products and services we provide. In the past, we have secured sufficient allocations of constrained components

9


so that revenue was not materially impacted. In addition, at various times there have been industry-wide shortages of electronic components. Such shortages, or future fluctuations in materials costs, may have a material adverse effect on our business or cause our results of operations to fluctuate from period to period.

    Restrictions on our ability to restructure quickly enough in some of our key manufacturing regions, such as Europe and the Americas, can affect the timing and effectiveness of our restructuring efforts

        We have operations in multiple regions around the world. As a result, we are subject to different regulatory requirements governing how quickly we are able to reduce manufacturing capacity and terminate related employees. These requirements are particularly stringent in Europe. Restrictions on our ability to close under-performing facilities will result in higher expenses associated with carrying excess capacity and infrastructure during our restructuring activities. The speed of our restructuring can also be impeded by delays from our customers in terms of how fast they want to move their products to another facility. Since the restructuring of our plants will require some of our customers to move their production out of our facilities and into one or more locations of ours, the customer could use this opportunity to instead shift its production to a competitor's facility.

    Failure of our customers to pay the amounts owed to us in a timely manner may adversely affect our results of operations

        We generally provide payment terms ranging from 30 to 60 days. As a result, we generate significant accounts receivable from sales to our customers, historically representing 22% to 39% of current assets. Accounts receivable from sales to customers at December 31, 2004 were $1,023.3 million (December 31, 2003 — $771.5 million; and December 31, 2002 — $785.9 million). At December 31, 2004, two customers represented 25% of our total accounts receivable (December 31, 2003 — one customer represented 18% of total accounts receivable; and December 31, 2002 — one customer represented 28% of total accounts receivable). If any of our customers has insufficient liquidity, we may encounter significant delays or defaults in payments owed to us by customers, and may extend our payment terms, which may have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We regularly review our accounts receivable valuations and make adjustments when necessary. In the fourth quarter of 2004, one of our customers experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition; as a result, we recorded additional charges of $116.8 million to reflect the estimated recoverable amounts on the assumption that the customer is unable to recapitalize. Our allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2004 was $140.1 million (December 31, 2003 — $50.3 million; and December 31, 2002 — $62.4 million), which represented 12.0% of the gross accounts receivable balance (December 31, 2003 — 6.1%; and December 31, 2002 — 7.4%). Historically, the credit-related accounts receivable adjustments have not been significant to our results of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we wrote off accounts receivable of $2.5 million (December 31, 2003 — $14.2 million; and December 31, 2002 — $30.0 million) against the allowance for doubtful accounts in the normal course of business.

    We may encounter difficulties completing or integrating our acquisitions which could adversely affect our results of operations

        A significant portion of our growth in prior years was generated through acquisitions. These transactions involve acquisitions of entire companies and acquisitions of selected assets from OEMs. These assets typically consist primarily of equipment, inventory and, in certain cases, facilities or facility leases. OEM asset divestiture transactions also typically involve our entering into new supply agreements with the relevant OEMs. This may cause difficulties related to our acquisitions, including:

    integrating acquired operations, systems and businesses;

    maintaining customer, supplier or other favorable business relationships of acquired operations and restructuring or terminating unfavorable relationships;

    addressing unforeseen liabilities of acquired businesses;

    lack of experience operating in the geographic market or industry sector of the business acquired;

    losing customers who want to transfer their business because of the change in ownership;

    losing key employees of acquired operations; and

10


    not achieving the anticipated business volumes.

        Any of these factors could prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including operational synergies and economies of scale. Our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions could adversely affect our business and operating results.

    Our investment in Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing initiatives may not produce the anticipated cost benefits or achieve the working capital benefits we expect

        We are continually investing in training, business process and information technology tools to eliminate waste, increase quality and reduce defects in the manufacturing process. This investment is becoming more critical in our industry, as our customers require our global organization to produce cost savings through the elimination of waste. Failure to deliver these cost savings or eliminate waste could affect our relationships with our customers, which would adversely affect our volumes and our operating results. The deployment of Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing initiatives are part of the roadmap we are using to improve our own operating margins and failure to achieve anticipated benefits could impact our margin improvement.

    If our products are subject to warranty claims, our business reputation may be damaged and we may incur significant costs

        In certain of our contracts, we provide a warranty against defects in our designs or deficiencies with respect to our manufacturing processes. A successful product liability claim in excess of our insurance coverage, or any material claim for which insurance coverage is denied or limited and for which indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

    We are subject to the risk of increased income taxes which could adversely affect our results of operations

        We conduct business operations in a number of countries, including countries where:

    tax incentives have been extended to encourage foreign investment; or

    income tax rates are low.

        We develop our tax position based upon the anticipated nature and structure of our business and the tax laws, administrative practices and judicial decisions now in effect in the countries in which we have assets or conduct business, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. We are subject to audit by local tax authorities of historical information which could result in additional tax expense in future periods relating to prior results. Any such increase in our income tax expense and related interest and penalties could have a significant impact on our future earnings and future cash flows.

        Certain of our subsidiaries provide products and services to, and may from time to time undertake certain significant transactions with, other subsidiaries in different jurisdictions. Several of these jurisdictions have tax laws with detailed transfer pricing rules which require that all transactions with non-resident related parties be priced using arm's length pricing principles, and that contemporaneous documentation must exist to support such pricing.

        International taxation authorities could challenge the validity of our arm's length related party transfer pricing policies. International transfer pricing is a subjective area of taxation and generally involves a significant degree of judgment. If any of these taxation authorities are successful in challenging our transfer pricing policies, our income tax expense may be adversely affected and we could also be subjected to interest and penalty charges.

    We face financial risks due to foreign currency fluctuations

        The principal currency in which we conduct our operations is U.S. dollars. However, some of our subsidiaries transact business in foreign currencies, such as Canadian dollars, Thai baht, Euros, Mexican pesos, Czech koruna, Singapore dollars, Japanese yen, Malaysian ringgits, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real, Philippine Peso, Romanian Lei and British pound sterling. We often enter into hedging transactions to minimize our exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risks. Our current hedging activity is designed to reduce the variability of our foreign currency costs and consists of contracts to purchase or sell these foreign currencies at

11


future dates. In general, these contracts extend for periods ranging from 12 to 15 months. Our hedging transactions may not successfully minimize foreign currency risk, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

    The efficiency of our operations could be adversely affected by any delay in delivery from our transportation suppliers, including delays caused by work stoppages and natural disasters

        We rely on a variety of common carriers for materials and product transportation and for routing these through various world ports. A work stoppage, strike or shutdown of any important supplier's facility, or at any major port or airport, could result in manufacturing and shipping delays or expediting charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Natural disasters, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and fires in the regions where our facilities or our suppliers' facilities are located could impact our ability to deliver products to our customers. Such events could disrupt supply to us, and from us to our customers, and adversely affect our operations.

    If we are unable to recruit or retain highly skilled personnel our business could be adversely affected

        The recruitment of personnel in the EMS industry is highly competitive. We believe that our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to attract and retain highly skilled executive, technical and management personnel. We generally do not have employment or non-competition agreements with our employees. To date we have been successful in recruiting and retaining executive, managerial and technical personnel. However, the loss of services of certain of these employees could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

    We may be unable to keep pace with technology changes

        We continue to evaluate the advantages and feasibility of new manufacturing processes. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to develop and to market manufacturing services which meet changing customer needs, to maintain technological leadership and to successfully anticipate or respond to technological changes in production, manufacturing and supply chain processes in cost-effective and timely ways. Our manufacturing and supply chain processes, test development efforts and design capabilities may not be successful.

    We may be unable to protect our intellectual property

        We believe that certain of our proprietary intellectual property rights and information give us a competitive advantage. Accordingly, we have taken, and intend to continue to take, appropriate steps to protect this proprietary information. These steps include signing non-disclosure agreements with customers, suppliers, employees, and other parties and implementing rigid security measures. Our protection measures may not be sufficient to prevent the misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of our property or information.

        There is also a risk that infringement claims may be brought against us, our customers, or our suppliers in the future. If someone does successfully assert an infringement claim, we may be required to spend significant time and money to develop a manufacturing process that does not infringe upon the rights of such other person or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the owner. We may not be successful in such development or any such licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could adversely affect us even if we are successful in such litigation.

    We may not be able to increase revenue if the trend of outsourcing by OEMs slows

        Future growth in our revenue includes a dependence on new outsourcing opportunities in which we assume additional manufacturing and supply chain management responsibilities from OEMs. To the extent that these opportunities are not available, because OEMs decide to perform these functions internally, or we are not successful in winning new contracts over our competitors, our future growth will be limited. Political pressure or negative sentiment by our customers' customers to reduce production outside of the United States, in lower-cost

12


geographies, could also adversely affect the rate of outsourcing or adversely affect the rate of outsourcing to EMS providers, such as Celestica, who have shifted substantial capacity to these lower-cost geographies.

    Acts of terrorism and other political and economic developments could adversely affect our business

        Increased international political instability, evidenced by the threat or occurrence of terrorist attacks, enhanced national security measures, conflicts in the Middle East and Asia, strained international relations arising from these conflicts and the related decline in consumer confidence and continued economic weakness, may hinder our ability to do business and may adversely affect our stock price. Any escalation in these events or similar future events may disrupt our operations or those of our customers and suppliers and may affect the availability of materials needed to manufacture our products or the means to transport those materials to manufacturing facilities and finished products to customers. These events have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the U.S. and world economy in general and customer confidence and spending in particular, which in turn adversely affects our revenue and results of operations. The impact of these events on the volatility of the U.S. and world financial markets could increase the volatility of our stock price and may limit the capital resources available to us and our customers and suppliers.

    Our compliance with environmental laws could be costly

        We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations in numerous jurisdictions. Our environmental approach and practices have been designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations in a manner consistent with local practice. Future developments and increasingly stringent regulations could require us to incur additional expenditures relating to environmental matters at our facilities. Achieving and maintaining compliance with present, changing and future environmental laws could restrict our ability to modify or expand our facilities or to continue production. This compliance could also require us to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expenses.

        Certain environmental laws impose liability for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on an owner, occupier or operator of real estate, even if such person or company was not aware of or responsible for the presence of such substances. In addition, in some countries in which we have operations, any person or company who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances at a disposal or treatment facility may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at such facility, whether or not the person or company owns or operates the facility.

        Some of our operating sites have a history of industrial use. Soil and groundwater contamination have occurred at some of our facilities. From time to time we investigate, remediate, and monitor soil and groundwater contamination at certain of our operating sites. In certain instances where soil or groundwater contamination existed prior to our ownership or occupation of a site, landlords or former owners have contractually retained responsibility and liability for the contamination and its remediation. However, failure of such former owners or landlords to perform, as a result of financial inability or otherwise, could result in our company being required to remediate such contamination.

        We generally obtained environmental assessments, or reviewed recent assessments initiated by others, for most of the manufacturing facilities that we own or lease at the time we either acquired or leased such facilities. Our assessments may not reveal all environmental liabilities and current assessments were not available for all facilities. Consequently, there may be material environmental liabilities of which we are not aware. In addition, ongoing clean up and containment operations may not be adequate for purposes of future laws. The conditions of our properties could be affected in the future by the condition of the land or operations in the vicinity of the properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks. These developments and others, such as increasingly stringent environmental laws, increasingly strict enforcement of environmental laws by governmental authorities, or claims for damage to property or injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health or safety impact of our operations may cause us to incur significant costs and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on us.

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    Our credit agreement and certain indentures contain restrictive covenants that may impair our ability to conduct our business

        Our outstanding credit agreement and the indenture related to our 77/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 contain financial and operating covenants that limit our management's discretion with respect to certain business matters. Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability and our subsidiaries' ability to incur additional debt, create liens or other encumbrances, change the nature of our business, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, and merge or consolidate with other entities. At February 21, 2005, we were in compliance with these covenants. At February 21, 2005, we were limited to approximately $570 million of additional borrowings under our principal revolving credit facility based on minimum financial ratios.

    We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations

        The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal and to maximize yields without significantly increasing risk and while ensuring investment tenors do not prohibit access to cash. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents in a variety of securities, including government and corporate obligations, certificates of deposit and money market funds. As of December 31, 2004, substantially all of our portfolio was scheduled to mature in less than three months. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of our investment portfolios.

        As of December 31, 2004, we had no cash equivalents that were subject to interest rate risk (defined as risk of loss of investment fair value due to interest rate movements). The fair value of our cash equivalents approximated the carrying value as of December 31, 2004.

        In June 2004, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes (Notes) with an aggregate principal amount of $500 million due 2011 and a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. We also entered into agreements which hedge the fair value of the Notes by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin, thereby subjecting us to interest rate risk due to fluctuation in the LIBOR rate. The average interest rate on the Notes for the year was 4.92% after reflecting the interest rate swap. A one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR rate would increase our interest expense by $5.0 million annually.

    Shares eligible for public sale could adversely affect our share price

        Future sales of our subordinate voting shares in the public market, or the issuance of subordinate voting shares upon the exercise of stock options or otherwise, could adversely affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares.

        At February 21, 2005, we had 195,304,563 subordinate voting shares and 29,851,630 multiple voting shares outstanding. All of the subordinate voting shares are freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities Act, except for shares held by our affiliates (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) and shares we issued in connection with our acquisition of MSL to persons who were affiliates of MSL. Shares held by our affiliates include all of the multiple voting shares and 2,925,643 subordinate voting shares held by Onex Corporation. An affiliate may not sell shares in the United States unless the sale is registered under the U.S. Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available. Rule 144 adopted under the U.S. Securities Act permits our affiliates to sell our shares in the United States subject to volume limitations and requirements relating to manner of sale, notice of sale and availability of current public information with respect to us. Similar resale provisions apply to the subordinate voting shares issued to MSL affiliates in connection with our acquisition of MSL.

        In addition, as of February 21, 2005, there were approximately 32,600,000 subordinate voting shares reserved for issuance under our employee share purchase and option plans and for director compensation, including outstanding options to purchase approximately 24,300,000 subordinate voting shares. Moreover, we may, pursuant to our articles of incorporation, issue an unlimited number of additional subordinate voting shares without further shareholder approval (subject to any required stock exchange approvals). As a result, a substantial number of our subordinate voting shares will be eligible for sale in the public market at various times in the future. The issuances and/or sale of such shares would dilute the holdings of our shareholders and could adversely affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares.

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    The interest of our controlling shareholder may conflict with the interest of the remaining holders of our subordinate voting shares

        Onex owns, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding multiple voting shares and 1.5% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares. The number of shares owned by Onex, together with those shares Onex has the right to vote, represent 79.3% of the voting interest in us and less than 1% of the voting interest in our outstanding subordinate voting shares. Accordingly, Onex exercises a controlling influence over our business and affairs and has the power to determine all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders where our shares vote together as a single class. Onex has the power to elect our directors and to approve significant corporate transactions such as certain amendments to our articles of incorporation, the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and plans of arrangement in certain circumstances. Onex's voting power could have the effect of deterring or preventing a change in control of our company that might otherwise be beneficial to our other shareholders. Under our revolving credit facilities, it is an event of default entitling our lenders to demand repayment if Onex ceases to control Celestica unless the shares of Celestica become widely held ("widely held" meaning that no one person owns more than 20% of the votes). Under the indenture governing our LYONs, we are required to offer to repurchase all of the LYONs if any person, other than Onex, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the voting interest in Celestica. Gerald W. Schwartz, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex and one of our directors, owns shares with a majority of the voting rights of the shares of Onex. Mr. Schwartz, therefore, effectively controls our affairs. The interests of Onex and Mr. Schwartz may differ from the interests of the remaining holders of subordinate voting shares. For additional information about our principal shareholders, please turn to Item 7(A), "Major Shareholders." Onex has, from time to time, issued debentures exchangeable and redeemable under certain circumstances for our subordinate voting shares, entered into forward equity agreements with respect to subordinate voting shares, sold shares (after exchanging multiple voting shares for subordinate voting shares), or redeemed these debentures through the delivery of subordinate voting shares and could do so in the future. These sales could impact our share price, have consequences as described above on our outstanding debt, and change our ownership structure.

    Potential unenforceability of civil liabilities and judgments

        We are incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Substantially all of our directors, controlling persons and officers are residents of Canada. Also, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service within the United States upon those directors, controlling persons and officers who are not residents of the United States or to realize in the United States upon a judgment of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

Item 4. Information on the Company

A.    History and Development of the Company

        We were incorporated in Ontario, Canada under the name Celestica International Holdings Inc. on September 27, 1996. Since that date, we have amended our articles of incorporation on various occasions, principally to modify our corporate name and our share capital. Our legal name and commercial name is Celestica Inc. We are a corporation domiciled in the Province of Ontario, Canada and operate under the Ontario Business Corporations Act. Our principal executive offices are located at 1150 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1H7 and our telephone number is (416) 448-5800. Our web-site is http://www.celestica.com. Information on our web-site is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.

        As an important IBM manufacturing unit, we provided manufacturing services to IBM for more than 75 years. In 1993, we began providing EMS services to non-IBM customers. In October 1996, we were purchased from IBM by an investor group, led by Onex, which included our management.

        We are a world leader in the delivery of innovative electronics manufacturing services. We operate a highly sophisticated global manufacturing network with operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, providing a broad range of integrated services and solutions to leading OEMs. Celestica's expertise in quality, technology and supply chain management, and leadership in the global deployment of Lean principles, enables us to provide competitive advantage to our customers by improving time-to-market, scalability and manufacturing efficiency.

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Our Acquisitions

        In 2002, we acquired:

    certain assets of NEC Corporation in Miyagi and Yamanashi, Japan; and

    certain assets from Corvis Corporation in the United States.

        In 2003, we did not complete any acquisitions.

        In 2004, we acquired:

    all of the shares of MSL; and

    certain assets from NEC Corporation in the Philippines.

        The aggregate purchase price for the 2002 and 2004 acquisitions was approximately $441 million.

        In connection with these acquisitions, we also entered into supply agreements.

        Certain information concerning capital expenditures, including acquisitions and financing activities, is set forth in notes 3, 7, 8, 9 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18, and Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

        Certain information concerning our divestiture activities, including our restructurings, is set forth in note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18, in Item 4, "Information on the Company — Description of Property," and Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

B.    Business Overview

        Our goal is to be the "partner of choice" in EMS. We believe we are well positioned to achieve this goal given our position as one of the major EMS providers worldwide and our widely recognized skills in EMS capabilities. Our focus is to (i) steadily improve our operating margins and increase operating efficiency by driving costs lower and providing supply chain solutions that capture value for us and our customers, (ii) leverage our position in the areas of technology, quality and supply chain management, (iii) develop and enhance profitable relationships with leading OEMs, (iv) broaden the range of the services we provide to OEMs in areas that can reduce their manufacturing, supply chain and product development costs, (v) continue to diversify our end markets, serving a wide variety of OEMs, and (vi) selectively pursue acquisitions that enhance the company's EMS and supply chain capabilities. We believe that success in these areas will allow us to achieve significantly improved financial performance and enhance shareholder value.

        We have operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We provide a wide variety of products and services to our customers, including the manufacture, assembly and test of complex printed circuit assemblies (PCAs), and the full system assembly of final products. In addition, we provide a broad range of EMS services from product design to system assembly, fulfillment and after-market service and support.

        We have historically targeted industry-leading OEMs primarily in the computing and communications sectors. In addition to this, we are increasing our diversification across other markets, such as aerospace and defense, industrial, consumer and automotive, to reduce the risk of reliance on computing and communication sectors. We supply products and services to over 200 OEMs. In the aggregate, our top ten customers represented 65% of revenue in 2004. The products we manufacture can be found in a wide array of end products, including cell phones and pagers, electronic metering devices, hubs and switches, LAN and WAN networking cards, laser printers, mainframe computers, mass storage devices, medical products, modems, multimedia peripherals, PBX switches, personal computers, PDAs, photonic devices, printers and related supplies, routers, scalable processors, servers, switching products, video broadcasting equipment, wireless base stations, wireless loop systems and workstations.

        Our principal competitive advantages include our advanced capabilities in the areas of technology and quality, our flexible and lower-cost manufacturing network, our broadening service offerings, and our effective

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supply chain management. We are an industry leader in a wide range of advanced manufacturing technologies, using established and emerging process technologies. We believe our test capabilities are among the best in the industry and enable us to produce highly reliable products, including products that are critical to the functioning of our customers' products and systems. Our size, geographic reach and leading expertise in supply chain management allow us to purchase materials effectively and to deliver products to customers faster, thereby reducing overall product costs and reducing the time to market.

        We believe that our highly skilled workforce gives us a distinct competitive advantage. Through innovative compensation and an employee stock ownership plan, we have developed an entrepreneurial, participative and team-based culture.

Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry

    Overview

        The EMS industry is comprised of companies that provide a broad range of electronics manufacturing services to OEMs. As the capabilities of EMS companies evolved from manufacturing components or partial assemblies to providing complex manufacturing services, an increasing number of OEMs adopted and became increasingly reliant upon manufacturing outsourcing strategies. Today, the leading EMS companies have global footprints with worldwide supply chain management and offer end-to-end services for the product lifecycle, including front-end design and product development, advanced manufacturing, final system assembly and test, direct order fulfillment, and after-market service and support. By outsourcing their manufacturing and related services, OEMs are able to focus on their core competencies, including product development, sales, marketing and customer service, while leveraging the manufacturing and supply chain expertise of EMS providers.

        We believe increased outsourcing adoption by OEMs will continue because it allows OEMs to:

        Reduce Operating Costs and Invested Capital.    OEMs are under significant pressure to reduce manufacturing costs and capital expenditures as electronic products have become more technically advanced and the manufacturing process has become increasingly automated, which requires greater levels of investment in capital equipment. EMS companies enable OEMs to gain access to advanced manufacturing facilities, supply chain management and engineering capabilities, additional capacity, greater flexibility for both product ramp-up and changeover, and the economies of scale which EMS companies provide. As a result, OEMs can reduce their overall operating costs, working capital and capital investment requirements.

        Focus Resources on Core Competencies.    The electronics industry is experiencing greater levels of competition and rapid technological change. In this environment, many OEMs are seeking to focus on their core competencies of product development, sales, marketing and customer service, and to outsource design, manufacturing and related requirements to their EMS partners.

        Speed Time-to-Market.    Electronics products are experiencing increasingly shorter product lifecycles, requiring OEMs to continually reduce the time required to bring products to market. OEMs can significantly improve product development cycles and enhance time-to-market by benefiting from the expertise and infrastructure of EMS providers. This includes capabilities relating to design services, quick-turn prototype development and rapid ramp-up of new products to high-volume production, with the critical support of worldwide supply chain management.

        Utilize EMS Companies' Procurement, Inventory Management and Logistics Expertise.    OEMs that manufacture internally are faced with greater complexities in planning, procurement and inventory management due to frequent design changes, short product lifecycles and product demand fluctuations. OEMs can address these complexities by outsourcing to EMS providers that (i) possess sophisticated supply chain management capabilities and (ii) can leverage significant component procurement advantages to lower product costs.

        Access Leading Engineering Capabilities and Technologies.    Electronics products and electronics manufacturing technology have become increasingly sophisticated and complex. As a result, OEMs increasingly rely on EMS companies to provide design, engineering support, manufacturing and technological expertise. EMS companies' design and engineering services can assist OEMs in the development of new product concepts,

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as well as with improvements in performance, cost and time required to bring products to market. In addition, OEMs gain access to high quality manufacturing expertise and capabilities in the areas of advanced process, interconnect and test technologies.

        Improve Access to Global Markets.    OEMs are generally increasing their international activities in an effort to expand sales through access to foreign markets. EMS companies with worldwide capabilities are able to offer such OEMs global manufacturing solutions, to meet local content requirements, distribute products efficiently around the world and lower costs.

        Access to Broadening Service Offerings.    EMS providers are continually expanding their service offerings to include related services — such as design, after-market services, and fulfillment — that historically have been performed by OEMs, thereby giving the customer the opportunity to outsource more of its cost of the goods sold.

Celestica's Focus

        Our goal is to be the "partner of choice" in the EMS industry. To achieve this goal, we work closely with OEM customers to proactively identify and fulfill each of their requirements and exceed their expectations in areas such as service offerings, reliability and serviceability, quality and delivery. By succeeding in the following areas, we believe we will maximize customer satisfaction, achieve superior financial performance and enhance shareholder value:

        Steadily Improve Operating Margins and Increase Operating Efficiency.    Operating margins and working capital performance showed significant improvement in 2004. Though we are still not operating at our target level, we will continue to focus on: (i) completing our restructuring programs, (ii) leveraging corporate procurement capabilities to lower materials costs, (iii) increasing utilization of facilities to take advantage of significant operating leverage, (iv) deploying corporate cost reduction and productivity enhancement initiatives on a global basis, (v) applying best practices throughout our operations worldwide, (vi) moving production to lower-cost regions, and (vii) compensating our employees based, in part, on the achievement of return on invested capital (ROIC) and customer satisfaction targets. In order to drive greater efficiency, we are also committed to the deployment of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives, designed to improve manufacturing processes by reducing waste and redundancy within our manufacturing facilities. We will continue our intensive focus on maximizing asset turnover, which we believe will, combined with the margin enhancement measures described above, increase our ROIC.

        Leverage Expertise in Technology, Quality and Supply Chain Management.    We are committed to meeting our customers' needs in the areas of technology, quality and supply chain management. Our modern plants across the world and leading technological capabilities enable us to produce complex and highly sophisticated products to meet the rigorous demands of our OEM customers. Our commitment to quality in all aspects of our business allows us to deliver consistently reliable products to our OEM customers. The systems and processes associated with our expertise in supply chain management enable us to rapidly ramp-up operations to meet customer needs, flexibly shift capacity in response to product demand fluctuations and effectively distribute products directly to end customers. We often work closely with many suppliers to influence component design for the benefit of OEM customers. Through the successes that we have had in these areas, we have been recognized through numerous customer and industry achievement awards.

        Develop and Enhance Profitable, Key Relationships with Leading OEMs.    We seek to build and sustain profitable, key relationships with industry leaders in sectors that can benefit from the delivery of our innovative electronics manufacturing services. In addition, we are focused on identifying and developing new customer relationships. To this end, we pursue opportunities which exploit our competitive advantages in the areas of technology, quality and supply chain management. We conduct ourselves as an extension of our customers' organizations, which enables us to respond to their needs with speed, agility and a commitment to deliver results. This approach has allowed us to establish and maintain strong manufacturing relationships with a wide range of leading OEMs such as Cisco Systems, IBM, Lucent Technologies and Sun Microsystems. Going forward, we believe our existing OEM customer base will be a strong source of growth for us as we seek to strengthen these relationships through the delivery of additional services.

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        Expand Range of Service Offerings.    We continually look to expand the breadth and depth of the services we provide to OEMs in areas that can reduce their design, manufacturing, supply chain and product costs. Although we traditionally offered our services in connection with the production of higher-end and more complex products, we have significantly broadened our offering of services to facilitate the manufacture of a broader spectrum of products and to support the full product lines of leading OEMs. In the past few years, we have acquired additional capabilities in prototyping and PCA design, embedded system design, full system assembly, logistics, fulfillment and after-market services. We are now providing a suite of green services that help our customers comply with emerging environmental legislation, including the European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). RoHS mandates the removal of a number of hazardous substances, including the lead commonly found in electronic products, by July 1, 2006, and WEEE mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of waste from electrical and electronics equipment. We will expand our capabilities and service offerings on a global basis based on potential returns to the company and in response to the changing needs of our customers.

        Continue to Diversify End Markets and Customer Base.    We have a diversified customer base whose products serve the communications, server, storage, workstation and personal computer and other industries. In 2004, revenue by end-market users was as follows: enterprise communications — 27%; telecommunications — 22%; servers — 18%; storage — 11%; other — 19%; and workstations and personal computers — 3%. We target industry-leading OEMs, historically focusing on the computing and communications sectors. We have recently expanded our diversification across other markets, such as aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer, and industrial, to reduce the risk of reliance on certain sectors. Our acquisition of MSL expanded our customer base to include aerospace, automotive, retail systems and peripherals.

        Selectively Pursue Strategic Acquisitions.    We have completed numerous acquisitions and will continue to selectively seek acquisition opportunities in order to (i) further develop strategic relationships with leading OEMs, (ii) expand our capacity and capability, (iii) diversify into new market sectors, (iv) broaden our service offerings, and (v) optimize our global positioning. We have developed and deployed a comprehensive integration approach to support our acquisitions. This includes establishing a common culture at all locations with broad-based workforce participation, providing a single marketing "face" to customers worldwide, deploying common information technology platforms, leveraging global procurement and transferring best practices among operations worldwide.

Celestica's Business

    EMS Services

        We are positioned as a value-added provider within the EMS industry with a full spectrum of products and services to capitalize on our extensive technological know-how and intellectual capital. We believe that our ability to deliver this wide spectrum of services to our OEM customers provides us with a competitive advantage over EMS providers focused in few service areas. We offer a full range of manufacturing services, including those discussed below.

        Supply Chain Management.    We utilize our integrated enterprise resource planning and supply chain management system to enable us to optimize materials management from supplier to end customer. Effective management of the supply chain is critical to the success of OEMs, as it directly impacts the time required to deliver product to market and the capital requirements associated with carrying inventory.

        Design.    Our design team works with OEM product developers in the early stages of product development. The design team uses advanced design tools to enable new product ideas to progress from electrical and ASIC design, to simulation and physical layout, to design for manufacture. Electronic linkages between the customer and our design and manufacturing groups help to ensure that new designs are released rapidly, smoothly and cohesively into production.

        Green Services.    We are now providing a suite of green services that help our customers to comply with emerging environmental legislation, including the European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). RoHS mandates the removal of a

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number of hazardous substances, including the lead commonly found in electronic products, by July 1, 2006, and WEEE mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of waste from electrical and electronics equipment.

        Prototyping.    Prototyping is a critical stage in the development of new products which is enhanced by linkages between OEM and EMS engineers. Our prototyping and new product introduction centers are strategically located, enabling us to provide a quick response to customer demands, facilitating greater collaboration between our engineers and those customers, and providing a seamless entry into our larger manufacturing facilities.

        Product Assembly and Test.    We use sophisticated technology in the assembly and testing of our products, and have continually made significant investments in developing new assembly and test process techniques and improving product quality, reducing cost and improving delivery time to customers. We work independently and with customers and suppliers to develop leading assembly and test technologies.

        Full System Assembly.    We provide full system assembly services to OEMs. These services require sophisticated logistics capabilities to rapidly procure components, assemble products, perform complex testing and distribute products to customers around the world. Our full system assembly services involve combining a wide range of sub-assemblies (including PCA) and employing advanced test techniques for various sub-assemblies and final end products. Increasingly, OEMs require custom build-to-order system solutions with very short lead times. We are focused on exploiting this trend through our advanced supply chain management capabilities.

        Product Assurance.    We provide product assurance to our OEM customers. Our product assurance team performs product life testing and full circuit characterization to ensure that designs meet or exceed required specifications. We are accredited as a National Testing Laboratory capable of testing to international standards (e.g., Canadian Standards Association and Underwriters Laboratories). We believe that this service allows our customers to attain product certification significantly faster than is customary in the EMS industry.

        Failure Analysis.    Our extensive failure analysis capabilities concentrate on identifying the root cause of product failures and determining corrective action. Root causes of failures typically relate to inherent component defects or design robustness deficiencies. Products are subjected to various environmental extremes, including temperature, humidity, vibration, voltage and rate of use, and field conditions are simulated in failure analysis laboratories which also employ advanced electron microscopes, spectrometers and other advanced equipment. We are proficient in discovering failures before products are shipped and, more importantly, our highly qualified engineers are very proactive in working in partnership with suppliers and customers to develop and implement resolutions.

        Logistics.    We are able to leverage our expertise, relationships and global scale in manufacturing, supply chain management and fulfillment to provide a fully integrated logistics solution to meet every need. Our logistics offering includes warehouse and distribution, freight management, logistics consulting services, product and materials visibility and reverse logistics.

        Packaging and Global Fulfillment.    We design and test the packaging of products for bulk shipment or single end customer use. We have a sophisticated integrated system for managing complex international order fulfillment that allows us to ship worldwide and, in many cases, directly to the OEM's customers.

        After-Market Services.    We offer a wide range of after-market support services. This support can be individualized to meet each customer's requirements and includes field failure analysis, product upgrades, repair and engineering change management.

    Quality Management

        One of our strengths has been our ability to consistently deliver high-quality services and products. We have an extensive quality management system that focuses on continual process improvement and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction. We employ a variety of advanced statistical engineering techniques and other tools to assist in improving product and service quality. All of our principal facilities are ISO certified to

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ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 standards. Most of our principal facilities are also certified to ISO 14001 (environmental) standards.

        In addition to these standards, we are committed to the deployment of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles throughout our manufacturing network. The implementation of Lean production systems helps improve efficiency of the manufacturing process in areas such as inventory on hand, set up times and floor space, and the number of people required for production. Success in these areas helps our customers to lower their costs and contributes to better profitability for us.

        We believe that our success is directly linked to high levels of customer satisfaction. As a result, a portion of the compensation of employees is based on the results of extensive customer satisfaction surveys conducted on our behalf by an independent consultant.

    Geographies

        In 2004, approximately 42% of our revenue was produced in North America. Facilities in Asia and Europe generated approximately 39% and 19%, respectively, of our revenue in 2004. A listing of our principal locations is included in Item 4, "Information on the Company — Description of Property." We are focused on expanding our resources and capability in lower-cost geographies. We believe that locating in lower-cost geographic regions such as Central Europe and Asia complements our service offerings by providing lower-cost manufacturing solutions to our OEM customers for certain price-sensitive applications.

        Certain information concerning geographic segments is set forth in note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Sales and Marketing

        We have adopted a focused marketing approach targeted at creating profitable, key relationships with leading OEMs in our end markets. Our global sales and marketing organizations leverage an integrated set of processes designed to provide consistency to the customer worldwide. Our coordination of efforts with key global customers has been enhanced by the creation of customer-focused units — each headed by a group general manager to oversee the entire relationship with such customers. Our global network is comprised of direct sales representatives, operational and project managers, account executives and supply chain management, as well as senior executives. Our sales resources are directed at multiple management and staff levels within target accounts. Sales offices are located in proximity to key customers and markets.

    Customers

        We have targeted industry-leading customers primarily in the computing and communications sectors. We supply products and services to over 200 OEMs, including such industry leaders as Avaya Inc., Cisco Systems, EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Corporation, IBM, Lucent Technologies, Motorola Inc., NEC, and Sun Microsystems.

        During 2004, our two largest customers, Cisco Systems and IBM, each represented in excess of 10% of total revenue and in the aggregate represented 26% of total revenue. During 2003, our four largest customers, Cisco Systems, IBM, Lucent Technologies and Sun Microsystems, each represented in excess of 10% of total revenue and in the aggregate represented 44% of total revenue. Our top ten customers represented approximately 65% of our total revenue in 2004, compared with 73% in 2003.

        We derive most of our revenue from OEM customers. The contractual agreements with our key customers generally provide a framework for our overall relationship with the customers. We have contractual arrangements with the majority of our customers that require the customer to purchase unused inventory that we have purchased to fulfill that customer's forecasted manufacturing demand.

        We generally enter into supply arrangements in connection with our acquisition of facilities from OEMs. These arrangements generally govern the conduct of business between the parties relating to, among other things, the manufacture of products which were previously produced at that facility by the seller itself. Such arrangements, which in certain instances contain limited overhead contribution provisions or limited

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revenue or product volume guarantees, range from one to five years. There can be no assurance that these arrangements will be renewed. As a result of the weaker economic environment over the past several years, our results under these supply agreements have been affected adversely by order cancellations and rescheduling as our customers' base business volumes have decreased.

    Technology and Research and Development

        We use advanced technology in the design, assembly and test of the products we manufacture. We believe that our processes and skills are among the most sophisticated in the industry, which provides us with advantages over many of our smaller and less sophisticated competitors.

        Our customer-focused factories are highly flexible and are reconfigured continually to meet customer-specific product requirements. We have extensive capabilities across a broad range of specialized assembly processes and we work with a wide range of substrate types, based on the wide range of products we build for our customers from thin, flexible printed circuit boards to highly complex, dense multi-layer boards.

        Our assembly capabilities are complemented by advanced test capabilities. Technologies include high speed functional testing, burn-in, vibration, radio frequency, in-circuit and in-situ dynamic thermal cycling stress testing. We believe that our inspection technology, which includes X-ray laminography, three-dimensional laser paste volumetric inspection and scanning electron microscopy, is among the most sophisticated in the EMS industry. Furthermore, we employ internally-developed automated robotic technology to perform in-process repair.

        Our ongoing research and development activities include the development of processes and test technologies, as well as some focused product development. We are proactive in developing manufacturing techniques that take advantage of the latest component and product designs and packaging. We often work with industry groups to advance the state of technology in the industry.

    Supply Chain Management

        We have strong relationships with a broad range of suppliers. We use electronic data interchange with our key suppliers and ensure speed of supply through the use of automated receiving and full-service distribution capabilities. During 2004, we procured and managed approximately $7 billion in materials and related services. We view the size and scale of our procurement activities as an important competitive advantage, as it enhances our ability to obtain better pricing, influence component packaging and design and obtain a supply of components in constrained markets.

        We utilize two fully integrated enterprise systems which provide comprehensive information on our logistics, financial and engineering support functions. One system is used in Asia, Europe and several locations in the Americas and the other system is common throughout the rest of our operations. These systems provide management with the data required to manage the logistical complexities of the business. These systems are augmented by and integrated with other applications, such as shop floor controls, component database management and design tools.

        In order to minimize risk associated with inventory, we primarily order materials and components only to the extent necessary to satisfy existing customer orders. We have implemented specific inventory management strategies with certain suppliers, such as "supplier managed inventory" (pulling inventory at the production line on an as-needed basis) and "real-time component pricing" (the ability to obtain the advantage of the most recent price change in component pricing) designed to minimize the risk to us of cost fluctuations. Our incentives in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma also focus on eliminating excess inventory throughout our supply chain. In providing electronics manufacturing services to our customers, we are largely protected from the risk of fluctuations in inventory costs, as these costs are generally passed through to customers.

        All of the products we manufacture or assemble require one or more components. In many cases, there may be only one supplier of a particular component. Some of these components could be rationed in response to supply shortages. We attempt to ensure continuity in the supply of these components. In cases where unanticipated customer demand or supply shortages occur, we attempt to arrange for alternative sources of supply, where available, or to defer planned production in response to the anticipated unavailability of the

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critical components. In some cases, supply shortages will substantially curtail production of all full system assemblies using a particular component. In addition, at various times there have been industry-wide shortages of electronic components. There can be no assurance that such shortages, or future fluctuations in materials cost, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business, prospects and financial condition.

    Intellectual Property

        We hold licenses to various technologies which we acquired in connection with acquisitions from Fujitsu-ICL, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, NEC and other companies. We believe that we have secured access to all required technology that is material to the current conduct of our business.

        We regard our manufacturing processes and certain designs as proprietary trade secrets and confidential information. We rely largely upon a combination of trade secret laws, non-disclosure agreements with our customers and suppliers and our internal security systems, confidentiality procedures and employee confidentiality agreements to maintain the trade secrecy of our designs and manufacturing processes. Although we take steps to protect our trade secrets, there can be no assurance that misappropriation will not occur.

        We currently have a limited number of patents and patent applications pending. However, we believe that the rapid pace of technological change makes patent protection less significant than such factors as the knowledge and experience of management and personnel and our ability to develop, enhance and market manufacturing services.

        We license some technology from third parties which we use in providing manufacturing services to our customers. We believe that such licenses are generally available on commercial terms from a number of licensors. Generally, the agreements governing such technology grant to us non-exclusive, worldwide licenses with respect to the subject technology and terminate upon a material breach by us of the terms of the licensing agreement.

    Competition

        We compete on a global basis to provide electronics manufacturing services to OEMs in our end markets. Our competitors include a large number of domestic and foreign companies, such as Flextronics International, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Sanmina-SCI, Solectron and Jabil Circuit, as well as smaller EMS companies that often have a regional, product, service or industry specific focus. In addition, in recent years, ODMs, companies that provide design and manufacturing services to OEMs, have been increasing their share of outsourced manufacturing services provided to OEMs in several markets, such as notebook and desktop computers, personal computer motherboards, and consumer electronic products, such as cell phones. While we have not to date encountered significant competition from ODMs, such competition may increase if our business in these markets grows or if ODMs expand further into or beyond these markets.

        We could also face competition from current and prospective customers which evaluate our capabilities against the merits of manufacturing products internally. We compete with different companies depending on the type of service or geographic area. Some of our competitors may have greater manufacturing, financial, research and development, and marketing resources than we do. We believe that the primary basis of competition in our targeted markets is based on our track record in manufacturing technology, quality, responsiveness, the provision of value-added services and price. To remain competitive, we believe we must continue to provide technologically advanced manufacturing services, maintain quality levels, offer flexible delivery schedules, deliver finished products on a reliable basis and compete favorably on the basis of price.

    Human Resources

        As of December 31, 2004, we employed over 46,000 permanent and temporary (contract) employees worldwide. Given the variable nature of our project flow and the quick response time required by our customers, it is critical that we are able to quickly ramp our production up or down to maximize efficiency. To achieve this, our approach has been to employ a skilled temporary labor force, as required.

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        Culturally, we are team-oriented, values-driven, empowerment-based, dynamic and results-oriented, with an overriding sensitivity to customer service and quality at all levels. This culture is a critical factor for us, as we need to be able to fully utilize the intellectual capital of our employees to be successful. We believe that our employee relations are good. Some of our employees in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Mexico, the United States, Japan, Brazil and Spain are represented by unions.

    Environmental Matters

        We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including measures relating to the release, use, storage, treatment, transportation, discharge, disposal and remediation of contaminants, hazardous substances and wastes, as well as practices and procedures applicable to the construction and operation of our plants. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with current environmental laws. However, there can be no assurance that we will not experience difficulties with our efforts to maintain material compliance at our facilities, or to comply with either currently applicable environmental laws or environmental laws as they change in the future, or that our continued compliance efforts (or failure to comply with applicable requirements) will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business, prospects and financial condition. Our need to comply with present and changing future environmental laws could restrict our ability to modify or expand our facilities or continue production and could require us to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expense.

        Some of our operating sites have a history of industrial use. As is typical for such businesses, soil and groundwater contamination has occurred. From time to time we investigate, remediate and monitor soil and groundwater contamination at certain of our operating sites.

        Except for the facilities we acquired in the Omni and MSL transactions, Phase I or similar environmental assessments (which involve general inspections without soil sampling or ground water analysis) were obtained for most of the manufacturing facilities we lease or own in connection with our acquisition or lease of such facilities. Where contamination is suspected, Phase II intrusive environmental assessments (including soil and/or groundwater testing) are usually performed. We expect to conduct such environmental assessments in respect to future property acquisitions where consistent with local practice. These environmental assessments have not revealed any environmental liability that we believe, based on current information, will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business, prospects or financial condition, nor are we aware that we have any such material environmental liability, in part because of the contractual retention of liability for some contamination and its remediation by landlords and former owners at some sites. It is possible that our assessments do not reveal all environmental liabilities or that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are not presently aware or that future changes in law or enforcement standards will cause us to incur significant costs or liabilities in the future.

        We are now providing a suite of green services to help our customers comply with emerging environmental legislation, including the European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). RoHS mandates the removal of a number of hazardous substances, including the lead commonly found in electronic products, by July 1, 2006, and WEEE mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of waste from electrical and electronics equipment.

    Backlog

        Although we obtain firm purchase orders from our customers, OEM customers typically do not make firm orders for delivery of products more than 30 to 90 days in advance. We do not believe that the backlog of expected product sales covered by firm purchase orders is a meaningful measure of future sales, since orders may be rescheduled or canceled.

    Seasonality

        With a significant exposure to computing and communications infrastructure products, we have historically seen a level of seasonality in our quarterly revenue patterns. This seasonality generally has resulted in lower volumes in our first quarter, gradually increasing throughout the year, culminating in higher revenue in the fourth quarter. Seasonality is also reflected in the mix and complexity of the products manufactured. As a result

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of this mix, our efforts to diversify our revenue base, and limited visibility in technology end markets, it is difficult to predict the extent and impact of seasonality on our business.

C.    Organizational Structure

        We conduct our business through subsidiaries operating on a worldwide basis. The following companies are considered significant subsidiaries and each of them is wholly-owned:

        Celestica (US Holdings) Inc., a Delaware corporation.

        Celestica Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

        Celestica (USA) Inc., a Delaware corporation.

        Celestica Singapore Pte Ltd., a Singapore corporation.

        Celestica Cayman Holdings 1 Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation.

        IMS International Manufacturing Services Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation.

        Celestica Holdings Pte Ltd., a Singapore corporation.

        1282087 Ontario Inc., an Ontario corporation.

D.    Description of Property

        The following table summarizes our principal facilities as of February 21, 2005. Our facilities are used to manufacture printed circuit boards, assemble and configure final systems and for other related manufacturing and customer support activities.

Facility

  Manufacturing Square Footage
  Owned/Leased
 
  (in thousands)

   
Toronto, Ontario   888   Owned
Denver, Colorado   169   Leased
Little Rock, Arkansas   424   Owned
Fort Collins, Colorado   200   Owned
Salem, New Hampshire   278   Leased
San Jose, California   131   Leased
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa(1)   69   Leased
Charlotte, North Carolina(2)   305   Leased
Raleigh, North Carolina(1)   70   Leased
Arden Hills, Minnesota   154   Leased
Austin, Texas   51   Leased
Dallas, Texas   86   Leased
Telford, England   132   Leased
Galway, Ireland   133   Leased
Vimercate, Italy   550   Owned
Saumur, France   142   Owned
Guerande, France   130   Owned
Rajecko, Czech Republic   170   Owned
Kladno, Czech Republic   166   Owned
Barcelona, Spain   58   Leased
Valencia, Spain(2)   518   Owned/Leased
Monterrey, Mexico(2)   527   Leased
Reynosa, Mexico(2)   550   Leased
Queretaro, Mexico   77   Leased
Aquadilla, Puerto Rico   94   Leased
Jaguariuna, Brazil   134   Leased
Shanghai, China(2)   235   Owned/Leased
         

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Dongguan, China(2)   286   Leased
Suzhou, China(2)   516   Owned/Leased
Xiamen, China   89   Leased
Shatin, Hong Kong   53   Leased
Johor Bahru, Malaysia(2)   405   Owned/Leased
Kulim, Malaysia   324   Owned
Singapore(2)   354   Leased
Miyagi, Japan   273   Owned
Tokyo, Japan(2)   44   Leased
Laem Chabang, Thailand   722   Leased
Rayong, Thailand   38   Leased
Cebu, Philippines   125   Leased

(1)
As part of our restructuring plans, we have announced that we will close this site in 2005.

(2)
This represents multiple locations.

        Our principal executive office is located at 1150 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1H7. All of our principal facilities are ISO certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 standards. Most of our principal facilities are also certified to the ISO 14001 (environmental) standards.

        Our land and facility leases expire between 2005 and 2040. We currently expect to be able to extend the terms of expiring leases or to find replacement facilities on reasonable terms.

        As part of our restructuring plans, we have consolidated facilities and changed our strategic focus as to the number and geography of our sites. We have rationalized our global manufacturing network to increase the percentage of our facilities in lower-cost geographies. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Operating Results" for additional information concerning our restructurings.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Celestica should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars. The information in this document is provided as of February 21, 2005.

        Certain statements contained in the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including, without limitation, statements concerning the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," or words of similar import, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: variability of operating results among periods; inability to retain or grow our business due to execution problems resulting from significant headcount reductions, plant closures and product transfer associated with major restructuring activities; the effects of price competition and other business and competitive factors generally affecting the EMS industry; the challenges of effectively managing our operations during uncertain economic conditions; our dependence on a limited number of customers; our dependence on industries affected by rapid technological change; the challenge of responding to lower-than-expected customer demand; our ability to successfully manage our international operations; component constraints; and our ability to manage our restructuring and the shift of production to lower-cost geographies. These and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in our various filings with the Canadian Securities Commissions and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including this Annual Report and subsequent reports on Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. See Item 3, "Key Information — Risk Factors."

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        We also file an Annual Information Form with the Canadian Securities Commissions which is available electronically at www.sedar.com.

        We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise of which we hereafter become aware. You should read this Annual Report with the understanding that the actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We may not update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

    Overview

    What Celestica does:

        Celestica is a world leader in the delivery of innovative electronics manufacturing services (EMS) targeting leading industry original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), historically in the computing and telecommunications industries and increasingly in other manufacturing end markets, such as aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer electronics and industrial. Celestica operates a highly sophisticated global manufacturing network with operations in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Celestica's expertise in quality, technology and supply chain management enables it to provide competitive advantages to customers by improving cost, time-to-market, scalability and flexibility.

        Celestica provides a broad range of electronics manufacturing services, including design, new product introduction, engineering services, supply chain management, printed circuit assembly, system assembly, direct order fulfillment, logistics and after-market services and support.

    Overview of business environment:

        The EMS industry is comprised of companies that provide a broad range of manufacturing services to OEMs. As the capabilities of EMS companies evolved from manufacturing components to providing complex manufacturing services, OEMs have become increasingly reliant on these services. The EMS industry experienced rapid change and growth over the past decade as an increasing number of OEMs outsourced more of their manufacturing requirements.

        During the period from 2001 - 2003, the EMS industry experienced demand weakness, particularly in the computing and communications end markets, as spending on higher complexity and infrastructure products was reduced or cut. The Company's concentration of business with customers in these higher complexity products had an adverse effect on the Company's revenue and margins for 2002 and 2003. The downturn also created excess capacity in the EMS industry resulting in industry restructuring and continued pricing pressures as EMS providers competed for a reduced amount of business. Declining end markets and volumes led to lower-utilization rates which also adversely impacted margins for those years. Celestica's revenue for 2003 was $6.7 billion, down 19% from $8.3 billion in 2002 and down 33% from $10.0 billion in 2001.

        Technology end-markets began to show signs of recovery in the later part of 2003 and into 2004. Revenue for 2004 grew to $8.8 billion from $6.7 billion in 2003, aided by a modestly better economic environment, the acquisition of MSL and by adding new customers in diversified markets. Revenue growth was stronger in the first half of 2004 and slowed in the second half of the year.

    Key strategic initiatives:

        In response to the downturn in the EMS industry, the Company initiated restructuring plans to rebalance its global manufacturing network and reduce capacity. The EMS industry changed during the technology downturn with OEM customers requiring their EMS providers to shift more production to lower-cost regions in order for them to compete in their own highly competitive marketplaces.

        In 2001, the Company announced its first restructuring plan. As the downturn continued, and excess capacity in higher-cost geographies remained, the Company announced additional restructuring plans through to 2004 and now into 2006. The restructuring plans are focused on consolidating facilities, thereby improving capacity utilization while increasing production in lower-cost geographies and accelerating margin expansion.

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For the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company's capacity utilization returned to just over 60%. At the completion of the restructuring initiatives, the Company expects the EMS production capacity utilization to reach the 70% range. The Company expects to have an improved balance of high capability and lower-cost capacity in its global manufacturing network when all of the planned restructuring actions are completed. As a result of the Company's past and current restructuring efforts, approximately 76% of its employees as of December 31, 2004 were in lower-cost geographies, up from approximately 63% at the end of 2002.

        Despite the modest growth environment, the Company's focus for 2004 was to improve the operating margins of its EMS business, continue to grow in diversified market sectors, and to further expand its integrated services and solutions offerings. To accomplish this, Celestica deployed the following:

    implemented Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and restructured underutilized facilities to improve operating margins;

    discontinued or divested unprofitable and non-strategic activities;

    acquired MSL to enhance the Company's effectiveness in growing its diversified markets and supply chain fulfillment solutions;

    launched new "green" service offerings to enable OEM's to comply with upcoming environmental laws such as the European Union's "Restriction of Hazardous Substance" (RoHS) directive; and

    enhanced relationships with OEM customers through improved execution and customer focus units.

        The Company's operating margin showed improvements in each quarter of 2004 and believes this momentum will continue in 2005. The Company is forecasting a moderate growth environment with continued improvements in operating efficiency and additional cost savings from its new restructuring plans announced in January 2005.

    Summary of 2004 Developments

    Overview of 2004 results:

        Revenue for 2004 increased 31% to $8.8 billion from $6.7 billion in 2003. Revenue increased in all regions, as a result of new business wins from existing and new customers and acquisition revenue. The Company also increased the revenue from its non-top 10 customers compared to prior years, demonstrating increased customer diversification. Consistent with its diversification strategy, the Company completed the acquisition of Manufacturers' Services Limited (MSL) in March 2004, a mid-tier EMS provider with a broad customer base in diversified markets.

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain key operating results and other financial information (in millions, except per share amounts):

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Revenue   $ 8,271.6   $ 6,735.3   $ 8,839.8  
Gross profit     555.1     260.1     407.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     298.5     273.8     331.6  
Net loss     (455.4 )   (266.7 )   (854.1 )
Basic loss per share     (1.98 )   (1.23 )   (3.85 )
Diluted loss per share     (1.98 )   (1.23 )   (3.85 )
 
  December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Total assets   $ 5,811.4   $ 5,137.4   $ 4,939.8
Total long-term financial liabilities, including principal component of convertible debt     269.0     213.9     627.5

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        Gross margin improved to 4.6% of revenue in 2004 from 3.9% in 2003. Included in Cost of sales is a $16.6 million charge to write-down inventory relating to the Company's restructuring and exit from its reference design activities and a $44.6 million charge related to inventory for a specific customer. Excluding the inventory charges above, the gross margin for the year would have been 5.3%. The gross margin increase was due principally to increased volumes, reduced pricing pressures, improved operating efficiency and benefits from the Company's restructuring. The benefits from restructuring amounted to approximately $136 million in 2004 of which approximately 80% was realized as lower cost of sales. These improvements were partially offset by the costs of ramping new customer programs, costs to support the reference design activities, and higher costs in certain geographies due to the weakened U.S. dollar. Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma are processes focused on the continual refinement of all parts of the manufacturing cycle. Through the disciplined use of Lean principles and tool sets, the Company is able to reduce the resources required (i.e., floor space, equipment, inventory and manufacturing lines) to build a product, which in turn, lowers the total manufacturing cost for the Company and its customers.

        Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses (including research and development costs) declined from 4.1% of revenue in 2003 to 3.8% in 2004. The reduction in SG&A expense as a percentage of revenue, is a result of increased volumes, and benefits from restructuring activities, divestitures and other cost-reduction initiatives.

        In the third quarter of 2004, the Company decided to refocus its design resources to more directly support the product development initiatives of its largest customers. As a result, the Company decided to restructure and exit its server reference design business and related channel activities. The Company's profitability is expected to improve when the Company completes its exit from these businesses.

        In preparing its business plans for 2005 and beyond, the Company identified in the fourth quarter that volumes in the Americas and Europe were going to be lower than previously expected. This adversely impacted the assessment of the carrying value of goodwill, long-lived assets and deferred income tax assets. The Company recorded impairment and Other charges amounting to $912.6 million, primarily in the fourth quarter of 2004, which resulted in the significant net loss for the year. The charges primarily included goodwill impairment of $288.0 million, long-lived asset impairment of $99.3 million, $161.4 million related to uncollectible receivables and an inventory write-down (through Cost of sales) for one customer, and $248.2 million to establish a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets.

        The Company also recorded $153.7 million in restructuring charges in 2004. The weaker plans for the Americas and Europe for 2005 and beyond, have resulted in additional restructuring announcements. See "Subsequent events and recent developments". Total assets for 2004 have decreased from the prior year due to the above impairments offset, in part, by assets arising from acquisitions.

    Other performance indicators:

        In addition to the key financial, revenue and earnings related metrics above, management regularly reviews the following quarterly working capital metrics:

 
  4Q03
  1Q04
  2Q04
  3Q04
  4Q04
 
Days in accounts receivable   34   39   39   41   38  
Days in inventory   47   54   52   52   46  
Days in accounts payable   (71 ) (77 ) (70 ) (70 ) (67 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash cycle days   10   16   21   23   17  

        Days in accounts receivable is calculated as the average accounts receivable for the quarter divided by the average daily revenue. Days in inventory is calculated as the average inventory for the quarter divided by the average daily cost of sales. Days in accounts payable is calculated as the average accounts payable for the quarter divided by average daily cost of sales. Accounts payable is defined as current liabilities less interest bearing payables and convertible debt. Cash cycle days is calculated as the sum of days in accounts receivable and days in inventory, less the days in accounts payable. Cash cycle days for the fourth quarter of 2004 improved sequentially primarily due to improvements in inventory turns.

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    Changes in financing and capital structure:

        Celestica continued to maintain a strong balance sheet in 2004 and finished the year with a cash balance of $969 million. In June 2004, the Company issued Senior Subordinated Notes (Notes) with a principal amount of $500.0 million, and a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. The Company also entered into agreements to swap the fixed rate of interest for a variable rate on these Notes based on LIBOR plus a margin. $299.7 million of the proceeds was used to repurchase LYONs.

    Acquisitions and divestitures:

        A significant portion of Celestica's growth in prior years was generated by strengthening its customer relationships, building a global manufacturing network, and increasing the breadth of its service offerings through asset and business acquisitions. The Company focused on investing strategically in acquisitions that better positioned it for future outsourcing opportunities. The Company's pace of acquisitions has slowed from prior years but future acquisitions may be undertaken if aligned with Company strategic initiatives.

        On March 12, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of MSL, a full-service global electronics manufacturing and supply chain services company, headquartered in the United States. This acquisition provided Celestica with an expanded customer base and service offering. This acquisition also supported Celestica's strategy of adding new customers in more diversified end markets including industrial, aerospace and defense, automotive, retail systems, communications and network storage, and peripherals. The purchase price for MSL of $321.2 million was financed with the issuance of 14.1 million subordinate voting shares, the issuance of options to purchase 2.1 million subordinate voting shares, the issuance of warrants to purchase 1.1 million subordinate voting shares, and $51.6 million in cash.

        In April 2004, the Company acquired certain net assets located in the Philippines from NEC Corporation for cash of $8.1 million.

        In September 2004, the Company sold certain assets relating to its power operations for a cash selling price of $52.8 million. The Company reported a gain on sale of $12.0 million. $2.0 million of the proceeds is held in escrow and will be released on completion of certain closing procedures. The Company has signed a multi-year agreement to supply manufacturing services to the purchaser. Future revenue and earnings are not expected to change significantly given the Company's continuing involvement as a manufacturer for the purchaser.

        Celestica may at any time be engaged in ongoing discussions with respect to several possible acquisitions of widely varying sizes, including small single facility acquisitions, significant multiple facility acquisitions and company acquisitions. Celestica identifies possible acquisitions that would enhance its global manufacturing network, expand its service offerings, increase its penetration in various industries and establish strategic relationships with new customers. There can be no assurance that any of these discussions will result in a definitive purchase agreement and, if they do, what the terms or timing of any agreement would be.

        Celestica will continue to evaluate its operations and could propose exiting additional businesses or service offerings in order to better align with the Company's strategic objectives.

    Subsequent events and recent developments:

        To further improve capacity utilization and accelerate margin improvements, the Company announced in January 2005 additional plans to restructure its operations and expects to incur restructuring charges in the range of $225 million to $275 million during the next 15 months. The restructuring will include some plant closures and a 10-15% reduction in the company's global workforce (approximately 5,500 employees). The restructuring plans will target primarily its higher-cost geographies where end-market demand has not recovered to the levels management requires to achieve sustainable profitability.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Celestica prepares its financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP with a reconciliation to United States GAAP, as disclosed in note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

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        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of the financial statements are described in note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on a regular basis, based on historical experience and other relevant factors. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. The following critical accounting policies are impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Revenue recognition:

        Celestica derives most of its revenue from the sale of electronics equipment that has been built to customer specifications. Celestica recognizes revenue from product sales upon shipment, since title has passed, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance has occurred, receivables are reasonably assured of collection, customer specified test criteria have been met, and the earnings process is complete. Celestica has contractual arrangements with the majority of its customers that require the customer to purchase unused inventory that Celestica has purchased to fulfill that customer's forecasted manufacturing demand. Celestica accounts for raw material returns as reductions in inventory and does not recognize revenue on these transactions.

        Celestica provides warehousing services in connection with manufacturing services to certain customers. The Company assesses the contracts to determine whether the manufacturing and warehousing services can be accounted for as separate units of accounting. If the services do not constitute separate units of accounting, or the manufacturing services do not meet all of the revenue recognition requirements, the Company defers recognizing revenue until the products have been shipped to the customer.

    Allowance for doubtful accounts:

        Celestica records an allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable that are considered to be impaired. The allowance is based on the Company's knowledge of the financial condition of its customers, the aging of the receivables, the current business environment, customer and industry concentrations, and historical experience. If any of the Company's customers have insufficient liquidity, the Company may encounter significant delays or defaults in payments owed by its customers. This may result in the Company extending payment terms which may have a significant adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. A change to these factors could impact the estimated allowance and the provision for bad debts recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. In the fourth quarter of 2004, one of its customers experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition. As a result, the Company recorded additional charges of $116.8 million to Other charges to reflect the estimated recoverable amounts, on the assumption that the customer is unable to re-capitalize.

    Inventory valuation:

        Celestica values its inventory on a first-in, first-out basis at the lower of cost and replacement cost for production parts, and at the lower of cost and net realizable value for work in progress and finished goods. Celestica regularly adjusts its inventory valuation based on shrinkage and management's estimates of net realizable value, taking into consideration factors such as inventory aging, future demand for the inventory, and the nature of the contractual agreements with customers and suppliers, including the ability to return inventory to them. A change to these assumptions could impact the valuation of inventory and have a resulting impact on margins. In the third quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $16.6 million charge to write-down inventory relating to the Company's restructuring and exit from the reference design business. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded additional charges to Cost of sales to reduce the net realizable value of inventory of one of its customers, who had experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition.

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    Warranty costs:

        Celestica has recorded a liability for warranty costs. As part of the normal sale of a product, the Company provides its customers with product warranties that extend for periods generally ranging from one to three years from the date of sale. The liability for the expected cost of warranty-related claims is established when products are sold. In estimating the warranty liability, historical material replacement costs and the associated labor to correct the product defect are considered. Revisions to these estimates are made when actual experience differs materially from historical experience. Known product defects are specifically accrued for as the Company becomes aware of such defects. Changes to the estimates could impact the liability and have a resulting impact on margins.

    Income tax valuation allowance:

        Celestica has recorded an income tax expense or recovery based on the net income earned or net loss incurred in each tax jurisdiction and the tax rate applicable to that income or loss. In the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. The final tax outcome of these matters may be different than the estimates originally made by management in determining its income tax provisions. A change to these estimates could impact the income tax provision and net loss.

        Celestica records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a charge to income tax expense of $248.2 million to establish additional valuation allowance for most of the remaining deferred income tax assets in the United States and Europe. In the course of finalizing its 2005 business plan in the fourth quarter, the Company identified significant developments which it considered in determining an allowance such as the future demands and level of sustainable profitability in these jurisdictions.

    Goodwill:

        Celestica performs its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each year (to correspond with its planning cycle), and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. Impairment is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount to its fair value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of a market approach and discounted cash flows. The process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections at the reporting unit level, and discount rates. In the course of finalizing its 2005 business plan in the fourth quarter, the Company made certain determinations with respect to expected growth in each operating region, its restructuring plans and the continued transfer of major programs from higher-cost geographies to lower-cost geographies. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded goodwill impairment in the Americas and Europe reporting units, reflective of lower than previously expected business volumes. Celestica also recorded an impairment loss in 2002. Future goodwill impairment tests may result in further impairment charges.

    Long-lived assets:

        Celestica performs its annual impairment tests on long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of each year (to correspond with its planning cycle), and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. Celestica estimates the useful lives of capital and intangible assets based on the nature of the asset, historical experience and the terms of any related supply contracts. The valuation of long-lived assets is based on the amount of future net cash flows that these assets are estimated to generate. Revenue and expense projections are based on management's estimates, including estimates of current and future industry conditions. A significant change to these assumptions could impact the estimated useful lives or valuation of long-lived assets resulting in a change to depreciation or amortization expense and impairment

32


charges. In the course of finalizing its 2005 business plan in the fourth quarter, the Company made certain determinations with respect to expected growth, its restructuring plans and the continued transfer of major programs from higher-cost geographies to lower-cost geographies, which primarily impacted the assets in Americas and Europe. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. Celestica also recorded long-lived impairment losses for 2002 and 2003. Future impairment tests may result in further impairment charges.

    Restructuring charges:

        Celestica has recorded restructuring charges relating to workforce reductions, facility consolidations and costs associated with exiting businesses. The restructuring charges include employee severance and benefit costs, costs related to leased facilities that have been abandoned or subleased, owned facilities which are no longer used and are available-for-sale, cost of leased equipment that have been abandoned, impairment of owned equipment available-for-sale, and impairment of related intangible assets, primarily intellectual property. The recognition of these charges requires management to make certain judgments and estimates regarding the nature, timing and amount associated with these plans. For owned facilities and equipment, the impairment loss recognized is based on the fair value less costs to sell, with fair value estimated based on existing market prices for similar assets. For leased facilities that have been abandoned or subleased, the estimated lease cost represents future lease payments subsequent to abandonment less estimated sublease income. To estimate future sublease income, the Company worked with independent brokers to determine the estimated tenant rents the Company could be expected to realize. The estimated amount of future liability may change, requiring additional restructuring charges or a reduction of the liabilities already recorded. At the end of each reporting period, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of the remaining accrued balances.

        Costs associated with restructuring activities initiated on or after January 1, 2003 are recorded in accordance with CICA Emerging Issues Committee Abstracts EIC-134, "Accounting for Severance and Termination Benefits," and EIC-135, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities."

    Pension and non-pension post-employment benefits:

        Celestica has pension and non-pension post-employment benefit costs and liabilities, which are determined from actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations require management to make certain judgments and estimates relating to expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, compensation levels at the time of retirement, retirement ages, and expected health care costs. The Company evaluates these assumptions on a regular basis taking into consideration current market conditions and historical data. A change in these factors could impact future pension expense.

A.    Operating Results

        Celestica's annual and quarterly operating results vary from period to period as a result of the level and timing of customer orders, fluctuations in materials and other costs, and the relative mix of value-add products and services. The level and timing of customers' orders will vary due to customers' attempts to balance their inventory, changes in their manufacturing strategies, variation in demand for their products and general economic conditions. Celestica's annual and quarterly operating results are also affected by capacity utilization, mix of manufacturing value-added and other factors, including price competition, manufacturing effectiveness and efficiency, the degree of automation used in the assembly process, the ability to manage labor, inventory and capital assets effectively, the timing of expenditures in anticipation of forecasted sales levels, the timing of acquisitions and related integration costs, customer product delivery requirements, shortages of components or labor, the costs of transferring and ramping up programs, and other factors.

        Weak end-market conditions began to emerge in early to mid-2001 and continued through 2003 for most of the Company's communications and computing industry customers. This resulted in customers rescheduling or canceling orders which negatively impacted Celestica's results of operations. The Company began to see signs of end-market improvement towards the end of 2003, which continued into 2004. New customers and programs, improved end-markets, better demand from the Company's core customers, and the contributions from the Company's acquisitions have resulted in higher revenue and improved operating performance in 2004 compared

33



to 2003. The Company expects to continue to improve operating results, as it focuses on optimizing profitability in programs (including the proactive discontinuance of non-profitable activities), driving efficiencies from Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methods, implementing and deriving benefits from restructuring activities and overall better cost management.

        The table below sets forth certain operating data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Revenue   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales   93.3   96.1   95.4  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit   6.7   3.9   4.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   3.6   4.1   3.8  
Amortization of intangible assets   1.2   0.7   0.4  
Integration costs related to acquisitions   0.3      
Other charges   8.0   2.3   6.8  
Accretion of convertible debt   0.3   0.3   0.2  
Interest expense (income), net       0.2  
   
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes   (6.7 ) (3.5 ) (6.8 )
Income taxes recovery (expense)   1.2   (0.5 ) (2.9 )
   
 
 
 
Net loss   (5.5) % (4.0) % (9.7) %
   
 
 
 

    Changes in accounting policies:

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company prospectively adopted the revised CICA Handbook Section 3870, "Stock-based Compensation," which requires the fair-value method of accounting to be applied to all stock-based compensation for employees and non-employees resulting in compensation charges. The impact to net loss was $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 (2003 — $0.3 million). See note 2(q) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company retroactively adopted the CICA Handbook Section 3110, "Asset Retirement Obligations," which requires the recognition of liabilities for asset retirement obligations and the associated retirement costs, and has retroactively restated its results of operations for 2003 and prior periods. The impact to cost of sales and net loss was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 (2002 — $0.7 million). See note 2(r)(i) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        Effective December 31, 2004, the Company early adopted the amendment to CICA Handbook Section 3860, "Financial Instruments — Presentation and Disclosure," which requires a portion of the LYONs to be presented as liabilities and not as equity. The Company has retroactively restated the first three quarters of 2004 and prior periods. The impact to net loss for the year ended December 31, 2004 was a gain of $10.0 million (2003 — $0; 2002 — loss of $9.5 million). See note 2(r)(ii) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Revenue:

        Celestica manages its operations on a geographic basis. The three reporting segments are the Americas, Europe and Asia. The following table shows revenue by reporting segment:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
 
  (in billions)

 
Americas   $ 4.6   $ 3.1   $ 3.8  
Europe     1.8     1.4     1.8  
Asia     2.1     2.5     3.5  
Inter-segment     (0.2 )   (0.3 )   (0.3 )
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 8.3   $ 6.7   $ 8.8  
   
 
 
 

34


        Revenue increased 31% to $8.8 billion in 2004 from $6.7 billion in 2003. Revenue from the Americas, Europe and Asian operations has increased by 22%, 30% and 44%, respectively from 2003. All regions have benefited from improved demand from some of the Company's top customers, new business wins and revenue from acquired operations. Although the revenue grew in the Americas compared to the prior year, their growth was negatively impacted by the program transfers to lower-cost geographies. Asia benefited from its expanded manufacturing capabilities, transfer of programs from higher-cost geographies and from the NEC acquisition. Organic growth drove a 17% increase in revenue. The MSL and NEC acquisitions increased revenue by a further 14%. In the fourth quarter of 2004, Asia became the largest segment at 41% of total fourth quarter revenue.

        Revenue decreased 19% to $6.7 billion in 2003 from $8.3 billion in 2002 primarily due to reductions in volume as a result of the prolonged weakened end-market conditions and reduced prices on components and services caused by continued excess capacity in the EMS industry. The reductions in volume accounted for approximately 75% of the revenue decrease and the rest was a result of reduced pricing driven primarily by lower component costs. Revenue from the Americas and European operations decreased 33% and 22%, respectively, from 2002. These operations were significantly impacted by customer order reductions due to the downturn in end-market demand for their products as well as severe pricing pressures. The Company responded by reducing manufacturing capacity in these geographies by downsizing and/or closing facilities. In addition, the customers' continued demands for significantly lower product manufacturing costs has resulted in the transfer of programs from higher-cost geographies to lower-cost geographies, which further reduced the revenue in these higher-cost geographies. Revenue from Asian operations increased 17% from 2002 and has benefited from new business wins, the transfer of production from other geographies and the flow-through of acquisitions. Offsetting this is the impact of continued softness in end markets and pricing pressures. Of the net increase in Asian revenue, approximately half resulted from the transfer of programs and from the flow-through of the acquisition in Japan which closed on March 31, 2002.

        The following table shows industry market segmentation as a percentage of revenue for the indicated periods:

 
 
Year ended December 31
 
 
2002
  2003
  2004
Enterprise communications   45%   25%   27%
Telecommunications {     23%   22%
Servers   26%   22%   18%
Storage   22%   13%   11%
Other {     10%   19%
Workstations and PCs   7%   7%   3%

        The 2002 comparatives have not been adjusted to reflect the new end-market segmentation categories.

        The Company has been focused on diversifying its customer base by adding new customers in areas other than communications and computing markets, such as aerospace and defense, automotive, industrial and consumer. Revenue in these other markets as a percentage of total revenue in 2004 increased to 19% from 10% compared to 2003. Approximately one quarter of this year-over-year growth resulted from new business wins and the remainder resulted from the MSL acquisition.

35



        The following customers represented more than 10% of total revenue for each of the indicated periods:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
IBM   ü   ü   ü
Cisco Systems       ü   ü
Sun Microsystems   ü   ü    
Lucent Technologies   ü   ü    

        As a result of diversifying its markets, the Company's customer mix has improved. The following table shows customer percentage of total revenue for the indicated periods:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Top 10 customers   85%   73%   65%
Non-top 10 customers   15%   27%   35%

        The Company is dependent upon continued revenue from its top customers. There can be no assurance that revenue from these or any other customers will not decrease in absolute terms or as a percentage of total revenue either individually or as a group. Any material decrease in revenue from these or other customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. See notes 15 (concentration of risk) and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        The Company believes its growth depends on increasing sales to existing customers for their current and future product generations, the expansion and addition of related manufacturing and support services, and on successfully attracting new customers. Customer contracts can be cancelled and volume levels can be changed or delayed. The timely replacement of delayed, cancelled or reduced orders with new business cannot be assured. In addition, the Company has no assurance that any of its current customers will continue to utilize its services, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

    Gross profit:

        The following table is a breakdown of gross profit and gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the indicated periods:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Gross profit (in millions)   $ 555.1   $ 260.1   $ 407.9
Gross margin     6.7%     3.9%     4.6%

        Gross margin improved to 4.6% of revenue in 2004 from 3.9% in 2003. Included in Cost of sales is a $16.6 million charge to write-down inventory relating to the Company's restructuring of its reference design activities and a $44.6 million charge related to inventory for a specific customer. See notes 11(i) and (k) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. Excluding the inventory charges above, the gross margin for the year would have been 5.3%. The gross margin increase was due principally to increased base business volumes, reduced pricing pressures, improved operating efficiency and benefits from the Company's restructurings. The benefits from restructuring amounted to approximately $136 million in 2004 of which approximately 80% was realized as lower cost of sales. These gains were partially offset by the costs of ramping new customer programs, costs to support the reference design activities, and higher costs in certain geographies due to the weakened U.S. dollar. The Americas operations have shown margin improvements from a year ago as a result of the factors described above and the exiting of the reference design activities. The European operations have

36



improved significantly from the prior year, benefiting from improved utilization, restructuring benefits and cost reductions. The Asian operations have benefited from higher production volumes.

        Gross margin decreased to 3.9% in 2003 from 6.7% in 2002. Gross margin decreased disproportionately due to the significant reduction in business volumes and corresponding low asset utilization rates, industry pricing pressures, a change in the mix of products manufactured (from higher complexity, higher value-add products to lower complexity, lower value-add products), costs of ramping new customer programs, costs of transferring programs to other geographies and costs to support the new reference design activities. Lower volumes contributed to approximately a 65% decrease in gross profit from 2002. Pricing, mix and the cost of new investments, reduced gross profit by approximately a further 20%. This decrease was offset in part by the benefits from the restructuring programs and various other cost reduction initiatives. The benefits from restructuring amounted to approximately $250 million in 2003, of which approximately 75% was realized in lower cost of sales.

        In 2003, the higher-cost operations in the Americas and Europe were significantly impacted by reductions in higher-complexity and higher value-add products resulting from the weak demand from Celestica's computing and telecommunications customers. As a result of these conditions, volumes declined and pricing pressures increased, which drove the majority of the gross margin declines in 2003. European operations continued to be the most adversely affected by lower utilization levels and higher fixed costs. As a result, the Company initiated restructuring actions for Europe in 2003. Americas operations were also affected by significant volume reductions, the cost of transferring programs and investments in new product and service offerings, specifically in reference design activities. Asian operations were affected by program ramping costs and overall pricing pressures offset, in part, by higher production volumes.

        Although asset utilization rates have improved this past year due to higher volumes and reduction of capacity, certain operations continue to be affected by lower utilization levels and higher fixed costs. The Company announced additional restructuring actions, primarily in the Americas and Europe, for 2005 and into the first half of 2006 to address these conditions.

        The nature of the Company's business is such that gross margin will fluctuate based on product volume and mix, production efficiencies, utilization of manufacturing capacity, manufacturing costs, start-up and ramp-up activities, new product introductions, cost structures at individual sites, and other factors, including pricing due to the overall highly competitive nature of the EMS industry. In addition, the availability of raw materials, which are subject to lead time and other constraints, could affect the Company's revenue growth.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses:

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 21% to $331.6 million (3.8% of revenue) in 2004 from $273.8 million (4.1% of revenue) in 2003. The increase in SG&A expenses, on an absolute basis, reflects the costs to support higher volumes and new business, higher costs in certain geographies due to the weakened U.S. dollar, and the inclusion of SG&A expenses for its acquired operations offset, in part, by the benefits from the Company's restructuring programs, and an $8.4 million reduction in research and development costs due to the exit from the reference design activities. The benefits from restructuring amounted to approximately $136 million in 2004 of which approximately 20% impacted SG&A.

        SG&A expenses decreased 8% to $273.8 million (4.1% of revenue) in 2003 from $298.5 million (3.6% of revenue) in 2002. SG&A as a percentage of revenue increased as a result of a significant reduction in revenue, higher spending in sales and marketing to support diversified markets, as well as the benefits from the restructuring activities which lagged behind the revenue decline. The decrease in SG&A on an absolute basis, reflected the benefits from the restructuring programs, offset by higher costs, largely to support new products, including the new reference design activities, and new markets.

    Amortization of intangible assets:

        Amortization of intangible assets decreased 29% to $34.6 million in 2004 from $48.5 million in 2003. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company recorded an impairment charge to write-down its intangible assets. As a result of the write-down in 2003, the amortization expense decreased in 2004. This decrease in expense was

37


partially offset by amortization of intangible assets arising from the MSL acquisition of $6.4 million. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded an impairment charge to write-down its intangible assets, which will further reduce amortization expense in 2005.

        Amortization of intangible assets decreased 49% to $48.5 million in 2003 from $95.9 million in 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded an impairment charge to write-down its intangible assets. As a result of the write-down in 2002, the amortization expense decreased in 2003. The decrease in expense was partially offset by amortization of intangible assets arising from the 2002 acquisitions.

    Integration costs related to acquisitions:

        Integration costs related to acquisitions represent one-time costs incurred within 12 months of the acquisition date, such as the costs of implementing compatible information technology systems in newly acquired operations, establishing new processes related to marketing and distribution to accommodate new customers, and salaries of personnel directly involved with integration activities. All of the integration costs incurred related to newly acquired facilities, and not to the Company's existing operations.

        Integration costs were $3.1 million in 2004, zero in 2003 and $21.1 million in 2002. Integration costs vary from period to period due to the timing of acquisitions and related integration activities.

    Other charges:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
  Total
 
 
  (in millions)

 
2001 restructuring   $ 237.0   $ 1.9   $ 7.9   $ 1.6   $ 248.4  
2002 restructuring         383.5     15.7     3.0     402.2  
2003 restructuring             71.3     2.0     73.3  
2004 restructuring                 147.1     147.1  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total restructuring     237.0     385.4     94.9     153.7     871.0  
Goodwill impairment         203.7         288.0     491.7  
Long-lived asset impairment     36.1     81.7     82.8     99.3     299.9  
Gain on sale of surplus land and building         (2.6 )   (3.6 )   (11.3 )   (17.5 )
Gain on sale of assets (see "Divestitures" section)                 (12.0 )   (12.0 )
Deferred financing costs and debt redemption fees         9.6     1.3     1.6     12.5  
Other                 116.8     116.8  
Gain on repurchase of convertible debt         (12.1 )   (23.8 )   (32.9 )   (68.8 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
    $ 273.1   $ 665.7   $ 151.6   $ 603.2   $ 1,693.6  
   
 
 
 
 
 

        Further details of the other charges are included in note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        To date, the Company has recorded charges in connection with four separate restructuring plans in response to the challenging economic climate and the continuing strategy to move production from higher-cost to lower-cost geographies. These actions, which included reducing workforce, consolidating and repositioning the number and location of production facilities, were largely intended to align the Company's capacity and infrastructure to anticipated customer requirements for more capacity in lower-cost regions, as well as to rationalize its manufacturing network to lower demand levels.

        The Company has recorded a combined total of $871.0 million for its four restructuring plans. These restructuring plans were primarily focused on the Americas and Europe, as those regions were impacted the most by the downturn. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 22,300 employees have been released from the business in connection with restructurings. Approximately 1,100 additional employee positions remain to be eliminated relating to the restructuring announcements made up to December 31, 2004. Approximately 70% of the employee terminations have been in the Americas, 25% in Europe and 5% in Asia. As of December 31,

38



2004, 38 facilities have been or will be closed or downsized primarily in the Americas and Europe. All cash outlays are expected to be funded from cash on hand.

        In January 2005, the Company announced additional restructuring plans to further improve capacity utilization and accelerate margin improvement, targeting its higher-cost geographies. See "Subsequent events and recent developments."

        The Company expects to continue to benefit from the restructuring measures taken in 2004 and prior years through reduced depreciation, lease and labor costs in cost of sales and SG&A expenses. The year-over-year incremental benefits were approximately $136 million in 2004, of which approximately 80% was realized in lower cost of sales and the balance in lower SG&A expenses. The Company has completed the major components of the 2001 and 2002 restructuring plans, except for certain long-term lease and other contractual obligations expected to be paid out over the remaining lease terms through 2015. The Company expects to complete the 2003 restructuring actions in Europe by the end of the third quarter of 2005, except for certain regulatory payments expected to be paid out through 2007. The Company expects to complete its 2004 restructuring actions by early 2005.

        The Company will continue to evaluate its operations and could propose future restructuring actions as a result of changes in the marketplace and/or its exit from less profitable operations or services no longer demanded by its customers. Also see "Subsequent events and recent developments."

        At the time of acquisition, the Company decided to consolidate some of the acquired MSL facilities. The cost of this restructuring totals $36.1 million and was recorded as part of the purchase price. The plan includes reducing workforce primarily in the Americas and Europe. See note 3(i) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        In the absence of any triggering events, the Company conducts its annual review of goodwill and long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of each year to correspond to its planning cycle. As part of its business plans for 2005 and beyond, which were finalized in the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company reduced future volume expectations in the Americas and Europe resulting in the need to develop new restructuring plans and increase the transfer of major customer programs from higher-cost to lower-cost geographies. As a result, the forecasted revenue and net cash flows were reduced for many sites. The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges primarily in the Americas and Europe, against goodwill of $288.0 million and against long-lived assets of $99.3 million in 2004. The Company also recorded impairment charges in 2002 and 2003.

        The Company may continue to experience goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges in the future as a result of changes in the EMS industry, customer demand and other market conditions, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.

        In the normal course of operations, the Company adjusts its allowance for doubtful accounts for specific customer risks and credit factors. In the fourth quarter of 2004, one of the Company's customers experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition. Although the customer is attempting to recapitalize, there are no assurances that it would be successful. As a result, the Company determined that additional provisions were required and recorded charges of $116.8 million in Other charges and $44.6 million in Cost of sales to reflect the estimated recoverable amounts for receivables and inventory. Management assessed a variety of outcomes to determine its best estimate of the recoverable amounts. If the financial conditions affecting that customer or management's estimates of the customer's cash flows change in future reporting periods, there could be further impairment or a recovery of amounts previously written down.

    Gain on repurchase of convertible debt:

        The Company has repurchased LYONs during the past three years and recognized gains and losses which have been apportioned between the principal and option components. The Company has recognized a gain on the principal component which is recorded in Other charges. See notes 2(r)(ii) and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

39


    Accretion of convertible debt:

        Accretion charges in 2004 were $17.6 million compared to $23.4 million in 2003 and $28.7 million in 2002. The decrease in accretion charges reflects the repurchase of LYONs during the past few years.

    Interest income/expense:

        Net interest expense in 2004 was $19.7 million compared to net interest income of $4.0 million in 2003. During 2004, the Company earned less interest income due to lower average invested cash balances compared to 2003. In addition, the Company's expense for 2004 includes interest charges on the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011, that were issued in June of 2004. The average interest rate on the Notes was 4.92% for the year, after reflecting the effects of the associated variable interest rate swap agreements.

        Interest income in 2003 decreased to $9.4 million compared to $17.2 million in 2002, primarily a result of lower cash balances being invested at lower interest rates. Interest income was offset by interest expense on the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 and debt facilities. Interest expense decreased to $5.4 million in 2003 from $16.1 million in 2002, due to the redemption of the 2006 Senior Subordinated Notes in August 2002.

    Income taxes:

        Income tax expense in 2004 was $252.2 million on a net loss before tax of $601.9 million, compared to $33.5 million in 2003 on a net loss before tax of $233.2 million. The effective tax rate for 2004 was a negative 42% compared to an effective tax rate of negative 14% for 2003.

        The Company's effective tax rate is impacted by the mix and volume of business in lower tax jurisdictions within Europe and Asia, tax holidays and tax incentives that have been negotiated with the respective tax authorities (which expire between 2006 and 2012), restructuring charges, operating losses, the time period in which losses may be used under tax laws, and the impairment of deferred income tax assets. The tax holidays are subject to conditions with which the Company expects to continue to comply.

        In certain jurisdictions, the Company currently has significant net operating losses and other deductible temporary differences, which will reduce taxable income in these jurisdictions in future periods. The Company has determined that a valuation allowance of $545.7 million is required in respect of its deferred income tax assets as at December 31, 2004 (2003 — $185.3 million).

        Included in the 2004 valuation allowance of $545.7 million is a charge of $248.2 million relating to a valuation allowance for most of the remaining deferred income tax assets in the United States and Europe. In previous reporting periods, the Company provided valuation allowances for future tax benefits resulting from net operating loss carryforwards and for certain other deductible temporary differences where it believed its ability to realize in the future was in doubt. The Company had believed it was more likely than not that the remaining net deferred income tax assets would be realized principally based upon forecasted taxable income, generally within the net operating loss carryforward period. During the fourth quarter of 2004, in the course of finalizing its 2005 business plan, the Company identified significant developments, discussed in Other charges above, which it considered in determining its valuation allowance. Reduced future expected profits and the cost of restructuring actions and planned program transfers negatively impacted previous estimates of taxable income, particularly in the United States and Europe. The Company determined the more likely than not criteria was no longer met and accordingly increased the valuation allowance. The Company expects to record a full valuation allowance on future deferred income tax assets arising in these jurisdictions until a sustainable level of taxable income is reached.

        Also included in the 2004 valuation allowance is $51.1 million attributable to the acquisition of MSL. Decreases in the MSL valuation allowance in future years will be recorded as adjustments to intangible assets.

        The Company believes it will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefit of the net deferred income tax asset balance of $1.5 million as at December 31, 2004.

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B.    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Liquidity

    Cash from operations:

        The following table shows key liquidity metrics for the indicated periods:

 
  As at December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
  (in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,851.0   $ 1,028.8   $ 968.8
 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Cash provided by (used in) operations   $ 982.8   $ (158.5 ) $ (139.2 )
Cash used for investing activities     (191.5 )   (169.5 )   (79.9 )
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (283.1 )   (494.2 )   159.1  

        In 2004, operating activities utilized $139.2 million in cash compared to utilizing $158.5 million in cash in 2003. Cash from operations was primarily used to support accounts receivable and accounts payable balances. Accounts receivable balances were higher due to increased revenue levels and a year end decrease in balances sold under the accounts receivable facility. See "Capital resources."

    Cash for investing activities:

        Investing activities in 2004 included capital expenditures of $142.2 million, primarily to expand manufacturing capabilities in lower-cost geographies such as Mexico, Malaysia, Romania, Thailand and the Czech Republic, and net cash of $39.6 million paid for the NEC and MSL acquisitions offset, in part, by proceeds from the sale of the power business and the sale of vacant facilities, primarily in Europe.

    Cash from financing activities:

        In June 2004, the Company received gross proceeds of $500.0 million from the Senior Subordinated Notes offering and incurred $12.0 million, pre-tax, in underwriters' fees and expenses. Financing activities also included a $38.1 million repayment of loans assumed in connection with the MSL acquisition.

        In June 2004, LYONs with a principal amount at maturity of $540.3 million were repurchased at an average price of $554.77 per LYON, for total cash of $299.7 million. See further details in notes 2(r)(ii) and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        The Company currently has approval to spend up to an additional $200.3 million to repurchase LYONs, at management's discretion. The Company may from time to time repurchase LYONs in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of future purchases cannot be determined at this time. Through December 31, 2004, the Company has repurchased LYONs with a total principal amount at maturity of $1,199.1 million, for total cash of $623.5 million.

        Celestica completed its second Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) in July 2004. The Company repurchased a total of 22.6 million subordinate voting shares pursuant to its two NCIBs during the period from August 2002 to July 2004. There were no repurchases in 2004. Under these programs, shares were purchased at the market price at the time of purchase.

        Since the Company began its share and debt repurchase activities in the third quarter of 2002, a total of $1,067.8 million has been spent to repurchase senior subordinated notes, subordinate voting shares and LYONs.

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    Cash requirements:

        As at December 31, 2004, the Company has contractual obligations that require future payments as follows:

 
  Total
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  Thereafter
 
  (in millions)

Long-term debt   $ 503.4   $ 2.6   $ 0.8   $   $   $   $ 500.0
Operating leases     213.0     60.9     42.4     25.9     20.4     16.5     46.9

        As at December 31, 2004, the Company had outstanding LYONs with a principal amount at maturity of $614.4 million payable August 1, 2020. Holders of the instruments have the option to require Celestica to repurchase their LYONs on August 2, 2005, at a price of $572.82 per LYON, for a total of $352.0 million. The Company may elect to settle its repurchase obligation in cash or shares, or any combination thereof. See note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        As at December 31, 2004, the Company has commitments that expire as follows:

 
  Total
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  Thereafter
 
  (in millions)

Foreign currency contracts   $ 509.3   $ 486.3   $ 21.9   $ 1.1   $   $   $
Letters of credit, letters of guarantee and surety and performance bonds     63.7     58.2     0.3     2.7     2.5        
Capital expenditures     19.8     19.8                    

        Cash outlays for the Company's contractual obligations and commitments identified above are expected to be funded by cash on hand. Celestica also has outstanding purchase orders with certain suppliers for the purchase of inventory. These purchase orders are generally short-term in nature. Orders for standard items can typically be canceled with little or no financial penalty. Celestica's policy regarding non-standard or customized orders dictates that such items are only ordered specifically for customers who have contractually assumed liability for the inventory. In addition, a substantial portion of the standard items covered by the Company's purchase orders were procured for specific customers based on their purchase orders or a forecast under which the customer has contractually assumed liability for such material. Accordingly, the amount of liability from purchase obligations under these purchase orders is not significant or meaningful.

        The Company's defined benefit pension funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum local statutory funding requirements that are based on actuarial calculations. The Company may make additional discretionary contributions based on actuarial assessments. In 2004, the Company made contributions to the plans of $37.6 million, of which $18.2 million was for defined contribution plans, and $19.4 million was for defined benefit plans. $31.4 million of the $37.6 million was for regular contributions and $6.2 million was discretionary. The Company may, from time to time, make additional voluntary contributions to the pension plans. The estimated additional voluntary contributions for 2005 are between $4.0 million and $6.0 million. In 2004, the Company also made contributions to the non-pension post-employment benefit plans of $13.4 million to fund benefit payments. The estimated contributions to these plans for 2005 is $6.1 million.

        At December 31, 2004, Celestica had committed $19.8 million in capital expenditures, principally for machinery and equipment and facilities in Asia. The Company expects capital spending for 2005 to be in the range of 1.5% to 2.5% of revenue, which will be funded from cash on hand. In addition, Celestica regularly reviews acquisition opportunities and, as a result, may require additional debt or equity financing to fund these transactions.

        The Company has provided routine indemnifications whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. These may include indemnifications against adverse effects due to changes in tax laws and patent infringements by third parties. The maximum amounts from these indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. In some cases, the Company has recourse against other parties to mitigate its risk of loss from these indemnifications. Historically, the Company has not made significant payments relating to these indemnifications.

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    Capital Resources

        In June 2004, the Company amended its 364-day credit facility from $250.0 million to $600.0 million and extended the maturity from October 2004 to June 2007. The facility includes a $25.0 million swing-line facility that provides for short-term borrowings up to a maximum of seven days. The credit facility permits the Company and certain designated subsidiaries to borrow funds for general corporate purposes (including acquisitions). Borrowings under the facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin except that borrowings under the swing-line facility bear interest at a base rate plus a margin. There are no borrowings outstanding under this facility. Commitment fees for 2004 were $5.9 million. Concurrently with this amendment, the Company elected to terminate its $500.0 million four-year revolving term credit facility.

        The facility has restrictive covenants relating to debt incurrence and sale of assets and also contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. A change of control is an event of default. Based on the required minimum financial ratios, at December 31, 2004, the Company was limited to approximately $570 million of available debt incurrence. The available debt incurrence under the facility has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit totaling $61.1 million. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2004.

        Celestica and certain subsidiaries have additional uncommitted bank overdraft facilities which total $61.6 million that are available for operating requirements at December 31, 2004. There are no borrowings outstanding under these facilities.

        In June 2004, the Company issued Senior Subordinated Notes (Notes) with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million due 2011 and a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. The Company received gross proceeds of $500.0 million and incurred $12.0 million, pre-tax, in underwriters' commissions and expenses which have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the debt. A portion of the proceeds was used to repurchase LYONs. The Notes are unsecured and are subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt of the Company. The Notes may be redeemed on July 1, 2008 or later at various premiums above face value.

        In connection with the Notes offering, Celestica has entered into interest rate swap agreements which hedge the fair value of the Notes by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin. The notional amount of the agreements is $500.0 million. The agreements are effective as of June 2004 and mature July 2011. The average interest rate on the Notes for the year was 4.92%, after reflecting the interest rate swap. As a result of entering into the interest rate swap agreements, the Company is exposed to interest rate risks due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. A one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR rate would increase interest expense by $5.0 million annually.

        Celestica believes that cash flow from operating activities, together with cash on hand and borrowings available under the Company's amended credit facility (which are undrawn), will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated working capital, planned restructuring and capital spending, and debt service requirements for the next 12 months. Historically, the Company has funded its operations from the proceeds of public offerings of equity and debt securities, cash and cash equivalents generated from operations, bank debt, sales of accounts receivable and capital equipment lease financings. The Company anticipates that it will continue to enter into debt and equity financings, sales of accounts receivable and lease transactions to fund any acquisitions and anticipated growth. The issuance of additional equity or convertible debt securities could dilute the current shareholders. Further, the Company may issue debt securities that have rights and privileges senior to equity holders, and the terms of this debt could impose restrictions on its operations. Such financings and other transactions may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.

        The Company's short term investment objectives are to preserve principal and to maximize yields without significantly increasing risk and while ensuring investment tenors do not prohibit access to cash. To achieve this objective, the Company maintains a portfolio of cash equivalents in a variety of securities, including government and corporate obligations, certificates of deposit and money market funds.

        In March 2004, Standard and Poor's Rating Service revised Celestica's credit rating to BB and in May 2004, Moody's Investor's Services, Inc. revised Celestica's senior implied rating to Ba2. In October 2004, Standard and Poor's revised Celestica's credit rating to BB- and revised the outlook to stable. In February 2005, Moody's

43



revised their rating to Ba3 with a stable outlook. A reduction in Celestica's credit ratings could impact Celestica's future cost of borrowing.

        In September 2004, the Company renewed its agreement to sell up to $400.0 million in accounts receivable under a revolving facility with a maturity of September 2006. As of December 31, 2004, the Company generated liquidity of $300.8 million from the facility. The purchaser of the accounts receivable is a division of a Schedule 1, "A" rated Canadian bank, with a Standard and Poor's rating of A and Stable outlook, and had assets under management of over $50.0 billion as of the date of its last annual filing. The terms of the agreement allow for a reduction of the program size to $300 million and a shortening of the maturity to September 2005, if Celestica's corporate credit rating falls below BB as determined by Standard and Poor's or Ba2 as determined by Moody's. The terms of the agreement provide that the purchaser may elect not to purchase receivables if Celestica's corporate credit rating falls below BB- as determined by Standard and Poor's. In October 2004, the program size was reduced to $300 million as a result of the downgrade from Standard and Poor's.

    Other financial instruments:

        Celestica prices the majority of its products in U.S. dollars, and the majority of its material costs are also denominated in U.S. dollars. However, a significant portion of its non-material costs (including payroll, facilities costs, and costs of locally sourced supplies and inventory) are denominated in various other currencies. The majority of the Company's cash balances are held in U.S. dollars. As a result, Celestica may experience transaction and translation gains or losses because of currency fluctuations. The Company has an exchange risk management policy in place to control its hedging activities and does not enter into speculative trades. Gains or losses on foreign currency contracts that are designated, effective and qualify as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions are recognized in earnings in the same period and on the same financial statement caption as the underlying hedged transaction. At December 31, 2004, Celestica had forward foreign exchange contracts covering various currencies in an aggregate notional amount of $509.3 million. The majority of contracts expire by March 2006, with the exception of one contract which extends to June 2007. The fair value of these contracts at December 31, 2004 was an unrealized gain of $31.1 million. Celestica's current hedging activity is designed to reduce the variability of its foreign currency costs in the regions the Company has manufacturing operations and generally involves entering into contracts to trade U.S. dollars for various currencies at future dates. In general, these contracts extend for periods of up to 16 months. Celestica may from time to time, enter into additional hedging transactions to minimize its exposure to foreign currency. There can be no assurance that such hedging transactions will be successful.

        In connection with the issuance of its $500.0 million Senior Subordinated Notes in June 2004, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the fair value of the Notes, by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable interest rate. The notional amount of the agreements is $500.0 million. The agreements are effective as of June 2004 and mature July 2011. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements at December 31, 2004 was an unrealized gain of $19.8 million.

    Outstanding Share Data

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 185.9 million outstanding subordinate voting shares and 39.1 million outstanding multiple voting shares.

    Related Party Transactions

        The Company and its parent company, Onex Corporation (Onex), are parties to a management services agreement dated July 1, 2003 whereby Onex has agreed to provide certain strategic planning, financial and support services to Celestica as Celestica may reasonably request from time to time having regard to Onex's experience, expertise and personnel. Celestica has agreed to pay Onex certain fees under the agreement, including a base fee and a performance incentive fee, if any. The base fee is equal to approximately $0.5 million per year, increasing after two years to $1.0 million per year. The incentive fee portion is tied to Celestica's performance. In the event of a change in control of Celestica, Onex is entitled to receive an amount equal to the difference between $10.0 million and the aggregate amount of base fees and incentive fees paid to Onex during the term of the agreement.

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        In 2004, the Company expensed management-related fees of $0.7 million charged by its parent company.

    Unaudited Quarterly Financial Highlights

 
  2003
  2004
 
 
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter
 
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

 
Revenue   $ 1,587.4   $ 1,598.4   $ 1,634.8   $ 1,914.8   $ 2,016.9   $ 2,314.2   $ 2,176.0   $ 2,332.7  
Cost of sales   $ 1,511.9   $ 1,549.8   $ 1,570.7   $ 1,842.9   $ 1,929.0   $ 2,191.7   $ 2,072.9   $ 2,238.3  
Gross profit %     4.8%     3.0%     3.9%     3.8%     4.4%     5.3%     4.7%     4.0%  
Net earnings (loss)   $ 4.6   $ (39.3 ) $ (64.1 ) $ (167.9 ) $ (12.1 ) $ (7.9 ) $ (24.4 ) $ (809.7 )
Weighted average # of shares outstanding (in millions)                                                  
  — basic     227.0     218.0     211.8     209.3     213.2     224.6     225.1     225.7  
  — diluted     230.2     218.0     211.8     209.3     213.2     224.6     225.1     225.7  
Earnings (loss) per share                                                  
  — basic   $ 0.02   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.30 ) $ (0.80 ) $ (0.06 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (3.59 )
  — diluted   $ 0.02   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.30 ) $ (0.80 ) $ (0.06 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.11 ) $ (3.59 )

    Comparability quarter-to-quarter:

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company began to record compensation expense for employee stock option grants. Compensation expense includes $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 and $1.6 million, $2.1 million, $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2004. Prior to January 1, 2003, stock options were accounted for using the settlement method and no compensation expense was recognized.

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company retroactively adopted the CICA Handbook Section 3110, which requires the recognition of liabilities for asset retirement obligations and the associated retirement costs, and has retroactively restated its results of operations for all prior periods. The quarterly impact to cost of sales and net earnings (loss) was $0.2 million for the first, second and third quarters of 2003 and was $0.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2003. See note 2(r)(i) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        Effective December 31, 2004, the Company early adopted the amendment to CICA Handbook Section 3860 which requires a portion of the LYONs to be presented as liabilities and not as equity. The Company has retroactively restated its results of operations for all prior periods. The quarterly expense (net gain) impact to net earnings (loss) was $(1.4) million, $(0.5) million, $(0.9) million and $2.8 million, for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2003, and $3.7 million, $(17.6) million, $2.1 million and $1.8 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2004. See note 2(r)(ii) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

        The quarterly data reflects the following:

    All quarters of 2004 include the results of operations of MSL acquired in March 2004.

    The second, third and fourth quarters of 2004 include the results of operations of NEC Corporation in the Philippines acquired in April 2004.

    All quarters of 2003 and 2004 are impacted by the Company's announced restructuring plans. The amounts vary from quarter-to-quarter.

    The fourth quarters of 2003 and 2004 include the annual impairments of goodwill and long-lived assets.

    Fourth quarter 2004 compared to fourth quarter 2003:

        Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2004 increased 22% to $2.3 billion from $1.9 billion for the same period in 2003. Revenue increased in all regions, as a result of new business wins from existing and new customers and acquisition revenue. Gross profit improved to 4.0% of revenue for the fourth quarter of 2004 from 3.8% for the same period in 2003, primarily due to increased volumes, pricing and improved operating efficiency due to the Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing initiatives and benefits from restructuring, which more than offset the higher

45


costs of ramping new customers and services, and the inventory charge related to the credit provision increases associated with one customer.

        Absent any triggering factors during the year, the Company conducts its annual review of goodwill and long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of each year to correspond with its planning cycle. In finalizing its business plan for 2005 and beyond, the Company identified in the fourth quarter that volumes in the Americas and Europe were going to be lower than previously expected. This adversely impacted the Company's assessment of the carrying value of goodwill, long-lived assets and deferred income tax assets. The Company recorded impairment and Other charges amounting to $835.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, which resulted in the significant net loss for the quarter. The charges primarily included goodwill impairment of $288.0 million, long-lived asset impairment of $99.3 million, $161.4 million related to uncollectible receivables and an inventory write-down (which is included in Cost of sales) for a specific customer, and $248.2 million to establish a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets. The Company also recorded $44.8 million in restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company recorded impairment and Other charges of $105.2 million, primarily long-lived asset impairment of $82.8 million and $24.2 million in restructuring charges.

Recent Accounting Developments

    Hedging relationships:

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the CICA Accounting Guideline AcG-13. See note 2(s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Consolidation of variable interest entities:

        In December 2003, FASB issued FIN 46R. The CICA also issued Accounting Guideline AcG-15 which is similar to FIN 46R to be effective 2005. See notes 2(s) and 20(l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Liabilities and equity:

        Effective December 31, 2004, the Company adopted the CICA revised Handbook Section 3860, "Financial Instruments — Presentation and Disclosure." See note 2(r) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Revenue recognition:

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted CICA Abstracts EIC-141, "Revenue Recognition," and EIC-142, "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." See note 2(s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Generally accepted accounting principles:

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the CICA Handbook Section 1100. See note 2(s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Vendor rebates:

        In January 2005, the CICA amended EIC-144, "Accounting by a customer (including a reseller) for certain consideration received from a vendor." See note 2(s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

    Financial instruments:

        In January 2005, the CICA issued Section 3855, "Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement," Section 1530, "Comprehensive Income," and Section 3865, "Hedges." See note 2(s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.

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C.    Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

        Certain information concerning research and development and intellectual property is set forth in Item 4, "Information of the Company — Business Overview — Celestica's Business — Technology and Research and Development."

D.    Trend Information

        After three years of significant revenue declines, revenue partially recovered in 2004, particularly in the first half of the year, and slowed in the second half of the year. The current economic environment reflects moderate end market growth, but end markets continue to have limited visibility.

        While pricing in the industry stabilized in 2004, significant deterioration beyond current expectations could slow or stall our operating margin progress. Though operating margins have improved in the industry in the past year as revenues increased and companies realize benefits from restructuring activities, the industry remains highly competitive from both North American and Asian-based competitors.

        The EMS industry continues to see a significant number of outsourcing opportunities and we are well positioned to participate further in the trend towards increased outsourcing by OEMs. OEMs are interested in outsourcing more of their cost of goods sold, and in particular are asking their EMS providers to be able to provide more services in areas such as design, fulfillment, logistics, and after-market services.

        The EMS industry continues to restructure and reduce under-utilized capacity particularly in the higher-cost geographies of the Americas and Western Europe. Concurrently, the industry is increasing capacity in lower-cost geographies such as Asia, Eastern Europe and Mexico as customers require the lowest cost solutions to compete in their highly competitive end markets.

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A.    Directors and Senior Management

        Each director of Celestica is elected by the shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting or until a successor is elected or appointed. Executive officers of Celestica are appointed annually and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors and executive officers of Celestica.

Name

  Age
  Position with Celestica
Robert L. Crandall   69   Chairman of the Board and Director
William A. Etherington   63   Director
Richard S. Love   67   Director
Anthony R. Melman   57   Director
Gerald W. Schwartz   63   Director
Charles W. Szuluk   62   Director
Don Tapscott   57   Director
Stephen W. Delaney   45   Chief Executive Officer
J. Marvin MaGee   52   President
Anthony P. Puppi   47   Chief Financial Officer
Peter J. Bar   47   Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
John Boucher   45   Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer
Arthur P. Cimento   47   Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategies
Lisa J. Colnett   47   Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Elizabeth L. DelBianco   45   Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Michael Homer   45   President, Americas
Iain S. Kennedy   43   Chief Information Officer
Paul Nicoletti   37   Senior Vice President and Corporate Treasurer
         

47


Neo Kia Quek   57   President, Asia
Rahul Suri   39   Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
Ronald F. Wichter   55   Senior Vice President, Global Services

        The following is a brief biography of each of Celestica's directors and senior officers:

        Robert L. Crandall has been a director of Celestica since July 1998 and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Celestica in January 2004. He is the retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AMR Corporation/American Airlines Inc. Mr. Crandall currently serves on the boards of Anixter International Inc., the Halliburton Company, i2 Technologies Inc., each of which is a public corporation, and Air Cell, Inc. He is also involved with a number of private companies and is also a member of the Federal Aviation Administration Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Crandall holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

        William A. Etherington is a director and the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a public corporation. He also serves on the boards of Celestica (since October 2001), Dofasco Inc., MDS Inc., which are public corporations, and The Relizon Company (a private equities firm), and is a member of the President's Council, the University of Western Ontario. Mr. Etherington is the former Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Sales and Distribution, IBM Corporation, and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM World Trade Corporation. After joining IBM Canada in 1964, he ran successively larger portions of the company's business in Canada, Latin America, Europe and from the corporate office in Armonk, New York, retiring from IBM with over 37 years of service. Mr. Etherington holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from the University of Western Ontario.

        Richard S. Love is a former Vice President of Hewlett-Packard and a former General Manager of the Computer Order Fulfillment and Manufacturing Group for Hewlett-Packard's Computer Systems Organization. Mr. Love has been a director of Celestica since July 1998. From 1962 until 1997, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Hewlett-Packard, becoming Vice President in 1992. He is a former director of HMT Technology Corporation (electronics manufacturing) and the Information Technology Industry Council. Mr. Love holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Technology from Oregon State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

        Anthony R. Melman is a Managing Director of Onex, a public corporation. Dr. Melman has been a director of Celestica since 1996. Dr. Melman joined Onex in 1984. He serves on the boards of various Onex subsidiaries. From 1977 to 1984, Dr. Melman was Senior Vice President of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, in charge of worldwide merchant banking, project financing, acquisitions and other specialized financing activities. Prior to emigrating to Canada in 1977, he had extensive merchant banking experience in South Africa and the U.K. Dr. Melman is also a director of The Baycrest Centre Foundation, The Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation, and a member of the Board of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital. He is also Chair of Fundraising for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). Dr. Melman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of The Witwatersrand, a Master of Business Administration (gold medalist) from the University of Cape Town and a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of The Witwatersrand.

        Gerald W. Schwartz is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex and has been a director of Celestica since July 1998. Prior to founding Onex in 1983, Mr. Schwartz was a co-founder (in 1977) of what is now CanWest Global Communications Corp. He is a director of Onex, The Bank of Nova Scotia, and Indigo Books & Music Inc., which are public corporations, and Phoenix Entertainment Corp. Mr. Schwartz is also Vice Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of Mount Sinai Hospital, Chairman of the Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and is a director, governor or trustee of a number of other organizations, including Junior Achievement of Toronto, Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and The Simon Wiesenthal Center. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard

48



University Graduate School of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from St. Francis Xavier University.

        Charles W. Szuluk, formerly an officer of Ford Motor Company, was President of Visteon Automotive Systems, and a former Group Vice President. Mr. Szuluk has been a director of Celestica since 2003. From 1988 until 1999, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Ford, including General Manager, Electronics Division, and Vice President, Process Leadership and Information Systems. He retired from Ford in 1999. Prior to joining Ford, he spent 24 years with IBM in a variety of management and executive management positions. Mr. Szuluk holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and attended Union College of New York in Advanced Graduate Studies.

        Don Tapscott is an internationally respected authority, consultant and speaker on business strategy and organizational transformation. He is the author of several widely read books on the application of technology in business. Mr. Tapscott is Chief Executive Officer of New Paradigm Learning Corporation, a business strategy and education company he founded in 1992, and an adjunct Professor of Management at the University of Toronto's Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. He is also a founding member of the Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, and a fellow of the World Economic Forum. Mr. Tapscott has been a director of Celestica since September 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Statistics, and a Master of Education degree, specializing in Research Methodology, as well as a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from the University of Alberta.

        Stephen W. Delaney has been Celestica's Chief Executive Officer since January 2004. Mr. Delaney is responsible for charting Celestica's course and overall company strategy. Prior to this position, he was the President, Americas Operations, where he was responsible for Celestica's operations in the region. Before joining Celestica in 2001, Mr. Delaney was the Vice President and General Manager of Interior and Exterior Systems Business at Visteon Automotive Services, where he was responsible for a division with 25 plants and 25,000 employees spanning North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Prior to joining Visteon in 1997 as Vice President of Supply, Mr. Delaney held executive and senior management roles in the operations of AlliedSignal's Electronic Systems business, Ford's Electronics Division, and IBM's Telecommunications division. Mr. Delaney holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Duke University in North Carolina and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.

        J. Marvin MaGee has been President of Celestica since February 2001. In his current role, he is responsible for Celestica's worldwide business development, including Regional Sales, Global Customer Accounts, Diversified Markets and Marketing and Sales. Mr. MaGee served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Celestica from February 2001 until April 2004. He held the position of Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations from October 1999 to February 2001. Mr. MaGee joined the company in January 1997 as Senior Vice President, Canadian Operations. Before joining Celestica, he spent 18 years with IBM Canada where he held a number of executive positions in manufacturing and development, with assignments in Canada and the United States. Mr. MaGee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Business Administration degree from McMaster University.

        Anthony P. Puppi has been the Chief Financial Officer of Celestica since its establishment and was a Director of Celestica from October 1996 to April 2002. He was appointed Executive Vice President in October 1999, and served as General Manager, Global Services from January 2001 until April 2004 overseeing Celestica's after-market services, design, power systems and plastics businesses. From 1980 to 1992, he held numerous senior financial management positions with IBM Canada. Mr. Puppi holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Master of Business Administration degree from York University.

        Peter J. Bar has been Corporate Controller of Celestica since February 1999 and was appointed Senior Vice President in April 2004. Mr. Bar is responsible for all corporate external reporting, financial planning and budgeting and business controls-related matters. He joined Celestica in March 1998, as Vice President, Finance — Power Systems. Prior to joining Celestica, Mr. Bar was the Controller for the Personal Systems Group of IBM Canada. During his 14-year career in the information technology industry, he has served in several senior management positions for both IBM Canada and IBM's headquarters in Armonk, New York. Mr. Bar holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and a Chartered Accountant designation.

49



        John Boucher joined Celestica in March 2004. He currently holds the position of Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer. Prior to this he was President, Americas, and was responsible for all manufacturing operations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. Prior to joining Celestica, he was Group Vice President, Electronics Manufacturing Services Operations, of MSL since 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Boucher was Corporate Vice President, Global Supply Chain Management since 1999. Before joining MSL in 1995 as part of the company's founding team, Mr. Boucher managed the start up of after-market operations at Circuit Test Inc. Prior to that, he spent over 17 years with Digital Equipment Corporation, where he held a number of senior management positions. Mr. Boucher's educational background includes: the Executive Program in International Management, Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts; the Professional Enrichment program, Boston University; and Fitchburg State College, Business Management program.

        Arthur P. Cimento joined Celestica in September 1999 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategies. Prior to joining Celestica, he was at McKinsey & Co., a leading international management consulting firm, with a client portfolio focused on electronics operations. Mr. Cimento joined McKinsey in 1988, was elected a Principal in 1993, and held leadership positions in McKinsey's Operations and Electronics practices. Before joining McKinsey, Mr. Cimento held management positions in several engineering services firms. He is a director of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cimento holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

        Lisa J. Colnett has been a Senior Vice President since October 1996. In her current role as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, she is responsible for Celestica's global human resources programs and practices. Previously, Ms. Colnett served as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Worldwide Process Management, and was responsible for key functions including information technology and manufacturing. Prior to that, Ms. Colnett headed the Memory Division of Celestica. Ms. Colnett joined IBM Canada in 1981, and, over the course of her career, has had experience in materials logistics, cost engineering, site logistics, manufacturing management and human resources. Ms. Colnett holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario.

        Elizabeth L. DelBianco joined Celestica in February 1998. As the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, she is responsible for the legal affairs of Celestica on a global basis, including all aspects of regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Ms. DelBianco came to Celestica following a 13-year career as a senior corporate legal advisor in the telecommunications industry. She is currently a member of the Continuous Disclosure Advisory Committee to the Ontario Securities Commission. Ms. DelBianco holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. She is admitted to practice in Ontario and New York.

        Michael Homer has been President, Americas, since November 2004, and is responsible for all manufacturing operations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. Prior to his current position, Mr. Homer was Senior Vice President, Canadian EMS operations since 2003. Before joining Celestica in 2003, Mr. Homer held the roles of President, Honeywell Canada and Vice President, Airbus Programs, for Honeywell's Aerospace Airframes Systems Division. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Honeywell's Toronto Aerospace business and director of operations. Before joining Honeywell in 1997, Mr. Homer had an 11-year career in the automotive industry, where he held several senior engineering, production and manufacturing positions with Ford Electronics Manufacturing Corporation. Mr. Homer holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McGill University, and accreditation from the University of Tennessee in the area of Productivity through Quality and Lean Enterprise Systems.

        Iain S. Kennedy has been Senior Vice President of Celestica since 1996. In his current role of Chief Information Officer, he is responsible for leading Celestica's Information Technology organization. Prior to this, he was the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management and Information Technology. From October 2000 until November 2002, he was responsible for the integration of new acquisitions as well as South American Operations. Previously, he led Celestica's Mergers and Acquisitions team from 1996 through September 2000. Mr. Kennedy joined IBM Canada in 1984, and, over the course of his career, has held a number of senior management positions in key areas of the business, including supply chain management, manufacturing operations, business development and information technology as Chief Information Officer from

50



1996 to 1998. Mr. Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Business Administration (Ivey Scholar) degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario.

        Paul Nicoletti has been Corporate Treasurer since September 2002 and has been a Senior Vice President since April 2004. He is responsible for all corporate finance, tax, and treasury-related matters. Previously, he was Vice President, Global Financial Operations since February 2001. Prior to that, from August 1999, he was Vice President, Finance and was responsible for all financial aspects of Celestica's Canadian and Mexican EMS operations. Mr. Nicoletti joined IBM in 1989 and, over the course of his career, has held a number of senior financial roles in business development, planning, accounting, pricing and financial strategies. He was responsible for leading all financial strategies and due diligence relating to the divestiture of Celestica from IBM. Mr. Nicoletti holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Business Administration degree from York University.

        Neo Kia Quek has been the President, Asia, of Celestica since September 2002. He is responsible for Celestica's operations in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Prior to that, Mr. Quek was Senior Vice President, Asia Operations from February 2000. Before joining Celestica in 1999, he was the Senior Vice President of Asia Operations for International Manufacturing Services. Mr. Quek has over 25 years of direct high-tech experience and, over the course of his career, has held positions at Intel Corporation, Seagate Technology, National Semi-Conductor Corporation, General Electric, SCI Systems and Siemens AG in operations, repair services, process engineering, quality assurance and power. Mr. Quek holds a Bachelor degree in Management Studies from the Management Institute of Singapore.

        Rahul Suri has been Senior Vice President of Celestica since July 2000. In his current role as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, he is responsible for Celestica's corporate development strategy. Mr. Suri has over 17 years of mergers and acquisitions and related experience. Prior to joining Celestica, he worked in a range of related positions, including as Managing Director in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group at BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Banking, and Partner at Davies Ward & Beck (now Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg). In 1992, he served as an advisor to the Chairman and the Executive Director of the Ontario Securities Commission. Mr. Suri has a Master of Arts degree in Law from Cambridge University, England and is qualified as a barrister and solicitor in the Province of Ontario.

        Ronald F. Wichter has been Senior Vice President, Global Services of Celestica since August 2004. In his current role, he is responsible for enhancing the company's Global Services portfolio by anticipating and delivering integrated services and solutions that meet the dynamic and changing business needs of Celestica's customers. Prior to joining Celestica, Mr. Wichter was the Chief Executive Officer of International Harbour, LLC, a technology and manufacturing consulting and international sourcing company, and prior to that he was Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing Solutions, at Rockwell Automation. With over 25 years of industry experience, Mr. Wichter has held numerous management and executive roles at Rockwell Automation and Compaq Computer. Mr. Wichter holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Union College in New York and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

        There are no family relationships among any of the foregoing persons, and there are no arrangements or understandings with any person pursuant to which any of our directors or members of senior management were selected.

B.    Compensation

Aggregate Compensation of Directors and Officers

        Directors who are not officers or employees of Celestica or Onex receive compensation for their services as directors. Under the directors' compensation plan, directors receive an annual retainer fee of $45,000. The Chairmen of the Audit and Compensation Committees are entitled to an additional annual retainer of $10,000. The non-executive Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of the Executive and Corporate Governance Committees, receives an additional annual retainer of $30,000. Directors receive a fee of $2,500 for each day of meetings of the Board of Directors and Committee meetings attended. Directors who travel outside of their

51



home state or province to attend a meeting are entitled to a travel fee of $2,500. Directors receive half of their fees (or may elect, on an annual basis, to receive all of their fees) in Deferred Share Units, or DSUs. Each DSU represents the right to receive one subordinate voting share when the director ceases to be a director. The number of DSUs paid in lieu of cash is calculated, in the case of meeting fees, by dividing the cash fee that would otherwise be payable by the closing price of subordinate voting shares on the NYSE on the date of the meeting and, in the case of annual retainer fees, by dividing the cash amount that would otherwise be payable quarterly by the closing price of subordinate voting shares on the NYSE on the last day of the quarter.

        The Board of Directors discontinued the granting of options for directors in December 2004. Instead, directors now receive annual grants of DSUs. Each director receives 3,350 DSUs annually, except for the Chairman, who receives 6,700 DSUs annually. New directors will receive an initial grant of 10,000 DSUs when they join the Board.

        In April 2004, the Board of Directors established a guideline for minimum shareholdings for independent directors. The guideline currently requires that directors hold securities of Celestica of a value proportionate to their annual retainer and the years they have served on our Board. Directors on the Board for less than one year are not required, but are encouraged, to hold securities of Celestica (which are supported by the initial grant of 10,000 DSUs which new directors receive upon their joining the Board), as described below. Directors on the Board between one and two years must hold securities of Celestica of the same value as their annual retainer, while directors with Board experience of between two and five years must hold securities of Celestica with a value of at least three times their annual retainer. Directors who have served on the Board for five years or more are required to hold securities of Celestica with a value of at least five times their annual retainer. Although directors will not be deemed to have breached the guideline by reason of a decrease in the market value of our securities, the directors will be required to purchase additional securities within a reasonable period of time to comply with the guideline. The start date for determining compliance with the requirements for the existing directors was April 22, 2004, the date on which the guideline was adopted by the Board. The start date for determining compliance for new directors will be the date on which they join the Board.

        Grants of subordinate voting shares under the directors' compensation plan may not exceed an aggregate of 500,000 subordinate voting shares.

        The aggregate cash equivalent of compensation we paid in 2004 to our directors in their capacity as directors was $495,000. Of this amount, the directors received DSUs with a cash equivalent of $401,250. In 2004, eligible directors were issued, in aggregate, options to acquire 30,000 subordinate voting shares, pursuant to the Celestica Long-Term Incentive Plan, at an exercise price of $18.25.

        The aggregate compensation paid by us in 2004 to our senior officers as a group was $7,233,000.

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        As at December 31, 2004, executive officers and directors as a group held options to purchase a total of the following numbers of subordinate voting shares at the purchase price per share indicated below:

Number of Subordinate Voting
Shares

  Purchase Price Per
Share

        210,000   $0.925
        261,071   $5.00
        227,500   $8.75
        33,700   $7.50
        167,880   C$18.90
        21,600   C$20.625
        70,000   $22.97
        242,000   C$57.845
        60,000   $39.03
        100,000   C$60.00
        132,000   C$86.50
        24,000   $56.1875
        25,000   C$73.50
        100,000   $50.00
        295,400   C$66.06
        90,000   $41.89
        5,000   $40.06
        20,000   C$34.50
        40,000   $23.41
        20,000   C$72.60
        40,000   $48.69
        20,000   C$66.78
        40,000   $44.23
        20,000   $35.95
        50,000   $13.10
        100,000   $18.66
        267,000   C$29.11
        3,000   C$23.29
        5,000   $32.40
        8,000   C$15.35
        45,000   $10.62
        272,600   $14.86
        40,000   $17.10
        350,000   $17.15
        255,000   C$18.00
        30,000   $18.25
        650,000   C$22.75
        20,000   C$22.89
        20,000   C$24.92

        These options expire at various dates from June 13, 2006 through December 9, 2014. See "— Compensation — Long-Term Incentives" below. See note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 for further information about options.

Remuneration of Named Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (and his predecessor, who retired in 2004), the Chief Financial Officer, and the President of Celestica and the three other most highly

53



compensated senior officers of Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") for services rendered in all capacities during our two most recently completed financial years.


Summary Compensation Table

 
   
   
   
  Long-term Compensation Awards
   
 
 
  Annual Compensation
   
 
Name and Principal Position

  Securities Under
Options Granted(1)

  Units Subject to Resale Restrictions(2)
  All Other
Compensation(3)(4)

 
  Year
  Salary
  Bonus
 
 
   
  ($)

  ($)

  (#)

  ($)

  ($)

 
Stephen W. Delaney(5)(6)
    Chief Executive Officer
  2004
2003
  550,000
360,000
 

  200,000
200,000
(7)
(7)
5,659,000
173,400
(8)
(9)
110,203
12,000
 
Anthony P. Puppi(10)
    Chief Financial Officer
  2004
2003
  604,978
455,065
 

  88,000
160,000
(7)
(7)
4,511,808
(11)
210,563
147,048
 
J. Marvin MaGee(10)
    President
  2004
2003
  604,978
562,139
 

  88,000
160,000
(7)
(7)
4,511,808
(11)
41,182
35,998
 
Neo Kia Quek(12)
    President, Asia Operations
  2004
2003
  390,000
305,927
  607,430
64,000
  28,000
90,000

(7)
1,111,776
(13)
3,327
4,043
 
Nate Kawaye
    Senior Vice President
Group GM,
Enterprise Accounts
  2004
2003
  300,000
275,000
  592,410
137,500
  28,000
60,000

(7)
915,376
(14)
12,300
12,000
 
Rahul Suri(10)
    Senior Vice President,
Corporate Development
  2004
2003
  374,510
321,222
  413,743
64,244
  9,000
80,000

(7)
297,200
(15)
15,930
9,555
 
Eugene V. Polistuk(10)(16)
    Former Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
  2004
2003
  134,440
749,518
 

 

 

  3,250,529
812,335
(17)

(1)
See table under "Options Granted During Year Ended December 31, 2004 to Named Executive Officers."

(2)
Amounts shown represent Restricted Share Units, or RSUs, issued under the Celestica Long-term Incentive Plan or the Celestica Share Unit Plan, valued as of the grant date. See "— Celestica Share Unit Plan — Restricted Share Units." Performance Share Units, or PSUs, are subject to performance conditions. See "— Celestica Share Unit Plan — Performance Share Units."

(3)
Excludes perquisites and other benefits because such compensation did not exceed the lesser of C$50,000 and 10% of the total annual salary and bonus for any of the Named Executive Officers.

(4)
Represents amounts set aside to provide benefits under Celestica's pension plans (see "— Pension Plans"), Celestica contributions to CESOP (see "— Canadian Employee Stock Option Plan"), and, in Mr. Delaney's case, housing and travel costs and a tax gross up payment.

(5)
Mr. Delaney was appointed Chief Executive Officer on January 28, 2004; prior to this, he was President of Celestica's Americas operations from October 2002.

(6)
Mr. Delaney's salary is set in U.S. dollars; however, he is paid in Canadian dollars. An adjustment to reflect the exchange rate differentials is made on a quarterly basis to ensure his pay reflects the U.S. salary value.

(7)
These options are subject to performance conditions as described in "— Long-Term Incentives — Long-Term Incentive Plan."

(8)
Represents 200,000 RSUs vesting on January 31, 2007, 30,000 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007, and 120,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(9)
Represents 15,000 RSUs vesting on May 1, 2006.

(10)
Messrs. Polistuk, Puppi, MaGee, and Suri are paid in Canadian dollars. Amounts shown are in U.S. dollars converted at a rate of C$1.3017 per U.S.$1.00 for 2004 and C$1.4009 per U.S.$1.00 for 2003. The 2003 amounts were converted based on the average annual noon buying rates at the Bank of Canada.

(11)
Represents 200,000 RSUs vesting on January 31, 2007, 14,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007, and 58,200 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

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(12)
Mr. Quek is paid in Singapore dollars. Amount shown is converted into U.S. dollars from Singapore dollars (S$) at an exchange rate of S$1.69 per U.S.$1.00 for 2004 and S$1.7426 per U.S.$1.00 for 2003. The 2003 amounts were converted based on the average annual noon buying rates at the Bank of Canada.

(13)
Represents 10,000 RSUs vesting on June 8, 2007, 24,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 37,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(14)
Represents 24,600 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 37,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(15)
Represents 8,000 RSUs vesting on December 9, 2007 and 12,000 PSUs vesting on January 31, 2008.

(16)
Mr. Polistuk resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Celestica on January 28, 2004 and retired from Celestica on February 27, 2004. Had he been employed for the entire year, he would have been paid a salary of $806,637, paid in Canadian dollars converted at a rate of C$1.3017 per U.S.$1.00.

(17)
Includes accrued vacation pay, accrued pension benefits, and an amount paid to Mr. Polistuk in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement with Celestica upon his retirement in 2004.

    Options Granted During Year Ended December 31, 2004 to Named Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth options to purchase subordinate voting shares granted by us to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2004.

Name

  Subordinate Voting Shares Under Options Granted
  % of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2004
  Exercise Price
  Market Value of Subordinate Voting Shares on the Date of Grant
  Expiration Date
 
  (#)

   
  ($/share)

  ($/share)

   
Stephen W. Delaney   200,000 (1) 12.10%   U.S.$14.86   U.S.$14.86   December 9, 2014
J. Marvin MaGee   88,000 (1) 5.30%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014
Anthony P. Puppi   88,000 (1) 5.30%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014
Nate Kawaye   28,000   1.70%   U.S.$14.86   U.S.$14.86   December 9, 2014
Neo Kia Quek   28,000   1.70%   U.S.$14.86   U.S.$14.86   December 9, 2014
Rahul Suri   9,000   0.55%   C$18.00   C$18.00   December 9, 2014
Eugene V. Polistuk          

(1)
The options granted are subject to performance conditions and vesting as described in "— Long-Term Incentives."

    Options Exercised During Most Recently Completed Financial Year and Value of Options at December 31, 2004 for Named Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to options to purchase subordinate voting shares that were exercised by Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2004 and subordinate voting shares under option to the Named Executive Officers at December 31, 2004.

 
   
   
  Unexercised Options at December 31, 2004
  Value of Unexercised in-the-Money Options at December 31, 2004(1)
 
  Subordinate Voting Shares Acquired on Exercise
   
Name

  Aggregate Value Realized
  Exercisable(2)
  Unexercisable(2)
  Exercisable(2)
  Unexercisable(2)
Stephen W. Delaney       142,500   472,500   12,625   12,625
Anthony P. Puppi       287,946   292,750   362,724  
J. Marvin MaGee       412,382   336,750   875,763  
Neo Kia Quek       391,500   153,000   3,234,395   12,625
Nate Kawaye       159,749   104,250   487,755  
Rahul Suri       147,000   109,000    
Eugene V. Polistuk   275,833   3,150,013   557,500   112,500    

(1)
Based on the closing price of the subordinate voting shares on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2004 of $14.11.

(2)
Options granted under the ESPO Plans and the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

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Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

        Celestica's executive compensation policies and practices are designed to: (i) align the interests of the executive officers with the interest of our shareholders; (ii) link executive compensation to the performance of Celestica relative to that of our competitors and the contribution of individual to such performance; (iii) compensate executive officers at a level and in a manner that ensures Celestica is capable of attracting, motivating and retaining individuals with exceptional executive skills and abilities; and (iv) ensure direct accountability for the overall results of Celestica.

        Our Compensation Committee benchmarks all elements of executive compensation against executive compensation of a comparator group of companies in the technology sector with revenue similar to Celestica and including four of our direct competitors in the EMS industry, which we refer to as the EMS competitors. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the EMS competitors each year.

        For executive positions where no direct match exists or where there is insufficient data within the EMS competitors group, benchmarking is done using executive salary survey data for organizations similar in size to Celestica pursuant to a process approved by the Compensation Committee.

        Target compensation is benchmarked at the market median (50th percentile) for both executive and non-executive levels.

        Executive officer compensation is comprised of base salary, annual incentive plans, long-term incentive plans and benefits as described below. Members of the Board of Directors who are independent directors approve all elements of the Chief Executive Officer's compensation.

        The equity mix will vary by employee level, and targets a higher percentage of performance elements at the senior levels where there is a stronger influence on results. At the executive levels, a high portion of the pay mix includes "at risk" components which are comprised of cash and long-term equity-based incentive plans. The target pay mix is based on competitive benchmarks. The portion of compensation which is "at risk" is set at approximately 80% for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the President and 70% for Senior Vice Presidents. The following table sets forth the percentage breakdown of the "at risk" compensation to executive officers in 2004:

Percentage of Equity-Based Compensation Granted in 2004

 
  Performance Share Units
  Restricted Share Units
  Performance Contingent Stock Options
  Stock Options
Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer and President
  40%   20%   40%   N/A
Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents   30%   40%   N/A   30%

Base Salary

        Base salaries are established taking into account individual performance and experience, level of responsibility and competitive pay practices. Celestica references the median level of base salaries at the EMS competitors.

        Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate. Although base salaries are not directly linked to specific corporate performance, Celestica considers the level of corporate performance achieved in the prior year as well as the expected level of performance in making any adjustments to them.

Annual Incentive Plans

        Bonuses paid pursuant to the annual incentive plans are based on achievements related to profitability, inventory days, customer satisfaction, and performance metrics related to earnings per share and return on capital.

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        Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan

        Executives of Celestica participate in the Celestica Executive Team Incentive Plan. Payments under this plan are tied to achievement relative to pre-determined targets for financial and customer results at a corporate or business unit level, individual performance and Celestica's performance relative to our direct competitors on key financial metrics. Corporate and business unit targets are approved by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and are based on profitability, inventory days and customer satisfaction measures. In 2004, certain executives had a customized performance objective as a component of their business unit targets, which related to special initiatives for their business units. The Chief Executive Officer assesses each executive's individual performance in accordance with business results, teamwork and the executive's key accomplishments. This assessment is factored into the executive's earned reward. The Board of Directors evaluates the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee evaluates Celestica's performance relative to that of the EMS competitors based on defined performance metrics relating to adjusted earnings per share and return on capital. This relative performance is one factor in determining the amount available to be paid out under the plan.

        Celestica Team Incentive Plan

        Any executives not participating in the Executive Team Incentive Plan and most non-executive employees participate in the Celestica Team Incentive Plan. Awards under this plan are based on corporate or business unit financial and customer results, as well as individual performance.

Long-Term Incentives

        Celestica's long-term equity-based incentive plans for senior executives consist of performance share units (PSUs), restricted share units (RSUs), stock options, and performance contingent stock options. Under these plans, the Board of Directors of Celestica may, in its discretion, grant awards from time to time to directors, permanent employees and consultants ("eligible participants") of Celestica, our subsidiaries and other companies or partnerships in which Celestica has a significant investment ("affiliated entities"). The objectives of the long-term equity based incentive plans are: to align employee interests with those of shareholders and incentivize appropriate behaviours over the longer term; to reward employees for their contribution to Celestica's success; and to allow Celestica to attract and retain the qualified and experienced employees who are critical to our success.

        The interests of any eligible participant under the long-term equity incentive plans or in any award under those plans are not transferable, subject to limited exceptions.

        The long-term equity incentive plans, or the terms of any award granted thereunder, may be amended by the Board of Directors, subject to obtaining any required regulatory approvals and participant and shareholder approval if required.

        For all awards under equity-based incentive plans for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President and Senior Vice Presidents, the Compensation Committee makes recommendations for final approval by our Board of Directors.

        The total number of equity grants in a given year is established after taking into account the number of equity grants in that year relative to the total number of shares outstanding (burn rate) as well as the total number of equity grants outstanding relative to the total number of shares outstanding (overhang). Celestica is taking measures to lower the overhang and burn rate and considerably reduced the number of equity grants in 2004 as compared to previous years.

        Celestica Long-Term Incentive Plan

        Under the Celestica Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), the board of directors of Celestica may in its discretion grant from time to time stock options, performance shares, performance share units and stock appreciation rights (SARs) to eligible participants of Celestica and affiliated entities.

        Under the LTIP, up to 29,000,000 subordinate voting shares may be issued from treasury. The number of subordinate voting shares which may be issued from treasury under the LTIP to directors is limited to 2,000,000.

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In addition, Celestica may satisfy obligations under the LTIP by acquiring subordinate voting shares in the market. The LTIP limits the number of subordinate voting shares which may be reserved for issuance to insiders or any one participant pursuant to options or rights granted pursuant to the LTIP, together with subordinate voting shares reserved for issuance under any other employee-related plan of Celestica or options for services granted by Celestica, to 10% and 5%, respectively, of the aggregate issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares of Celestica.

        Options issued under the LTIP may be exercised during a period determined under the LTIP, which may not exceed ten years. The LTIP also provides that, unless otherwise determined by the board of directors, options will terminate within specified time periods following the termination of employment of an eligible participant with Celestica or our affiliated entities. The exercise of options may be subject to vesting conditions, including specific time schedules for vesting and performance-based conditions such as share price and financial results. The grant to, or exercise of options by, an eligible participant may also be subject to certain share ownership requirements.

        Under the LTIP, eligible participants may be granted SARs, a right to receive a cash amount equal to the difference between the market price of the subordinate voting shares at the time of the grant and the market price of such shares at the time of exercise of the SAR. Such amounts may also be payable by the issuance of subordinate voting shares. The exercise of SARs may also be subject to conditions similar to those which may be imposed on the exercise of stock options.

        Under the LTIP, eligible participants may be allocated performance units in the form of PSUs or RSUs, which represent the right to receive an equivalent number of subordinate voting shares at a specified release date. The issuance of such shares may be subject to vesting requirements similar to those described above with respect to the exercisability of options and SARs, including such time or performance-based conditions as may be determined by the board of directors in its discretion. The number of subordinate voting shares which may be issued from the treasury of Celestica under the performance unit program is limited to 2,000,000 and the number of subordinate voting shares which may be issued pursuant to the performance unit program to any one person shall not exceed 1% of the aggregate issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares of Celestica.

        The interests of any participant under the LTIP or in any option, rights or performance unit are not transferable, subject to limited exceptions.

        The LTIP, or the terms of any option, SAR or performance unit granted thereunder, can be amended by the board of directors, subject to obtaining any required regulatory approvals and participant and shareholder approval where so required.

        The issuance of RSUs and PSUs may be subject to vesting requirements, including any time-based conditions established by the Board of Directors in its discretion. The vesting of PSUs also require the achievement of specified performance based-conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

    Performance Share Units

        The use of PSUs allows us to link rewards for executives more closely with individual and corporate performance:

    There is a strong correlation between individual performance and the number of PSUs that executives will receive.

    The mix of PSUs granted differs within the executive levels to reflect a higher percentage of performance-based equity granted to more senior executives.

    The number of PSUs that vest is determined by Celestica's rank compared to our EMS competitors on a return on capital performance measure.

    High performance means units vest at above the median level and results in above average reward levels. Conversely, low performance will result in no reward.

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        PSUs are granted annually under the LTIP and the CSUP based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and subject to the approval of the Chief Executive Officer. The number of PSUs granted to any individual is determined with consideration to grants at the median level for the EMS competitors and individual performance. The final value of any award is based on subordinate voting share price at time of release. PSUs vest in full at the end of three years, with no interim vesting.

        The number of PSUs granted in December 2004 to executives totalled 792,966 PSUs. The number of PSUs that vest will range from 0 to 792,966 depending on our relative performance ranking.

    Restricted Share Units

        RSUs are granted annually under the LTIP and the CSUP based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and subject to the approval of the Chief Executive Officer. The number of RSUs granted to any individual is determined with consideration to individual performance and grants at the median level for the EMS competitors. RSUs represent the right to receive an equivalent number of subordinate voting shares, or, at Celestica's election, an equivalent value in cash, and vest in full at the end of three years, with no interim vesting. Throughout the year, Celestica may grant RSUs for new hire or retention purposes.

        The number of RSUs granted in December 2004 to executives totalled 436,148 RSUs.

    Stock Options

        Stock options currently are granted annually to eligible employees, under the LTIP, based on the recommendation of the management of each business unit and subject to the approval of the Chief Executive Officer. During the year, Celestica may grant stock options to newly hired employees or to existing employees for retention purposes with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer.

        The number of stock options granted in December 2004 to executive officers totalled 421,450.

    Performance Contingent Stock Options

        Performance contingent stock options (PCOs), provide the opportunity for significant gains for superior corporate performance and reduced gain for marginal performance. The option exercise price is equal to the market price of subordinate voting shares at the close of business on the day prior to the grant date (except where a longer period is required by local law). The PCOs vest annually over the first three years and have a ten year term. The portion of the option grant award that vests each year (and the number of options that may be exercised) is contingent on our rank relative to that of the EMS competitors.

        The number of PCOs granted is determined with consideration to individual performance and grants at the median level for the EMS competitors. PCOs are granted to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President. High performance means options vest at above the median level and results in above average reward levels. Conversely, low performance will result in no reward.

        The number of PCOs granted in December 2004 to executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, was 376,000. The number of PCOs that vest will range from 0 to 376,000 depending on our relative performance ranking.

        Celestica Share Unit Plan

        Under Celestica's Share Unit Plan (CSUP), the Board of Directors of Celestica may, in its discretion, grant from time to time RSUs and PSUs to eligible participants of Celestica and its affiliated entities.

        There is no limit on the number of subordinate voting shares that may be issued under the terms of the CSUP. Celestica cannot fulfill its obligations under the CSUP through the issuance of subordinate voting shares from treasury, and therefore will deliver previously issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares it acquires in the market for this purpose or cash.

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        ESPO Plans

        We have issued subordinate voting shares and have granted options to acquire subordinate voting shares for the benefit of certain of our employees and executives pursuant to the ESPO Plans which were in effect prior to our initial public offering. No further options or subordinate voting shares (other than pursuant to outstanding options) may be issued under these ESPO Plans.

        Pursuant to the ESPO Plans, employees and executives of Celestica were offered the opportunity to purchase subordinate voting shares and, in connection with such purchase, receive options to acquire an additional number of subordinate voting shares based on the number of subordinate voting shares acquired by them under the ESPO Plans (on average, approximately 1.435 options for each subordinate voting share acquired under the ESPO Plans). In each case, the exercise price for the options is equal to the price per share paid for the corresponding subordinate voting shares acquired under the ESPO Plans.

        Upon the completion of Celestica's initial public offering, certain options became exercisable. The balance of the options issued under the ESPO Plans vested over a period of five years beginning December 31, 1998. All options granted under the ESPO Plans were fully vested as of December 31, 2003. All subordinate voting shares acquired by employees under the ESPO Plans are held either by the employee or by Towers Perrin Share Plan Services in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation as agent for and on behalf of such employees.

        Employee Share Ownership Plan

        The purpose of the Celestica Employee Share Ownership Plan ("CESOP") is to enable eligible employees, including executive officers, of Celestica to acquire subordinate voting shares, so as to encourage continued employee interest in the operation, growth and development of Celestica. Under the CESOP, an eligible participant may elect to contribute an amount, representing no more than 10% of his or her salary. Celestica will contribute 25% of the amount of employee contributions, up to a maximum of 1% of the employee's salary for the relevant payroll period. Contributions are used to purchase subordinate voting shares on the open market.

        Executive Share Ownership Guideline

        Celestica has recently established share ownership guidelines for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President. The guidelines require the Chief Executive Officer to hold Celestica securities with a value equal to three times his or her base salary and the Chief Financial Officer and President to hold Celestica securities with a value equal to two times his or her base salary. Each executive will have five years to meet the share ownership guidelines. Although the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President will not be deemed to have breached the guideline by reason of a decrease in the market value of our securities, they will be required to purchase additional securities within a reasonable period of time to comply with the guideline.

Benefits

        Health, dental, pension, life insurance and long-term disability programs are available for all employees with no additional benefits for executives. Celestica references the median level of benefits at similarly sized companies in the EMS industry.

Pension Plans

        Messrs. Delaney, Puppi, MaGee and Suri each participate in Celestica's non-contributory pension plan (the "Canadian Pension Plan"). The Canadian Pension Plan has a defined benefit and a defined contribution portion and provides for a maximum of 30 years' service and retirement eligibility at the earlier of 30 years' service or age 55. They also participate in an unregistered supplementary pension plan (the "Supplementary Plan") that provides benefits equal to the difference between the benefits determined in accordance with the formula set out in the Canadian Pension Plan and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency maximum pension benefits.

        Messrs. Delaney, MaGee and Suri participate only in the defined contribution portion of the Canadian Pension Plan. The defined contribution portion of the Canadian Pension Plan allows employees to choose how Celestica contributions are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options provided by third party fund managers. Celestica's contributions to this plan on behalf of an employee range from 3% of earnings to a maximum of 6.75% of earnings based on the number of years of service. Retirement benefits depend upon the

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performance of the investment options chosen. Celestica currently contributes 3% of earnings annually on behalf of Messrs. Delaney and Suri and 6.75% of earnings annually on behalf of Mr. MaGee.

        Mr. Puppi participates only in the defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan. The benefit provided under this plan is equal to the benefit entitlement accrued under the relevant IBM plan prior to October 22, 1996, the date Celestica was divested from IBM, plus the benefits earned under the Canadian Pension Plan since that date. The terms of the Canadian Pension Plan, which were accepted by certain employees when they transferred to Celestica, mirrored those of the IBM pension plan in place at the time of divestiture. The Plan is of a modified career average design with benefits based on a three-year earnings average to December 31 of a designated base year (the "Base Year"). In 2004, the Base Year was updated to December 31, 2003 and may be updated from time to time until December 31, 2009. The formula for calculating benefits for the period after October 22, 1996 is the greater of earnings (salary and bonus) or 0.9% of earnings up to the yearly maximum pensionable earnings ("YMPE") level, plus 1.45% of earnings above the YMPE. The defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan also provides for supplementary early retirement benefits from the date of early retirement to age 65.

        The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate annual benefits payable under the defined benefit portion of the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplementary Plan based on average earnings and years of service.

Canadian Pension Plan Table(1)(2)

 
  Years of Service
Earnings Average

  20
  25
  30+(3)
$400,000   $ 104,000   $ 130,000   $ 156,000
$600,000   $ 156,000   $ 194,000   $ 234,000
$800,000   $ 207,000   $ 288,000   $ 311,000
$1,000,000   $ 260,000   $ 343,000   $ 389,000
$1,200,000   $ 311,000   $ 389,000   $ 467,000
$1,400,000   $ 363,000   $ 454,000   $ 545,000
$1,600,000   $ 415,000   $ 519,000   $ 588,000
$1,800,000   $ 467,000   $ 584,000   $ 621,000

(1)
This table assumes total of retirement age and years of service is greater than or equal to 80.

(2)
All amounts are shown converted into U.S. dollars from Canadian dollars at an average daily exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 2004 of U.S.$1.00 = C$1.3017.

(3)
The maximum years of credited service for purposes of the Canadian Pension Plan is 30.

        Mr. Puppi currently has accrued 24.7 years of credited service, which entitles him to a total annual pension under the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan of C$204,000 payable on June 1, 2010. If Mr. Puppi completes 30 years of credited service, then, based on his current best average earnings, he would be entitled to a total annual benefit of C$412,000.

        At the time of his retirement, Mr. Polistuk had accrued the maximum 30 years of credited service. Therefore, the total annual benefit payable to Mr. Polistuk under the Canadian Pension Plan and the Supplemental Plan is C$778,450.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica accrued an aggregate of $1,009,995 to provide pension benefits for Messrs. Delaney, Puppi, MaGee, Suri and Polistuk pursuant to the Canadian Pension Plan. No other amounts were set aside or accrued by Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for Messrs. Puppi, MaGee, Suri and Polistuk and for Mr. Delaney, with the exception in Mr. Delaney's case, of amounts set aside or accrued by Celestica under the U.S. Plan as described below.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, Mr. Delaney participated in both the U.S. Plan and the Canadian Pension Plan as a result of his assuming the Chief Executive Officer role in Canada during the year. Mr. Kawaye participated in the U.S. Plan. The U.S. Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under the U.S. Plan, participating

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employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings not to exceed 20% of their total compensation. Celestica may make contributions for the benefit of eligible employees.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica contributed $24,600 to the U.S. Plan for the benefit of Mr. Delaney and Mr. Kawaye. Except as described above, no other amounts were set aside or accrued by Celestica during the year ended December 31, 2004 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for Messrs. Delaney and Kawaye.

        Mr. Quek participates in the Singapore Plan. The Singapore Plan is a deferred salary arrangement under the Central Provident Fund Act of Singapore. Under the Singapore Plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings not to exceed 20% of their total compensation, but up to a specified limit. Celestica may make contributions for the benefit of eligible employees. Celestica contributed $3,327 for Mr. Quek during the year ended December 31, 2004.

        Mr. Polistuk retired from Celestica on February 27, 2004. During the year ended December 31, 2004, Celestica accrued an aggregate of $741,261 for the purpose of providing pension, retirement or similar benefits for him.

Employment Agreements

        As of December 31, 2004, each of the Named Executive Officers had employment agreements with Celestica. Mr. Polistuk's employment agreement, except for certain non-competition, confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions, was not in effect as of December 31, 2004 because his employment terminated during the year.

    Delaney, MaGee, Puppi and Suri

        Mr. Puppi entered into an employment agreement with Celestica as of October 22, 1996 and Messrs. Delaney, MaGee and Suri entered into employment agreements with Celestica as of July 22, 2004. Each agreement provides that the executive is entitled to certain severance benefits if, within three years of a change of control of Celestica, he is terminated without cause or resigns for reasons specified in the contract. The amount of severance payment for each executive is equal to three times his annual base salary and annual target bonus for the last year of employment pro-rated to the date of termination. In addition, the contracts provide for a cash settlement to cover benefits that would otherwise be payable during the severance period and the continuation of pension contributions or, in Mr. Puppi's case, a credit for years of service up to June 1, 2010 under Celestica's Canadian Pension Plan. Mr. Delaney is entitled to payment to make him whole for any United States excise tax payable by him if his severance benefits constitute parachute payments within the meaning of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

        In the absence of a change of control of Celestica, upon termination without cause or resignation for the reasons specified in the contract, each executive is entitled, in lieu of two years' notice (or three years in Mr. Delaney's case), to payments and benefits substantially similar to those provided following termination after a change in control, except that there is no accelerated vesting of options and rights and, in the case of Messrs. MaGee, Puppi and Suri, Celestica's obligations regarding lump sum payments, the continuation of benefit plans and contributions to or continuation of pension and retirement plans is for the two-year period following termination.

    Quek and Kawaye

        Celestica entered into an employment agreements with Messrs. Quek and Kawaye at the time Celestica acquired International Manufacturing Services, or IMS, in 1998.

        The contracts provides that upon termination of the executive without cause, or upon resignation of the executive for reasons specified in the contract, the executive is entitled to receive a monthly salary for a period of 36 months following the date of termination and a bonus amount based on average bonus received over the previous three years, except that payments shall be reduced by an amount equal to a portion of any replacement earnings during that period. Each executive also is entitled to receive a cash settlement to cover benefits that would otherwise be payable during the two-year period following termination.

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Indemnification Agreements

        Celestica and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into indemnification agreements with certain of the directors and officers of Celestica and our subsidiaries. These agreements generally provide that Celestica or the subsidiary of Celestica which is a party to the agreement, as applicable, will indemnify the director or officer in question (including his or her heirs and legal representatives) against all costs, charges and expenses incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of such corporation or a subsidiary thereof, provided that (a) he or she has acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation, and (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that his or her conduct was lawful.

C.    Board Practices

        Members of the Board of Directors are elected until the next annual meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed.

        Except for the right to receive deferred compensation (see Item 6(B), "Compensation"), no director is entitled to benefits from Celestica when they cease to serve as a director.

Board Committees

        The Board of Directors has established four standing committees, each with a specific mandate, the Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are each composed of independent directors.

    Executive Committee

        The members of the Executive Committee are Mr. Crandall and Dr. Melman. The purpose of the Executive Committee is to provide a degree of flexibility and ability to respond to time-sensitive matters where it is impractical to call a meeting of the full Board of Directors. The Committee reviews such matters and makes such recommendations thereon to the Board of Directors as it considers appropriate, including matters designated by the Board of Directors as requiring Committee review. Members of the Committee also meet approximately once a month on an informal basis to review and stay informed about current business issues. The Board of Directors is briefed on these issues at their regularly scheduled meetings or, if the matter is material, between regularly scheduled meetings. No decision of the Committee shall be effective until it is approved or ratified by the Board of Directors.

    Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Crandall, Mr. Etherington and Mr. Tapscott, all of whom are independent directors. The Audit Committee has a well-defined mandate which, among other things, sets out its relationship with, and expectations of, the external auditors, including the establishment of the independence of the external auditors and approval of any non-audit mandates of the external auditor; the engagement, evaluation, remuneration and termination of the external auditor; its relationship with, and expectations of, the internal auditor function and its oversight of internal control; and the disclosure of financial and related information. The Audit Committee has direct communication channels with the internal and external auditors to discuss and review specific issues and has the authority to retain such independent advisors as it may consider appropriate. The Audit Committee annually reviews and approves the mandate and plan of the internal audit department. The Audit Committee's duties include the responsibility for reviewing financial statements with management and the auditors, monitoring the integrity of Celestica's management information systems and internal control procedures, and reviewing the adequacy of Celestica's processes for identifying and managing risk.

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    Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Crandall, Mr. Etherington, Mr. Szuluk, and Mr. Tapscott, all of whom are independent directors. Dr. Melman was a member of this committee during 2004, but ceased to be a member as of January 2005. Although Dr. Melman would not be an independent director under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE Rules") because he is an officer of Onex, Dr. Melman's membership on the Compensation Committee was consistent with the provision in the NYSE Rules permitting an officer of a parent company to sit on the compensation committee of a company that it controls. It is the responsibility of the Compensation Committee to define and communicate compensation policy and principles that reflect and support our strategic direction, business goals and desired culture. The mandate of the Compensation Committee includes the following: review and recommend to the Board of Directors Celestica's overall reward/compensation policy, including an executive compensation policy that is consistent with competitive practice and supports organizational objectives and shareholder interests; review annually, and submit to the Board of Directors for approval, the elements of our annual and long-term incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans, including plan design, performance targets, administration and total funds/shares reserved for payment; review and recommend to the Board of Directors the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer based on the Board of Directors' assessment of the annual performance of the Chief Executive Officer; review and recommend to the Board of Directors the compensation of our most senior executives; review our succession plans for key executive positions; and review and approve material changes to our organizational structure and human resource policies.

    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Mr. Crandall, Mr. Etherington, Mr. Love, and Mr. Tapscott, all of whom are independent directors. Dr. Melman was a member of the committee during 2004, but ceased to be a member as of January 2005. Although Dr. Melman would not be an independent director under the NYSE Rules because he is an officer of Onex, Dr. Melman's membership on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was consistent with the provision in the NYSE Rules permitting an officer of a parent company to sit on the nominating and corporate governance committee of a company that it controls. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends to the Board the criteria for selecting candidates for nomination to the Board and the individuals to be nominated for election by the shareholders. The Committee's mandate includes making recommendations to the Board relating to the Company's approach to corporate governance, developing the Company's corporate governance guidelines, assessing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer relative to corporate goals and objectives established by the Committee, and assessing the effectiveness of the Board of Directors and its committees.

D.    Employees

        Celestica has over 46,000 permanent and temporary (contract) employees worldwide as at December 31, 2004. The following table sets forth information concerning our employees by geographic location:

 
  Number of Employees
Date

  Americas
  Europe
  Asia
December 31, 2002   14,500   6,000   19,500
December 31, 2003   13,000   5,500   21,500
December 31, 2004   14,000   6,500   25,500

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 11,000 temporary (contract) employees were engaged by Celestica worldwide. During the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 3,800 employees were terminated as a result of restructuring actions announced during the year. See note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 for further information on the restructurings.

        The number of employees in the Americas and Europe at December 31, 2004 includes the employees who joined us as a result of our MSL acquisition in March 2004, which was offset in part by headcount reductions in 2003 and 2004 due to the downsizing or closure of some of our facilities and the transfer of production from

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higher-cost to lower-cost geographies. The number of employees in Asia has increased from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2004 due to the increase in business in Asia, the transfer of production from other geographies and from our acquisition in the Philippines in April 2004.

        Certain information concerning employees is set forth in Item 4, "Information on the Company — Business Overview — Human Resources."

E.    Share Ownership

        The following table sets forth certain information concerning the direct and beneficial ownership of shares of Celestica at February 21, 2005 by each director who holds shares and each of the Named Executive Officers and all directors and executive officers of Celestica as a group. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each of the shareholders named below is Celestica's principal executive office. In this table, multiple voting shares are referred to as "MVS", subordinate voting shares are referred to as "SVS", and Celestica's Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020 are referred to as "LYONs."

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

  Voting Shares
  Percentage of Class
  Percentage of all Equity Shares
  Percentage of Voting Power
Robert L. Crandall(2)   135,000   SVS   *   *   *
    15,130   LYONs(3)   *   *   *
William E. Etherington(4)   31,250   SVS   *   *   *
Richard S. Love(5)   117,500   SVS   *   *   *
Anthony R. Melman(6)(7)   450,000   SVS   *   *   *
Gerald W. Schwartz(6)(8)   29,851,630   MVS   100.0%   13.3%   79.3%
    3,114,387   SVS   1.6%   1.4%   *
Charles W. Szuluk(9)   10,000   SVS   *   *   *
Don Tapscott(10)   105,500   SVS   *   *   *
Stephen W. Delaney   200,127   SVS   *   *   *
J. Marvin MaGee   461,965   SVS   *   *   *
Anthony P. Puppi   434,226   SVS   *   *   *
Neo Kia Quek   459,000   SVS   *   *   *
All directors and executive officers as a group (22 persons, including above)(11)   29,851,630
7,037,798
  MVS
SVS
  100.0%
3.6%
  13.3%
3.1%
  79.3%
*
Total percentage of all equity shares and total percentage of voting power               16.4%   80.0%

*
Less than 1%.

(1)
As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). A person is deemed at any date to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days of such date. Certain shares subject to options granted pursuant to management investment plans of Onex are included as owned beneficially by named individuals, although the exercise of these options is subject to Onex meeting certain financial targets. More than one person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the same securities.

(2)
Includes 115,000 subordinate voting shares subject to exercisable options.

(3)
Each LYON is convertible into 5.6748 subordinate voting shares at the option of the holder.

(4)
Includes 21,250 subordinate voting shares subject to exercisable options.

(5)
Includes 112,500 subordinate voting shares subject to exercisable options.

(6)
The address of such shareholders is: c/o Onex Corporation, 161 Bay Street, P.O. Box 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2S1.

(7)
Includes 274,588 subordinate voting shares owned by Onex which are subject to options granted to Dr. Melman pursuant to certain management investment plans of Onex.

(8)
Includes 188,744 subordinate voting shares owned by a company controlled by Mr. Schwartz and all of the shares of Celestica beneficially owned by Onex, or in respect of which Onex exercises control or direction, of which 1,077,500 subordinate voting shares are subject to options granted to Mr. Schwartz pursuant to certain management incentive plans of Onex. Mr. Schwartz, a director of Celestica, is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex, and controls Onex through his ownership of

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    shares, with a majority of the voting rights attaching to all shares of Onex. Accordingly, Mr. Schwartz may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of shares of Celestica owned by Onex.

(9)
Represents 10,000 subordinate voting shares subject to exercisable options.

(10)
Represents 105,500 subordinate voting shares subject to exercisable options.

(11)
Includes 159,200 subordinate voting shares held by Towers Perrin Share Plan Services, in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation as agent for and on behalf of individual Celestica executives, pursuant to the provisions of Celestica employee benefit plans, and 294,771 subordinate voting shares which are subject to options.

        MVS and SVS have different voting rights. See Item 10, "Additional Information — Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation."

        At February 21, 2005, approximately 5,200 persons held options to acquire an aggregate of approximately 24,300,000 subordinate voting shares. Most of these options were issued pursuant to the ESPO Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan. See Item 6(B), "Compensation." The following table sets forth information with respect to options outstanding as at February 21, 2005.


Outstanding Options

Beneficial Holders

  Number of Subordinate Voting Shares Under Option
  Exercise Price
  Year of Issuance
  Date of Expiry
Executive Officers
(14 persons in total)
  210,000   $0.925   June 13, 1996   June 13, 2006
    261,071   $5.00   During 1997   April 8, 2007
    118,200   $7.50 - $8.75   During 1997 and 1998   October 22, 2007 to July 3, 2008
    259,480   C$18.90 - $22.97   During 1999   January 1, 2009 to September 20, 2009
    302,000   $39.03/C$57.845   December 7, 1999   December 7, 2009
    105,000   $40.06 - C$60.00   During 2000   February 1, 2010 to May 26, 2010
    156,000   $56.1875/C$86.50   December 5, 2000   December 5, 2010
    25,000   C$73.50   March 1, 2001   March 1, 2011
    100,000   $50.00   April 20, 2001   April 20, 2011
    385,400   $41.89/C$66.06   December 4, 2001   December 4, 2011
    420,000   $13.10 - C$29.11   During 2002   October 1, 2012 to December 18, 2012
    8,000   C$15.35   April 18, 2003   April 18, 2013
    1,000,000   $17.15/C$22.75   January 31, 2004   January 31, 2014
    140,000   $15.67 - C$22.89   During 2004   February 6, 2014 to August 9, 2014
    535,100   $15.86 - C$18.00   December 9, 2004   December 9, 2014
                 

66


Directors who are not Executive Officers   143,000   $8.75   During 1998   July 7, 2008
    60,000   $23.41/C$34.50   July 7, 1999   July 7, 2009
    60,000   $48.69/C$72.60   July 7, 2000   July 7, 2010
    60,000   $44.23/C$66.78   July 7, 2001   July 7, 2011
    20,000   $35.95   October 22, 2001   October 22, 2011
    5,000   $32.40   April 21, 2002   April 21, 2012
    45,000   $10.62   April 18, 2003   April 18, 2013
    30,000   $18.25   May 10, 2004   May 10, 2014
All other Celestica Employees (other than IMS, Primetech and MSL) (approximately 4,500 persons in total)   1,749,854   $5.00   During 1997   April 8, 2007
    549,803   $7.50 - C$14.05   During 1998   April 29, 2008 to November 9, 2008
    693,850   $13.69 - C$21.45   January 1, 1999 to March 17, 1999   January 1, 2009 to March 17, 2009
    1,750,629   $39.03/C$57.845   December 7, 1999   December 7, 2009
    278,400   $13.65 - C$53.75   During 1999   January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009
    635,900   $40.06 - C$123.65   During 2000   January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010
    1,712,560   $56.1875/C$86.50   December 5, 2000   December 5, 2010
    418,400   $49.00 - C$108.45   During 2001   January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011
    4,099,298   $41.89/C$66.06   December 4, 2001   December 4, 2011
    318,553   $13.10 - C$70.81   During 2002   January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
    2,287,752   $18.66/C$29.11   December 3, 2002   December 3, 2012
    113,620   $10.19 - C$22.54   During 2003   January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013
    279,285   $17.11 - C$26.47   During 2004   January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
    2,298,447   $17.15/C$22.75   January 31, 2004   January 31, 2014
    558,726   $14.86/C$18.00   December 9, 2004   December 9, 2014
    139,268   $13.49 - C$17.51   January 1, 2005 to February 21, 2005   January 1, 2015 to February 21, 2015
IMS Employees(1)   372,145   $0.925 - $13.31   December 30, 1998   June 13, 2006 to December 18, 2008
Primetech Employees(2)   11,110   C$45.45 - C$111.36   During 1999 - 2001   February 15, 2005 to March 16, 2006
                 

67


MSL Employees(3)   110,627   $10.67 - $53.33   June 5, 1995 to December 6, 1999   June 5, 2005 to December 6, 2009
    777,907   $8.37 - $78.00   During 2000 and 2001   January 1, 2010 to December 28, 2011
    739,915   $8.37 - $15.60   During 2002 and 2003   January 31, 2012 to September 8, 2013

(1)
Represents options outstanding under certain stock option plans that were assumed by Celestica on December 30, 1998. The original exercise price for these options was based on the NASDAQ market price of IMS common stock at the date of issuance.

(2)
Represents options outstanding under certain stock option plans that were assumed by Celestica on August 3, 2001.

(3)
Represents options outstanding under certain stock option plans that were assumed by Celestica on March 12, 2004.

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A.    Major Shareholders

        The following table sets forth certain information concerning the direct and beneficial ownership of the shares of Celestica at February 21, 2005 by each person known to Celestica to own beneficially, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the subordinate voting shares or the multiple voting shares. In this table, multiple voting shares are referred to as "MVS" and subordinate voting shares are referred to as"SVS." MVS and SVS have different voting rights. See Item 10, "Additional Information — Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation."

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

  Type of Ownership
  Number of Shares
  Percentage of Class
  Percentage of all Equity Shares
  Percentage of Voting Power
Onex Corporation(2)(3)   Direct and Indirect   29,851,630   MVS   100.0%   13.3%   79.3%
        2,925,643   SVS   1.5%   1.3%   *

Gerald W. Schwartz(2)(4)

 

Direct and Indirect

 

29,851,630

 

MVS

 

100.0%

 

13.3%

 

79.3%
        3,114,387   SVS   1.6%   1.4%   *

FMR Corp.(5)(6)

 

Indirect

 

17,864,861

 

SVS

 

9.1%

 

7.9%

 

1.9%

Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management Ltd.(7)(8)

 

Indirect

 

13,852,676

 

SVS

 

7.1%

 

6.2%

 

1.5%

Total percentage of all equity shares and total percentage of voting power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28.7%

 

83.0%

*
Less than 1%.

(1)
As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). A person is deemed at any date to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days of such date. More than one person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the same securities.

(2)
The address of such shareholders is: c/o Onex Corporation, 161 Bay Street, P.O. Box 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2S1.

(3)
Includes 2,421,638 multiple voting shares held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Onex, 917,361 subordinate voting shares held in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation as agent for and on behalf of certain executives and employees of Celestica pursuant to certain of Celestica's employee share purchase and option plans, 33,755 subordinate voting shares representing an undivided interest of approximately 10.2% in 330,872 subordinate voting shares, and 225,376 subordinate voting shares directly or indirectly held by certain officers of Onex which Onex has the right to vote. Of these shares, 1,757,467 subordinate voting shares may be delivered, at the option

68


    of Onex or certain persons related to Onex, to satisfy the obligations of such persons under equity forward agreements. If an equity forward agreement is settled and Onex does not elect to satisfy its obligations in cash rather than delivering subordinate voting shares, if Onex does not hold a sufficient number of subordinate voting shares to satisfy its obligations, the requisite number of multiple voting shares held by such person will immediately be converted into subordinate voting shares, which will be delivered to satisfy such obligations. On February 16, 2005, subsidiaries of Onex redeemed their exchangeable debentures due 2025, which were issued in 2000, and delivered 9,214,320 subordinate voting shares to debenture holders in connection with the redemption. Onex converted 9,214,320 multiple voting shares into subordinate voting shares in January 2005 to facilitate the redemption.


Multiple voting shares will be converted automatically into subordinate voting shares upon any transfer thereof, except (i) a transfer to Onex or any affiliate of Onex or (ii) a transfer of 100% of the outstanding multiple voting shares to a purchaser who also has offered to purchase all of the outstanding subordinate voting shares for a per share consideration identical to, and otherwise on the same terms as, that offered for the multiple voting shares and the multiple voting shares held by such purchaser thereafter shall be subject to the provisions relating to conversion as if all references to Onex were references to such purchaser. In addition, if (i) any holder of any multiple voting shares ceases to be an affiliate of Onex or (ii) Onex and its affiliates cease to have the right, in all cases, to exercise the votes attached to, or to direct the voting of, any of the multiple voting shares held by Onex and its affiliates, such multiple voting shares shall convert automatically into subordinate voting shares on a one-for-one basis. For these purposes, (i) "Onex" includes any successor corporation resulting from an amalgamation, merger, arrangement, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, or other business combination or reorganization involving Onex, provided that such successor corporation beneficially owns directly or indirectly all multiple voting shares beneficially owned directly or indirectly by Onex immediately prior to such transaction and is controlled by the same person or persons as controlled Onex prior to the consummation of such transaction; (ii) a corporation shall be deemed to be a subsidiary of another corporation if, but only if (a) it is controlled by that other, or that other and one or more corporations each of which is controlled by that other, or two or more corporations each of which is controlled by that other, or (b) it is a subsidiary of a corporation that is that other's subsidiary; (iii) "affiliate" means a subsidiary of Onex or a corporation controlled by the same person or company that controls Onex; and (iv) "control" means beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities carrying more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors if those votes, if cast, could elect more than 50% of the directors. For these purposes, a person is deemed to beneficially own any security which is beneficially owned by a corporation by such person. Onex, which owns all of the outstanding multiple voting shares, has entered into an agreement with ComputerShare Trust Company of Canada, as trustee for the benefit of the holders of the subordinate voting shares, that has the effect of preventing transactions that otherwise would deprive the holders of subordinate voting shares of rights under applicable provincial take-over bid legislation to which they would have been entitled in the event of a take-over bid for the multiple voting shares if the multiple voting shares had been subordinate voting shares.


The shares Onex owns and the shares Onex has the right to vote represent in the aggregate 79.3% of the voting power of all Celestica shares. If the party to the equity forward agreements elects to deliver solely subordinate voting shares and no cash upon the settlement of the equity forward agreement the number of shares owned by Onex, together with those shares Onex has the right to vote, would, if such delivery had occurred on February 21, 2005, represent in the aggregate 78.4% of the voting interest in our company.

(4)
Includes 188,744 subordinate voting shares owned by a company controlled by Mr. Schwartz and all of the shares of Celestica beneficially owned by Onex, or in respect of which Onex exercises control or direction, of which 1,077,500 subordinate voting shares are subject to options granted to Mr. Schwartz pursuant to certain management incentive plans of Onex. Mr. Schwartz is a director of Celestica and the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex, and controls Onex through his ownership of shares with a majority of the voting rights attaching to all shares of Onex. Accordingly, Mr. Schwartz may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Celestica shares owned by Onex.

(5)
The address of this shareholder is: 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, and Massachusetts 02109.

(6)
This information reflects share ownership as of December 31, 2004 and is taken from the Schedule 13G/A filed by FMR Corp. with the SEC on February 14, 2005, a joint filing of FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d, Abigail P. Johnson and Fidelity Management & Research Company.

(7)
The address of this shareholder is: 200 Burrard Street, 20th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3N5.

(8)
This information reflects share ownership as of December 31, 2004 and is taken from the Schedule 13G filed by Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management Ltd. with the SEC on February 25, 2005.

        Onex's and FMR Corp.'s ownership percentages have not changed significantly over the past three years and Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management Ltd. only recently became a beneficial owner of 5% or more of our subordinate voting shares.

Holders

        On February 21, 2005, there were approximately 2,012 holders of record of subordinate voting shares, of which approximately 512 holders, holding approximately 52% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, were resident in the United States and approximately 463 holders, holding approximately 47% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, were resident in Canada.

        On February 21, 2005, there was one holder of record of the Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020; the holder of record was in the United States.

69


B.    Related Party Transactions

Interest of Management in Certain Transactions

        Celestica and Onex are parties to an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement dated July 1, 2003 under which Onex has agreed to provide certain strategic planning, financial and support services to Celestica of such nature as Celestica may reasonably request from time to time having regard to Onex' experience, expertise and personnel or the personnel of its subsidiaries, as the case may be. Celestica has agreed to pay Onex certain fees under the agreement including a base fee and a performance incentive fee, if any. The base fee is equal to approximately $500,000 per year, increasing after two years to $1,000,000 per year. The incentive fee payable in any year is tied to company performance. The agreement also provides that if Celestica uses Onex management personnel to provide investment banking or financial advice in connection with any acquisition, Onex will be entitled to receive fees consistent in the determination of the Board of Directors of Celestica with fees typically paid for financial advice in such circumstances to investment bankers or other expert advisors at arm's-length to Celestica. The agreement terminates on December 31, 2008, subject to automatic termination 30 days after the first day upon which Onex ceases to hold at least one multiple voting share. In the event of a change of control of Celestica, Onex is entitled to receive an amount equal to the difference between $10,000,000 and the aggregate amount of base fees and incentive fees paid to Onex during the term of the agreement, and no further base or incentive fees are payable thereafter. During 2004, Celestica paid to Onex management-related fees of $682,800. The payment obligations under the agreement are not considered to be material to either Celestica or Onex.

Indebtedness of Directors and Senior Officers

        As at February 25, 2005, no officers of Celestica were indebted to Celestica in connection with the purchase of subordinate voting shares. The amount outstanding during 2004 represented a guarantee of indebtedness by Celestica and included indebtedness for interest accrued on such guaranteed indebtedness. The security for each of the guaranteed amounts was the purchased subordinate voting shares. The last such arrangement was entered into in July 2000 and no further such arrangements are permitted. The following table sets forth details of such guarantees by Celestica of indebtedness of the directors and officers of Celestica.


Indebtedness of Senior Officers under Securities Purchase Programs

Name and Principal Position

  Involvement of Company
  Largest Amount Outstanding During 2004(1)
($)

  Amount Outstanding As At February 25, 2005
($)

  Financially Assisted Securities Purchases During 2004
(#)

  Security for Indebtedness
  Amount Forgiven During 2004
($)

J. Marvin MaGee
    President
Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor   $ 190,464   0   0   SVS   0
Daniel P. Shea
    Senior Vice President and Group General Manager
Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor   $ 344,421   0   0   SVS   0
Rahul Suri
    Senior Vice President,
Corporate Development
Toronto, Ontario
  Guarantor(2)   $ 1,431,166   0   0   SVS   0

(1)
All amounts shown are converted into U.S. dollars from Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of U.S.$1.00 = C$1.3017.

(2)
The guarantee was in respect of a share loan, the interest for which was owed directly to Celestica.

70


        No securities were purchased by any director or officer during 2004 with the financial assistance of Celestica. Other than as described above, no director, officer or employee was indebted to Celestica other than in connection with securities purchase programs during the year ended December 31, 2004.

C.    Interests of Experts and Counsel

        Not applicable.

Item 8. Financial Information

A.    Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

        See Item 18, "Financial Statements."

Litigation

        We are party to litigation from time to time. We currently are not party to any legal proceedings which management expects will have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, business, prospects or financial condition of Celestica.

Dividend Policy

        We have not declared or paid any dividends to our shareholders. We will retain earnings for general corporate purposes to promote future growth; as such, the board of directors does not anticipate paying any dividends for the foreseeable future. Celestica's board of directors will review this policy from time to time, having regard to our financial condition, financing requirements and other relevant factors.

B.    Significant Changes

        See note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 for information on significant changes.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

A.    Offer and Listing Details

Market Information

        The subordinate voting shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). In the following tables, subordinate voting shares are referred to as "SVS."


The annual high and low market prices for the five most recent fiscal years

 
  NYSE
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
Year ended December 31, 2000   $87.88   $35.50   268,587,200
Year ended December 31, 2001   76.40   20.69   600,773,000
Year ended December 31, 2002   47.08   9.89   544,198,500
Year ended December 31, 2003   20.29   9.55   392,558,600
Year ended December 31, 2004   21.15   12.25   334,246,600
 
  TSX
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
Year ended December 31, 2000   C$128.25   C$51.05   202,303,300
Year ended December 31, 2001   114.00   32.42   323,130,318
Year ended December 31, 2002   75.05   15.78   328,786,676
Year ended December 31, 2003   27.98   13.50   339,281,662
Year ended December 31, 2004   27.84   15.47   266,103,490

71



The high and low market prices for each full fiscal quarter for the two most recent fiscal years

 
  NYSE
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
Year ended December 31, 2003            
  First quarter   $17.53   $10.31   94,833,400
  Second quarter   17.10   9.55   110,120,500
  Third quarter   20.29   13.65   98,844,700
  Fourth quarter   18.50   12.91   88,760,000
Year ended December 31, 2004            
  First quarter   $21.15   $15.26   92,982,400
  Second quarter   19.95   16.03   86,438,900
  Third quarter   19.01   12.25   94,953,100
  Fourth quarter   15.70   12.44   59,872,200
 
  TSX
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
Year ended December 31, 2003            
  First quarter   C$27.24   C$15.77   97,605,517
  Second quarter   23.15   13.50   91,567,283
  Third quarter   27.98   19.01   78,510,142
  Fourth quarter   24.00   16.90   71,598,720
Year ended December 31, 2004            
  First quarter   C$27.84   C$20.00   80,970,148
  Second quarter   26.97   21.60   66,348,533
  Third quarter   24.96   15.83   72,746,745
  Fourth quarter   18.85   15.47   46,038,064


The high and low market prices for each month for the most recent six months

 
  NYSE
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
September 2004   $14.57   $12.25   34,481,400
October 2004   14.48   12.44   22,169,800
November 2004   15.65   14.31   17,965,800
December 2004   15.70   13.70   19,736,600
January 2005   13.98   12.68   24,377,800
February 2005   14.09   12.78   16,838,100
 
  TSX
 
  High
  Low
  Volume
 
  (Price per SVS)

   
September 2004   C$18.80   C$15.83   28,331,432
October 2004   17.69   15.47   18,044,693
November 2004   18.75   17.01   14,673,420
December 2004   18.85   16.78   13,319,951
January 2005   16.60   15.52   16,405,103
February 2005   17.75   15.76   14,598,845

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        Celestica's Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020, or LYONs, are listed on the NYSE. Liquid Yield Option™ Notes is a trademark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. The market price range of the LYONs as reported on BloombergTM for the periods indicated is set forth in the following tables.


The annual high and low market prices for the LYONs for the most recent fiscal years

 
  High
  Low
Year ended December 31, 2000(1)   $55.83   $40.05
Year ended December 31, 2001   53.74   34.56
Year ended December 31, 2002   46.00   33.00
Year ended December 31, 2003   52.50   42.00
Year ended December 31, 2004   55.00   52.00

(1)
The LYONs were issued August 1, 2000.


The annual high and low market prices for the LYONs for the most recent fiscal years

 
  High
  Low
Year ended December 31, 2003        
  First quarter   $48.63   $42.00
  Second quarter   50.88   45.00
  Third quarter   52.50   50.88
  Fourth quarter   52.50   50.88
Year ended December 31, 2004        
  First quarter   $54.00   $52.00
  Second quarter   55.00   53.50
  Third quarter   55.00   55.00
  Fourth quarter   53.00   53.00


The high and low market prices for the LYONs for each month for the most recent six months

 
  High
  Low
September 2004   No Data
October 2004   $53.00   $53.00
November 2004   No Data
December 2004   No Data
January 2005   No Data
February 2005   $53.88   $53.88

B.    Plan of Distribution

        Not applicable.

C.    Markets

        The subordinate voting shares are listed on the NYSE and the TSX.

        Celestica's LYONs are listed on the NYSE.

D.    Selling Shareholders

        Not applicable.

E.    Dilution

        Not applicable.

73



F.     Expense of the Issue

        Not applicable.

Item 10.    Additional Information

Trustees, Transfer Agents and Registrars

        JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., formerly Chase Manhattan Bank, is the trustee under (i) our Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2000, related to our Liquid Yield Option™ Notes due 2020, (ii) our Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, related to our 77/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (the Notes Indenture), (iii) our First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, to the Notes Indenture, and (iv) our Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 30, 2004, to the Notes Indenture. The trustee can be reached by mail at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Institutional Trust Services, 4 New York Plaza, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10004 or by telephone at 1-212-623-6796.

        ComputerShare Trust Company of Canada is the trustee for the benefit of the holders of the subordinate voting shares pursuant to an agreement with Onex, and is the transfer agent for the subordinate voting shares. You may contact the transfer agent by mail at ComputerShare Trust Company of Canada, 100 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1, or by telephone within Canada and the United States at 1-800-564-6253 and at 514-982-7555 from all other countries.

        Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation acts as agent for and on behalf of certain executives and employees of Celestica pursuant to certain of Celestica's employee share purchase and option plans. Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation can be reached by mail at Towers Perrin Share Plan Services Limited, Wyndham Court, Pritchard Street, Bristol, United Kingdom BS2 8RH or by telephone at 011-44-117-984-4721.

        Onex holds subordinate voting shares in trust for Celestica Employee Nominee Corporation. Onex Corporation can be reached at 161 Bay Street, P.O. Box 700, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2S1.

Corporate Governance

        We are subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and requirements enacted by the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Canadian Securities Administrators, the New York Stock Exchange and by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under its rules and those mandated by the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Today, we meet and often exceed not only corporate governance legal requirements in Canada and the United States, but also the best practices recommended by securities regulators. We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and, although we are not required to comply with all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements to which we would be subject if we were a U.S. corporation, we have aligned our governance practices with all of those requirements.

A.    Share Capital

        Not applicable.

B.    Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation

    Annual and Special Meetings of Shareholders

        The Business Corporations Act (Ontario), or the OBCA, requires Celestica to call an annual shareholders' meeting not later than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting and permits Celestica to call a special shareholders' meeting at any time. In addition, in accordance with the OBCA, the holders of not less than 5% of Celestica's shares carrying the right to vote at a meeting sought to be held may requisition our directors to call a special shareholders' meeting for the purposes stated in the requisition. Celestica is required to mail a notice of meeting and management information circular to registered shareholders not less than 21 days and not more than 50 days prior to the date of any annual or special shareholders' meeting. These materials also are filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC. Our by-laws provide that a quorum of two shareholders in person or represented by proxy holding or representing by proxy not less than 35% of Celestica's issued shares carrying the right to vote at the meeting is required to transact business at a

74


shareholders' meeting. Shareholders, and their duly appointed proxies and corporate representatives, as well as our auditors, are entitled to be admitted to our annual and special shareholders' meetings.

    Articles of Incorporation

        Celestica's articles of incorporation do not place any restrictions on Celestica's objects and purposes.

    Certain Powers of Directors

        The OBCA requires that every director who is a party to a material contract or transaction or a proposed material contract or transaction with a company, or who is a director or officer of, or has a material interest in, any person who is a party to a material contract or transaction or a proposed material contract or transaction with the company, shall disclose in writing to the company or request to have entered in the minutes of the meetings of directors the nature and extent of his or her interest, and shall refrain from voting in respect of the material contract or transaction or proposed material contract or transaction unless the contract or transaction is:

    (a)
    an arrangement by way of security for money lent to, or obligations undertaken by the director for the benefit of the corporation or an affiliate;

    (b)
    one relating primarily to his or her remuneration as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or an affiliate;

    (c)
    one for indemnity of, or insurance for directors, as contemplated under the OBCA; or

    (d)
    one with an affiliate.

        However, a director who is prohibited by the OBCA from voting on a material contract or proposed material contract may be counted in determining whether a quorum is present for the purpose of the resolution, if the director disclosed his or her interest in accordance with the OBCA and the contract or transaction was reasonable and fair to the corporation at the time it was approved.

        Celestica's by-laws provide that the directors shall from time to time determine by resolution the remuneration to be paid to the directors, which shall be in addition to the salary paid to any officer or employee of Celestica who is also a director. The directors may also by resolution award special remuneration to any director in undertaking any special services on Celestica's behalf other than the normal work ordinarily required of a director of Celestica. The by-laws provide that confirmation of any such resolution by Celestica's shareholders is not required.

        The by-laws provide that the directors may:

    (a)
    borrow money upon the credit of Celestica;

    (b)
    limit or increase the amount to be borrowed;

    (c)
    issue, reissue, sell or pledge bonds, debentures, notes or other securities or debt obligations of Celestica;

    (d)
    issue, sell or pledge such bonds, debentures, notes or other securities or debt obligations for such sums and at such prices as may be deemed expedient; and

    (e)
    mortgage, hypothecate, charge, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real and personal, movable and immovable, property of Celestica, and Celestica's undertaking and rights to secure any such bonds, debentures, notes or other securities or debt obligations, or to secure any of Celestica's present or future borrowing, liability or obligation.

        The directors may, by resolution, amend or repeal any by-laws that regulate the business or affairs of Celestica. The OBCA requires the directors to submit any such amendment or repeal to Celestica's shareholders at the next meeting of shareholders, and the shareholders may confirm, reject or amend the amendment or repeal.

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    Eligibility to Serve as a Director

        The by-laws provide that every director shall be an individual 18 or more years of age, and that no one who is of unsound mind and has been so found by a court in Canada or elsewhere or who has the status of a bankrupt shall be a director. There is no provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws imposing a requirement for retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement. The OBCA requires that a majority of the directors of Celestica be resident Canadians.

        The OBCA provides that unless the articles of a corporation otherwise provide, a director of a corporation is not required to hold shares issued by the corporation. There is no provision in the articles of incorporation imposing a requirement that a director hold any shares issued by Celestica. In April 2004, Celestica's Board of Directors established a guideline for minimum shareholdings for independent directors. The guideline currently requires that directors hold securities of Celestica of a value proportionate to their annual retainer and the years they have served on our Board. See Item 6, "Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Compensation."

    Shareholder Rights and Limitations

        The rights and preferences attaching to our subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares are described in the section entitled "Description of Capital Stock" of our registration statement on Form F-3 (Reg. No. 333-69278), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2001. The rights and preferences attaching to our LYONs are described in the section entitled "Description of LYONs" of our Rule 424(b) prospectus, filed with the SEC on July 26, 2000, as part of our registration statement on Form F-3 (Reg. No. 333-12338), filed with the SEC on July 24, 2000. The rights and preferences attaching to our 77/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 are described in the section entitled "Description of Notes" of our Rule 424(b) prospectus, filed with the SEC on June 14, 2004. Those sections are hereby incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

        Additional information concerning the rights and limitations of shareholders found in Celestica's articles of incorporation is hereby incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form F-4 (Reg. No. 333-9636).

C.    Material Contracts

        The following table summarizes each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which Celestica or any member of Celestica's group is a party, for the two years immediately preceding the publication of this Annual Report:

Date

  Parties
  Type
  Terms and Conditions
  Approximate Consideration
October 14, 2003   Celestica, MSL Acquisition Sub Inc. and Manufacturers' Services Limited   Agreement and Plan of Merger   Manufacturers' Services Limited merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Celestica   $320 million(1)

(1)
Celestica issued approximately 17.3 million subordinate voting shares (including shares reserved for issuance for outstanding options and warrants) to the common stockholders and certain preferred stockholders of MSL, and cash consideration of approximately $51.6 million.

        See Item 5, "— Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness."

D.    Exchange Controls

        Canada has no system of exchange controls. There are no Canadian restrictions on the repatriation of capital or earnings of a Canadian public company to non-resident investors. There are no laws of Canada or

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exchange restrictions affecting the remittance of dividends, interest, royalties or similar payments to non-resident holders of Celestica's securities, except as described under Item 10(E), "— Taxation," below.

E.    Taxation

Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

        The following is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to a person (a "U.S. Holder") who acquires subordinate voting shares and who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian Tax Act") and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the "Tax Treaty"), at all relevant times is resident in the United States and is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada, deals at arm's length and is not affiliated with Celestica, holds such subordinate voting shares as capital property, and does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, the subordinate voting shares in carrying on business in Canada. Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a U.S. Holder that is a financial institution (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), or is an insurer to whom the subordinate voting shares are designated insurance property (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act).

        This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Treaty, the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereunder, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or the regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to February 21, 2005, and Celestica's understanding of the current published administrative practices of the Canada Revenue Agency.

        This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and, except as mentioned above, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, administrative or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account the tax legislation or considerations of any province or territory of Canada or any jurisdiction other than Canada, which may differ significantly from the considerations described in this summary.

        This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular holder, and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any particular holder is made. Consequently, U.S. Holders of subordinate voting shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences to them having regard to their particular circumstances.

        All amounts relevant in computing a U.S. Holder's liability under the Canadian Tax Act are to be computed in Canadian dollars.

    Taxation of Dividends

        By virtue of the Canadian Tax Act and the Tax Treaty, dividends (including stock dividends) on subordinate voting shares paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited to a U.S. Holder who is the beneficial owner of such dividends will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax at the rate of 15% of the gross amount of such dividends. Under the Tax Treaty, the rate of withholding tax on dividends is reduced to 5% if that U.S. Holder is a company that beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of Celestica. Moreover, under the Tax Treaty, dividends paid to certain religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organizations and certain pension organizations that are resident in, and generally exempt from tax in, the U.S., generally are exempt from Canadian non-resident withholding tax. Provided that certain administrative procedures are observed by such an organization, Celestica would not be required to withhold such tax from dividends paid or credited to such organization.

    Disposition of Subordinate Voting Shares

        A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of subordinate voting shares unless the subordinate voting shares constitute or are deemed to constitute "taxable Canadian property" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) (other than treaty-protected property, as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) at the time of such disposition. Shares of a corporation resident in Canada that are listed on a prescribed stock exchange for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act will be "taxable Canadian property" under the Canadian Tax Act if, at any time during the five-year

77


period immediately preceding the disposition or deemed disposition of the share, the U.S. Holder, persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length, or the U.S. Holder together with such persons owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of the corporation that issued the shares. Provided they are listed on a prescribed stock exchange for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act (which includes the TSX and NYSE), subordinate voting shares acquired by a U.S. Holder generally will not be taxable Canadian property to a U.S. Holder unless the foregoing 25% ownership threshold applies to the U.S. Holder with respect to Celestica or the subordinate voting shares are otherwise deemed by the Canadian Tax Act to be taxable Canadian property. Even if the subordinate voting shares are taxable Canadian property to a U.S. Holder, they generally will be treaty-protected property if the value of such shares at the time of disposition is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada. Consequently, any gain realized by the U.S. Holder upon the disposition of the subordinate voting shares generally will be exempt from tax under the Canadian Tax Act.

Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

        The following discussion describes the material United States federal income tax consequences to United States Holders (as defined below) of subordinate voting shares. A United States Holder is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation), partnership or limited liability company created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or a trust, if either (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has made an election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. If a partnership (or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership) holds subordinate voting shares, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding subordinate voting shares, we suggest that you consult with your tax advisor. This summary is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to your decision to purchase, hold or dispose of subordinate voting shares. This summary considers only United States Holders who will own subordinate voting shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). In this context, the term "capital assets" means, in general, assets held for investment by a taxpayer. Material aspects of U.S. federal income tax relevant to non-United States Holders are also discussed below.

        This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, current and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial decisions as of February 21, 2005, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular United States Holder based on the United States Holder's individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax or U.S. federal income tax consequences to United States Holders who are subject to special treatment, including taxpayers who are broker-dealers or insurance companies, taxpayers who have elected mark-to-market accounting, individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions or "financial services entities," taxpayers who hold subordinate voting shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge" or "conversion transaction" with other investments, taxpayers owning directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of the voting power of our share capital, and taxpayers whose functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Internal Revenue Code) is not the U.S. dollar.

        This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. Additionally, the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of persons who hold subordinate voting shares through a limited liability company or through a partnership or other pass-through entity (such as an S corporation). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through a foreign or domestic partnership or similar entity is generally attributed to its owners. You are advised to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the specific tax consequences to you of purchasing, holding or disposing of the subordinate voting shares.

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    Taxation of Dividends Paid on Subordinate Voting Shares

        In the event that Celestica pays a dividend, and subject to the discussion of the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules below, a United States Holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on subordinate voting shares, including any Canadian taxes withheld from the amount paid, on the date the distribution is received, to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, distributions of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits will be foreign source passive income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporations. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the United States Holder's tax basis in the subordinate voting shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as capital gain.

        Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in Canadian dollars to a United States Holder will be includible in the income of the United States Holder in a dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the date the distribution is received. A United States Holder who receives a distribution of Canadian dollars and converts the Canadian dollars into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. Such gain or loss will generally be ordinary income and loss and will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of a foreign currency gain or loss.

        United States Holders will generally have the option of claiming the amount of any Canadian income taxes withheld either as a deduction from gross income or as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to specified conditions and limitations. Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of the Canadian income taxes withheld, but these individuals generally may still claim a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is subject to complex limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by each shareholder. The total amount of allowable foreign tax credits in any year cannot exceed the pre-credit U.S. tax liability for the year attributable to foreign source taxable income and further limitations may apply under the alternative minimum tax. A United States Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Canadian income tax withheld from dividends received on subordinate voting shares to the extent that he or she has not held the subordinate voting shares for at least 16 days of the 30-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent that he or she is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property. Instead, a deduction may be allowed. Any days during which a United States Holder has substantially diminished his or her risk of loss on his or her subordinate voting shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period.

        Individuals who receive "qualified dividend income" (excluding dividends from a PFIC) in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2009 generally will be taxed at a maximum U.S. federal rate of 15% (rather than the higher tax rates generally applicable to items of ordinary income) provided certain holding period requirements are met. Based upon current Internal Revenue Service pronouncements, Celestica believes that dividends paid by it with respect to its subordinate voting shares should constitute "qualified dividend income" for United States federal income tax purposes and that holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates) should be entitled to the reduced rates of tax, as applicable. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the impact of the "qualified dividend income" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code on their particular situations, including related restrictions and special rules.

    Taxation of Disposition of Subordinate Voting Shares

        Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of subordinate voting shares, a United States Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between his or her adjusted tax basis in his or her shares and the amount realized on the disposition. A United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the subordinate voting shares will generally be the initial cost, but

79


may be adjusted for various reasons including the receipt by such United States Holder of a distribution that was not made up wholly of earning and profits as described above under the heading "Taxation of Dividends Paid on Subordinate Voting Shares." A United States Holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the dollar value of the proceeds received on the sale date as of the date that the sale settles, while a United States Holder who uses the accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the "trade date," unless he or she has elected to use the settlement date to determine his or her proceeds of sale. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain and is eligible for a maximum 15% rate of taxation for non-corporate taxpayers. Special rules (and generally lower maximum rates) apply to non-corporate taxpayers in lower tax brackets. Further preferential tax treatment may be available for non-corporate taxpayers who dispose of subordinate voting shares held for over five years. Gain or loss recognized by a United States Holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of subordinate voting shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of a capital loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of subordinate voting shares is subject to limitations. A United States Holder who receives foreign currency upon disposition of subordinate voting shares and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of a foreign currency gain or loss.

    Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company

        A non-U.S. corporation will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if, in general, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income in a taxable year, including the pro rata share of the gross income of any U.S. or foreign company in which it is considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value, is passive income or (ii) 50% or more of its assets in a taxable year, averaged over the year and ordinarily determined based on fair market value and including the pro rata share of the assets of any company in which it is considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income. Passive income includes amounts derived by reason of the temporary investment of funds raised in a public offering. If we were a PFIC and a United States Holder did not make an election to treat the company as a "qualified electing fund" and did not make a mark-to-market election, each as described below, then:

    excess distributions by Celestica to a United States Holder would be taxed in a special way. "Excess distributions" are amounts received by a United States Holder with respect to subordinate voting shares in any taxable year that exceed 125% of the average distributions received by the United States Holder from the company in the shorter of either the three previous years or his or her holding period for his or her shares before the present taxable year. Excess distributions must be allocated ratably to each day that a United States Holder has held subordinate voting shares. A United States Holder must include amounts allocated to the current taxable year and to any non-PFIC years in his or her gross income as ordinary income for that year. A United States Holder must pay tax on amounts allocated to each prior taxable PFIC year at the highest rate in effect for that year on ordinary income and the tax is subject to an interest charge at the rate applicable to deficiencies for income tax;

    the entire amount of gain that is realized by a United States Holder upon the sale or other disposition of shares will also be considered an excess distribution and will be subject to tax as described above; and

    a United States Holder's tax basis in shares that were acquired from a decedent will not receive a step-up to fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death but instead will be equal to the decedent's tax basis, if lower.

        The special PFIC rules will not apply to a United States Holder if the United States Holder makes an election to treat the company as a "qualified electing fund" in the first taxable year in which he or she owns subordinate voting shares and if we comply with reporting requirements. Instead, a shareholder of a qualified electing fund is required for each taxable year to include in income a pro rata share of the ordinary earnings of the qualified electing fund as ordinary income and a pro rata share of the net capital gain of the qualified electing fund as long-term capital gain, subject to a separate election to defer payment of taxes, which deferral is subject to an interest charge. We have agreed to supply United States Holders with the information needed to

80



report income and gain pursuant to this election in the event that we are classified as a PFIC. The election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and may be revoked only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS. A shareholder makes the election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including the PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return. Even if an election is not made, a shareholder in a PFIC who is a United States Holder must file a completed IRS Form 8621 every year.

        A United States Holder who owns PFIC shares that are publicly traded could elect to mark the shares to market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the PFIC shares and the United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares. If the mark-to-market election were made, then the rules set forth above would not apply for periods covered by the election. The subordinate voting shares would be treated as publicly traded for purposes of the mark-to-market election and, therefore, such election would be made if Celestica were classified as a PFIC. A mark-to-market election is, however, subject to complex and specific rules and requirements, and United States Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors concerning this election if we are classified as a PFIC.

        We believe that we will not be a PFIC for 2005. Based on our current business plan, we do not expect to become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. These conclusions rest, at least in part, on factual issues, including a determination as to value of assets and projections as to our revenue. We cannot assure you that our actual revenues, including our revenues for the remainder of 2005, will be as projected or that a determination as to non-PFIC status would not be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service. Moreover, the tests for determining PFIC status are applied annually, and it is difficult to make accurate predictions of future income and assets, which are relevant to the determination as to whether we will be a PFIC in the future. A United States Holder who holds subordinate voting shares during a period in which we are a PFIC will be subject to the PFIC rules, even if we cease to be a PFIC, unless he or she has made a qualifying electing fund election. If we were determined to be a PFIC with respect to a year in which we had not thought that we would be so treated, the information needed to enable United States Holders to make a qualifying electing fund election would not have been provided. United States Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors about the PFIC rules, including the consequences to them of making a mark-to-market or qualifying electing fund elections with respect to subordinate voting shares in the event that we are treated as a PFIC.

    Tax Consequences for Non-United States Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares

        Except as described in "Information Reporting and Back-up Withholding" below, a non-United States Holder of subordinate voting shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, subordinate voting shares unless:

    the item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-United States Holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country that has an income treaty with the United States, such item is attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States;

    the non-United States Holder is an individual who holds subordinate voting shares as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and does not qualify for an exemption; or

    the non-United States Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of U.S. tax law applicable to U.S. expatriates.

    Information Reporting and Back-up Withholding

        United States Holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements and back-up withholding at a current rate of 28% with respect to dividends paid in the United States and on proceeds paid from the disposition of shares, unless the United States Holder (i) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and demonstrates this fact when so required, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that it is not subject to backup withholdings, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

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        Non-United States Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or back-up withholding with respect to dividends paid on or upon the disposition of shares, provided in some instances that the non-United States Holder provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies to his foreign status or otherwise establishes an exemption.

        The amount of any back-up withholding will be allowed as a credit against U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Holder to a refund, provided that required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

F.     Dividends and Paying Agents

        Not applicable.

G.    Statement by Experts

        Not applicable.

H.    Documents on Display

        Any statement in this Annual Report about any of our contracts or other documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report or is incorporated by reference, the contract or document is deemed to modify our description. You must review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.

        You may review a copy of our filings with the SEC, including exhibits and schedules filed with this Annual Report, at the SEC's public reference facilities in Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of such materials from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. The SEC maintains a web-site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. We began to file electronically with the SEC in November 2000.

        You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file with the SEC at the addresses indicated above and you may also access some of them electronically at the web-site set forth above. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services.

        We also file reports, statements and other information with the Canadian Securities Administrators, or the CSA, and these can be accessed electronically at the CSA's System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval web-site (http://www.sedar.com).

I.     Subsidiary Information

        Not applicable.

Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Exchange Rate Risk

        Celestica has entered into foreign currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risk. These financial instruments include, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of amounts recognized in the balance sheets. The table below provides information about Celestica's foreign currency contracts. The table presents the notional amounts and weighted average exchange rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. These notional

82



amounts generally are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts. At December 31, 2004, these contracts had a fair value unrealized gain of U.S.$31.1 million.

 
  Expected Maturity Date
 
 
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  2010
  Thereafter
  Total
  Fair Value Gain (Loss)
 
Forward Exchange Agreements                                                        
Receive C$/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 208.9   $ 16.0                       $ 224.9   $ 18.6  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.76   $ 0.79                                            
Receive Euro/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 60.3   $ 3.5                       $ 63.8   $ 6.2  
  Average exchange rate   $ 1.24   $ 1.33                                            
Receive U.S.$/Pay Euro                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 28.3   $ 2.4   $ 1.1                   $ 31.8   $ (2.4 )
  Average exchange rate   $ 1.30   $ 1.30   $ 1.11                                      
Receive Mexican Pesos/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 38.2                           $ 38.2   $ 1.4  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.08                                                  
Receive £/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 6.0                           $ 6.0   $ 0.7  
  Average exchange rate   $ 1.74                                                  
Receive Singapore $/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 24.8                           $ 24.8   $ 0.7  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.60                                                  
Receive Czech Koruna/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 29.9                           $ 29.9   $ 3.6  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.04                                                  
Receive Thai Baht/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 59.9                           $ 59.9   $ 2.1  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.02                                                  
Receive Malaysian ringgits/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 13.0                           $ 13.0      
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.26                                                  
Receive Japanese yen/Pay U.S.$                                                        
  Contract amount (in millions)   $ 17.0                           $ 17.0   $ 0.2  
  Average exchange rate   $ 0.01                                                  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 486.3   $ 21.9   $ 1.1   $   $   $   $   $ 509.3   $ 31.1  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Rate Risk

        Celestica's existing debt is comprised of capital lease commitments amounting to $3.4 million. These capital lease commitments are not sensitive to changes in interest rates.

        In June 2004, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes (Notes) with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million due 2011, with a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. In connection with the Notes offering, Celestica has entered into interest rate swap agreements which hedge the fair value of the Notes by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin. The notional amount of the agreements is $500.0 million. The agreements are effective as of June 2004 and mature July 2011. The average interest rate on the Notes for the year was 4.92%, after reflecting the interest rate swap. As a result of entering into the interest rate swap agreements, we are exposed to interest rate risks due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. A one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR rate would increase interest expense by $5.0 million annually.

Convertible debt (LYONs)

        As of December 31, 2004, we have convertible instruments, with an outstanding principal amount at maturity of $614.4 million, payable August 1, 2020. We were not exposed to interest rate risk on this debt because (i) the issue price represents a fixed yield to maturity, (ii) the principal payable at maturity is fixed and (iii) the conversion ratio into subordinate voting shares of Celestica is fixed.

83


Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

        Not applicable.


PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

        None.

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

        None.

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

        Based on their evaluation of Celestica's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective.

        There were no changes in Celestica's internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with their evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Celestica's control over financial reporting.

Item 16. [Reserved]

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

        The Board of Directors has considered the extensive financial experience of Mr. Crandall and Mr. Etherington, including their respective experiences serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large U.S. and/or Canadian organization, and has determined that each of them is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        The Board of Directors also determined that Messrs. Crandall and Etherington are independent directors, as that term is defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

        The Board of Directors has adopted a Finance Code of Professional Conduct for Celestica's Chief Executive Officer, our senior finance officers, and all personnel in the finance organization to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct in the practice of financial management; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. These professionals are expected to abide by this code as well as Celestica's Business Conduct Governance policy and all of our other applicable business policies, standards and guidelines.

        The Finance Code of Professional Conduct and the Business Conduct Governance policy can be accessed electronically at http://www.celestica.com.

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Service

        The auditor is engaged to provide services pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee of Celestica's board of directors. The Audit Committee approves the external auditor's Audit Plan, the scope of the external auditor's quarterly reviews and all related fees. The Audit Committee approves any non-audit services provided by the auditor and considers whether these services are compatible with the external auditor's independence.

        Celestica's auditors are KPMG LLP. KPMG did not provide any financial information systems design or implementation services to Celestica during 2003 or 2004. The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the non-audit services by KPMG does not compromise KPMG's independence. Celestica also used

84



other public accounting firms for consulting and other services for fees totaling $4.7 million in 2004 and $4.0 million in 2003.

Audit Fees

        KPMG billed Celestica $2.1 million in 2004 and $1.7 million in 2003 for audit services.

Audit-Related Fees

        KPMG billed Celestica $1.0 million in 2004 and $0.4 million in 2003 for audit-related services, primarily in connection with financial due diligence services for acquisitions and other non-statutory audits.

Tax Fees

        KPMG billed Celestica $1.6 million in 2004 and $2.0 million in 2003 for tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning services and tax due diligence services.

All Other Fees

        KPMG billed Celestica $0.2 million in 2004 and $0.6 million in 2003 for actuarial and other services provided in connection with Celestica's pension plans. In accordance with the new independence requirements in 2004, Celestica no longer engages KPMG for these services.

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

        None.

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers


Period

  (a) Total number of LYONs purchased

  (b) Average price paid per LYON

  (c) Total number of LYONs purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

  (d) maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of LYONs that may yet be purchased under the plans or program


June 2004   540,275   $554.77   540,275   $200.3 million


PART III

Item 17. Financial Statements

        Not applicable.

Item 18. Financial Statements

        The following financial statements have been filed as part of this Annual Report:

 
  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-1
Auditors' Report   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2003 and 2004   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Loss for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004   F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004   F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements   F-7

85


Item 19. Exhibits

        The following exhibits have been filed as part of this Annual Report:

 
   
  Incorporated by Reference
   
Exhibit Number

  Description

  Form
  File No.
  Filing Date
  Exhibit No.
  Filed Herewith
1.   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as currently in effect:                    
1.1   Certificate and Articles of Incorporation   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   3.1    
1.2   Certificate and Articles of Amendment effective October 22, 1996   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   3.2    
1.3   Certificate and Articles of Amendment effective January 24, 1997   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   3.3    
1.4   Certificate and Articles of Amendment effective October 8, 1997   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   3.4    
1.5   Certificate and Articles of Amendment effective April 29, 1998   F-1/A   333-8700   June 1, 1998   3.5    
1.6   Articles of Amendment effective
June 26, 1998
  F-1   333-10030   February 16, 1999   3.6    
1.7   Restated Articles of Incorporation effective June 26, 1998   F-1   333-10030   February 16, 1999   3.7    
1.8   Restated Articles of Incorporation effective November 20, 2001   20-F   001-14832   April 21, 2003   1.8    
1.9   Restated Article of Incorporation effective May 13, 2003   20-F   001-14832   May 19, 2004   1.9    
1.10   Bylaw No. 1   20-F   001-14832   May 22, 2001   1.8    
1.11   Bylaw No. 2   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   3.9    
1.12   Bylaw No. 3   20-F   001-14832   May 19, 2004   1.12    
1.13   Bylaw No. 4   20-F   001-14832   May 19, 2004   1.13    
1.14   Bylaw No. A   20-F   001-14832   May 19, 2004   1.14    
2.   Instruments defining rights of holders of equity or debt securities:                    
2.1   See Certificate and Articles of Incorporation and amendments thereto identified above                    
2.2   Form of Subordinate Voting Share Certificate   F-1/A   333-8700   June 25, 1998   4.1    
2.3   Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2000, between Celestica Inc. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (including a form of the Outstanding Notes)   6-K   001-14832   August 9, 2000   99.1    
2.4   Third Amended and Restated Revolving Term Credit Agreement, June 4, 2004, between: Celestica Inc., the Subsidiaries of Celestica Inc. specified therein as Designated Subsidiaries, CIBC World Markets, as Joint Lead Arranger, RBC Capital Markets, as Joint Lead Arranger and Co-Syndication Agent, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a Canadian Chartered Bank, as Administrative Agent, The Bank Of Nova Scotia, as Documentation Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as Co-Syndication Agent and the financial institutions named in Schedule A, as lenders   6-K   001-14832   June 16, 2004   4.15    

86


2.5   Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee   6-K   0001-14832   June 17, 2004   4.11    
2.6   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee   6-K   0001-14832   June 17, 2004   4.21    
2.7   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 30, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee, to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and the trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2004, between Celestica Inc. and the trustee                   X
4.   Certain Contracts:                    
4.1   Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2003, among Celestica Inc., Celestica North America Inc. and Onex Corporation   F-4   333-110362   November 10, 2003   10.1    
4.2   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 8, 2002, between NEC Corporation, NEC Miyagi, Ltd., NEC Yamanashi, Ltd., 1325091 Ontario Inc., and Celestica Inc*   20-F   001-14832   April 21, 2003   3.8    
4.3   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 14, 2003, by and among Celestica Inc., MSL Acquisition Sub Inc. and Manufacturers' Services Limited   F-4   333-110362   November 10, 2003   2.1    
4.4   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc., Celestica Corporation and Stephen W. Delaney                   X
4.5   Amending Agreement to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2005, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc., Celestica Corporation and Stephen W. Delaney                   X
4.6   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and J. Marvin MaGee                   X
4.7   Amending Agreement to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2005, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and J. Marvin MaGee                   X
4.8   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and Anthony P. Puppi                   X
4.9   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and Peter J. Bar                   X
                         

87


4.10   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 22, 1996, between Celestica, Inc. and Lisa J. Colnett                   X
4.11   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and Elizabeth L. DelBianco                   X
4.12   Employment Agreement, dated as of November 2, 1998, between Celestica Asia Inc. and Nate Kawaye                   X
4.13   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and Paul Nicoletti                   X
4.14   Employment Agreement, dated as of November 2, 1998, between Celestica Asia Inc. and Neo Kia Quek                   X
4.15   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Celestica Inc., Celestica International Inc. and Rahul Suri                   X
4.16   Canadian Share Unit Plan                   X
4.17   D2D Employee Share Purchase and Option Plan (1997)   F-1/A   333-8700   June 1, 1998   10.20    
4.18   Celestica 1997 U.K. Approved Share Option Scheme   F-1   333-8700   April 29, 1998   10.19    
4.19   1998 U.S. Executive Share Purchase and Option Plan   S-8   333-9500   October 8, 1998   4.6    
8.1   Subsidiaries of Registrant                   X
12.1   Chief Executive Officer Certification                   X
12.2   Chief Financial Officer Certification                   X
13.1   Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b)**                   X

*
Request for confidential treatment granted. Confidential portions of this document have been redacted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

**
Pursuant to Commission Release No. 33-8212, this certification will be treated as "accompanying" this Annual Report on Form 20-F and not "filed" as part of such report for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and this certification will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

88



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of
Celestica Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Celestica Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

        As described in note 2(q) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of CICA Handbook Section 3870 — Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments on January 1, 2003.

        Canadian generally accepted accounting principles vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
   
Toronto, Canada   /s/ KPMG LLP
February 11, 2005   Chartered Accountants

F-1



AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Shareholders of Celestica Inc.

        We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Celestica Inc. as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

        In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

 
   
Toronto, Canada   GRAPHIC
February 11, 2005   Chartered Accountants

F-2



CELESTICA INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 
  As at December 31
 
  2003
  2004
Assets            
Current assets:            
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,028.8   $ 968.8
  Accounts receivable (note 2(e))     771.5     1,023.3
  Inventories (note 2(f))     1,030.6     1,062.9
  Prepaid and other assets     119.3     127.4
  Income taxes recoverable     39.1     89.1
  Deferred income taxes (note 12)     40.8     1.8
   
 
      3,030.1     3,273.3
Capital assets (note 4)     681.4     569.3
Goodwill from business combinations (note 5)     948.0     872.9
Intangible assets (note 5)     137.9     104.5
Other assets (note 6)     340.0     119.8
   
 
    $ 5,137.4   $ 4,939.8
   
 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:            
  Accounts payable   $ 1,101.9   $ 1,107.9
  Accrued liabilities (notes 11 and 20(k))     382.3     486.6
  Income taxes payable     8.2     93.2
  Deferred income taxes (note 12)     21.4     0.6
  Current portion of long-term debt (note 7)     2.7     2.6
  Convertible debt (notes 2(r) and 8)         124.1
   
 
      1,516.5     1,815.0
Long-term debt (note 7)     0.7     500.8
Convertible debt (notes 2(r) and 8)     210.5    
Accrued pension and post-employment benefits (note 14)     86.0     81.0
Deferred income taxes (note 12)     57.8     23.4
Other long-term liabilities     10.0     30.8
   
 
      1,881.5     2,451.0
Shareholders' equity (note 2(r))     3,255.9     2,488.8
   
 
    $ 5,137.4   $ 4,939.8
   
 

Accounting policy changes (note 2(r))

 

 

 
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (note 16)      
Canadian and United States accounting policy differences (note 20)      
Subsequent event (note 22)      

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3



CELESTICA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS

(in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Revenue   $ 8,271.6   $ 6,735.3   $ 8,839.8  
Cost of sales (note 11)     7,716.5     6,475.2     8,431.9  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit     555.1     260.1     407.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     298.5     273.8     331.6  
Amortization of intangible assets (note 5)     95.9     48.5     34.6  
Integration costs related to acquisitions (note 3)     21.1         3.1  
Other charges (note 11)     665.7     151.6     603.2  
Accretion of convertible debt (notes 2(r)(ii) and 8)     28.7     23.4     17.6  
Interest on long-term debt     16.1     5.4     18.7  
Interest expense (income), net     (17.2 )   (9.4 )   1.0  
   
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes     (553.7 )   (233.2 )   (601.9 )
Income taxes expense (recovery) (note 12):                    
  Current     20.4     13.7     17.6  
  Deferred     (118.7 )   19.8     234.6  
   
 
 
 
      (98.3 )   33.5     252.2  
   
 
 
 
Net loss   $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
   
 
 
 
Basic loss per share (notes 2(r)(i) and 10)   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
Diluted loss per share (notes 2(r)(i) and 10)   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) (note 10)                    
  Basic     229.8     216.5     222.1  
  Diluted     229.8     216.5     222.1  
Net loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP (note 20)   $ (494.9 ) $ (269.2 ) $ (867.5 )
Basic loss per share, in accordance with U.S. GAAP (note 20)   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )
Diluted loss per share, in accordance with U.S. GAAP (note 20)   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4



CELESTICA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 
  Convertible Debt (note 8)
  Capital Stock (note 9)
  Warrants (note 9)
  Contributed Surplus
  Retained Earnings (Deficit)
  Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
  Total Shareholders' Equity
 
Balance — December 31, 2001   $ 886.8   $ 3,699.0   $   $   $ 162.1   $ (2.9 ) $ 4,745.0  
Change in accounting policy (note 2(r)(ii))     (266.0 )               (1.0 )       (267.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance — January 1, 2002 as restated     620.8     3,699.0             161.1     (2.9 )   4,478.0  
Repurchase of convertible debt (note 8)     (75.5 )               (1.6 )       (77.1 )
Shares issued, net         8.5                     8.5  
Repurchase of shares (note 9)         (36.9 )       5.8     (1.4 )       (32.5 )
Foreign currency translation                         20.2     20.2  
Net loss for the year                     (455.4 )       (455.4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance — December 31, 2002     545.3     3,670.6         5.8     (297.3 )   17.3     3,941.7  
Repurchase of convertible debt (note 8)     (150.1 )               (18.9 )       (169.0 )
Shares issued, net         7.3                     7.3  
Repurchase of shares (note 9)         (380.1 )       105.2             (274.9 )
Stock-based compensation (note 2(q))                 0.3             0.3  
Other                 4.4             4.4  
Foreign currency translation                         12.8     12.8  
Net loss for the year                     (266.7 )       (266.7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance — December 31, 2003     395.2     3,297.8         115.7     (582.9 )   30.1     3,255.9  
Repurchase of convertible debt (note 8)     (185.0 )               (36.6 )       (221.6 )
Shares issued         261.3         15.2             276.5  
Warrants issued (note 9)             8.9                 8.9  
Stock-based compensation (note 2(q))                 7.6             7.6  
Other                 4.4             4.4  
Foreign currency translation                         11.2     11.2  
Net loss for the year                     (854.1 )       (854.1 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance — December 31, 2004   $ 210.2   $ 3,559.1   $ 8.9   $ 142.9   $ (1,473.6 ) $ 41.3   $ 2,488.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5



CELESTICA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Cash provided by (used in):                    
Operations:                    
Net loss   $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
Items not affecting cash:                    
  Depreciation and amortization     311.4     222.7     207.7  
  Deferred income taxes     (118.7 )   19.8     234.6  
  Accretion of convertible debt     28.7     23.4     17.6  
  Non-cash charge for option issuances         0.3     7.6  
  Restructuring charges (note 11)     194.5     (2.3 )   35.3  
  Other charges (note 11)     292.1     80.5     482.4  
  Gain on settlement of principal component of convertible debt (note 8)     (12.1 )   (23.8 )   (32.9 )
  Inventory write-down related to one customer and the exiting of certain businesses (note 11)             61.2  
Other     (2.0 )   (6.0 )   1.9  
Changes in non-cash working capital items:                    
  Accounts receivable     297.4     14.4     (253.0 )
  Inventories     623.9     (252.6 )   85.6  
  Prepaids and other assets     (25.1 )   (23.3 )   (12.9 )
  Income taxes recoverable     51.2     (19.9 )   (50.0 )
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (202.7 )   65.2     (113.8 )
  Income taxes payable     (0.4 )   9.8     43.6  
   
 
 
 
  Non-cash working capital changes     744.3     (206.4 )   (300.5 )
   
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in) operations     982.8     (158.5 )   (139.2 )
   
 
 
 

Investing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (111.0 )   (0.5 )   (39.6 )
  Purchase of capital assets     (151.4 )   (175.9 )   (142.2 )
  Proceeds on sale of capital assets     71.6     7.3     101.3  
  Other     (0.7 )   (0.4 )   0.6  
   
 
 
 
Cash used in investing activities     (191.5 )   (169.5 )   (79.9 )
   
 
 
 

Financing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Bank indebtedness     (1.6 )        
  Increase in long-term debt (note 7)             500.0  
  Long-term debt issue costs, pre-tax             (12.0 )
  Repayment of long-term debt     (146.5 )   (3.5 )   (41.1 )
  Debt redemption fees (note 11(h)) and deferred financing costs     (9.5 )   (1.6 )   (4.0 )
  Repurchase of convertible debt (note 8)     (100.3 )   (223.5 )   (299.7 )
  Issuance of share capital     7.4     5.1     14.6  
  Repurchase of capital stock (note 9)     (32.5 )   (274.9 )    
  Other     (0.1 )   4.2     1.3  
   
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (283.1 )   (494.2 )   159.1  
   
 
 
 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

508.2

 

 

(822.2

)

 

(60.0

)
Cash, beginning of year     1,342.8     1,851.0     1,028.8  
   
 
 
 
Cash, end of year   $ 1,851.0   $ 1,028.8   $ 968.8  
   
 
 
 
Cash is comprised of cash and cash equivalents.                    
Supplemental cash flow information (note 19).                    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6


CELESTICA INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for per share amounts)

1.     NATURE OF BUSINESS:

    The primary operations of the Company include providing a broad range of services, including manufacturing design, new product introduction, engineering services, supply chain management, printed circuit assembly, system assembly, direct order fulfillment, logistics and after-market services to its customers primarily in the computing and communications industries. The Company has operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

    The Company's accounting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (Canadian GAAP) and, except as outlined in note 20, are, in all material respects, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP).

2.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

        (a)   Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation:

      These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The results of subsidiaries acquired during the year are consolidated from their respective dates of acquisition. The Company's business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method. Inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

        (b)   Use of estimates:

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions.

        (c)   Revenue:

      Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of electronics equipment that has been built to customer specifications. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment, since title has passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance has occurred, receivables are reasonably assured of collection, customer specified test criteria have been met, and the earnings process is complete. The Company has no further performance obligations other than its standard manufacturing warranty. Celestica has contractual arrangements with the majority of its customers that require the customer to purchase unused inventory that Celestica has purchased to fulfill that customer's forecasted manufacturing demand. Celestica accounts for raw material returns as reductions in inventory and does not recognize revenue on these transactions.

      The Company provides warehousing services in connection with manufacturing services to certain customers. The Company assesses the contracts to determine whether the manufacturing and warehousing services can be accounted for as separate units of accounting in accordance with CICA Emerging Issues Committee Abstract EIC-142, "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." If the services do not constitute separate units of accounting, or the manufacturing services do not meet all of the revenue recognition requirements of EIC-141, "Revenue Recognition," the Company defers recognizing revenue until the products have been shipped to the customer.

      The Company also derives revenue from engineering, design and after-market services. Services revenue is recognized as services are performed for short-term contracts and on a percentage-of-completion basis for long-term contracts.

        (d)   Cash and cash equivalents:

      Cash and cash equivalents include cash on account, demand deposits and short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months.

        (e)   Allowance for doubtful accounts:

      The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reduces the receivables to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected. A specific allowance is recorded against customer receivables that are considered to be impaired based on the Company's knowledge of the financial condition of its customers. In determining the amount of the allowance, the following factors are considered: the aging of the receivables; customer and industry concentrations; the current business environment; and historical experience.

      Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $140.1 at December 31, 2004 (2003 — $50.3). See note 11(i).

F-7



        (f)    Inventories:

      Inventories are valued on a first-in, first-out basis at the lower of cost and replacement cost for production parts, and at the lower of cost and net realizable value for work in progress and finished goods. Cost includes materials and an application of relevant manufacturing value-add. In determining the net realizable value, the Company considers factors such as shrinkage, the aging and future demand of the inventory, contractual arrangements with customers, and the ability to redistribute inventory to other programs or return inventory to suppliers.

 
  2003
  2004
Raw materials   $ 736.6   $ 735.1
Work in progress     119.2     159.7
Finished goods     174.8     168.1
   
 
    $ 1,030.6   $ 1,062.9
   
 

        (g)   Capital assets:

      Capital assets are carried at cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease terms on a straight-line basis. Estimated useful lives for the principal asset categories are as follows:

Buildings   25 years
Buildings/leasehold improvements   Up to 25 years or term of lease
Office equipment   5 years
Machinery and equipment   3 to 5 years
Software   1 to 10 years

        (h)   Goodwill from business combinations:

      The Company is required to evaluate goodwill annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Absent any triggering factors during the year, the Company conducts its goodwill assessment in the fourth quarter of the year to correspond with its planning cycle. Impairment is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount to its fair value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of a market approach and discounted cash flows. To the extent a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment of goodwill exists. Impairment is measured by comparing the fair value of goodwill, determined in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, to its carrying amount. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded an impairment charge for 2004. The Company conducted its annual goodwill assessment in the fourth quarter of 2003 and determined that there was no impairment for 2003. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded an impairment charge. The process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections at the reporting unit level, and discount rates. See notes 5 and 11(e).

        (i)    Intangible assets:

      Intangible assets are comprised of intellectual property and other intangible assets. Intellectual property assets consist primarily of certain non-patented intellectual property and process technology, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, to a maximum of 5 years. Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships and contract intangibles. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, to a maximum of 10 years.

        (j)    Impairment or disposal of long-lived assets:

      The Company reviews capital and intangible assets (long-lived assets) for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with CICA Handbook Section 3063, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," and Section 3475, "Disposal of Long-Lived Assets and Discontinued Operations," which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2003. Absent any triggering factors during the year, the Company conducts its long-lived asset assessment in the fourth quarter to correspond with its planning cycle. Under the standards, assets must be classified as either held-for-use or available-for-sale. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset that is held and used exceeds the projected undiscounted future net cash flows expected from its use and disposal, and is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, which is measured by

F-8


      discounted cash flows when quoted market prices are not available. For assets available-for-sale, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount exceeds the fair value less costs to sell. Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company assessed and measured impairment by comparing the carrying amount to the undiscounted future cash flows the long-lived assets were expected to generate. The Company has recorded impairment charges in 2002, 2003 and 2004. See note 11(f).

        (k)   Pension and non-pension post-employment benefits:

      The Company accrues its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. The cost of pensions and other post-employment benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service, and management's best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, compensation levels at time of retirement, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. Changes in these assumptions could impact future pension expense. For the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets, assets are valued at fair value. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees active at the date of amendment. Actuarial gains or losses exceeding 10% of a plan's accumulated benefit obligations or the fair market value of the plan assets at the beginning of the year are amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees. Plan assets and the accrued benefit obligations are measured at December 31. The average remaining service period of active employees covered by the pension plans is 12 years for 2003 and 11 years for 2004. The average remaining service period of active employees covered by the other post-employment benefit plans is 22 years for 2003 and 19 years for 2004. Curtailment gains or losses may arise from significant changes to a plan. Curtailment gains are offset against unrecognized losses and any excess gains and all curtailment losses are recorded in the period in which the curtailment occurs. Pension assets are recorded as Other assets and pension liabilities are recorded as Accrued pension and post-employment benefits.

        (l)    Deferred financing costs:

      Costs relating to long-term debt are deferred and recorded in Other assets and amortized over the term of the related debt or debt facilities.

        (m)  Income taxes:

      The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount that, in the opinion of management, is more likely than not to be realized. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the rate change occurs.

      The Company records an income tax expense or recovery based on the net income earned or net loss incurred in each tax jurisdiction and the tax rate applicable to that income or loss. In the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. The final tax outcome of these matters may be different than the estimates originally made by management in determining its income tax provisions. A change to these estimates could impact the income tax provision and net loss.

        (n)   Foreign currency translation and hedging:

      (i)
      Foreign currency translation:

      The functional currency of the majority of the Company's subsidiaries is the United States dollar. For such subsidiaries, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rate of exchange. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at historic rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the month of the transaction. Exchange gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of loss.

      The accounts of the Company's self-sustaining foreign operations for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using the current rate method. Assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the month of the transaction. Gains and losses arising from the translation of financial statements of foreign operations are deferred in the "foreign currency translation adjustment" account included as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

F-9



      (ii)
      Hedging:

      (a)
      Foreign currency:

        The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the cash flow risk associated with firm purchase commitments and forecasted transactions in foreign currencies and foreign-currency denominated balances. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes.

        The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and at the end of each quarter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedged transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

        Gains and losses on hedges of firm commitments are included in the cost of the hedged transaction when they occur. Gains and losses on hedges of forecasted transactions are recognized in earnings in the same period and on the same financial statement caption as the underlying hedged transaction. Foreign exchange translation gains and losses on forward contracts used to hedge foreign-currency denominated amounts are accrued on the balance sheet as current assets or current liabilities and are recognized currently in the income statement, offsetting the respective translation gains or losses on the foreign-currency denominated amounts. The forward premium or discount is amortized over the term of the forward contract. Gains and losses on hedged forecasted transactions are recognized in earnings immediately when the hedge is no longer effective or the forecasted transactions are no longer expected.

        In certain circumstances, the Company does not designate forward contracts as hedges and therefore marks these contracts to market each period with the resulting gain or loss recognized in the income statement.

        (b)
        Interest rate swap:

        In connection with the issuance of its $500.0 principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes (Notes) in June 2004, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes, by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable interest rate. The notional amount of the agreements is $500.0. The agreements are effective June 2004 and mature July 2011.

        Payments or receipts under the swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense on long-term debt. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements at December 31, 2004 was an unrealized gain of $19.8.

        (o)   Research and development:

      The Company incurs costs relating to research and development activities which are expensed as incurred unless development costs meet certain criteria for capitalization. Total research and development costs recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for 2004 were $15.6 (2003 — $24.0; 2002 — $18.2). No amounts have been capitalized.

        (p)   Restructuring charges:

      The Company records restructuring charges relating to employee terminations, contractual lease obligations and other exit costs in accordance with EIC-134, "Accounting for Severance and Termination Benefits," and EIC-135, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities," which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2003. These standards require the Company to prospectively record restructuring charges only when the liability is incurred and can be measured at fair value. Prior to 2003, the Company recorded the restructuring charges when the detailed plans were approved and committed to by management. The recognition of restructuring charges requires management to make certain judgments regarding the nature, timing and amount associated with the planned restructuring activities, including estimating sublease income and the net recoverable amount of equipment to be disposed of. At the end of each reporting period, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of the remaining accrued balances.

        (q)   Stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments:

      During 2003, the Company adopted the revised CICA Handbook Section 3870, "Stock-based Compensation," which requires that a fair-value method of accounting be applied to all stock-based compensation payments for both employees and non-employees. In accordance with the transitional provisions of Section 3870, the Company has prospectively applied the fair-value method of

F-10


      accounting for stock option awards granted after January 1, 2003 and, accordingly, has recorded compensation expense starting in 2003. Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company accounted for its employee stock options using the settlement method and no compensation expense was recognized. For awards granted in 2002, the standard requires the disclosure of pro forma net loss and per share information as if the Company had accounted for employee stock options under the fair-value method. The pro forma effect of awards granted prior to January 1, 2002 has not been included in the pro forma net loss and per share information.

      The estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of 3 to 4 years, on a straight-line basis, and was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Risk-free rate     5.1 % 3.9 % 3.1 %
Dividend yield     0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's shares     70 % 70 % 56% - 70 %
Expected option life (in years)     5.0   4.3   3.5 - 5.5  
Weighted-average grant date fair values of options issued   $ 12.02   $7.84   $9.66  

      For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company expensed $7.6 relating to the fair value of options granted in 2004 and 2003. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company expensed $0.3 relating to the fair value of options granted in 2003.

      The pro forma disclosure relating to options granted in 2002 is as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Net loss as reported   $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
Deduct: Stock-based compensation costs using fair-value method     (2.2 )   (9.6 )   (7.9 )
   
 
 
 
Pro forma net loss   $ (457.6 ) $ (276.3 ) $ (862.0 )
   
 
 
 
Loss per share:                    
  Basic — as reported   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
  Basic — pro forma   $ (1.99 ) $ (1.28 ) $ (3.88 )
  Diluted — as reported   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
  Diluted — pro forma   $ (1.99 ) $ (1.28 ) $ (3.88 )

      During 2003 and 2004, the Company granted restricted and performance share units to its employees and amortized its cost to expense over the vesting period, on a straight-line basis.

      See note 9(c) for a description of the stock option plans.

        (r)   Changes in accounting policies:

      (i)
      Asset retirement obligations:

      Effective January 1, 2004, the Company retroactively adopted the new CICA Handbook Section 3110, "Asset Retirement Obligations," which establishes standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of liabilities for asset retirement obligations and the associated retirement costs. This section applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that results from their acquisition, lease, construction, development or normal operation. This standard is effective on a retroactive basis with restatement of prior periods. On January 1, 2004, the Company recorded a liability of $4.0 for the estimated costs of retiring leasehold improvements at the maturity of the facility leases. The Company also capitalized asset retirement costs of $1.8 on January 1, 2004. The impact of the amortization expense and accretion charges from the date the Company incurred the obligations through to January 1, 2004, the effective date of this standard, totals $2.2. The Company recorded a charge to the December 31, 2001 deficit of $0.6 for the cumulative accretion and amortization. The impact of the accretion and amortization charges to cost of sales and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $0.9 (2002 — $0.7). The facility leases expire between 2005 and 2013. At December 31, 2004, the amount of the estimated undiscounted cash flows to settle this liability is $10.2. The Company used a weighted average discount rate of 8.5% in calculating the liability.

F-11


      The following table details the changes in the leasehold retirement liability:

 
  2002
  2003
  2004
January 1   $ 2.6   $ 3.7   $ 4.0
New obligations, net of adjustments     0.8         0.2
Assumed on acquisition of MSL             1.3
Accretion charges recorded in cost of sales     0.3     0.3     0.4
   
 
 
December 31   $ 3.7   $ 4.0   $ 5.9
   
 
 

      The adjustment to the leasehold assets in respect of asset retirement costs is amortized into expense over the remaining life of the leases, on a straight-line basis. For the year ended December 31, 2004, amortization expense of $0.5 was recorded in Cost of sales (2003 — $0.6; 2002 — $0.4).

      The basic and diluted loss per share for 2003 have changed from $(1.22) to $(1.23) as a result of adopting this change retroactively.

      (ii)
      Liabilities and equity:

      Effective December 31, 2004, the Company early adopted the amendment to CICA Handbook Section 3860, "Financial Instruments — Presentation and Disclosure." The revised standard, which is effective for 2005, requires obligations of a fixed amount that may be settled, at the issuer's option, by a variable number of the issuer's own equity instruments to be presented as liabilities. Any securities issued by an enterprise that give the issuer unrestricted rights to settle the principal amount in cash or the equivalent value of its own equity instruments will no longer be presented as equity. The standard is effective on a retroactive basis with restatement of prior periods. As a result of adopting this standard, the Company reclassified the principal component of its convertible debt (LYONs) as a debt instrument and recorded all accretion charges, amortization of deferred financing costs, gains and losses on repurchases relating to the principal component and related tax effects as charges to the statement of loss. The option component of the LYONs continues to be accounted for as an equity instrument.

      Upon adoption of this standard, the Company:

        (a)
        reclassified $124.1 and $210.5 of LYONs from equity to debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively;

        (b)
        reclassified $1.3 and $2.8 of deferred financing costs from equity to other assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively;

        (c)
        reduced deferred income tax assets and equity by $1.9 at December 31, 2004 and 2003;

        (d)
        recorded a charge of $1.0 to opening deficit at January 1, 2002, representing the cumulative amount of amortization of deferred financing costs, net of tax, and reclassified LYONs, deferred financing costs and deferred income tax assets totaling $266.0 from equity as at January 1, 2002;

        (e)
        recorded accretion charges, amortization of deferred financing costs and the related tax effect in the statement of loss in the amounts of $12.0, $16.1 and $17.8, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively; and

        (f)
        reclassified gain on the repurchase of LYONs and related tax effect from equity to other charges and tax expense in the amounts of $22.0, $16.1 and $8.3, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      The net impact on net loss was a gain of $10.0, nil and expense of $9.5 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There was no impact to basic or diluted loss per share for 2003 and prior years as a result of adopting this change retroactively.

        (s)   Recently issued accounting pronouncements:

      (i)
      Hedging relationships:

      In November 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline AcG-13, "Hedging Relationships," and later amended the effective date of the guideline. AcG-13 established new criteria for hedge accounting and applies to all hedging relationships in effect on or after January 1, 2004. Effective January 1, 2004, the Company determined that all of its hedge agreements qualified for hedge accounting under the new guidelines.

F-12


      (ii)
      Consolidation of variable interest entities:

      In June 2003, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline AcG-15, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (VIEs). VIEs are entities that have insufficient equity and/or their equity investors lack one or more specified essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The guideline provides specific guidance for determining when an entity is a VIE and what entity, if any, should consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes. The guideline is effective on January 1, 2005 on a retroactive basis except that restatement is not required. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have any impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company is not associated with any VIEs.

      (iii)
      Generally accepted accounting principles:

      In July 2003, the CICA issued Handbook Section 1100, "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." This section establishes standards for financial reporting in accordance with Canadian GAAP. It describes what constitutes Canadian GAAP and its sources. This section also provides guidance on sources to consult when selecting accounting policies and determining appropriate disclosures when the primary sources of Canadian GAAP are silent. This standard is effective for 2004. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

      (iv)
      Revenue recognition:

      In December 2003, the Emerging Issues Committee released EIC-141, "Revenue Recognition," and EIC-142, "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables," which are effective on a prospective basis for 2004. EIC-141 incorporates the principles and guidance under U.S. GAAP and EIC-142 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue generating activities. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

      (v)
      Vendor rebates:

      In January 2005, the CICA amended EIC-144, "Accounting by a customer (including a reseller) for certain consideration received from a vendor." The consensus is effective retroactively for periods commencing on or after February 15, 2005. The consensus requires companies to recognize the benefit of non-discretionary rebates for achieving specified cumulative purchasing levels as a reduction of the cost of purchases over the relevant period, provided the rebate is probable and reasonably estimable. Otherwise, the rebates would be recognized as purchasing milestones are achieved. The Company is assessing the impact of the new consensus but does not expect it to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

      (vi)
      Financial instruments:

      In January 2005, the CICA issued Section 3855, "Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement," Section 1530, "Comprehensive Income," and Section 3865, "Hedges." The new standards will be effective for interim and annual financial statements commencing in 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted. Most significantly for the Company, the new standards will require presentation of a separate statement of comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of the financial statements of self-sustaining subsidiaries previously recorded in a separate section of shareholders' equity will be presented in comprehensive income. Derivative financial instruments will be recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges will be reported in comprehensive income. The existing hedging principles of AcG-13 will be maintained. The Company is assessing the impact of the new standards.

3.     ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES:

        (i)    Business combination:

      On March 12, 2004, the Company acquired Manufacturers' Services Limited (MSL), a full-service global electronics manufacturing and supply chain services company, headquartered in the United States. This acquisition provided the Company with an expanded customer base and service offerings, and supported the Company's strategy of diversifying its end-markets. MSL's customers came from diverse industries including industrial, commercial avionics, automotive, retail systems, medical, communications and network storage, and peripherals.

      The purchase price of $321.2 was financed with the issuance of 14.1 million subordinate voting shares, the issuance of options to purchase 2.1 million subordinate voting shares, the issuance of warrants to purchase 1.1 million subordinate voting shares, and $51.6 in cash. The value of the shares was determined based on the average market price of the shares over the 2-day period before and after the date the terms of the acquisition were agreed to and announced. The fair value of the options and warrants was

F-13



      estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming a risk-free rate of 1.9%, a dividend yield of 0.0%, volatility factors of 62% to 68% and a range of expected option lives, generally three years or less.

      Details of the net assets acquired, at estimated fair value, are as follows:

Current assets   $ 277.1  
Capital assets     59.1  
Other long-term assets     6.6  
Goodwill     224.4  
Customer intangibles     35.0  
Other liabilities assumed     (213.0 )
Deferred taxes     (27.0 )
Long-term debt assumed     (41.0 )
   
 
Net assets acquired   $ 321.2  
   
 
Financed by:        
Cash   $ 51.6  
Issuance of shares     245.5  
Issuance of options     15.2  
Issuance of warrants (see note 9(d))     8.9  
   
 
    $ 321.2  
   
 

      The goodwill recorded for MSL is not tax deductible.

      In connection with the MSL acquisition, the Company determined that it would consolidate some of the acquired MSL facilities, including a workforce reduction. The Company has recorded the liability for the restructuring costs as part of the purchase price.

      The planned actions include employee termination and lease exit costs in all geographies. The Company expects to complete the major components of the restructuring within one year from the acquisition date, with the exception of long-term lease and contractual obligations, which will be paid out over the remaining lease terms through 2010. Cash outlays are funded from cash on hand.

      The following table details the activity through the restructuring liability:

 
  Employee termination costs
  Lease and other contractual obligations
  Facility exit costs and other
  Total accrued liability
 
Accrued on acquisition   $ 28.0   $ 6.9   $ 1.2   $ 36.1  
Cash payments     (14.7 )   (0.6 )   (0.2 )   (15.5 )
   
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   $ 13.3   $ 6.3   $ 1.0   $ 20.6  
   
 
 
 
 

      The accrued restructuring liability is recorded in Accrued Liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

        (ii)   Asset acquisition:

      In April 2004, the Company acquired certain assets located in the Philippines from NEC Corporation. The final cash purchase price was determined to be $8.1.

        (iii)  Divestiture:

      In September 2004, the Company sold certain assets relating to its power operations for a cash selling price of $52.8. The Company reported a gain on sale of $12.0 which was recorded in Other charges (see note 11(g)). $2.0 of the proceeds is held in escrow and will be released on completion of certain closing procedures. The Company has signed a multi-year agreement to supply

F-14


      manufacturing services to the purchaser. The sale has not been treated as a discontinued operation due to the Company's continuing involvement as a manufacturer for the purchaser.

      As part of the sales agreement, the Company has provided routine indemnities which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or liquidity of the Company.

    Integration costs related to acquisitions:

    The Company incurs integration costs relating to the establishment of business processes, infrastructure and information systems for acquired operations. None of the integration costs incurred related to existing operations.

4.     CAPITAL ASSETS:

 
  2003
 
  Cost
  Accumulated Amortization
  Net Book Value
Land   $ 68.3   $   $ 68.3
Buildings     226.8     35.1     191.7
Buildings/leasehold improvements     90.6     53.4     37.2
Office equipment     96.2     58.7     37.5
Machinery and equipment     583.7     343.8     239.9
Software     221.7     114.9     106.8
   
 
 
    $ 1,287.3   $ 605.9   $ 681.4
   
 
 
 
  2004
 
  Cost
  Accumulated Amortization
  Net Book Value
Land   $ 54.2   $   $ 54.2
Buildings     225.7     50.3     175.4
Buildings/leasehold improvements     100.4     59.8     40.6
Office equipment     105.2     73.9     31.3
Machinery and equipment     626.2     428.6     197.6
Software     229.9     159.7     70.2
   
 
 
    $ 1,341.6   $ 772.3   $ 569.3
   
 
 

    As of December 31, 2004, assets included $35.9 (2003 — $30.2) representing assets available-for-sale, primarily land and buildings in Europe (46%) and Asia (48%), as a result of the restructuring actions implemented by the Company. The Company has programs underway to sell these assets.

    Capital assets include $33.6 (2003 — $22.5) of assets under capital lease and accumulated amortization of $17.2 (2003 — $11.1) related thereto.

    Depreciation and rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $170.5 (2003 — $172.0; 2002 — $212.8) and $80.6 (2003 — $107.0; 2002 — $117.3), respectively.

F-15



5.     GOODWILL FROM BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

    Goodwill from business combinations:

    The following table details the changes in goodwill by reporting segment:

 
  Americas
  Europe
  Asia
  Total
 
Balance December 31, 2002 and 2003 (a)   $ 115.7   $   $ 832.3   $ 948.0  
Acquisitions (b)     111.6     72.2     40.6     224.4  
Divestitures (c)     (11.5 )           (11.5 )
Impairment (d)     (215.8 )   (72.2 )       (288.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2004   $   $   $ 872.9   $ 872.9  
   
 
 
 
 
    (a)
    During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test for its identified reporting units (Americas, Europe and Asia) and determined there was no impairment for 2003 as the reporting unit fair values exceeded carrying values.

    (b)
    Goodwill increased during 2004 due to the acquisition of MSL. See note 3(i).

    (c)
    In September 2004, the Company sold certain assets including goodwill of $11.5 relating to its power operation. See note 3(iii).

    (d)
    During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test for its identified reporting units representing the Company's operational structure (Americas, Europe and Asia). The fair values of the reporting units were estimated using a combination of a market approach and discounted cash flows. Revenue and expense projections used in determining the fair value of the reporting units were based on management's estimates, including estimates of current and future industry conditions. When the Company finalized its 2005 business plan in the fourth quarter, and made certain determinations with respect to its restructuring plans and the continued transfer of major customer programs from higher-cost to lower-cost geographies, a comparison of the estimated fair value to the respective reporting unit carrying value indicated a goodwill impairment in the Americas and Europe reporting units. The planned transfer of certain programs and additional restructuring actions had a significant impact on the forecasted revenue of facilities in these reporting units. In measuring the goodwill impairment for these reporting units, the Company used a discounted cash flow model assuming discount rates of 13% to 15% and long-term annual growth rates of 2% to 4%. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $288.0. See note 11(e).

    Intangible assets:

 
  2003
 
  Cost
  Accumulated Amortization
  Net Book Value
Intellectual property   $ 129.3   $ 99.3   $ 30.0
Other intangible assets     165.6     57.7     107.9
   
 
 
    $ 294.9   $ 157.0   $ 137.9
   
 
 
 
  2004
 
  Cost
  Accumulated Amortization
  Net Book Value
Intellectual property   $ 129.3   $ 115.5   $ 13.8
Other intangible assets     200.6     109.9     90.7
   
 
 
    $ 329.9   $ 225.4   $ 104.5
   
 
 

F-16


    The following table details the changes in intangible assets:

 
  Intellectual Property
  Other Intangible Assets
  Total
 
Balance December 31, 2002   $ 75.6   $ 136.3   $ 211.9  
Amortization     (27.4 )   (21.1 )   (48.5 )
Post-closing adjustment         (0.2 )   (0.2 )
Impairment (i)     (18.2 )   (7.1 )   (25.3 )
   
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2003     30.0     107.9     137.9  
Amortization     (10.8 )   (23.8 )   (34.6 )
Acquisitions (ii)         35.0     35.0  
Impairment (i)     (5.4 )   (28.4 )   (33.8 )
   
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2004   $ 13.8   $ 90.7   $ 104.5  
   
 
 
 
    (i)
    As the Company finalized its 2004 plan and in connection with the annual recoverability review of long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company recorded an impairment charge totaling $25.3 to write-down intellectual property and other intangible assets in Europe. Europe's restructuring plans and program transfers had a significant impact on forecasted revenue for Europe. This reduced the future net cash flows for many sites in Europe, which impaired the recoverability of long-lived assets, including certain intellectual property and customer relationship assets. The impairment was measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of these assets determined on a discounted cash flow basis. See note 11(f).

      As the Company finalized its 2005 plan and in connection with the annual recoverability review of long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded an impairment charge totaling $33.8 to write-down intellectual property and other intangible assets primarily in the Americas. This included an impairment charge of $3.1 under restructuring (see note 11(d)) and $30.7 under long-lived asset impairment (see note 11(f)). The Americas' restructuring plans and program transfers had a significant impact on forecasted revenue for the Americas. This reduced the future net cash flows for a number of sites in the Americas, which impaired the recoverability of long-lived assets, including certain intellectual property and customer relationship assets. The impairment was measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of these assets determined on a discounted cash flow basis.

    (ii)
    Intangible assets increased during 2004 due to acquisitions. See note 3(i).

    Amortization expense is as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Amortization of intellectual property   $ 72.0   $ 27.4   $ 10.8
Amortization of other intangible assets     23.9     21.1     23.8
   
 
 
    $ 95.9   $ 48.5   $ 34.6
   
 
 

    The Company estimates its future amortization expense as follows, based on existing intangible asset balances:

2005   $ 27.4
2006     24.9
2007     18.5
2008     16.0
2009     8.4
Thereafter     9.3

F-17


6.     OTHER ASSETS:

 
  2003
  2004
Deferred income taxes (note 12)   $ 260.9   $ 23.7
Deferred pension (note 14)     55.0     57.7
Commodity taxes recoverable     14.6     15.6
Deferred financing fees     5.9     14.6
Other     3.6     8.2
   
 
    $ 340.0   $ 119.8
   
 

    Amortization of deferred financing costs for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $2.6 (2003 — $2.1; 2002 — $2.7).

7.     LONG-TERM DEBT:

 
  2003
  2004
Unsecured, revolving credit facility due 2007 (a)   $   $
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (b)         500.0
Capital lease obligations     3.4     3.4
   
 
      3.4     503.4
Less current portion     2.7     2.6
   
 
    $ 0.7   $ 500.8
   
 
    (a)
    In June 2004, the Company amended its 364-day credit facility from $250.0 to $600.0 and extended the maturity from October 2004 to June 2007. The facility includes a $25.0 swing-line facility that provides for short-term borrowings up to a maximum of seven days. The credit facility permits the Company and certain designated subsidiaries to borrow funds for general corporate purposes (including acquisitions). Borrowings under the facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin except that borrowings under the swing-line facility bear interest at a base rate plus a margin. There are no borrowings outstanding under this facility. Commitment fees for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $5.9. Concurrently with this amendment, the Company elected to terminate its $500.0 four-year revolving term credit facility and expensed related deferred financing fees of $1.6.

      The facility has restrictive covenants relating to debt incurrence and sale of assets and also contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. A change of control is an event of default. Based on the required minimum financial ratios, at December 31, 2004, the Company is limited to approximately $570 of available debt incurrence. The available debt incurrence under the facility has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit totaling $61.1. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2004.

    (b)
    In June 2004, the Company issued Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0, and a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. The Company received gross proceeds of $500.0 and incurred $12.0, pre-tax, in underwriting commissions and expenses which has been deferred and is being amortized over the term of the debt. A portion of the proceeds was used in the second quarter of 2004 to repurchase LYONs. The Notes are unsecured and are subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt of the Company. The Notes may be redeemed on July 1, 2008 or later at various premiums above face value.

      In connection with the Notes offering, the Company entered into agreements which swap the fixed interest rate on the Notes with a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a margin. The average interest rate on the Notes was 4.92% for the year. See note 2(n)(ii).

    As at December 31, 2004, principal repayments due within each of the next five years on all long-term debt are as follows:

2005   $ 2.6
2006     0.8
2007    
2008    
2009    
Thereafter     500.0

F-18


8.     CONVERTIBLE DEBT:

    During the year, the Company early adopted the changes in accounting for Liquid Yield Option™ Notes (LYONs). See note 2(r)(ii).

    In August 2000, Celestica issued LYONs with a principal amount at maturity of $1,813.6, payable August 1, 2020. The Company received gross proceeds of $862.9 and incurred $12.5 in underwriting commissions, net of tax of $6.9. No interest is payable on the LYONs and the issue price of the LYONs represents a yield to maturity of 3.75%. The LYONs are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company.

    The LYONs are convertible at any time at the option of the holder, unless previously redeemed or repurchased, into 5.6748 subordinate voting shares for each one thousand dollars principal amount at maturity. Holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their LYONs on August 2, 2005, August 1, 2010, and August 1, 2015, and the Company may redeem the LYONs at any time on or after August 1, 2005 (and, under certain circumstances, before that date). As a result of the August 2, 2005 holders option, the Company has classified the principal portion of the LYONs as a current liability at the end of 2004. The Company is required to offer to repurchase the LYONs if there is a change in control or a delisting event. Generally, the redemption or repurchase price is equal to the accreted value of the LYONs. The Company may elect to pay the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs or the repurchase price that is payable in certain circumstances, in cash or subordinate voting shares, or any combination thereof.

    Pursuant to Canadian GAAP, the LYONs are bifurcated into a principal component and an option component. The principal component is recorded as debt and the option component is recorded as equity. The principal component is accreted over the 20-year term through periodic charges to expense.

    During 2004, the Company paid $299.7 (2003 — $223.5) to repurchase LYONs with a principal amount at maturity of $540.3 (2003 — $435.9). The loss on the repurchase of LYONs is apportioned between the principal and option components, based on their relative fair values compared to their carrying values. The Company recognized a loss on the option component which is recorded in retained earnings and a gain on the principal component which is recorded in Other charges. See note 11(j).

    At December 31, 2004, the Company has outstanding LYONs with a principal amount at maturity of $614.4 payable August 1, 2020. Holders of the instruments have the option to require Celestica to repurchase their LYONs on August 2, 2005, at a price of $572.82 per LYON, or a total of $352.0. The Company may elect to settle its repurchase obligation in cash or shares, or any combination thereof.

9.     CAPITAL STOCK:

        (a)   Authorized:

      An unlimited number of subordinate voting shares, which entitle the holder to one vote per share, and an unlimited number of multiple voting shares, which entitle the holder to 25 votes per share. Except as otherwise required by law, the subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. The holders of the subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares are entitled to share ratably, as a single class, in any dividends declared subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred shares in respect of the payment of dividends. Each multiple voting share is convertible at any time at the option of the holder thereof and automatically, under certain circumstances into one subordinate voting share. The Company is also authorized to issue an unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series.

        (b)   Issued and outstanding:

Number of Shares (in millions)
  Subordinate Voting Shares
  Multiple Voting Shares
  Total Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares Outstanding
  Warrants
  Shares to be issued
Balance December 31, 2002   189.5   39.1   228.6     0.5
Repurchase of shares (i)   (20.6 )   (20.6 )  
Other share issuances (ii)   0.9     0.9    
   
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2003   169.8   39.1   208.9     0.5
Acquisitions (iii)   14.1     14.1   1.1  
Other share issuances (iv)   2.0     2.0    
   
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2004   185.9   39.1   225.0   1.1   0.5
   
 
 
 
 

F-19


Amount
  Subordinate Voting Shares
  Multiple Voting Shares
  Shares to be issued
  Total Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares Outstanding
  Warrants
Balance December 31, 2002   $ 3,525.9   $ 138.8   $ 5.9   $ 3,670.6   $
Repurchase of shares (i)     (380.1 )           (380.1 )  
Other share issuances (ii)     7.3             7.3    
   
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2003     3,153.1     138.8     5.9     3,297.8    
Acquisitions (iii)     245.5             245.5     8.9
Other share issuances (iv)     15.8             15.8    
   
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2004   $ 3,414.4   $ 138.8   $ 5.9   $ 3,559.1   $ 8.9
   
 
 
 
 

            2003 Capital Transactions:

      (i)
      During 2003, the Company repurchased a total of 20.6 million subordinate voting shares under its two Normal Course Issuer Bids (NCIB), at a weighted average price of $13.35 per share. The second NCIB expired in 2004 with no additional repurchases.

      (ii)
      During 2003, the Company issued 0.9 million subordinate voting shares, primarily as a result of the exercise of employee stock options, for $5.1, and other employee share issuances for $1.9. The Company also recorded a tax benefit of $0.3.

            2004 Capital Transactions:

      (iii)
      In March 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of MSL and issued 14.1 million subordinate voting shares and issued warrants to purchase 1.1 million subordinate voting shares. See note 3(i).

      (iv)
      During 2004, the Company issued 2.0 million subordinate voting shares, primarily as a result of the exercise of employee stock options for $14.6, and other employee share issuances for $1.2.

        (c)   Stock option plans:

      (i)
      Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP):

      Under the LTIP, the Company may grant stock options, performance options, performance shares, performance share units and stock appreciation rights to directors, permanent employees and consultants of the Company, its subsidiaries and other companies or partnerships in which the Company has a significant investment. Under the LTIP, up to 29.0 million subordinate voting shares may be issued from treasury. Options are granted at prices equal to the market value on the day prior to the date of the grant and are exercisable during a period not to exceed 10 years from the grant date.

      (ii)
      Employee Share Purchase and Option Plans (ESPO):

      The Company has ESPO plans that were available to certain employees and executives. No further options may be issued under the ESPO plans. Pursuant to the ESPO plans, employees and executives of the Company were offered the opportunity to purchase, at prices equal to market value, subordinate voting shares and, in connection with such purchase, receive options to acquire an additional number of subordinate voting shares based on the number of subordinate voting shares acquired by them under the ESPO plans. The exercise price for the options is equal to the price per share paid for the corresponding subordinate voting shares acquired under the ESPO plans.

F-20


      Stock option transactions were as follows:

Number of Options (in millions)
  Shares
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2001   23.9   $ 31.67
Granted   3.9   $ 19.93
Exercised   (0.9 ) $ 7.42
Cancelled   (0.8 ) $ 41.49
   
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2002   26.1   $ 30.51
Granted   0.4   $ 13.85
Exercised   (0.9 ) $ 5.59
Cancelled   (2.8 ) $ 35.42
   
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2003   22.8   $ 30.88
Issued on acquisition of MSL and granted in the year   7.7   $ 16.96
Exercised   (2.0 ) $ 7.30
Cancelled   (2.8 ) $ 30.71
   
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2004   25.7   $ 27.92
   
     
Shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options or awards (in millions)   32.9      
   
     

      The following options were outstanding as at December 31, 2004:

Plan
  Range of Exercise Prices
  Outstanding Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
  Exercisable Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
  Weighted Average Remaining Life
 
   
  (in millions)

   
  (in millions)

   
  (years)

ESPO   $  5.00 - $  7.50   2.5   $ 5.32   2.5   $ 5.32   3.5
LTIP   $  8.75 - $13.10   0.6   $ 9.54   0.5   $ 9.30   3.8
    $13.25 - $19.90   8.6   $ 17.02   3.7   $ 17.15   7.5
    $20.06 - $25.75   0.5   $ 23.21   0.5   $ 23.25   4.3
    $30.23 - $44.23   7.8   $ 40.51   7.8   $ 40.53   5.0
    $45.63 - $63.44   3.2   $ 54.78   3.2   $ 54.78   4.7
    $69.25 - $84.00   0.2   $ 73.91   0.2   $ 73.91   5.2
MSL   $  8.37 - $13.33   0.7   $ 12.50   0.7   $ 12.50   6.8
    $13.47 - $17.67   0.5   $ 14.35   0.5   $ 14.35   7.3
    $18.67 - $21.83   0.3   $ 20.71   0.3   $ 20.71   6.1
    $27.83 - $78.00   0.2   $ 40.07   0.2   $ 40.07   5.0
Other   $  0.93 - $13.31   0.6   $ 5.39   0.6   $ 5.39   1.8
       
       
         
        25.7         20.7          
       
       
         
    (iii)
    Restricted share units and performance share units:

      During 2003 and 2004, the Company granted restricted share units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) as part of its LTIP. These grants entitle the holder to receive one subordinate voting share or, at the discretion of the Company, the cash equivalent of the market value of a share at the date of vesting. The grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs are amortized to expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The weighted-average grant date fair value of these share units for 2004 is $15.48. A total of $4.1 has been recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2004 for RSUs and PSUs.

      The RSUs completely vest at the end of the term, generally 3 years. As at December 31, 2004, there were 1.4 million RSUs awarded and outstanding of which none were vested. The PSUs vest at the end of the term, generally 3 years, to the extent that performance conditions have been met. As at December 31, 2004, 0.8 million PSUs were awarded and outstanding of which none were vested.

F-21



        (d)   Warrants:

      In connection with the MSL acquisition, the Company issued Series A and Series B warrants to replace the outstanding MSL warrants. The Series A warrants are fully vested and exercisable at any time through March 14, 2007 at an exercise price of $18.72 per share. The Series B warrants are fully vested and exercisable at any time through July 3, 2008 at an exercise price of $16.73 per share. The Company has the right to require the holders of both Series A and Series B warrants to exercise their warrants if the Company's subordinate voting shares trade at 175% of the exercise price of the warrants during a specified period.

10.   LOSS PER SHARE AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

    The Company follows the treasury stock method for calculating diluted earnings per share. The diluted per share calculation includes employee stock options, warrants and the conversion of convertible debt instruments, if dilutive.

    The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Numerator:                    
  Net loss attributable to common shareholders   $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
Denominator (in millions):                    
  Weighted average shares — basic     229.8     216.5     222.1  
  Effect of dilutive securities:(1)                    
    Employee stock options and warrants              
    Convertible debt              
   
 
 
 
  Weighted average shares — diluted     229.8     216.5     222.1  
Loss per share:                    
  Basic   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )
  Diluted   $ (1.98 ) $ (1.23 ) $ (3.85 )

                   
    (1)
    Excludes the effect of all options, warrants, and convertible debt as they are anti-dilutive due to the loss reported in the year.

11.   OTHER CHARGES:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
2001 restructuring (a)   $ 1.9   $ 7.9   $ 1.6  
2002 restructuring (b)     383.5     15.7     3.0  
2003 restructuring (c)         71.3     2.0  
2004 restructuring (d)             147.1  
   
 
 
 
Total restructuring     385.4     94.9     153.7  
Goodwill impairment (e)     203.7         288.0  
Long-lived asset impairment (f)     81.7     82.8     99.3  
Gain on sale of assets (g)             (12.0 )
Deferred financing costs and debt redemption fees (h)     9.6     1.3     1.6  
Other (i)             116.8  
Gain on repurchase of convertible debt (j)     (12.1 )   (23.8 )   (32.9 )
Gain on sale of surplus land and building     (2.6 )   (3.6 )   (11.3 )
   
 
 
 
Other charges     665.7     151.6     603.2  
Inventory write-down related to one customer and the exiting of certain businesses, recorded in cost of sales (i) and (k) (i) and (k)             61.2  
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 665.7   $ 151.6   $ 664.4  
   
 
 
 

F-22


    (a)
    2001 restructuring:

      In 2001, the Company announced its restructuring plan in response to the weak end-markets. Weak end-market conditions in the computing and communications industries resulted in customers in those segments rescheduling and canceling orders, directly impacting the Company's operations.

      The Company completed the major components of its 2001 restructuring plan in 2002, except for certain long-term lease and other contractual obligations, which will be paid out over the remaining lease terms through 2015. Cash outlays are funded from cash on hand.

      The following table details the activity through the accrued restructuring liability and the non-cash charge:

 
  Employee termination costs
  Lease and other contractual obligations
  Facility exit costs and other
  Total accrued liability
  Non-cash charge
  Total charge
January 1, 2001   $   $   $   $   $   $
Provision     90.7     35.3     12.4     138.4     98.6     237.0
Cash payments     (51.2 )   (1.6 )   (2.9 )   (55.7 )      
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2001     39.5     33.7     9.5     82.7     98.6     237.0
Cash payments     (35.4 )   (13.0 )   (6.8 )   (55.2 )      
Adjustments     (4.1 )   11.4     (2.7 )   4.6     (2.7 )   1.9
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002         32.1         32.1     95.9     238.9
Cash payments         (14.1 )       (14.1 )      
Adjustments         7.9         7.9         7.9
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2003         25.9         25.9     95.9     246.8
Cash payments         (5.9 )       (5.9 )      
Adjustments         1.6         1.6         1.6
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   $   $ 21.6   $   $ 21.6   $ 95.9   $ 248.4
   
 
 
 
 
 

      The accrued restructuring liability was recorded in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

    (b)
    2002 restructuring:

      In response to the prolonged difficult end-market conditions, particularly in the computing and communications industries, the Company announced a second restructuring plan in July 2002. The weak demand for the Company's manufacturing services resulted in an accelerated move to lower-cost geographies and additional restructuring in the Americas and Europe.

      These restructuring actions were focused on consolidating facilities, reducing the workforce and transferring programs to lower-cost geographies. A total of 6,400 employees have been terminated as of December 31, 2004, as the Company executed its 2002 planned employee actions. Approximately 80% of the employee terminations were in the Americas and 20% in Europe. The majority of the employees terminated were manufacturing and plant employees. In 2003, the Company increased its employee termination costs by $7.4 due to changes in planned headcount reductions. The facility actions included closing or consolidating 9 facilities in the Americas and Europe. For leased facilities that were no longer used, the lease costs included in the restructuring costs represent future lease payments less estimated sublease recoveries. In 2003, the Company made an adjustment to lease and other contractual obligations of $16.2 to reflect incremental cancellation fees paid for terminating certain facility leases and to reflect higher accruals for other leases due to delays in the timing of sublease recoveries and changes in estimated sublease rates, relating principally to facilities in the Americas.

      The Company recorded a non-cash charge of $194.5 to write-down certain long-lived assets (85% in Americas, 10% in Europe and 5% in Asia) which became impaired as a result of the rationalization of facilities. In addition to buildings and improvements, machinery and equipment, the asset impairments also related to intellectual property and other intangible assets. In 2003, the Company recorded a non-cash adjustment against its capital assets of $(10.8). This recovery was primarily due to amendments of its 2002 restructuring plans in 2003; as a result of customer requirements, certain assets no longer qualified as available-for-sale and resulted in a $13.0 increase to the book value of the assets. Included in the December 31, 2002 impairment charges were charges of $17.1 related to these capital assets that were classified as available-for-sale.

F-23



      The Company had completed the major components of its 2002 restructuring plan by the end of December 2004, except for certain long-term lease and other contractual obligations which will be paid out over the remaining lease terms through 2011. Cash outlays are funded from cash on hand.

      The following table details the activity through the accrued restructuring liability and the non-cash charge:

 
  Employee termination costs
  Lease and other contractual obligations
  Facility exit costs and other
  Total accrued liability
  Non-cash charge
  Total charge
January 1, 2002   $   $   $   $   $   $
Provision     128.8     51.7     8.5     189.0     194.5     383.5
Cash payments     (41.7 )   (1.7 )   (0.7 )   (44.1 )      
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002     87.1     50.0     7.8     144.9     194.5     383.5
Cash payments     (83.4 )   (30.0 )   (7.8 )   (121.2 )      
Adjustments     7.4     16.2     2.9     26.5     (10.8 )   15.7
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2003     11.1     36.2     2.9     50.2     183.7     399.2
Cash payments     (11.8 )   (21.6 )   (3.2 )   (36.6 )      
Adjustments     0.7     0.6     0.3     1.6     1.4     3.0
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   $   $ 15.2   $   $ 15.2   $ 185.1   $ 402.2
   
 
 
 
 
 

      The accrued restructuring liability was recorded in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

    (c)
    2003 restructuring:

      In January 2003, the Company announced that it would further reduce its manufacturing capacity. The restructuring actions were focused on workforce reductions and facility consolidations in Europe. Termination announcements were made in 2003 to approximately 480 employees, primarily manufacturing and plant employees. Approximately 280 employees have been terminated as of December 31, 2004 with the balance expected to be paid out by the end of the third quarter of 2005. Included in the negotiated termination costs are payments to regulatory agencies, in accordance with local labour legislation, which are expected to be paid out through 2007. Cash outlays are funded from cash on hand.

      The non-cash charge for asset impairment of $8.5 reflects the write-down of certain capital assets, primarily in Europe, which were disposed of, or that have become impaired and are available-for-sale, as a result of the 2003 restructuring. The capital assets were written down to their fair values.

      The following table details the activity through the accrued restructuring liability and the non-cash charge:

 
  Employee termination costs
  Lease and other contractual obligations
  Facility exit costs and other
  Total accrued liability
  Non-cash charge
  Total charge
January 1, 2003   $   $   $   $   $   $
Provision     61.4     0.3     1.1     62.8     8.5     71.3
Cash payments     (28.6 )   (0.3 )   (1.1 )   (30.0 )      
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2003     32.8             32.8     8.5     71.3
Cash payments     (19.0 )           (19.0 )      
Adjustments     2.0             2.0         2.0
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   $ 15.8   $   $   $ 15.8   $ 8.5   $ 73.3
   
 
 
 
 
 

      The accrued restructuring liability was recorded in Accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

F-24


    (d)
    2004 restructuring:

      In January and April 2004, the Company announced plans to further restructure its operations to better align capacity with customers' requirements. These restructuring actions were focused on workforce reductions and facility consolidations in all regions. As of December 31, 2004, termination announcements were made to approximately 4,600 employees, consisting of executive, manufacturing and plant employees. Approximately 3,700 employees have been terminated as of December 31, 2004. Approximately 55% of the employee terminations were in the Americas, 35% in Asia and 10% in Europe.

      Included in the 2004 restructuring costs is $7.5 related to the disposition of certain assets of the power operations.

      In 2004, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $33.9 to write-down certain long-lived assets, primarily in Asia (55%) and the Americas (40%), which became impaired due to facility consolidations. In addition to buildings and leasehold improvements, and machinery and equipment, the asset impairments also related to an intellectual property write-down of $3.1 in the Americas.

      The Company expects to complete these restructuring actions by early 2005. Cash outlays are funded from cash on hand.

      The following table details the activity through the accrued restructuring liability and the non-cash charge:

 
  Employee termination costs
  Lease and other contractual obligations
  Facility exit costs and other
  Total accrued liability
  Non-cash charge
  Total charge
January 1, 2004   $   $   $   $   $   $
Provision     98.6     8.7     5.9     113.2     33.9     147.1
Cash payments     (79.8 )   (4.5 )   (0.9 )   (85.2 )      
   
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2004   $ 18.8   $ 4.2   $ 5.0   $ 28.0   $ 33.9   $ 147.1
   
 
 
 
 
 

      The accrued restructuring liability is recorded in Accrued Liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

            Restructuring summary:

      As part of the Company's plans to better align its capacity, the Company expected to incur restructuring charges of between $175.0 and $200.0 to be recorded throughout 2004 and into the first quarter of 2005. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has recorded restructuring charges of $153.7 relating to these plans.

    (e)
    Goodwill impairment:

      In 2004, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $288.0 in connection with its annual impairment assessment. See note 5(d).

      In 2003, the Company conducted its annual impairment assessment and determined there was no goodwill impairment.

      In 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $203.7 in connection with its annual impairment assessment. See note 5(a).

    (f)
    Long-lived asset impairment:

      Absent any triggering factors during the year, the Company conducts its annual review of long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of each year to correspond with its planning cycle. In the course of finalizing its annual business plans, the Company made certain decisions regarding its restructuring plans and the transfer of major customer programs from higher-cost to lower-cost geographies. These actions significantly impacted forecasted revenue and have reduced the forecasted net cash flows for certain sites, resulting in impairment when compared to the carrying value of the assets.

      In 2004, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $99.3, relating to the Americas (75%) and Europe (25%). The Company wrote down $30.7 of intangible assets, primarily customer relationships and contract intangibles and recorded an impairment of $68.6 against capital assets. See note 5(i).

      In 2003, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $82.8, relating primarily to the Americas (41%) and Europe (59%). The Company wrote down $25.3 of intangible assets and recorded an impairment of $57.5 against capital assets. See note 5(i).

F-25



      In 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $81.7, relating primarily to the Americas (48%) and Europe (44%). The Company wrote down $69.0 of intangible assets and recorded an impairment of $12.7 against capital assets.

    (g)
    Gain on sale of assets:

      In 2004, the Company sold certain assets relating to its power operations. See note 3(iii).

    (h)
    Deferred financing costs and debt redemption fees:

      In June 2004, the Company cancelled one of its credit facilities and expensed related deferred financing costs of $1.6. See note 7(a).

      In October 2003, the Company amended its credit facilities and expensed deferred financing costs totaling $1.3 related to the original facilities.

      In August 2002, the Company paid a premium associated with the redemption of the 2006 Senior Subordinated Notes and expensed related deferred financing costs totaling $9.6.

    (i)
    Other:

      In the normal course of operations, the Company adjusts its allowance for doubtful accounts for specific customer risks and credit factors. One of the Company's customers has experienced a significant deterioration in its financial condition. Although the customer is attempting to recapitalize, there can be no assurances that it will be successful. As a result, the Company has determined that an additional provision is required to reflect estimated recoverable amounts for accounts and notes receivable, inventory and non-cancelable purchase orders. In determining the incremental charges of $116.8 and $44.6 recorded in the fourth quarter and included in Other charges and Cost of sales, respectively, management assessed a variety of outcomes and determined its best estimate of the net recoverable amount to be $20.8. If the financial condition affecting that customer or management's estimates of the customer's cash flows change in future reporting periods, there could be further impairment or a recovery of amounts previously written down.

    (j)
    Gain on repurchase of convertible debt:

      The Company has repurchased LYONs during the past three years and recognized gains and losses which have been apportioned between the principal and option components. The Company has recognized a gain on the principal component which is recorded in Other charges. The losses apportioned to the option component have been recorded, net of tax in retained earnings. See notes 2(r)(ii) and 8.

    (k)
    Inventory write-down relating to exiting businesses, recorded in cost of sales:

      In 2004, the Company decided to restructure and exit certain product offerings resulting in a write-down of the related inventory of $16.6.

12.   INCOME TAXES:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Loss before income tax:                    
  Canadian operations   $ (206.7 ) $ (49.8 ) $ (165.3 )
  Foreign operations     (347.0 )   (183.4 )   (436.6 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (553.7 ) $ (233.2 ) $ (601.9 )
   
 
 
 
Current income tax expense (recovery):                    
  Canadian operations   $ (0.8 ) $ 4.5   $ 10.9  
  Foreign operations     21.2     9.2     6.7  
   
 
 
 
    $ 20.4   $ 13.7   $ 17.6  
   
 
 
 
Deferred income tax expense (recovery):                    
  Canadian operations   $ (26.1 ) $ (18.1 ) $ (13.7 )
  Foreign operations     (92.6 )   37.9     248.3  
   
 
 
 
    $ (118.7 ) $ 19.8   $ 234.6  
   
 
 
 

F-26


    The overall income tax provision differs from the provision computed at the statutory rate as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate     38.6%     36.6%     36.1%  

Income tax recovery based on loss before income taxes at statutory rate

 

$

(213.7

)

$

(85.4

)

$

(217.3

)
Increase (decrease) resulting from:                    
  Manufacturing and processing deduction     5.8     1.6     1.4  
  Foreign (income) losses taxed at lower rates     (19.2 )   (6.7 )   34.6  
  Amortization and write-down of non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets     44.2     1.0     102.9  
  Other non-deductible items     8.0     14.3     3.1  
  Change in valuation allowance     76.6     108.7     327.5  
   
 
 
 
Income tax expense (recovery)   $ (98.3 ) $ 33.5   $ 252.2  
   
 
 
 

    Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as at December 31, 2003 and 2004:

 
  2003
  2004
 
Deferred income tax assets:              
  Income tax effect of operating losses carried forward   $ 256.9   $ 377.6  
  Accounting provisions not currently deductible     54.8     94.4  
  Capital, intangible and other assets     69.8     70.5  
  Share issue and debt issue costs     5.0     8.4  
  Restructuring accruals     39.1     27.5  
   
 
 
      425.6     578.4  
  Valuation allowance     (185.3 )   (545.7 )
   
 
 
Total deferred income tax assets     240.3     32.7  
   
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities:              
  Deferred pension asset     (16.5 )   (12.9 )
  Other     (1.3 )   (18.3 )
   
 
 
Total deferred income tax liabilities     (17.8 )   (31.2 )
   
 
 
Deferred income tax asset, net   $ 222.5   $ 1.5  
   
 
 

    In certain jurisdictions, the Company currently has significant operating losses and other deductible temporary differences, which will reduce taxable income in these jurisdictions in future periods. The Company has determined that a valuation allowance of $545.7 is required in respect of its deferred income tax assets as at December 31, 2004 (2003 — $185.3).

    Included in the 2004 valuation allowance of $545.7 is a charge of $248.2 relating to establishing valuation allowance for most of the remaining deferred income tax assets in the United States and Europe. The Company expects to record a full valuation allowance on future deferred income tax assets arising in these jurisdictions until a sustainable level of taxable income is reached. In previous reporting periods, the Company provided valuation allowances for future tax benefits resulting from net operating loss carryforwards and for certain other deductible temporary differences where it believed future realizability was in doubt. The Company had believed it was more likely than not that the remaining net deferred income tax assets would be realized principally based upon forecasted taxable income, generally within the net operating loss carryforward period. During the fourth quarter, in the course of finalizing its 2005 business plan, the Company identified significant developments which it considered in determining its valuation allowance, including the necessity for further restructuring actions to attain profitability and the continued transfer of major customer programs from higher-cost to lower-cost geographies.

    Also included in the 2004 valuation allowance is $51.1 attributable to the acquisition of MSL. Decreases in the MSL valuation allowance in future years will be recorded as adjustments to intangible assets.

F-27



    The Company believes it will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefit of the net deferred income tax asset balance of $1.5 as at December 31, 2004.

    The aggregate amount of undistributed earnings of Celestica's foreign subsidiaries for which no deferred income tax liability has been recorded is approximately $717.3 as at December 31, 2004. Celestica intends to indefinitely re-invest income in these foreign subsidiaries.

    Celestica has been granted tax incentives, including tax holidays, for its Czech Republic, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore subsidiaries. The tax benefit arising from these incentives is approximately $26.9, or $0.12 diluted per share for 2004, $17.6, or $0.08 diluted per share for 2003 and $24.9, or $0.11 diluted per share for 2002. These tax incentives expire between 2006 and 2012, and are subject to certain conditions with which the Company expects to comply.

    As at December 31, 2004, the Company had operating loss carryforwards of $1,309.6. A summary of the operating loss carryforwards by year of expiry is as follows:

Year of Expiry
  Amount
2005   $ 0.3
2006     0.9
2007     95.0
2008     90.4
2009     6.1
2010     122.2
2011-2024     649.0
Indefinite     345.7
   
    $ 1,309.6
   

13.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

    In 2004, the Company expensed management-related fees of $0.7 (2003 — $1.4; 2002 — $2.2) charged by its parent company, based on the terms of a management agreement.

14.   PENSION AND NON-PENSION POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

    The Company provides pension and non-pension post-employment benefit plans for its employees. Pension benefits include traditional pension plans, as well as supplemental pension plans. Some employees in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines participate in defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans are offered to employees, mainly in Canada and the U.S.

    The Company provides non-pension post-employment benefits ("Other benefit plans") to retired and terminated employees in Canada, Italy, the U.S., France, Mexico and Thailand. These benefits include one-time retirement and termination benefits, medical, surgical, hospitalization coverage, supplemental health, dental and group life insurance.

    The Company's pension funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum local statutory funding requirements that are based on actuarial calculations. The Company may make additional discretionary contributions based on actuarial assessments. Contributions made by the Company to support ongoing plan obligations have been included in the deferred asset or liability accounts on the consolidated balance sheet. The most recent statutory pension actuarial valuations were completed as at April and December 2002. The measurement date used for the accounting valuation for pensions is December 31, 2004. The effective dates of the next pension actuarial valuations are April and December 2005.

    The Company's non-pension post-employment benefit plans are currently funded as benefits payments are incurred. The most recent actuarial valuation for non-pension post-employment benefits was completed in November 2004. The Company accrues the expected costs of providing non-pension post-employment benefits during the periods in which the employees render service. The measurement date used for the accounting valuation for non-pension post-employment benefits is December 31, 2004.

    Pension fund assets are invested primarily in fixed income and equity securities. Asset allocation between fixed income and equity is adjusted based on the expected life of the plan and the expected retirement of the plan participants. Currently, the asset allocation allows for 43%-52% investment in fixed income and 45%-53% investment in equities through mutual funds, and 3%-5% in real estate/other investments. The Company employs both active and passive investment approaches in its pension plan asset management strategy. The Company's pension funds are not invested directly in equities or derivative instruments. The Company's pension funds are

F-28



    not invested directly in the equity of Celestica or its affiliates, but may be invested indirectly as a result of the inclusion of Celestica and its affiliates' equities in certain market investment funds.

    The table below presents the market value of the assets as follows:

 
  Fair Market Value
at December 31

  Actual Asset Allocation (%)
at December 31

 
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
Asset category:                    
Equities through mutual funds   $ 125.2   $ 146.9   49%   49%
Fixed income     120.7     139.6   47%   47%
Other     12.0     10.8   4%   4%
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 257.9   $ 297.3   100%   100%
   
 
 
 

    The following table provides a summary of the estimated financial position of the Company's pension and non-pension post-employment benefit plans:

 
  Pension Plans Year ended December 31
  Other Benefit Plans Year ended December 31
 
 
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
 
Plan assets, beginning of year   $ 174.9   $ 257.9   $   $  
  Employer contributions     33.8     19.4     13.2     13.4  
  Actual return on assets     25.6     22.6          
  Voluntary employee contributions     1.2     1.1     0.2     0.2  
  Plan settlements         (9.2 )        
  Benefits paid     (10.4 )   (13.9 )   (13.4 )   (13.6 )
  Acquisitions/divestitures         1.1          
  Foreign currency exchange rate changes     32.8     18.3          
   
 
 
 
 
Plan assets, end of year   $ 257.9   $ 297.3   $   $  
   
 
 
 
 

F-29


 
 
  Pension Plans
Year ended December 31

  Other Benefit Plans
Year ended December 31

 
 
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
 
Projected benefit obligations (PBO), beginning of year   $ 250.5   $ 310.9   $ 65.4   $ 80.5  
  Service cost     7.3     6.9     9.8     11.5  
  Interest cost     14.6     16.8     3.3     3.4  
  Voluntary employee contributions     1.2     1.1     0.2     0.2  
  Actuarial losses     18.9     21.8     7.4     3.5  
  Plan amendments     (9.2 )       (1.7 )    
  Plan settlements         (9.2 )        
  Effect of curtailments     (1.2 )   2.4     (3.3 )   (13.1 )
  Benefits paid     (10.4 )   (13.9 )   (13.4 )   (13.6 )
  Acquisitions         0.8         1.1  
  Foreign currency exchange rate changes     39.2     22.3     12.8     4.3  
   
 
 
 
 
  Projected benefit obligations, end of year   $ 310.9   $ 359.9   $ 80.5   $ 77.8  
   
 
 
 
 
Deficit of plan assets over projected benefit obligations   $ (53.0 ) $ (62.6 ) $ (80.5 ) $ (77.8 )
Unrecognized actuarial losses     95.6     108.7     14.6     13.4  
Unrecognized net transition obligation and prior service cost     (8.8 )   (5.0 )   1.1      
   
 
 
 
 
Deferred (accrued) pension cost   $ 33.8   $ 41.1   $ (64.8 ) $ (64.4 )
   
 
 
 
 

    The following table reconciles the deferred (accrued) pension balances to that reported as of December 31, 2003 and 2004:

 
  2003
  2004
 
 
  Pension
Plans

  Other
Benefit Plans

  Total
  Pension
Plans

  Other
Benefit Plans

  Total
 
Accrued pension and post-employment benefits   $ (21.2 ) $ (64.8 ) $ (86.0 ) $ (16.6 ) $ (64.4 ) $ (81.0 )
Deferred pension assets (note 6)     55.0         55.0     57.7         57.7  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    $ 33.8   $ (64.8 ) $ (31.0 ) $ 41.1   $ (64.4 ) $ (23.3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Pension Plans
Year ended December 31

  Other Benefit Plans Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Net periodic pension cost:                                      
  Service cost   $ 7.2   $ 7.3   $ 6.9   $ 9.7   $ 9.8   $ 11.5  
  Interest cost     12.5     14.6     16.8     2.5     3.3     3.4  
  Expected return on assets     (13.7 )   (13.7 )   (16.8 )            
  Net amortization of prior service cost             (0.5 )            
  Net amortization of actuarial losses     1.6     5.7     5.9     0.5     0.4     0.4  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
      7.6     13.9     12.3     12.7     13.5     15.3  
Defined contribution pension plan expense     21.9     17.6     18.2              
Curtailment/settlement loss (gain)     2.9         3.7     1.7     0.1     (7.5 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expense for the year   $ 32.4   $ 31.5   $ 34.2   $ 14.4   $ 13.6   $ 7.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-30


 
 
  Pension Plans
Year ended December 31

  Other Benefit Plans
Year ended December 31

 
  2002
  2003
  2004
  2002
  2003
  2004
Actuarial assumptions (percentages):                        
Weighted average discount rate for:                        
  Projected benefit obligations   5.5   5.5   5.3   6.9   6.4   6.1
  Net periodic pension cost   6.2   5.5   5.5   7.3   6.9   6.4
Weighted average rate of compensation increase for:                        
  Projected benefit obligations   4.0   3.4   3.4   5.0   4.0   4.0
  Net periodic pension cost   4.5   4.0   3.4   4.5   5.0   4.0
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for:                        
  Projected benefit obligations   7.3   6.5   6.2      
  Net periodic pension cost   7.5   7.3   6.5      
Healthcare cost trend rate for:                        
  Projected benefit obligations         10.5   9.7   10.0
  Net periodic pension cost         6.4   10.5   9.7
  Estimated rate for the following 12-month net periodic pension cost         10.5   9.7   10.0
 
 
  Other Benefit Plans
Year ended December 31

 
 
  2003
  2004
 
Sensitivity re: healthcare trend rate for non-pension post-employment benefits:              
1% Increase              
  Effect on PBO   $ 5.9   $ 9.4  
  Effect on service cost and interest cost     1.4     1.9  
1% Decrease              
  Effect on PBO     (6.8 )   (7.2 )
  Effect on service cost and interest cost     (1.2 )   (1.2 )

    The ultimate healthcare trend rate is estimated to steadily decline to 5% and is expected to be achieved between 2008 and 2011.

    The weighted average rate of return for each asset class contained in the Company's approved investment strategy is used to derive the expected long-term rate of return on assets. For fixed income securities, the long-term rate of return on bonds for each country is used. The duration of the long-term rate of return on the bonds coincides with the estimated maturity of the plan obligations. For equity securities, an expected equity risk premium is aggregated with the long-term rate of return on bonds. The expected equity risk premium is specific for each country and is based on historic equity returns.

    In 2004, the Company incurred net curtailment and plan settlement gains and losses due to the rationalization of facilities and plan amendments. The gains and losses due to rationalization of facilities are included as restructuring charges in note 11(d).

    At December 31, 2004, the Company has a supplemental retirement plan that has an accumulated benefit obligation of $18.8 and plan assets of $1.6. The Company also has a pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation of $189.0 that is in excess of plan assets of $147.2, and a second pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation of $28.2 that is in excess of plan assets of $18.1.

    At December 31, 2004, the total accumulated benefit obligations for the pension plans was $350.0 and for the non-pension post-employment benefit plans was $77.8.

    In 2004, the Company made contributions to the pension plans of $37.6, of which $18.2 was for defined contribution plans and $19.4 was for defined benefit plans; $31.4 was for regular contributions and $6.2 was discretionary. The Company may, from time to time, make additional voluntary contributions to the pension plans. The estimated additional voluntary contributions for 2005 is between $4.0 and $6.0.

    In 2004, the Company made contributions to the non-pension post-employment benefit plans of $13.4 to fund benefit payments. Contributions to these plans are estimated to be approximately $6.1 in 2005.

F-31


    The estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:

 
  Year

  Pension
Benefits

  Other
Benefits

Expected employer contributions   2005   $ 31.2   $ 6.1
Expected benefit payments   2005     20.4     6.3
    2006     14.1     5.7
    2007     14.3     5.9
    2008     14.7     5.9
    2009     15.1     5.9
    Thereafter     84.5     29.4

15.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

    Fair values:

    The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

    (a)
    The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

    (b)
    The fair values of foreign currency contract obligations and interest rate swaps are estimated based on the current trading value, as quoted by brokers active in these markets.

    (c)
    The fair values of the subordinated notes and the principal portion of the convertible debt are estimated by discounting future cash flows at current interest rates.

    The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments, where there are differences, are as follows:

 
  December 31, 2003
  December 31, 2004
 
  Carrying Amount
  Fair Value
  Carrying Amount
  Fair Value
Foreign currency contracts — asset (liability)       $ 49.8   $ (2.4 ) $ 31.1
Interest rate swaps — asset               $ 19.8
Senior Subordinated Note           $ 500.0   $ 536.3
Convertible debt   $ 210.5   $ 166.4   $ 124.1   $ 87.2

    Derivatives and hedging activities:

    The Company has entered into foreign currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risks relating to cash flow. The Company's forward exchange contracts do not subject the Company to risk from exchange rate movements because gains and losses on such contracts offset losses and gains on exposures being hedged. The counterparties to the contracts are multinational commercial banks and, therefore, the credit risk of counterparty non-performance is low.

    In connection with the issuance of its $500.0 principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes in June 2004, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes, by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable interest rate. The notional amount of the agreements is $500.0. The agreements are effective June 2004 and mature July 2011.

    Payments or receipts under the swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense on long-term debt. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements at December 31, 2004 was an unrealized gain of $19.8.

F-32



    At December 31, 2004, the Company had forward exchange contracts to trade U.S. dollars in exchange for the following currencies:

Currency

  Amount of U.S. dollars
  Weighted average exchange rate of U.S. dollars
  Maximum period in months
Canadian dollars   $ 224.9   $ 0.77   15
Euros   $ 63.8   $ 1.25   15
Euros   $ 31.8   $ 1.27   30
Thai baht   $ 59.9   $ 0.02   12
Mexican pesos   $ 38.2   $ 0.08   12
Czech korunas   $ 29.9   $ 0.04   12
Singapore dollars   $ 24.8   $ 0.60   12
Japanese yen   $ 17.0   $ 0.01   1
Malaysian ringgits   $ 13.0   $ 0.26   3
British pounds sterling   $ 6.0   $ 1.74   6

    At December 31, 2004, these contracts were in a fair-value asset position of $31.1 (2003 — asset of $49.8).

    The 30-month forward contracts have not been designated as a hedge and are marked to market through the statement of loss.

    Concentration of risk:

    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily inventory repurchase obligations of customers, accounts receivable and cash equivalents. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial conditions. In certain instances, the Company obtains letters of credit or other forms of security from its customers. The Company considers its concentrations of credit risk in determining its estimates of reserves for potential credit losses. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in high-quality short-term investments or on deposit with major financial institutions.

16.   COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES:

    At December 31, 2004, the Company has operating leases that require future payments as follows:

 
  Operating Leases
2005   $ 60.9
2006     42.4
2007     25.9
2008     20.4
2009     16.5
Thereafter     46.9

    Contingent liabilities in the form of letters of credit, letters of guarantee, and surety and performance bonds, are provided to various third parties. These guarantees cover various payments including customs and excise taxes, utility commitments and certain bank guarantees. At December 31, 2004, these liabilities, including guarantees of employee share purchase loans, amounted to $63.7
    (2003 — $55.9).

    In addition to the above guarantees, the Company has also provided routine indemnifications, whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. These may include indemnifications against adverse effects due to changes in tax laws and patent infringements by third parties. The maximum amounts from these indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. In some cases, the Company has recourse against other parties to mitigate its risk of loss from these indemnifications. Historically, the Company has not made significant payments relating to these types of indemnifications.

    In the normal course of operations the Company may be subject to litigation and claims from customers, suppliers and former employees. Management believes that adequate provisions have been recorded in the accounts where required. Although it is not possible to estimate the extent of potential costs, if any, management believes that the ultimate resolution of such contingencies would not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or liquidity of the Company.

F-33



    The Company has provided routine indemnities as a result of its divestiture of power operations in 2004. See note 3(iii).

17.   SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS:

    During 2004, two customers individually comprised 15% and 11% of total revenue across all geographic segments. At December 31, 2004, two customers represented 14% and 11% of total accounts receivable.

    During 2003, four customers individually comprised 13%, 11%, 10% and 10% of total revenue across all geographic segments. At December 31, 2003, one customer represented 18% of total accounts receivable.

    During 2002, three customers individually comprised 17%, 16% and 15% of total revenue across all geographic segments. At December 31, 2002, one customer represented 28% of total accounts receivable.

18.   SEGMENTED INFORMATION:

    The Company's operations fall into one dominant industry segment, the electronics manufacturing services industry. The Company manages its operations, and accordingly determines its operating segments, on a geographic basis. The performance of geographic operating segments is monitored based on EBIAT (earnings/loss before interest and accretion on convertible debt, amortization of intangible assets, integration costs related to acquisitions, other charges, non-cash option expense and income taxes). Inter-segment transactions are reflected at market value.

    The following is a breakdown by reporting segment:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Revenue                    
Americas   $ 4,640.8   $ 3,091.1   $ 3,765.5  
Europe     1,786.5     1,399.3     1,815.3  
Asia     2,109.7     2,475.4     3,557.2  
Elimination of inter-segment revenue     (265.4 )   (230.5 )   (298.2 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 8,271.6   $ 6,735.3   $ 8,839.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
EBIAT                    
Americas   $ 157.3   $ 13.8   $ 22.1  
Europe     (11.5 )   (95.8 )   2.0  
Asia     110.8     68.3     121.0  
   
 
 
 
      256.6     (13.7 )   145.1  
Net interest and accretion charges     (27.6 )   (19.4 )   (37.3 )
Amortization of intangible assets     (95.9 )   (48.5 )   (34.6 )
Non-cash option expense             (7.6 )
Integration costs related to acquisitions     (21.1 )       (3.1 )
Other charges (note 11)     (665.7 )   (151.6 )   (664.4 )
   
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes   $ (553.7 ) $ (233.2 ) $ (601.9 )
   
 
 
 

F-34


 
 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Capital expenditures                  
Americas   $ 90.0   $ 84.3   $ 42.8
Europe     28.0     7.8     28.9
Asia     33.4     83.8     70.5
   
 
 
    $ 151.4   $ 175.9   $ 142.2
   
 
 
 
 
  As at December 31
 
  2003
  2004
Total assets            
Americas   $ 1,764.5   $ 1,520.9
Europe     1,084.6     1,066.3
Asia     2,288.3     2,352.6
   
 
    $ 5,137.4   $ 4,939.8
   
 

Capital assets

 

 

 

 

 

 
Americas   $ 260.4   $ 179.3
Europe     166.2     142.6
Asia     254.8     247.4
   
 
    $ 681.4   $ 569.3
   
 

    The following table details the Company's external revenue allocated by manufacturing location among foreign countries exceeding 10%:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Revenue            
Canada   15%   20%   18%
United States   37%   21%   18%
Italy   13%   13%  
Thailand       15%

19.   SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
Paid during the year:                  
  Interest   $ 22.0   $ 10.4   $ 13.6
  Taxes   $ 25.5   $ 14.1   $ 9.9
Non-cash financing activities:                  
  Shares issued for acquisition of MSL           $ 245.5
  Options issued for acquisition of MSL           $ 15.2
  Warrants issued for acquisition of MSL           $ 8.9

F-35


20.   CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES ACCOUNTING POLICY DIFFERENCES:

    The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP, and their effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, are described below:

    Consolidated statements of loss:

    The following table reconciles net loss as reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss to net loss that would have been reported had the consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Net loss in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ (455.4 ) $ (266.7 ) $ (854.1 )
Compensation expense (a)     (3.8 )        
Impact of convertible debt for Canadian GAAP, net of tax (b)     9.5         (10.0 )
Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax (b)     (27.8 )   (19.9 )   (11.6 )
Gain (loss) on repurchase of convertible debt, net of tax (b)     8.4     1.9     (5.3 )
Deferred taxes on unrealized foreign exchange gains (b)         (10.3 )   1.5  
Other charges and amortization, net of tax (a) and (c)     (26.5 )   26.8     4.4  
Leasehold retirement obligations, net of tax (d)     0.7          
Stock-based compensation expense (h)         0.3     7.6  
   
 
 
 
Net loss before cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy, in accordance with U.S. GAAP     (494.9 )   (267.9 )   (867.5 )
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy, net of tax (d)         (1.3 )    
   
 
 
 
Net loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP   $ (494.9 ) $ (269.2 ) $ (867.5 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated as hedges, net of tax (f)     21.8     21.4     (13.3 )
Minimum pension liability, net of tax (g)     (23.6 )   (1.8 )   (7.0 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     20.2     12.8     11.2  
   
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP   $ (476.5 ) $ (236.8 ) $ (876.6 )
   
 
 
 

    The following table details the computation of U.S. GAAP basic and diluted loss per share:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Loss available to shareholders — basic and diluted   $ (494.9 ) $ (269.2 ) $ (867.5 )
Weighted average shares — basic (in millions)     229.8     216.5     222.1  
Weighted average shares — diluted (in millions)(1)     229.8     216.5     222.1  
Basic loss per share(2)   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )
Diluted loss per share(2)   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )

    (1)
    Excludes the effect of all options, warrants, and convertible debt as they are anti-dilutive due to the loss reported in the year.

    (2)
    Basic and diluted loss per share for 2003 before cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy was $(1.24). See note (d).

F-36


    The cumulative effect of these adjustments on shareholders' equity of the Company is as follows:

 
  As at December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Shareholders' equity in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 3,941.7   $ 3,255.9   $ 2,488.8  
Compensation expense (a)     (2.0 )   (2.0 )    
Interest expense on convertible debt for U.S. GAAP, net of tax (b)     (52.3 )   (72.2 )   (83.8 )
Convertible debt (b)     (545.3 )   (395.2 )   (210.2 )
Accretion of convertible debt for Canadian GAAP, net of tax (b)     39.2     55.3     67.3  
Loss (gain) on repurchase of convertible debt for Canadian GAAP (b)     (6.7 )   (3.9 )   10.7  
Deferred taxes on unrealized foreign exchange gain (b)         (10.3 )   (8.8 )
Gain on repurchase of convertible debt for U.S. GAAP (b)     8.4     10.3     5.0  
Other charges and amortization (a) and (c)     (29.2 )   (2.4 )    
Gain on foreign exchange contract, net of tax (e)     12.1     12.1     12.1  
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (f)     15.7     37.1     23.8  
Minimum pension liability, net of tax (g)     (38.5 )   (40.3 )   (47.3 )
Leasehold retirement obligations, net of tax (d)     1.3          
   
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP   $ 3,344.4   $ 2,844.4   $ 2,257.6  
   
 
 
 

    (a)
    In 1998, the Company amended the vesting provisions of 6.2 million employee stock options issued in 1997 and 1998. Under the previous vesting provisions, such options vested based on the achievement of earnings targets. As a result, a portion of these options vested over a specified time period and the balance vested on completion of the initial public offering in 1998. Under U.S. GAAP, this amendment required a new measurement date for purposes of accounting for compensation expense, resulting in a charge equal to the aggregate difference between the fair value of the underlying subordinate voting shares at the date of the amendment and the exercise price for such options. As a result, under U.S. GAAP the Company has recorded an aggregate $15.6 non-cash stock compensation charge reflected in earnings and capital stock over the vesting period as follows: 1998 — $4.2; 1999 — $1.9; 2000 — $2.5; 2001 — $3.2; 2002 — $3.8. No similar charge is required to be recorded by the Company under Canadian GAAP.

      Goodwill for Canadian GAAP is $2.0 higher than under U.S. GAAP as the final settlement of an earn-out was expensed for U.S. GAAP in 1998. This goodwill for Canadian GAAP was written-off to earnings in 2004. The write-down of goodwill recorded in Other charges is $2.0 lower under U.S. GAAP in 2004.

    (b)
    Under Canadian GAAP, the Company bifurcates its LYONs into a principal component and an option component. The principal component is recorded as debt and the option component is recorded as equity. The accretion charges, amortization of debt issue costs, and gains and losses on repurchases relating to the principal component are recorded in the statement of loss. These charges are added back for U.S. GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, the entire convertible debt was recorded as a long-term liability and, accordingly, the Company recorded the accretion charges and amortization of debt issue costs to interest expense of $11.6, net of tax of $6.5 (2003 — $19.9, net of tax of $9.8; 2002 — $27.8, net of tax of $13.9). Under U.S. GAAP, the Company recorded a loss on repurchase of LYONs of $5.3, net of $3.0 in taxes (2003 — gain of $1.9, net of $0.9 in taxes, 2002 — gain of $8.4, net of $4.2 in taxes). In addition, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability on the unrealized foreign exchange gains of $8.8 (2003 — $10.3) on the incremental debt component for U.S. GAAP.

    (c)
    In 2002, the Company recorded impairment charges to write-down certain assets, primarily intangible assets, which were measured using undiscounted cash flows. U.S. GAAP requires the use of discounted cash flows, resulting in an additional charge of $26.5, net of tax of $2.0. In 2003, the Company wrote-down certain assets for $16.2, net of tax of $0.6 under Canadian GAAP. These assets were previously written down under U.S. GAAP. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company also adjusted its 2003 amortization expense by $10.6, net of tax of $0.8, and its 2004 amortization expense by $2.4, net of tax of $0.6, relating to these assets which had been previously written down under U.S. GAAP.

    (d)
    The Company adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," for U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2003. This standard requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded as a liability in the period in which the Company incurs the obligation. For Canadian GAAP, the Company adopted the equivalent standard on a retroactive basis in 2004. See note 2(r)(i). On January 1, 2003, the Company recorded a liability of $3.7 for the estimated costs of retiring leasehold improvements at maturity of the facility leases for U.S. GAAP. The Company also capitalized asset retirement costs of $2.4 and recorded a charge against earnings as a cumulative effect adjustment of $1.3 (net of tax of $0.2), to reflect the cumulative

F-37


      amortization expense and accretion charges from the date the Company incurred the obligation through January 1, 2003, the effective date of this standard.

    (e)
    In 2001, the Company entered into a forward exchange contract to hedge the cash portion of the purchase price for the Omni acquisition. The transaction does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, which specifically precludes hedges of forecasted business combinations. As a result, the gain on the exchange contract of $15.7, less tax of $3.6, is recognized in income for U.S. GAAP. For Canadian GAAP, the gain on the contract was included in the cost of the acquisition, resulting in a goodwill value that is $15.7 lower for Canadian GAAP than U.S. GAAP.

    (f)
    The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and SFAS No. 138 which amends SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 133 establishes methods of accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities related to those instruments, as well as other hedging activities. The standard requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company has implemented SFAS No. 133 effective 2001 for purposes of the U.S. GAAP reconciliation.

      The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge certain forecasted cash flows. The contracts are for periods consistent with the forecasted transactions. All relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as risk management objectives and strategies, are documented. Changes in the spot value of the foreign currency contracts that are designated, effective and qualify as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income and are reclassified into the same component of earnings and in the same period as the hedged transaction is recognized. At December 31, 2002, the Company has recorded an asset of $18.9 (less $3.2 in taxes) and a corresponding gain of $26.3 (less $4.5 in taxes) to other comprehensive loss and net loss. At December 31, 2003, the Company has recorded an asset of $49.8 (less $12.7 in taxes) and a corresponding gain of $30.9 (less $9.5 in taxes) to other comprehensive loss and net loss. At December 31, 2004, the Company has recorded an asset of $33.3 (less $9.5 in taxes) and a corresponding loss of $16.5 (less $3.2 in taxes) to other comprehensive loss and net loss. The Company expects that $32.4 of net pre-tax gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings during 2005 for U.S. GAAP. Under Canadian GAAP, the derivative instruments are not marked to market and the related, off-balance sheet gains and losses are recognized in earnings in the same period as the hedged transactions.

      In 2004, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the fair value of its $500.0 Senior Subordinated Notes by swapping the fixed rate of interest for a variable interest rate. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company has recorded an asset of $19.8 (less $6.8 in taxes) as at December 31, 2004, representing the fair value of the swap agreements, and a corresponding gain to earnings. The Company also recorded a liability of $19.8 (less $6.8 in taxes) as at December 31, 2004, representing the incremental fair value of the Notes attributable to the risk being hedged, and a corresponding loss against earnings. There is no net impact to the statement of operations. Under Canadian GAAP, the interest rate swap agreements are not marked to market.

    (g)
    Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is required to record an additional minimum pension liability for two of its plans to reflect the excess of the accumulated benefit obligations over the fair value of the plan assets. Other comprehensive loss has been charged with $7.0, net of tax of $3.1 (2003 — two plans for $1.8, net of tax of $0.8; 2002 — three plans for $23.6, net of tax of $12.0). No such adjustments are required under Canadian GAAP.

    Other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP:

    (h)
    Stock-based compensation:

      Under U.S. GAAP, the Company measures compensation costs related to stock options granted to employees using the intrinsic value method as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," as permitted by SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123 does require the disclosure of pro forma net loss and loss per share information as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair-value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123. The estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period, on a straight-line basis, and was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions disclosed in note 2(q).

F-38


      The pro forma disclosure for U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Net loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as reported   $ (494.9 ) $ (269.2 ) $ (867.5 )
Deduct: Stock-based compensation costs using fair-value method     (87.7 )   (86.8 )   (93.7 )
   
 
 
 
Pro forma net loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP   $ (582.6 ) $ (356.0 ) $ (961.2 )
Loss per share:                    
  Basic — as reported   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )
  Basic — pro forma   $ (2.54 ) $ (1.64 ) $ (4.33 )
  Diluted — as reported   $ (2.15 ) $ (1.24 ) $ (3.91 )
  Diluted — pro forma   $ (2.54 ) $ (1.64 ) $ (4.33 )

      Effective 2003, the Company adopted the fair-value method of accounting for stock-based compensation for Canadian GAAP and recorded compensation expense of $0.3 in 2003 and $7.6 in 2004. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company continued to use the intrinsic value method and disclosed pro forma information.

    (i)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 
  Year ended December 31
 
 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
Opening balance of accumulated net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges   $ (6.1 ) $ 15.7   $ 37.1  
Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated as hedges (f)     21.8     21.4     (13.3 )
   
 
 
 
Closing balance     15.7     37.1     23.8  

Opening balance of foreign currency translation account

 

 

(2.9

)

 

17.3

 

 

30.1

 
Foreign currency translation gain     20.2     12.8     11.2  
   
 
 
 
Closing balance     17.3     30.1     41.3  

Opening balance of minimum pension liability

 

 

(14.9

)

 

(38.5

)

 

(40.3

)
Minimum pension liability, net of tax (g)     (23.6 )   (1.8 )   (7.0 )
   
 
 
 
Closing balance     (38.5 )   (40.3 )   (47.3 )
   
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   $ (5.5 ) $ 26.9   $ 17.8  
   
 
 
 
    (j)
    Warranty liability:

      The Company records a liability for future warranty costs based on management's best estimate of probable claims under its product warranties. The accrual is based on the terms of the warranty which vary by customer and product, and historical experience. The Company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of the remaining accrual.

      The following table details the changes in the warranty liability:

 
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
January 1   $ 18.1   $ 23.7   $ 19.5  
Accruals     8.6     4.7     3.9  
Adjustments         (6.3 )    
Assumed on acquisition of MSL             1.6  
Cash payments     (3.0 )   (2.6 )   (5.0 )
   
 
 
 
December 31   $ 23.7   $ 19.5   $ 20.0  
   
 
 
 
    (k)
    Accrued liabilities include $110.4 at December 31, 2004 (2003 — $89.6) relating to payroll and benefit accruals.

F-39


    (l)
    New United States accounting pronouncements:

      In January 2003, FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R which superseded FIN 46 and contains numerous exemptions. FIN 46R applies to financial statements of public entities that have or potentially have interests in entities considered special purpose entities for periods ended after December 15, 2003 and otherwise to interests in VIEs as at December 31, 2004. VIEs are entities that have insufficient equity and/or their equity investors lack one or more specified essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The guideline provides specific guidance for determining when an entity is a VIE and which entity, if any, should consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any involvement with any VIEs.

      In April 2003, FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which amends and clarifies the accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including those embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 149 is effective as of July 1, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

      In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity," which establishes standards for the classification and measurement of these financial instruments. SFAS No. 150 is effective for 2004. The Company was not impacted by this standard.

      In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-based Payments," which requires companies to recognize in the income statement the grant date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees. The standard is effective for 2006 and will have a material impact on net loss/earnings. The standard applies to all unvested employee awards at the date of adoption and effectively results in the Company expensing the value of options previously disclosed in the pro forma information in note 20(h).

      In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs," which clarifies the accounting for unusual costs and the allocation of fixed production costs. The standard is effective for 2006. The Company has determined that this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

21.   COMPARATIVE INFORMATION:

    The Company has reclassified certain prior year information to conform to the current year's presentation.

22.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

    In January 2005, the Company announced that it will incur a pre-tax restructuring charge of between $225.0 and $275.0, to be recorded over the next 15 months, of which approximately 80% will be cash costs.

F-40




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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Summary Compensation Table
Outstanding Options
Indebtedness of Senior Officers under Securities Purchase Programs
The annual high and low market prices for the five most recent fiscal years
The high and low market prices for each full fiscal quarter for the two most recent fiscal years
The high and low market prices for each month for the most recent six months
The annual high and low market prices for the LYONs for the most recent fiscal years
The annual high and low market prices for the LYONs for the most recent fiscal years
The high and low market prices for the LYONs for each month for the most recent six months
PART II
PART III
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AUDITORS' REPORT
CELESTICA INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in millions of U.S. dollars)
CELESTICA INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS (in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
CELESTICA INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (in millions of U.S. dollars)
CELESTICA INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in millions of U.S. dollars)

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Exhibit 99.6


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of
Celestica Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Celestica Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

        As described in note 2(q) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of CICA Handbook Section 3870 — Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments on January 1, 2003.

        Canadian generally accepted accounting principles vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
   
Toronto, Canada   /s/ KPMG LLP
February 11, 2005   Chartered Accountants



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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Exhibit 99.7


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Celestica Inc.

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Forms S-8 (Nos. 333-9500, 333-9822, 333-9780, 333-71126, 333-66726, 333-63112, 333-88210 and 333-113591) and on Forms F-3 (Nos. 333-12272, 333-50240, 333-69278 and 333-113728) of Celestica Inc. of our report to the Board of Directors dated February 21, 2005, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Celestica Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the related consolidated statements of loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004, which report is filed as an exhibit on the Current Report on Form 6-K of Celestica Inc. dated March, 2004.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada
February 21, 2005




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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The information that you are accessing on this website may include forward-looking statements related to our future growth, trends in our industry, our financial and operational results and performance that are based on current expectations, forecast and assumptions involving risk and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially.


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