Index to Financial Statements

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

¨REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20132015

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto

OR

 

¨SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period fromto                    

Commission file number: 1-10928

 

 

INTERTAPE POLYMER GROUP INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

9999 Cavendish Blvd., Suite 200, Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada H4M 2X5

(Address of principal executive offices)

Michael C. Jay,Jeffrey Crystal, (941) 739-7541, mjay@itape.com,739-7522, jcrystal@itape.com, 100 Paramount Drive, Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida 34232

(Name, Telephone, E-mail, and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, without nominal or par value 

Toronto Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Not applicable

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

Not applicable

(Title of Class)

 

 

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.As of December 31, 2013,2015, there were 60,776,64958,667,535 common shares outstandingoutstanding.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    x  Yes    ¨  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

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.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                 Accelerated filer  ¨                 Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

US GAAP  ¨

    

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board  x

  Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    ¨  Item 17    ¨  Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

 

 

 


Index to Financial Statements

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

 

PART I  
 ITEM 1:IDENTITYOF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENTAND ADVISERS   1  
 ITEM 2:OFFER STATISTICSAND EXPECTED TIMETABLE   1  
 ITEM 3:KEY INFORMATION   1  
 A.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   1  
 B.  CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS   2  
 C.  REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS   2  
 D.  RISK FACTORS   2  
 ITEM 4:INFORMATIONONTHE COMPANY   10  
 A.  HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY   10  
 B.  BUSINESS OVERVIEW   11  
  (1) Products, Markets and Distribution   14  
  (2) Sales and Marketing   20  
  (3) Seasonality of the Company’s Main Business   20  
  (4) Equipment and Raw Materials   20  
  (5) Research and Development and New Products   21  
  (6) Trademarks and Patents   22  
  (7) Competition   22  
  (8) Environmental Initiatives and Regulation   23  
 C.  ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE   24  
 D.  PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT   25  
 ITEM 4A:UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS   27  
 ITEM  5:OPERATINGAND FINANCIAL REVIEWAND PROSPECTS (MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS)   27  
 ITEM 6:DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENTAND EMPLOYEES   51  
 A.  DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT   51  
 B.  COMPENSATION   52  
 C.  BOARD PRACTICES   60  
 D.  EMPLOYEES   62  
 E.  SHARE OWNERSHIP   62  
 ITEM 7:MAJOR SHAREHOLDERSAND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   65  
 A.  MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS   65  
 B.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   65  
 C.  INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL   65  
 ITEM 8:FINANCIAL INFORMATION   66  
 A.  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION   66  
 B.  SIGNIFICANT CHANGES   66  
 ITEM 9:THE OFFERAND LISTING   67  
 A.  OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS   67  
 B.  PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   67  
 C.  MARKETS   67  
     Page 
ITEM 1: IDENTITYOF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENTAND ADVISERS   5  
ITEM 2: OFFER STATISTICSAND EXPECTED TIMETABLE   5  
ITEM 3: KEY INFORMATION   5  

A.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   5  

B.

 

CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

   5  

C.

 

REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   5  

D.

 

RISK FACTORS

   5  
ITEM 4: INFORMATIONONTHE COMPANY   13  

A.

 

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

   13  

B.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

   14  

(1)

 

Products, Markets and Distribution

   18  

(2)

 

Sales and Marketing

   23  

(3)

 

Seasonality of the Company’s Main Business

   24  

(4)

 

Equipment and Raw Materials

   24  

(5)

 

Research and Development and New Products

   24  

(6)

 

Trademarks and Patents

   25  

(7)

 

Competition

   25  

(8)

 

Environmental Initiatives and Regulation

   26  

C.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

   27  

D.

 

PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT

   28  
ITEM 5: OPERATINGAND FINANCIAL REVIEWAND PROSPECTS (MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS)   29  
ITEM 6: DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENTAND EMPLOYEES   60  

A.

 

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

   60  

B.

 

COMPENSATION

   62  

C.

 

BOARD PRACTICES

   72  

D.

 

EMPLOYEES

   74  

E.

 

SHARE OWNERSHIP

   74  
ITEM 7: MAJOR SHAREHOLDERSAND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   76  

A.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

   76  

B.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   76  

C.

 

INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

   76  
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL INFORMATION   76  

A.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   76  

B.

 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

   78  
ITEM 9: THE OFFERAND LISTING   78  

A.

 

OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

   78  

B.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   79  

C.

 

MARKETS

   79  

D.

 

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

   79  


Index to Financial Statements

D.

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

67

E.

 

DILUTION

   6779  

F.

 

EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

   6779  
ITEM 10:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   6879  

A.

 

SHARE CAPITAL

   6879  

B.

 

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

   6879  

C.

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

   6981  

D.

 

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

   7083  

E.

TAXATION

72

F.

 

DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

   7689  

G.

 

STATEMENT BY EXPERTS

   7689  

H.

 

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

   7689  

I.

 

SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

   7689  
ITEM 11:QUANTITATIVEAND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   7789  
ITEM 12:DESCRIPTIONOF SECURITIES OTHERTHAN EQUITY SECURITIES   7789  

PART II

ITEM 13:DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGESAND DELINQUENCIES   7789  
ITEM 14:MATERIAL MODIFICATIONSTOTHE RIGHTSOF SECURITY HOLDERSAND USEOF PROCEEDS   7789  
ITEM 15:CONTROLSAND PROCEDURES   7790  
ITEM 16:[RESERVED]   7890  
ITEM 16A:AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT   7890  
ITEM 16B:CODEOF ETHICS   7891  
ITEM 16C:PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEESAND SERVICES   7891  
ITEM 16D:EXEMPTIONS FROMFROMTHE LISTING STANDARDSFOR AUDIT COMMITTEE   7991  
ITEM 16E:PURCHASEOF EQUITY SECURITIESBYTHE ISSUERAND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS   7992  
ITEM 16F:CHANGE ININ REGISTRANTS CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT   7992  
ITEM 16G:CORPORATE GOVERNANCE   7992  
ITEM 16H:MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE   79

PART III

ITEM 17:FINANCIAL STATEMENTS7992  
ITEM 17: ITEM 18:FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   7993  
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS93
ITEM 19:EXHIBITS   7993  

A.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

   7993  

B.

 

Exhibits:

   8093  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

2


Certain statements and information included in this annual report on Form 20-F constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) and, which are made in reliance upon the protections provided by such actslegislation for forward-looking statements. These forward-lookingAll statements are basedother than statements of historical facts included in this annual report on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (“Intertape”, “Intertape Polymer Group”, or the “Company”) operates as well as current beliefs and assumptions ofForm 20-F, including statements regarding economic conditions, the Company’s management. Such statements include, in particular, statements about the Company’soutlook, plans, prospects, products, financial position, future sales and financial results, availability of credit, level of indebtedness, payment of dividends, fluctuations in raw material costs, competition, capital and other significant expenditures, manufacturing facility closures and other restructurings, liquidity, litigation and business strategies.strategies, may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections made by the management of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (“Intertape,” “Intertape Polymer

Index to Financial Statements

Group,” or the “Company”). Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “continue,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “foresee,“believe,“believe”“future,” “likely,” or “seek” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements are also subject to assumptions concerning, among other things: business conditions and growth or declines in the Company’s industry itsand the Company’s customers’ industries; changes in general economic, political, social, fiscal or other conditions in any of the countries where the Company operates; the Company’s customers’ industries and the general economy; the anticipated benefits from the Company’s manufacturing facility closures and other restructuring efforts; the quality, and market reception, of the Company’s products; the Company’s anticipated business strategies; risks and costs inherent in litigation; the Company’s ability to maintain and improve quality and customer service; anticipated trends in the Company’s business; anticipated cash flows from the Company’s operations; availability of funds under the Company’s Asset-Based Loan facility; andRevolving Credit Facility; the Company’s ability to continue to control costs.costs; movements in the prices of key inputs such as raw material, energy and labor; government policies, including those specifically regarding the manufacturing industry, such as industrial licensing, environmental regulations, safety regulations, import restrictions and duties, excise duties, sales taxes, and value added taxes; accidents and natural disasters; changes to accounting rules and standards; and other factors beyond our control. The Company can give no assurance that these statements and expectations will prove to have been correct. Actual outcomes and results may, and often do, differ from what is expressed, implied or projected in such forward-looking statements, and such differences may be material. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. For additional information regarding some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements, you are encouraged to read “Item 3. Key Information—Information - Risk Factors,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects (Management’s Discussion & Analysis)” as well as statements located elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F and the other statements and factors contained in the Company’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of the forward-looking statements speaks only as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F. The Company doeswill not undertake any obligation to publicly update these statements unless applicable securities laws require it to do so.

Index to Financial Statements

3


PART I

 

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

The selected financial data presented below for the fourfive years ended December 31, 20132015 is presented in US dollars and is derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements in US dollars and prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The information set forth below was extracted from the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this annual report and annual reports previously filed and should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial statements. As required by the Canadian Accounting Standards Board, the Company adopted IFRS on January 1, 2011 and the Company’s financial information for 2010 has been restated to comply with IFRS. The selected financial data for the earliest year of the five-year period (2009) has not been restated. The Company represents that such information cannot be provided on a restated basis without unreasonable effort or expense.

On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 -Employee Benefitsbecame effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011.

Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits: Amended for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with retrospective application, introduced a measure of net interest income (expense) computed on the net pension asset (obligation) that replaced separate measurement of the expected return on plan assets and interest expense on the benefit obligation. The amended standard also required immediate recognition of past service costs associated with benefit plan changes, eliminating the requirement to recognize over the vesting period.

Upon retrospective application of the amended standard, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 and 2011 were lower than originally reported. The decrease arose primarily because net interest income (expense) was calculated using the discount rate used to value the benefit obligation, which is lower than the expected rate of return on assets previously used to measure interest attributable to plan assets.

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the impact of adoption is a decrease to earnings before income tax benefit of $2.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and an income tax benefit of $0.2 million for each of these years. This impact also results in an equivalent net increase to other comprehensive income and deficit. As such, the retrospective application did not result in an impact to the Company’s balance sheets as of January 1, and December 31, 2012 and 2011.

See the Section entitled “Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans” in Item 5 for a summary of the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

   As of and for the Year Ended December 31 
   2013   2012   2011   2010 
   (in thousands of US dollars, except shares and per share amounts) 
   $   $   $   $ 

Statements of Consolidated Earnings (Loss):

      

Revenue

   781,500     784,430     786,737     720,516  

Net Earnings (Loss) before Taxes

   31,553     20,594     9,154     (15,316

Net Earnings (Loss)

   67,357     20,381     7,384     (48,549

Earnings (Loss) per Share

        

Basic

   1.12     0.35     0.13     (0.82

Diluted

   1.09     0.34     0.12     (0.82

Balance Sheets:

        

Total Assets

   465,199     426,152     446,723     476,614  

Capital Stock

   359,201     351,702     348,148     348,148  

Shareholders’ Equity

   230,428     153,834     137,178     144,085  

Number of Common Shares Outstanding

   60,776,649     59,625,039     58,961,050     58,961,050  

Dividends Declared per Share

   0.24     0.08     —       —    

   As of and for the Year Ended December 31 
   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
   (in thousands of US dollars, except shares and per share amounts) 

Statements of Consolidated Earnings:

      
   $   $   $   $   $ 

Revenue

   781,907     812,732     781,500     784,430     786,737  

Earnings before Income Taxes

   67,655     58,719     31,553     20,594     9,154  

Net Earnings

   56,672     35,816     67,357     20,381     7,384  

Earnings per Share

      

Basic

   0.95     0.59     1.12     0.35     0.13  

Diluted

   0.93     0.57     1.09     0.34     0.12  

Balance Sheets:

      

Total Assets

   487,262     466,676     465,199     426,152     446,723  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Stock

   347,325     357,840     359,201     351,702     348,148  

Shareholders’ Equity

   216,728     227,500     230,428     153,834     137,178  

Number of Common Shares Outstanding

   58.667,535     60,435,826     60,776,649     59,625,039     58,961,050  

Dividends Declared per Share

   0.50     0.40     0.24     0.08     —    

 

1


 B.CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

 

 C.REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

 D.RISK FACTORS

Index to Financial Statements

Current economic conditions and uncertain economic forecast could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial conditions.

Unfavorable changes in the global economy have affected and may affect the demand for the Company’s products.products of the Company and its customers. Adverse economic conditions could also increase the likelihood of customer delinquencies. A prolonged period of economic decline would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, gross margins, and the overall financial condition of the Company, as well as exacerbate the other risk factors set forth below.

Fluctuations in raw material costs or the amountunavailability of available funds underraw materials may adversely affect the Company’s Asset Based Loan could restrictprofitability.

Historically, the Company has not always been able to pass on significant raw material cost increases through price increases to its customers. The Company’s results of operations in prior years, at times, have been negatively impacted by raw material cost increases. These increases adversely affected the Company’s available creditprofitability. As a result of raw material cost increases, the Company may increase prices (which could result in reduced market share) or may choose to keep prices the same (which could result in decreased margins). The Company’s profitability in the future may be adversely affected due to continuing fluctuations in raw material prices. Additionally, the Company relies on its suppliers for deliveries of raw materials. If any of its suppliers are unable to deliver raw materials to the Company for an extended period of time, there is no assurance that the Company’s raw material requirements would be met by other suppliers on acceptable terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s ability to achieve its growth objectives depends in part on the timing and could require unscheduled repayments.market acceptance of its new products.

The Company’s credit facility is an asset-backed loan. A reduction inbusiness plan includes the eligible assetsintroduction of new products, which are both developed internally and receivables included inobtained through acquisitions. The Company’s ability to introduce these products successfully depends on the borrowing basedemand for the products, as well as their price, quality, and related customer service. In the event the market does not fully accept these products or an increase incompetitors introduce similar or superior products (or products perceived by the required reserves will reducemarket to be similar or superior), the Company’s available credit under the Asset Based Loan (“ABL”). Such a reduction would reduce our available liquidityability to expand its markets and generate organic growth could be negatively impacted which could impact our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other general corporate purposes. A decline in the borrowing base could also requirehave an unscheduled repayment of funds already advanced in excess of the available credit amount.adverse effect on its operating results.

The Company’s Asset Based Loan contains a financial covenant which if not met, will result in an event of default.competition and customer preferences could impact the Company’s profitability.

The markets for the Company’s ABL contains a fixed charge ratio which becomes effective only when unused availability underproducts are highly competitive. Competition in its markets is primarily based upon the borrowing base drops below $25 million.quality, breadth and performance characteristics of its products, customer service and price. The Company’s failureability to compete successfully depends upon a variety of factors, including its ability to increase plant efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs, as well as its access to quality, low-cost raw materials.

Some of the Company’s competitors, particularly certain of those located in Asia, may, at times, have lower costs (i.e. raw material, energy and labor) and/or less restrictive environmental and governmental regulations to comply with this covenant could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result inthan the Company being required to repay these borrowings before their scheduled due date. Ifdoes. Other competitors may be larger in size or scope than the Company, were unablewhich may allow them to make this repaymentachieve greater economies of scale on a global basis or otherwise refinance these borrowings, the lenders under the ABL could electallow them to declare all amounts borrowed underbetter withstand periods of declining prices and adverse operating conditions.

Demand for the Company’s ABL, together with accrued interest, toproducts and, in turn, its revenue and profit margins, are affected by customer preferences and changes in customer ordering patterns which occur as a result of changes in inventory levels and timing of purchases which may be duetriggered by price changes and payable. The lenders could foreclose on the Company’s assets. If the Company were unable to refinance these borrowings on favorable terms, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted by increased costs and less favorable terms, including interest rates and covenants. Any future refinancing of the Company’s ABL is likely to contain similar or more restrictive covenants and financial tests.incentive programs.

2


The Company’s significant debtcustomer contracts contain termination provisions that could adversely affectdecrease the Company’s future revenues and earnings.

Most of the Company’s customer contracts can be terminated by the customer on short notice without penalty. The Company’s customers are, therefore, not contractually obligated to continue to do business with it in the future. This creates uncertainty with respect to the revenues and earnings the Company may recognize with respect to its financial conditioncustomer contracts.

The Company’s manufacturing plant rationalization initiatives, manufacturing cost reduction programs and prevent it from fulfilling its obligations under its ABL.capital expenditure projects may result in higher costs and less savings than anticipated.

The Company has implemented several manufacturing plant rationalization initiatives, manufacturing cost reduction programs and capital expenditure projects. Each may not be completed as planned and as a significant amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2013,result, the costs and capital expenditures incurred by the Company had outstandingmay substantially exceed projections. This could potentially result in additional debt incurred by the Company or reduced production and elimination. In addition, the reduction of $129.8 million, which represented 16% of its total capitalization. Of such total debt, approximately $129.7 million,anticipated manufacturing cost savings may be less than expected or all of the Company’s outstanding senior debt, was secured.may not materialize at all.

The Company’s significant indebtedness

Index to Financial Statements

Acquisitions could adversely affect its financial condition and make it more difficult forexpose the Company to satisfysignificant business risks.

The Company may make strategic acquisitions that could, among other goals, complement its obligations underexisting products, expand its ABL. The Company’s substantial indebtedness could also increasecustomer base and markets, improve distribution efficiencies and enhance its vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions; requiretechnological capabilities. Financial risks from these acquisitions include the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flows from operations to payments on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the availabilityuse of the Company’s cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, researchresources, paying a price that exceeds the future value realized from the acquisition, and development effortsincurring additional debt and other general corporate purposes; limitliabilities (including potentially unknown liabilities). Further, there are possible operational risks including difficulty assimilating and integrating the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its businessoperations, products, technology, information systems and the industrypersonnel of acquired companies, losing key personnel of acquired entities, entry into markets in which it operates; place the Company at a competitive disadvantage comparedhas no or limited prior experience, failure to its competitors that have less debt;obtain or retain intellectual property rights for certain products and limitdifficulty honoring commitments made to customers of the Company’s abilityacquired companies prior to borrow additional funds on terms that are satisfactory to it or at all.

the acquisition. The Company may not be ableincur significant acquisition, administrative and other costs in connection with these transactions, including costs related to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt service obligations.

The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to make scheduled payments on its debt obligations will depend on its future financial performance, which will be affected by a rangethe integration of economic, competitive, regulatory, legislative and business factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. Ifacquired businesses. These acquisitions could expose the Company does not generate sufficient cash flowsto significant integration risks and increased organizational complexity which may challenge management and may adversely impact the realization of an increased contribution from operationssaid acquisitions. The failure to satisfy its debt obligations, the Company may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring its debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. The Company cannot assure that any refinancing would be possible or that any assetsadequately address these risks could be sold on acceptable terms or otherwise. The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy its debt obligations, or to refinance its obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have an adverse effect onadversely affect the Company’s business and financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any refinancingperformance.

Although the Company performs due diligence investigations of the Company’s debt couldbusinesses and assets that it acquires, and anticipates continuing to do so for future acquisitions, there may be at higher interest rates and may requireliabilities related to the acquired business or assets that the Company fails to, comply with more onerous covenants,or is unable to, uncover during its due diligence investigation and for which could further restrict its business operations.

Despite the Company’s level of indebtedness, it will be able to incur substantially more debt. Incurring such debt could further exacerbate the risks to the Company’s financial condition described above.

The Company will be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the loan and security agreement governing the ABL contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. The restrictions also do not prevent the Company, as a successor owner, may be responsible. When feasible, the Company seeks to minimize the impact of these types of potential liabilities by obtaining indemnities and warranties from incurring obligations that dothe seller, which may in some instances be supported by deferring payment of a portion of the purchase price. However, these indemnities and warranties, if obtained, may not constitute indebtedness. Tofully cover the extent new debt is added toliabilities because of their limited scope, amount or duration, the Company’s currently anticipated debt levels,financial resources of the substantial leverage risks described above would increase.indemnitor or warrantor, or other reasons.

The Company’s ABLRevolving Credit Facility contains covenants that limit its flexibility and preventsprevent the Company from taking certain actions.

The loan and security agreement governing the Company’s ABLRevolving Credit Facility includes a number of significant restrictive covenants. These covenants could adversely limit the Company’s ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet its capital needs and execute its business strategy. These covenants, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional debt; prepay other debt; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; create or permit certain liens; issue or sell capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; use the proceeds from sales of assets; make certain investments; create or permit restrictions on the ability of the guarantors to pay dividends or to make other distributions to the Company; enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; engage in unrelated businesses; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge or sell the Company’s assets substantially as an entirety.

The Company depends on its subsidiaries for cash to meet its obligations and pay any dividends.

The Company is a holding company. Its subsidiaries conduct all of its operations and own substantially all of its assets. Consequently, the Company’s cash flow and its ability to meet its obligations or pay dividends to its stockholders depend upon the cash flow of its subsidiaries and the payment of funds by its subsidiaries to the Company in the form of dividends, tax sharing payments or otherwise. The Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to provide funding will depend on, amongst others, their earnings, the terms of indebtedness from time to time, tax considerations and legal restrictions.

3


Payment of dividends may not continue in the future, and the payment of dividends is subject to restriction.

On August 14, 2013,12, 2015, the Board of Directors modifiedapproved a change in the Company’squarterly dividend policy by increasing the dividend from $0.12 to provide for the payment of quarterly cash dividends as opposed to semi-annual cash dividends.$0.13 per share. The future declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial and operating results, financial position, legal requirements, and anticipated cash requirements. The Company can give no assurance that dividends will be declared and paid in the future or, if declared and paid in the future, at the same level as in the past. Additionally, the Company’s ABLRevolving Credit Facility restricts its ability to pay dividends if the Company does not maintain certain borrowing availability or if the Company is in default.

Fluctuations in raw material costs or the unavailability of raw materials mayThe Company’s significant debt could adversely affect its financial condition.

While the Company’s profitability.indebtedness has declined in recent years, it still has a significant amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding debt of $152.8 million, which represented 16.2% of its total capitalization. Of such total debt, approximately $152.8 million, or all of the Company’s outstanding senior debt, was secured.

Index to Financial Statements

The Company’s significant indebtedness could adversely affect its financial condition. The Company’s substantial indebtedness could also increase its vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions; require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flows from operating activities to payments on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of the Company’s cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, research and development efforts and other general corporate purposes; limit the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industry in which it operates; place the Company at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that have less debt; and limit the Company’s ability to borrow additional funds on terms that are satisfactory to it or at all.

The Company may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its debt service obligations.

Historically,The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities to make scheduled payments on its debt obligations will depend on its future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive, regulatory, legislative and business factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. If the Company hasdoes not always been ablegenerate sufficient cash flows from operating activities to pass on significant raw material cost increases through price increases tosatisfy its customers. The Company’s results of operations in prior years at times have been negatively impacted by raw material cost increases. These fluctuations adversely affected the Company’s profitability. As a result of raw material cost fluctuations,debt obligations, the Company may have to either hold prices firm, which results in a reduced market share,undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or decrease prices which compresses the Company’s gross margins.restructuring its debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. The Company’s profitability in the future may be adversely affected due to continuing fluctuations in raw material prices. Additionally, the Company relies on its suppliers for deliveries of raw materials. Ifcannot assure that any of its suppliers are unable to deliver raw materials to the Company for an extended period of time, there is no assurance that the Company’s raw material requirementsrefinancing would be met by other supplierspossible or that any assets could be sold on acceptable terms or at all, which couldotherwise. The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy its debt obligations, or to refinance its obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a materialan adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any refinancing of the Company’s debt could be at higher interest rates and may require the Company to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict its business operations. Also, any additional issuances of equity would dilute the Company’s shareholders.

Despite the Company’s level of indebtedness, it will be able to incur substantially more debt. Incurring such debt could further exacerbate the risks to the Company’s financial condition described above.

The Company will be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the loan and security agreement governing the Revolving Credit Facility contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. The restrictions also do not prevent the Company from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. To the extent new debt is added to the Company’s currently anticipated debt levels, the substantial leverage risks described above would increase.

The failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with applicable securities laws could cause the Company’s stock price to decline.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as well as applicable rules and guidelines adopted by the Canadian securities lawsSecurities Administrators require annual management assessments of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and a report by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to express an opinion on these controls based on their audit. Due to inherent limitations, there can be no assurance that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting will be successful in preventing all errors, theft, and fraud, or in informing management of all material information in a timely manner. Also, if the Company cannot in the future favorably assess, or the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the reliability of the Company’s financial reports, which could cause the Company’s stock price to decline.

The Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans are unfunded which could require Company contributions.

The Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans currently have an unfunded deficit of $18.9$29.3 million as of December 31, 20132015 as compared to $39.3$31.7 million at the end of 2012.2014. For 20132015 and 2012,2014, the Company contributed $4.3$2.0 million and $5.6$2.3 million, respectively, to its funded pension plans and to beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans. The Company may need to divert certain of its resources in the future in order to resolve this funding deficit. In addition, the Company cannot predict whether a change in factors such as pension asset performance or interest rates, will require the Company to make a contribution in excess of its current expectations. Also, the Company expects to contribute $1.5 million to satisfy its 2016 minimum funding requirement for its funded pension plans and to beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans. Further, the Company may not have the funds necessary to meet future minimum pension funding requirements or be able to meet its pension benefit plan funding obligation through cash flows from operations.

The Company’s ability to achieve its growth objectives depends in part on the timing and market acceptance of its new products.

Intertape Polymer Group’s business plan involves the introduction of new products, which are both developed internally and obtained through acquisitions. The Company’s ability to introduce these products successfully depends on the demand for the products, as well as their price, quality, and related customer service. In the event the market does not accept these products or competitors introduce similar products, the Company’s ability to expand its markets and generate organic growth could be negatively impacted which could have an adverse effect on its operating results.activities.

4


The Company’s competition and customer preferences could impact the Company’s profitability.

The markets for Intertape Polymer Group’s products are highly competitive. Competition in its markets is primarily based upon the quality, breadth and performance characteristics of its products, customer service and price. The Company’s ability

Index to compete successfully depends upon a variety of factors, including its ability to increase plant efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs, as well as its access to quality, low-cost raw materials.

Some of the Company’s competitors may, at times, have lower raw material, energy and labor costs and less restrictive environmental and governmental regulations to comply with than the Company does. Other competitors may be larger in size or scope than the Company, which may allow them to achieve greater economies of scale on a global basis or allow them to better withstand periods of declining prices and adverse operating conditions.

Demand for the Company’s products and, in turn, its revenue and profit margins, are affected by customer preferences and changes in customer ordering patterns which occur as a result of changes in inventory levels and timing of purchases which may be triggered by price changes and incentive programs.

The Company’s customer contracts contain termination provisions that could decrease the Company’s future revenues and earnings.

Most of the Company’s customer contracts can be terminated by the customer on short notice without penalty. The Company’s customers are, therefore, not contractually obligated to continue to do business with it in the future. This creates uncertainty with respect to the revenues and earnings the Company may recognize with respect to its customer contracts.

Financial Statements

The Company depends on the proper functioning of its information systems.

The Company is dependent on the proper functioning of information systems, some of which are owned and operated by third parties, to store, process and transmit confidential information, including financial reporting, inventory management, procurement, invoicing and electronic communications belonging to ourits customers, ourits suppliers, ourits employees and/or us.the Company itself. The Company’s information systems are vulnerable to natural disasters, fire, or casualty theft, technical failures, terrorist acts, cyber security breaches, power loss, telecommunications failures, physical or software intrusions, computer viruses, and similar events. If the Company’s critical information systems fail or are otherwise unavailable, ourits operations could be disrupted, causing a material adverse effect on ourits business. Also, any theft or misuse of information resulting from a security breach could result in, among other things, loss of significant and/or sensitive information, litigation by affected parties, financial obligations resulting from such theft or misuse, higher insurance premiums, governmental investigations, negative reactions from current and potential future customers (including potential negative financial ramifications under certain customer contract provisions) and poor publicitypublicity. Any of these consequences, in addition to the time and anyfunds spent on monitoring and mitigating the Company’s exposure and responding to breaches, including the training of employees, the purchase of protective technologies and the hiring of additional employees and consultants to assist in these efforts, could adversely affect ourits financial results.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company faces risks related to its international operations.

The Company has customers and operations located outside the United States and Canada. In 2013,2015, sales to customers located outside the United States and Canada represented approximately 10%7% of its sales. The Company’s international operations present it with a number of risks and challenges, including potential difficulties staffing and managing its foreign operations, potential difficulties managing a more extensive supply chain as compared to its sales efforts in the United States and Canada, potential adverse changes in tax regulations affecting tax rates and the way the United States and other countries tax multinational companies, the effective marketing of the Company’s products in other countries, tariffs and other trade barriers, less favorable intellectual property laws, longer customer payment cycles, exposure to economies that may be experiencing currency volatility or negative growth, exposure to political and economic instability and unsafe working conditions (including acts of terrorism, widespread criminal activities and outbreaks of war) and different regulatory schemes and political environments applicable to its operations in these areas, such as environmental and health and safety compliance.

In addition, the Company’s financial statements are reported in US dollars while a portion of its sales is made in other currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar and the Euro. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates between the US dollar and foreign currencies can have a negative impact on the Company’s reported operating results and financial condition. Moreover, in some cases, the currency of the Company’s sales does not match the currency in which it incurs costs, which can negatively affect its profitability. Fluctuations in exchange rates can also affect the relative competitive position of a particular facility where the facility faces competition from non-local producers, as well as the Company’s ability to successfully market its products in export markets.

5


The Company’s operations are subject to comprehensive environmental regulation and involve expenditures which may be material in relation to its operating cash flow.

The Company’s operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation in each of the countries in which it maintains facilities. For example, United States (Federal,US (federal, state and local) and Canadian (Federal,(federal, provincial and local) environmental laws applicable to the Company include statutes and regulations intended to impose certain obligations with respect to site contamination and to allocate the cost of investigating, monitoring and remedying soil and groundwater contamination among specifically identified parties, as well as to prevent future soil and groundwater contamination; imposing ambient standards and, in some cases, emission standards, for air pollutants which present a risk to public health, welfare or the natural environment; governing the handling, management, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and substances; and regulating the discharge of pollutants into waterways.

The Company’s use of hazardous substances in its manufacturing processes and the generation of hazardous wastes not only by the Company, but by prior occupants of its facilities, suggest that hazardous substances may be present at or near certain of the Company’s facilities or may come to be located there in the future. Consequently, the Company is required to closely monitor its compliance under all the various environmental laws and regulations applicable to it. In addition, the Company arranges for the off-site disposal of hazardous substances generated in the ordinary course of its business.

The Company obtains Phase I or similar environmental site assessments, and Phase II environmental site assessments, if necessary, for most of the manufacturing facilities it owns or leases at the time it either acquires or leases such facilities. These assessments typically include general inspections and may involve soil sampling and/or groundwater analysis. The assessments have not revealed any environmental liability other than, or in addition to, the $2.5 million liability accrued in provisions in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, that, based on current information, the Company believes will have a material adverse effect

Index to Financial Statements

on it. Nevertheless, these assessments may not reveal all potential environmental liabilities and current assessments are not available for all facilities. Consequently, there may be material environmental liabilities that the Company is not aware of. In addition, ongoing cleanup and containment operations may not be adequate for purposes of future laws and regulations. The conditions of the Company’s properties could also be affected in the future by neighboring operations or the conditions of the land in the vicinity of its properties. These developments and others, such as increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, increasingly strict enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, or claims for damage to property or injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health or safety impact of its operations, may cause the Company to incur significant costs and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on it.

Except as described in Item 4B(8) below, the Company believes that all of its facilities are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that it has obtained, and is in material compliance with, all material permits required under environmental laws and regulations. Although certain of the Company’s facilities emit toluene and other pollutants into the air, these emissions are within current permitted limits. The Company believes that these emissions from its US facilities will meet the applicable future federal Maximum Available Control Technology (“MACT”) requirements, although additional testing or modifications at the facilities may be required. The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters should not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s facilities are required to maintain numerous environmental permits and governmental approvals for its operations. Some of the environmental permits and governmental approvals that have been issued to the Company or to its facilities contain conditions and restrictions, including restrictions or limits on emissions and discharges of pollutants and contaminants, or may have limited terms. If the Company fails to satisfy these conditions or to comply with these restrictions, it may become subject to enforcement actions and the operation of the relevant facilities could be adversely affected. The Company may also be subject to fines, penalties or additional costs. The Company may not be able to renew, maintain or obtain all environmental permits and governmental approvals required for the continued operation or further development of the facilities, as a result of which the operation of the facilities may be limited or suspended.

The Company may become involved in litigation relating to its intellectual property rights, which could have an adverse impact on its business.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company relies on patent protection, as well as a combination of copyright, trade secret and trademark laws, nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other contractual restrictions to protect its proprietary technology.

6


Litigation may be necessary to enforce these rights, which could result in substantial costs to the Company and a substantial diversion of management attention. If the Company does not adequately protect its intellectual property, its competitors or other parties could use the intellectual property that the Company has developed to enhance their products or make products similar to the Company’s and compete more efficiently with it, which could result in a decrease in the Company’s market share.

While the Company has attempted to ensure that its products and the operations of its business do not infringe other parties’ patents and proprietary rights, its competitors or other parties may assert that the Company’s products and operations may infringe upon patents held by them. In addition, because patent applications can take many years to issue, the Company might have products that infringe upon pending patents of which it is unaware. If any of the Company’s products infringe a valid patent, it could be prevented from selling them unless the Company obtains a license or redesigns the products to avoid infringement. A license may not be available or may require the Company to pay substantial royalties. The Company may not be successful in attempts to redesign its products to avoid infringement. Infringement or other intellectual property claims, regardless of merit or ultimate outcome, can be expensive and time-consuming to resolve as well as divert management’s attention from the Company’s core business.

The Company may become involved in labor disputes or employees could form or join unions increasing the Company’s costs to do business.

Some of Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Other employees are not part of a union and there are no assurances that such employees will not form or join a union. Any attempt by employees to form or join a union could result in increased labor costs and adversely affect the Company’s business, its financial condition and/or results of operations.

Except for the strike which occurred at the Company’s Brantford, Ontario plant in 2008, which is now closed, the Company has never experienced any work stoppages due to employee related disputes. Management believes that it has a good relationship with its employees. There can be no assurance, however, that work stoppages or other labor disturbances will not occur in the future. Such occurrences could adversely affect Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Index to Financial Statements

The Company may become involved in litigation which could have an adverse impact on its business.

Intertape Polymer Group,The Company, like other manufacturers and sellers, is subject to potential liabilities connected with its business operations, including potential liabilities and expenses associated with product defects, performance, reliability or delivery delays. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company is threatened from time to time with, or is named as a defendant in, legal proceedings, including lawsuits based upon product liability, personal injury, breach of contract and lost profits or other consequential damages claims, in the ordinary course of conducting its business. A significant judgment against Intertape Polymer Group,the Company, or the imposition of a significant fine or penalty as a result ofresulting from a finding that the Company failed to comply with laws or regulations, or being named as a defendant on multiple claims could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations. As discussed further in Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects (Management’s Discussion & Analysis), the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on November 5, 2015 alleging certain violations by the Company related to the terms of his employment and his termination. While the Company is aggressively contesting the allegations and is not currently able to predict the probability of a favourable or unfavourable outcome, or the amount of any possible loss in the event of an unfavourable outcome, such an unfavourable outcome could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Uninsured and underinsured losses and rising insurance costs could adversely affect the Company’s business.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company maintains property, business interruption, general liability, and business interruption insurance and directors and officersofficer’s liability and other ancillary insurance on such terms as it deems appropriate. This may result in insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay for the full current market value or current replacement cost of the Company’s lost investment. Not all risks are covered by insurance.

Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s cost of maintaining property, general liability and business interruption insurance and director and officer liability insurance is significant. The Company could experience higher insurance premiums as a result of adverse claims experience or because of general increases in premiums by insurance carriers for reasons unrelated to its own claims experience. Generally, the Company’s insurance policies must be renewed annually. Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s ability to continue to obtain insurance at affordable premiums also depends upon its ability to continue to operate with an acceptable claims record. A significant increase in the number of claims against the Company, the assertion of one or more claims in excess of its policy limits, or the inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage at acceptable rates, or any insurance coverage at all, could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

7


The Company’s success depends upon retaining the services of its management team and key employees.

The Company is dependent on its management team and expects that continued success will depend largely upon their efforts and abilities. The loss of the services of any key executive for any reason could have a material adverse effect uponon the Company. Success also depends upon ourthe Company’s ability to identify, develop, and retain qualified employees.

Product liability could adversely affect the Company’s business.

Difficulties in product design, performance and reliability could result in lost sales, delays in customer acceptance of Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s products, customer complaints or lawsuits. Such difficulties could be detrimental to the Company’s market reputation. Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s products and the products supplied by third parties on behalf of the Company may not be error free.error-free. Undetected errors or performance problems may be discovered in the future. The Company may not be able to successfully complete the development of planned or future products in a timely manner or adequately address product defects, which could harm the Company’s business and prospects. In addition, product defects may expose Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company to product liability claims, for which it may not have sufficient product liability insurance. Difficulties in product design, performance and reliability or product liability claims could adversely affect Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Acquisitions could exposeBecause the Company to significant business risks.

The Company may make strategic acquisitions that could, among other goals, complement its existing products, expand its customer base and markets, improve distribution efficiencies and enhance its technological capabilities. Financial risks from these acquisitions include the use of the Company’s cash resources, paying a price that exceeds the future value realized from the acquisition, and incurring additional debt and liabilities (including potentially unknown liabilities). Further, there are possible operational risks including difficulty assimilating and integrating the operations, products, technology, information systems and personnel of acquired companies, losing key personnel of acquired entities, entry into markets in which the Company has no or limited prior experience and difficulty honoring commitments made to customers of the acquired companies prior to the acquisition. The failure to adequately address these risks could adversely affect the Company’s business.

Although the Company performs due diligence investigations of the businesses and assets that it acquires, and anticipates continuing to do so for future acquisitions, there may be liabilities related to the acquired business or assets that the Company fails to, or is unable to, uncover during its due diligence investigation and for which the Company, as a successor owner, may be responsible. When feasible, the Company seeks to minimize the impact of these types of potential liabilities by obtaining indemnities and warranties from the seller, which may in some instances be supported by deferring payment of a portion of the purchase price. However, these indemnities and warranties, if obtained, may not fully cover the liabilities because of their limited scope, amount or duration, the financial resources of the indemnitor or warrantor or other reasons.

The Company’s manufacturing plant rationalization initiatives may result in higher costs and less savings than anticipated.

The Company has implemented several manufacturing plant rationalization initiatives. Each initiative may not be completed as planned and as a result, the costs and capital expenditures incurred by the Company may substantially exceed projections. This could potentially result in additional debt incurred by the Company, reduced production and elimination or reduction of anticipated manufacturing cost savings.

Because Intertape Polymer Group is a Canadian company, it may be difficult to enforce rights under US bankruptcy laws.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company and certain of its subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of Canada and a substantial amount of its assets are located outside of the United States. Under bankruptcy laws in the United States, courts typically assert jurisdiction over a debtor’s property, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. However, courts outside of the United States may not recognize the United States bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction over property located outside of the territorial limits of the United States. Accordingly, difficulties may arise in administering a United States bankruptcy case involving a Canadian debtor with property located outside of the United States, and any orders or judgments of a bankruptcy court in the United States may not be enforceable outside the territorial limits of the United States.

8


Index to Financial Statements

It may be difficult for investors to enforce civil liabilities against Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company under US federal and state securities laws.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company and certain of its subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of Canada. Certain of their directors are residents of Canada and a portion of directors’ and executive officers’ assets may be located outside of the United States. In addition, certain subsidiaries are located in other foreign jurisdictions. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for US investors to effect service of process within the United States upon Intertape Polymer Group,the Company, its Canadian subsidiaries, or its other foreign subsidiaries, or those directors and officers, or to realize against them upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of US federal securities laws or securities or blue sky laws of any state within the United States. The Company believes that a judgment of a US court predicated solely upon the civil liability provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and/or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) would likely be enforceable in Canada if the US court in which the judgment was obtained had a basis for jurisdiction in the matter that was recognized by a Canadian court for such purposes. The Company cannot assure that this will be the case. There is substantial doubt whether an action could be brought in Canada in the first instance on the basis of liability predicated solely upon such laws.

The Company has its registered office in the Province of Québec, Canada and, as a result, is subject to the securities laws of that province. In addition, the Company is a “reporting issuer” under the securities laws of each of the provinces of Canada and is therefore subject to the provisions thereof relating to, among other things, continuous disclosure and filing of insider reports by the Company’s “reporting insiders”, as applicable.

While ourthe Company’s shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, they trade on the OTC Pink Marketplace in the US, which may result in the possible absence of a liquid trading market for securities of US investors.

The Company’s common shares are traded in the US on the OTC Pink Marketplace. Trading on this market can be thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with a company’s operations or business prospects. In addition, trading on this market is often sporadic, so shareholders may have some difficulty reselling any of their shares of common stock on this market.

Compliance with the SEC’s new conflict mineral disclosure requirements will createresults in additional compliance costcosts and may create reputational challenges.

Recently, theThe SEC adopted new rules pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act setting forth new disclosure requirements concerning the use or potential use of certain minerals and their derivatives, including tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten, that are mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries, and deemed conflict minerals. These new requirements have necessitated, and will continue to necessitate, due diligence efforts by the Company to assess whether such minerals are used in ourthe Company’s products in order to make the relevant required disclosures beginning in May 2014.disclosures. There will beare certain costs associated with complying with these new disclosure requirements, including diligence to determine the sources of those minerals that may be used or necessary to the production of the Company’s products. If the Company determines that certain of its products contain minerals that are not conflict freeconflict-free or is unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in its products, the Company may face changes to its supply chain or challenges to its reputation, either of which could impact future sales.

The Company’s exemptions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a foreign private issuer, limitslimit the protections and information afforded investors.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. As such, it is exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act, including: the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction (i.e., a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the issuers’ equity securities within a period of less than six months). Because of these exemptions, purchasers of Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s securities are not afforded the same protections or information generally available to investors in public companies organized in the United States. Prior to December 31, 2000, the Company filed its annual reports on Form 20-F. Commencing with the year ended December 31, 2000 through December 31, 2007, and again for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company filed its annual reports on Form 40-F. For the year ended December 31, 2008 and commencing for the year ended December 31, 2010 and going forward, the Company has elected to file its annual report on Form 20-F which also fulfills the requirements of the Annual Information Form required in Canada, thus necessitating only one report. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company reports on Form 6-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and publicly releases quarterly financial reports.

9


Index to Financial Statements
Item 4:Information on the Company

 

 A.HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

The business of Intertape was established when Intertape Systems Inc., a predecessor of the Company, established a pressure sensitive tape manufacturing facility in Montreal, Canada. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company was incorporated under theCanada Business Corporations Act on December 22, 1989 under the name “171695 Canada Inc.” On October 8, 1991, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment changing its name to “Intertape Polymer Group Inc.” A Certificate of Amalgamation was filed by the Company on August 31, 1993, at which time the Company was amalgamated with EBAC Holdings Inc. The Shareholders, at the Company’s JuneOn November 11, 2003 annual and special meeting, voted on the replacement of the Company’s By-Law No. 1 with a new General By-Law 2003-1. The intent of the replacement by-law was to conform the Company’s general by-laws with amendments that were made to theCanada Business Corporations Act since the adoption of the general by-laws and to simplify certain aspects of the governance of the Company. On August 6, 2006, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to permit2015, the Board of Directors adopted a new By-Law 2015-1, requiring advance notice for the nomination of directors. Under the Company to appoint one or more additional Directors to hold office for a term expiring not later thanCanada Business Corporations Act, By-law 2015-1 is in force, but must be confirmed by the close ofCompany’s shareholders at the next annual meeting of the Company’s Shareholders, so long as the total number of Directors so appointed doesshareholders’ meeting. If By-law 2015-1 is not exceed one-third of the number of Directors electedconfirmed at the previous annualshareholders’ meeting, of the Shareholders of the Company.it will cease to have effect at that time.

Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s corporate headquarters is located at 9999 Cavendish Blvd., Suite 200, Ville St. Laurent, Quebec,Québec, Canada H4M 2X5 and the address and telephone number of its registered office is 800 Place Victoria, Suite 3700, Montréal, Québec H4Z 1E9, c/o Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP, (514) 397-7400.397-7400.

In the last five years, the Company has undertaken a number of significant manufacturing plant rationalization initiatives in an effort to achieve its goal of being a low-cost producer of its products along with having world class assets at its manufacturing facilities. The Company operates in various geographic locations and develops, manufactures and sells a variety of paper and film based pressure sensitive and water activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin packaging films, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. Most of the Company’s products are made from similar processes. A vast majority of the Company’s products, while brought to market through various distribution channels, generally have similar economic characteristics.

Intertape Polymer Group closed its Brantford, Ontario, facility during the second quarter of 2011 and discontinued the manufacture of certain products that were produced solely at the Brantford, Ontario, plant. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company sold the Brantford, Ontario, facility in January 2013. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company sold its Hawkesbury, Ontario, plant in 2011. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company ceased manufacturing operations at its Richmond, Kentucky, manufacturing facility and transferred operations to its Carbondale, Illinois, facility during the first quarter of 2013. The Company sold the Richmond, Kentucky facility in the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, the Company consolidated its North American shrink film production at its Tremonton, Utah, facility.facility in 2013.

As of the result of an internal restructuring, effective December 31, 2012, the Company liquidated and dissolved ECP L.P. and ECP GP II Inc., its Canadian operating companies, and all business, assets and liabilities were transferred to Intertape Polymer Inc., another Canadian subsidiary of the Company. Also effective December 31, 2012, the Company liquidated and dissolved Polymer International Corp., a Virginia corporation, and all of its assets and liabilities are with Intertape Polymer Corp., a Delaware corporation, a US subsidiary of the Company.

In February 2013, the Company announced plans to relocate and modernize its Columbia, South Carolina, manufacturing facility and in June 2013, acquired property in Blythewood, South Carolina, which is located in close proximity to the Columbia, South Carolina plant. ImprovementsAs of December 31, 2015, the Company had completed commissioning efforts in relation to the duct tape production line and began limited production and sales of the masking tape production line in Blythewood, property are underway to adapt it for use as aSouth Carolina with the full transfer of masking tape and stencil manufacturing facility. The Company anticipates the plantproduction still expected to be operational duringcompleted in the first half of 2015.2016. Capital expenditures for this project are expected to total $43.0 million to $46.0approximately $60 million, of which $2.7 million was spent in 2012, and $21.8 million in 2013.2013, $24.3 million in 2014, and $7.9 million in 2015.

Effective October 30, 2014, the Company completed an additional internal restructuring to reorganize the capital structure of several of its legal entities to more efficiently manage its intercompany debt. The results of this restructuring were (in addition to certain transfers of certain intercompany receivables, payables and notes): (a) IPG Holdings LP was dissolved; (b) all of the preferred shares in IPG (US) Holdings Inc. were redeemed and cancelled, with Intertape Polymer Group Inc. owning all of the common shares of IPG (US) Holdings Inc.; (c) Intertape Polymer Group Inc. formed IPG Luxembourg S.à r.l, a Luxembourg private limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) as a wholly owned subsidiary of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. and (d) Intertape Polymer Corp. transferred all of its preferred equity interests in Intertape Polymer Inc. to IPG (US) Inc.

On April 7, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of BP Acquisition Corporation (which wholly-owns a subsidiary, Better Packages, Inc.) (“Better Packages”), a leading supplier of water-activated tape dispensers. The Company expects the Better Packages acquisition to further extend the Company’s total capital expendituresproduct offering and global presence in connection with property, plant and equipment were $46.8the rapidly growing e-commerce market. The Company paid a purchase price of $15.9 million in cash. The Company expects that these acquired operations will generate annualized revenue of approximately $18 million and $21.6 million forEBITDA margin of over 15% in 2016.

Effective September 1, 2015, along with certain related transfers of certain intercompany receivables, payables and notes, on or about the years 2013same date, Intertape Polymer US Inc. was dissolved.

Index to Financial Statements

On October 4, 2015, the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility was damaged by significant rainfall and 2012, respectively.subsequent severe flooding. The majoritydamages sustained were considerable and resulted in the facility being shut down permanently. The Company had planned to shut down this facility by the end of the expendituressecond quarter of 2016 so this represents a timeline of eight to nine months earlier.

On November 2, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of RJM Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a “TaraTape”), a manufacturer of filament and pressure sensitive tapes, IPC paid in cash, funded primarily from the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, a purchase price of $11.0 million in cash. The Company expects that these acquired operations will generate annualized revenue of approximately $20 million and EBITDA margin of slightly below 10% before any synergies in 2016.

While the Company received a letter from two of its shareholders on November 9, 2015 urging the Company to take certain actions (such letter and the Company’s response were to update existing manufacturing equipment and to obtain new equipment.

Thereboth made publicly available), there has not been any indication of any public takeover offers by third parties in respect of the Company’s shares or by the Company in respect of other companies’ shares during the last and current fiscal year.

The Company’s total capital expenditures in connection with property, plant and equipment were $34.3 million, $40.6 million and $46.8 million for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The majority of the expenditures were to update existing manufacturing equipment and to obtain new equipment. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2015 were primarily for property, plant and equipment to support the following strategic and growth initiatives: the new facility in Blythewood, South Carolina ($7.9 million), the recently announced water-activated tape capacity expansion in Cabarrus County, North Carolina ($4.2 million spent in 2015 and applied to this project, which was announced in 2016), shrink film capacity expansion at the Portugal manufacturing facility ($3.9 million), and woven products capacity expansion ($3.2 million). The Company funded these 2015 capital expenditures through its cash flows from operations and funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility. On a related note, the Company typically relies upon cash flows from operations and funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund capital expenditures. Additionally, in August the Company entered into a partially forgivable loan (“Partially Forgivable Loan”) with Agencia para Investmento Comercio Externo de Portugal, EPE (AICEP), the Portuguese agency for investment and external trade, as part of financing the capital expansion project in Portugal.

 

10


 B.BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company operates in the specialty packaging industry in North America. The Company develops, manufactures and sells a variety of paper and film basedfilm-based pressure sensitive and water activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin packaging films, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. The Company’s products primarily consist of carton sealing tapes, including pressure sensitivepressure-sensitive and water activatedwater-activated tapes; packaging equipment; industrial and performance specialty tapes including masking, duct, electrical and reinforced filament tapes; shrink film; stretch wrap; lumberwrap, structure fabrics, geomembrane fabrics; and non-manufactured flexible intermediate bulk containers (“FIBCs”). Most of the Company’s products are made from similar processes. A vast majority of the Company’s products, while brought to market through various distribution channels, generally have similar economic characteristics.

The Company has approximately 1,8002,000 employees with operations in 1617 locations, including 1012 manufacturing facilities in North America and one1 in Europe.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company has assembled a broad range of products by leveraging its manufacturing technologies, its research and development capabilities, global sourcing expertise and its strategic acquisition program. Over the years, the Company has made a number of strategic acquisitions, including the 2015 TaraTape and Better Packages acquisitions, in order to offer a broader range of products to better serve its markets. The Company’s extensive product line permits Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company to offer tailored solutions to a wide range of end-markets including food processing, fulfillment, consumer, building and construction, oil and gas, transportation, agriculture, aerospace, appliance, general manufacturing, marine, composites and military applications.

Overview of Periods

2011

During 2011, the Company maintained its focus on its long term strategic plan of reducing debt and manufacturing costs and improving its product mix. Although the global economy continued to be sluggish during 2011, the Company’s selling prices increased more than both conversion costs and raw material costs; however, the spread between selling prices and raw material costs remained compressed when compared to periods prior to 2010.

As a result of the ongoing strike of its unionized employees at the Company’s Brantford, Ontario plant, operations at the plant remained unprofitable. The Company concluded that a turnaround was highly improbable and during the fourth quarter of 2010, decided to terminate operations. The plant closed in the second quarter of 2011. Some of the Brantford production was transferred to other facilities of Intertape Polymer Group, however, the majority of the activities at the Brantford plant were discontinued. In addition, during 2011 the Company selectively stopped selling certain low-margin products manufactured at its other locations and actively worked to increase sales of high-margin products.

Through December 31, 2010, the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. As required by the Canadian Accounting Standards Board, Intertape Polymer Group adopted the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) on January 1, 2011. As required by the applicable standards, the Company restated its financial information for 2010 to comply with IFRS with the exception of statements prior to the transition date of January 1, 2010. The impact of the conversion to IFRS on the Company’s current and future key financial metrics is immaterial.

In 2009, the Company filed a complaint in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida against Inspired Technologies, Inc. (“ITI”) alleging that ITI had breached its obligations under a supply agreement with the Company and ITI filed a counterclaim against the Company alleging that the Company had breached its obligations under the agreements. On April 13, 2011, after two trials on the issues, the Court entered a Judgment against the Company in the amount of approximately $1.0 million.

On May 19, 2011, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with ITI with respect to all outstanding litigation between the parties. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the Company paid approximately $1.0 million to ITI in full and complete settlement of all matters between them with respect to the litigation.

In July 2011, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement for total consideration of $0.9 million to acquire assets primarily consisting of equipment, a customer list, and intellectual property to supplement the Company’s existing water activated tape business.

11


In August 2008, the Company acquired the exclusive North American rights to a pending patent with respect to an automatic wrapping system. The system is designed to automate the process of wrapping packages of up to 65 feet in length. The technology targets industries such as wood products, which are traditionally manually wrapped. Along with the distribution rights, the Company acquired wrapping machines and existing customer contracts for a total consideration of CDN$5.5 million. As part of acquiring the distribution rights, the Company also made future performance commitments, which required additional considerations or penalties if these commitments were not met. However, within the first two years of the purchase agreement, the automatic wrapping system had to achieve certain market acceptance parameters or the Company had the right to renegotiate the future performance commitments with the vendor and if such renegotiation was not concluded on terms satisfactory to the Company, then the future performance commitments would not be binding on the Company. Effective September 30, 2009 and due to the adverse economic conditions impacting the lumber wrap film market targeted under the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company did not meet the performance criteria included in the first milestone of the Asset Purchase Agreement. In August 2011, the Company entered into a Contract Adjustment Agreement. Under the Agreement the Company and the vendor agreed all accrued and future penalties, film purchase minimums and machine placement thresholds were eliminated.

2012

During 2012, the Company continued to focus on developing and selling higher margin products, reducing variable manufacturing costs, executing on previously announced manufacturing plant initiatives and optimizing its debt structure. The Company took several steps during 2012 to accomplish these objectives.

The Company has a $200.0 million Asset Based Loan (“ABL”) entered into with a syndicate of financial institutions. The amount of borrowings available to the Company under the ABL is determined by its applicable borrowing base from time to time. The borrowing base is determined by calculating a percentage of eligible trade accounts receivable, inventories, and equipment. The ABL is priced at LIBOR plus a loan margin determined from a pricing grid. The loan margin declines as unused availability increases. The pricing grid of the ABL, prior to the February 1, 2012 amendment, ranged from 1.5% to 2.25%. Unencumbered real estate is subject to a negative pledge in favor of the ABL lenders. However the Company retained the ability to secure financing on all or a portion of its owned real estate up to $35.0 million and have the negative pledge in favor of the ABL lenders terminated. The ABL was scheduled to mature in March 2013. Effective February 1, 2012, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement among certain subsidiaries of the Company, the Lenders referred to therein, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Lead Arranger and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as “right side” joint lead arranger. The Third Amendment extended the maturity date of the ABL to February 2017 from March 2013. Under the Third Amendment the interest rate will increase modestly while several other modifications in the terms provide the Company with greater flexibility. The pricing grid of the extended ABL ranges from 1.75% to 2.25%.

On June 26, 2012, the Company announced its intention to close its Richmond, Kentucky facility with the majority of production to be transferred to its Carbondale, Illinois, facility. The Company also announced the transfer of the shrink film production business from its Truro, Nova Scotia facility to its Tremonton, Utah plant. The Company believes this will allow it to further optimize its manufacturing footprint and generate significant annual savings. The Richmond, Kentucky plant is idle and being marketed for sale.

On August 14, 2012, the Company entered into an Equipment Finance Agreement with a lifetime and maximum funding amount of $24.0 million. The terms of the arrangements included multiple individual capital leases, each of which would have a term of sixty months and a fixed interest rate. The average of the fixed interest rates was expected to be less than 3%. If the Company did not finance the full amount of $4.0 million and $20.0 million by December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, respectively, then, subject to certain conditions, the Company would be required to pay a Reinvestment Premium (as defined in the Equipment Finance Agreement) on the difference between those amounts and the amounts actually funded in each of those years. In 2012, the Company financed the required amounts and was not subject to a Reinvestment Premium.

On October 10, 2012, the Company paid a dividend of CDN$0.08 per common share, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 21, 2012. The aggregate amount of the dividend paid was USD$4.8 million.

During 2012, the Company redeemed $80.0 million of its Senior Subordinated Notes, $25.0 million on August 1, 2012 and $55.0 million on December 13, 2012, both at par value. The notional amount of Senior Subordinated Notes outstanding after the redemptions was $38.7 million.

12


On October 16, 2012, the Company prepaid in full $1.9 million, the outstanding balance on its $3.0 million mortgage on its Danville, Virginia, facility which was originally due July 1, 2013.

On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a Real Estate Loan of $16.6 million, amortized on a straight-line basis over the ten year term. The maturity of the loan may be accelerated if the ABL is not extended and if Bank of America, N.A. ceases to be the agent by reason of an action of the Company. A portion of the loan may be required to be repaid early if any mortgage properties are disposed of prior to October 31, 2022. Interest on the Real Estate Loan through December 31, 2012, was at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 250 basis points. Thereafter, the Real Estate Loan will bear interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin between 225 and 275 basis points based on a pricing grid as defined in the loan agreement. The Real Estate Loan contains two financial covenants, both of which are calculated at the end of each fiscal month. The Company has been in compliance with these covenants since entering into the Real Estate Loan. The loan is secured by certain of the Company’s real estate.

2013

In January 2013, the Company sold the Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility and received net proceeds of $1.6million.$1.6 million. The Company recovered $0.2 million of the asset impairment charge previously recorded in 2011 and 2010.

Index to Financial Statements

On February 26, 2013, the Company announced plans to relocate and modernize its Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing operation. In June 2013, the Company acquired property located in Blythewood, South Carolina,Carolina. This property was financed by an $8.5 million mortgage with Wells Fargo National Association (the “South Carolina Mortgage”). In November 2014, the Company prepaid in connectionfull this loan with proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had completed commissioning efforts in relation to the duct tape production line and began limited production and sales of the masking tape production line in Blythewood, South Carolina with the relocation and modernizationfull transfer of its Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility. Improvements are underway to adapt the facility for use as amasking tape manufacturing facility and it isproduction still expected to be operational duringcompleted in the first half of 2015.2016.

In June 2013, the Company redeemed $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes bearing interest at 8.5%, and on August 30, 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining $18.7 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes due August 1, 2014, fully discharging and satisfying the Senior Subordinated Notes and Indenture.

During 2013, the Company completed certain initiatives regarding its facilities. Production ceased at the Company’s Richmond, Kentucky, plant in the fourth quarter of 2012, production of shrink film ceased at the Company’s Truro, Nova Scotia, plant in the first quarter of 2013, and the Company consolidated its shrink film operations at its Tremonton, Utah, manufacturing facility.

On August 14, 2013, the Board of Directors modified the Company’s dividend policy to provide for the payment of quarterly dividends as opposed to semi-annual dividends. During 2013, the Company paid dividends totaling USD$0.24$0.24 per share.

In August 2013, the Company relocated its leased US corporateexecutive headquarters to a leased facility at 100 Paramount Drive, Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida 34232. The prior facilityformer US executive headquarters located in Bradenton, Florida is idle and being marketed for sale.was sold in 2015.

As discussed above, theThe Company entered into an Equipment Finance Agreement in August 2012. During 2013, the Company was required to finance $20 million of equipment purchases. As of December 31, 2013, the Company financed $16.9 million, however,million. However, the Company was not required to pay a Reinvestment Premium on the shortfall inasmuch as the three-year SWAP rate at December 31, 2013 as set forth in the Federal Reserve H.15 report decreased to less than 0.5%. The average of the fixed interest rates of the capital leases isas of December 31, 2013 was 2.86%.

In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management determines, at each balance sheet date, whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. This determination is based on quantitative and qualitative assessments by management and the weighing of all available evidence, both positive and negative. Such evidence includes the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and the implementation of tax planning strategies.

As of December 31, 2013, management analyzed all available evidence including, in particular, the Company’s financial results for the year then ended (taxable income and earnings before income tax expense (benefit)), the 2013 budget

13


variances, and the Company’s cumulative financial results for the prior three years. In addition, management took under significant consideration the Company’s 2014 budget, its long-term financial projections, market and industry conditions and certain available tax strategies. As a result of this detailed analysis, management determined at such time that it iswas more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US willwould be realized and, accordingly, recognized $47.8 million of its US deferred tax assets, $41.9$43.0 million of which impacted the Company’s net earnings while the balance impacted its shareholders’ equity.

In addition, management determined at such time that it iswas more likely than not that a portion of its deferred tax assets related to the Company’s corporate (holding) entity (Intertape Polymer Group Inc. or the “Entity”) willwould not be realized due to insufficient taxable income in future periods. Previously, the Entity benefited from sufficient taxable income as a result of certain tax planning strategies implemented in 2011 (the “Planning”). The Company’s management continuescontinued to expect that, pursuant to the Planning, the Entity willwould continue to generate sufficient taxable income in order to fully utilize its net operating losses with expiration dates through 2015. However, in 2013, the benefit of the Planning iswas expected to diminish over such time. Accordingly, the Company derecognized $4.6 million of its Canadian deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013. These

2014

In 2014, Intertape hired Jeffrey Crystal, who was appointed Chief Financial Officer effective May 9, 2014. Bernard J. Pitz’s tenure as chief financial officer ended on January 30, 2014. Michael C. Jay, Corporate Controller since 2011, assumed the duties of interim Chief Financial Officer from January 30, 2014 to May 9, 2014.

In March 2014, Intertape increased the amount available under the Equipment Finance Agreement dated August 14, 2012 from $24.0 million to $25.7 million and also entered into its final capital lease schedule under this agreement for $3.5 million. The average of the fixed interest rates of the capital leases as of December 31, 2014 was 2.87%.

Index to Financial Statements

On June 11, 2014, Intertape’s Board of Directors adopted: (a) the Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”) and (b) the Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”). The PSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award PSUs to eligible persons. The DSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award DSUs to any member of the Board of Directors of the Company that is not an executive officer or employee of the Company. A maximum of 1,000,000 common shares may be issued from treasury under the PSU Plan. A maximum of 250,000 common shares may be issued from treasury under the DSU Plan.

On July 7, 2014, Intertape announced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) effective on July 10, 2014. In connection with this NCIB, the Company was entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 2,000,000 of Intertape’s common shares issued and outstanding. The NCIB was set to expire on July 9, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had repurchased 597,500 common shares at an average price of CDN$14.35 per share, including commissions, for a total purchase price of $7.8 million.

On July 7, 2014, Intertape’s Board of Directors modified Intertape’s dividend policy to increase the annualized dividend by 50% from $0.32 to $0.48 per common share.

On August 5, 2014, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Frank Di Tomaso as a new board member of the Company.

Effective October 30, 2014, Intertape completed an internal restructuring to reorganize the capital structure of several of its legal entities to more efficiently manage its intercompany debt. The results of this restructuring were (in addition to certain transfers of certain intercompany receivables, payables and notes): (a) IPG Holdings LP was dissolved; (b) all of the preferred shares in IPG (US) Holdings Inc. were redeemed and cancelled, with Intertape Polymer Group Inc. owning all of the common shares of IPG (US) Holdings Inc.; (c) Intertape Polymer Group Inc. formed IPG Luxembourg Finance S.à r.l, a Luxembourg private limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) as a wholly owned subsidiary of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. and (d) Intertape Polymer Corp. transferred all of its preferred equity interests in Intertape Polymer Inc. to IPG (US) Inc.

On November 18, 2014, Intertape entered into a new Revolving Credit Facility Agreement which provides for a five-year US$300 million Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the ABL Facility and prepaid in full the outstanding balances of the Real Estate Loan and South Carolina Mortgage. The Revolving Credit Facility Agreement includes an incremental accordion feature of US$150 million, which will enable the Company to increase the limit of this facility (subject to the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement’s terms and lender approval) if needed. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on November 18, 2019 and bears an interest rate based primarily on the LIBOR rate plus a spread varying between 100 and 225 basis points (125 basis points as of December 31, 2014) depending on the consolidated total leverage ratio.

In December 2014, the Company sold the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility and received net proceeds of $2.3 million.

2015

On April 7, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Better Packages, a leading supplier of water-activated tape dispensers.

The Company transferred production of duct tape to the new Blythewood facility in early April 2015. During the second and third quarters of 2015, commissioning of the duct tape production line was ongoing in order to work toward the attainment of target levels of product quality balanced with targeted production efficiency. Although the Company was able to meet customer demand for duct tape during the second and third quarters of 2015, there were production yield and operating inefficiencies related to the ramp-up of duct tape production that had a negative impact on results in these quarters and resulted in an extended timeline for the project. However, these inefficiencies improved throughout the year and production was close to reaching targeted performance levels in early 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company began limited production and sales of masking tape from the Blythewood facility, with the full transfer of masking tape production still expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. The Company now considers that the commercialization of the masking tape products being produced in the Blythewood facility is complete, and therefore must continue to focus on the ramp-up in production efficiencies as well as the transfer of certain masking tape production from the Marysville, Michigan facility.

On June 4, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. George J. Bunze as the new Chairman of the Board following the retirement of the former Chairman, Mr. Eric E. Baker.

Index to Financial Statements

Effective July 10, 2015, the NCIB (effective on July 10, 2014 and scheduled to expire on July 9, 2015) was renewed. In connection with this NCIB, the Company was entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 2,000,000 of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding. This renewed NCIB expires on July 9, 2016. On November 11, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved an amendment to the Company’s NCIB, as a result of which the Company is entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares.

On August 12, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the quarterly dividend policy by increasing the dividend from $0.12 to $0.13 per share.

In August 2015, one of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a Partially Forgivable Loan. The loan was entered into with Agencia para Investmento Comercio Externo de Portugal, EPE (AICEP), the Portuguese agency for investment and external trade, as part of financing a capital expansion project. The loan totalled approximately $1.2 million at December 31, 2015 (€1.1 million). Based on the terms of the agreement, 50% of the loan will be forgiven in 2020 based on satisfying certain 2019 targets, including financial metrics and headcount additions. The partially forgivable loan is non-interest bearing and semi-annual installments of principal are due beginning in July 2018 through January 2024.

On October 4, 2015, the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility was damaged by significant rainfall and subsequent severe flooding. The damages sustained were considerable and resulted in the facility being shut down permanently. The Company had planned to shut down this facility by the end of the second quarter of 2016 so this represents a timeline of eight to nine months earlier.

In October 2015, one of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a long-term debt agreement containing a short-term credit line and a long-term loan for the purpose of financing a capital expansion project. No amounts were outstanding and approximately $2.3 million (€2.5 million) of the loan was available as of December 31, 2015. Both credit lines bear interest at the rate of 6 month EURIBOR (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) plus a premium (125 basis points as of December 31, 2015). The effective interest rate was 1.21% as of December 31, 2015. The short-term credit line matures in September 2016 and is renewable annually, with interest due quarterly and billed in arrears. The long-term loan has a period for capital use until October, 2017 and matures in April, 2022, with interest billed in arrears and due bi-annually beginning in April, 2018. The loans are secured by a comfort letter issued to the lender by the Company in favour of its wholly-owned subsidiary.

During 2015, the Company entered into interest swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges. The terms of the interest swap agreements are as follows:

Effective Date

  Maturity  Notional Amount   Settlement  Fixed interest
rate paid
 

March 18, 2015

  November 18, 2019  $40,000,000    Monthly   1.610

August 18, 2015

  August 20, 2018  $60,000,000    Monthly   1.197

On November 2, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of TaraTape, a manufacturer of filament and pressure sensitive tapes.

On November 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a new By-Law 2015-1, requiring advance notice for the nomination of directors. Under the Canada Business Corporations Act, By-law 2015-1 is in force, but must be confirmed by the Company’s shareholders at the next shareholders’ meeting. If By-law 2015-1 is not confirmed at the shareholders’ meeting, it will cease to have effect at that time.

On November 30, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Ms. Mary Pat Salomone as a new board member of the Company.

On December 14, 2015, the Company entered into a Shareholders Rights Plan Agreement (the “Rights Plan”) with CST Trust Company. The purpose of the Shareholder Rights Plan is to provide IPG’s Board of Directors with additional time, in the event

Index to Financial Statements

of an unsolicited takeover bid, to develop and propose alternatives to the bid and negotiate with the bidder, as well as to ensure equal treatment of shareholders in the context of an acquisition of control made other than by way of an offer to all shareholders, and lessen the pressure on shareholders to tender to a bid. Under the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), the Rights Plan must be ratified by the shareholders of the Corporation at a meeting held within six months following the adoption of the Rights Plan, failing which the Rights Plan must be immediately cancelled and any rights issued thereunder must be immediately redeemed or cancelled. Accordingly, on June 9, 2016, shareholders will be asked to approve a resolution ratifying and approving the Rights Plan. For further details on the Rights Plan, see Item 10(C) below.

As of December 31, 2015, management analyzed all available evidence and determined it is more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US will be realized and, accordingly, continues to recognize the majority of its US deferred tax assets. Management also determined it is more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the Canadian operating entity will be realized based on available evidence such as the cumulative positive financial results for the prior three years, consistent utilization of deferred tax assets, consistent generation of taxable income, and positive financial projections. Accordingly, the Company recognized the majority of its Canadian operating entity’s deferred tax assets, including $3.8 million that were previously derecognized. With respect to the deferred tax assets at the Canadian corporate holding entity (the “Entity”), management determined it appropriate to maintain the same positions for the year ended December 31, 2015 as taken for the year ended December 31, 2014 in that the majority of the Entity’s deferred tax assets should continue to be derecognized as of December 31, 2015. The Canadian deferred tax assets remain available to the Company in order to reduce its taxable income in future periods.

 

 (1)Products, Markets and Distribution

 

 (a)Tapes

The Company manufactures a variety of paper and film based tapes, including pressure sensitivepressure-sensitive and water activatedwater-activated carton sealing tapes; industrial and performance specialty tapes including paper, flatback, duct, double coated, foil, electrical, filament tapes and stencil products.

TheManagement believes the Company is the only packaging company that manufactures carton sealing tapes using all four adhesive technologies: hot melt, acrylic, natural rubber and water activated.water-activated. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company believes it has uniquedistinctive capabilities, relative to its competitors, to produce its own film and adhesives used in the manufacture of its finished tape.

The Company’s tape products are manufactured and primarily sold under the Company’s brands including Intertape™, Central®Central®, American®American®, Anchor®Anchor®, and Crowell®Crowell® brands to industrial distributors and retailers, and are manufactured for sale to third parties under private brands.

Tape products launched in 2011, 20122013, 2014 and 20132015 include new transfer adhesive products, clean removal tensilized polypropylene and filament products, UL 723 rated aluminum foil and UL 181 rated HVAC tapes, and hot melt carton sealing tape manufactured with a proprietary Corru-Grip™ adhesive formulation for optimal closure of highly recycled corrugate. Further information regarding these new products can be found in the Research & Development section of this document.

In 2012, the Company redirected its focus to address specific solutions the Company is able to provide for the following targeted markets: fulfillment, general manufacturing, food processing and specialty (oil and gas, HVAC, aerospace, residential and commercial painting, building and construction, and mass transportation).

In 2013, the majority of the Company’s product launches were double coated,double-coated, carton sealing, HVAC, appliance packaging and masking tapes.

In 2014, the Company enhanced its offering of packaging solutions with the introductions of: ExlfilmPlus® GPL, a new high performance cross linked polyolefin shrink film; Ripcord™, a knife free solution to open packages; RG317, a filament tape for L-clip box closure applications; Auto H2O™ uniform semi-automatic water-activated case sealer and other complementary products.

In 2015, the Company focused on increasing its offering of specialty tape products including additional masking, foil, double-coated and ATA tapes.

For the years ending December 31, 2013,2015, December 31, 2012,2014, and December 31, 2011,2013, tapes accounted for 65%68%, 66%65%, and 66%65%, respectively, of the Company’s revenue.

The Company’s tape products consist of two main product groups, Carton Sealing Tapes and Industrial & Specialty Tapes.

14


Index to Financial Statements

Carton Sealing Tapes

Carton sealing tapes are sold primarily under the Intertape™ and Central®Central® brands to industrial distributors and leading retailers, as well as to third parties under private brands. Management believes Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company is the only company worldwide that produces carton sealing tapes using all four adhesive technologies: hot melt, acrylic, natural rubber and waterwater- activated. The Company also sells the application equipment required for the dispensing of its carton sealing tapes.

Hot Melt Tape

Hot melt carton sealing tape is a polypropylene film coated with a synthetic rubber adhesive which offers a wide range of application flexibility and is typically used in carton sealing applications. The Company’s primary competitors are 3M Co., Shurtape Technologies LLC and Vibac Group.

Acrylic Tape

Acrylic carton sealing tape is a polypropylene film coated with an aqueous, pressure sensitivepressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive which is best suited for applications where performance is required within a broad range of temperatures from less than 40°F (4°C) to greater than 120°F (49°C). The Company’s primary competitors are 3M Co., PitamasGTA, Powerband, Primetac (Pitamas) and Sekisui TA Industries Inc.other imported Asian products.

Natural Rubber Tape

Natural rubber carton sealing tape is a polypropylene film coated with natural rubber adhesive and is unique among the carton sealing tapes because of its aggressiverobust adhesion properties. This tape is ideally suited for conditions involving hot, dusty, humid or cold environments. Typical uses include moving and storage industry applications, as well as packaging and shipping. The Company’s primary competitor iscompetitors are Vibac Group.Group and imported products from Europe.

Water ActivatedWater-Activated Tape

Water activatedWater-activated carton sealing tape is typically manufactured using a filament reinforced kraft paper substrate and a starch based adhesive that is activated by water. Water activatedWater-activated tape is used primarily in applications where a strong mechanical bond or tamper evidence is required. Typical end-use markets include retail fulfillment centers, mail order operations,3PL’s (third-party logistics providers), furniture manufacturers and the apparel industry. The Company’s primary competitor is Holland Manufacturing Co. Inc.

Industrial & Specialty Tapes

The Company produces eight primary industrial and specialty products sold primarily under the Intertape™, American®American® and Anchor®Anchor® brands: paper tape, flatback tape, duct tape, double coateddouble-coated tape, foil tape, electrical tape, filament tape and stencil products.

Paper Tape

Paper tape is manufactured from a crepe paper substrate coated with a natural rubber or a synthetic rubber adhesive. Paper tape is used for a variety of performance and general purpose end-use applications. Product applications include paint masking (consumer, contractor, automotive, aerospace and marine), splicing, bundling/packaging, and general light duty applications. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co., Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Cantech and tesa tape, inc.

Flatback Tape

Flatback tape is manufactured using a smooth kraft paper substrate coated with a natural rubber/SIS blended adhesive. Flatback tape is designed with low elongation and is widely used in applications such as splicing where the tape should not be distorted. Typical applications for flatback tape include splicing, printable identification tapes, label products and carton closure. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co. and Shurtape Technologies, LLC.

15


Duct Tape

Duct tape is manufactured from a polyethylene film that has been reinforced with scrim and coated with natural/synthetic rubber blend adhesive or specialty polymer adhesives. Duct tape is primarily used by general consumers for a wide range of

Index to Financial Statements

applications. Duct tapes are also used in maintenance, repair and operations, in the heating,HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioningconditioning) markets, construction and in the convention and entertainment industries. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are Berry Plastics Corp., 3M Co. and Shurtape Technologies, LLC.

Double CoatedDouble-Coated Tape

Double coatedDouble-coated tape is manufactured from a paper, foam, or film substrate and is coated on both sides with a variety of adhesive systems. Double coatedDouble-coated tape also uses a release liner made from paper or film that prevents the tape from sticking to itself. Double coatedDouble-coated tape is typically used to join two dissimilar surfaces. The Company’s double coateddouble-coated tape products are used across a range of markets that include aerospace, graphics, transportation, converting and nameplates. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co., tesa tape, inc., and Scapa Group plc.

Foil Tape

Foil tape is manufactured using an aluminum substrate and a variety of adhesive systems. The tape is designed for applications that range from HVAC, building and construction, aerospace, transportation, industrial, and general purpose. The products are UV resistant, have reflective and flame retardant properties, and remain flexible to resist cracking and lifting around irregular or curved surfaces. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co., Berry Plastics and Avery Dennison Corp.

Electrical and Electronic Tape

Electrical and electronic tape is manufactured from a number of different substrates, including paper, polyester, glass cloth and a variety of adhesive systems that include rubber, acrylic and silicone adhesives. Electrical and electronic tape is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) component listed andtapes are engineered to meet stringent application specifications.specifications and many electrical and electronic tapes are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) component listed. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co., Nitto Denko, Saint Gobain, Bondtec, and H-Old.

Filament Tape

Filament tape is a film or paperpaper-backed adhesive tape with fiberglass, strands or polyester fiberspolyesterfibers embedded in the adhesive to provide high tensile strength. Primary applications for filament tape include temporary holding, bundling and unitizing, subsea umbilical cables (oil and gas), metal coil tubing,tabbing, and agricultural applications. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are 3M Co., TaraTape, Inc. and Shurtape Technologies, LLC.

Stencil Products

Stencil products sold under the Anchor® brand, are manufactured from a calendaredcalendered natural/synthetic rubber blended substrate with an acrylic adhesive and specially formulated adhesives. Stencil products are used in applications within the sign and monument manufacturing markets to protect a surface where high pressure blasting is required. The Company’s primary competitor for this product is 3M Co.

 

 (b)Films

Films

The Company also manufactures a variety of polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, as well as complementary packaging systems, for industrial use and retail use, including shrink film, stretch wrap and air pillows. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Intertape Polymer Group has unique capabilitiesthe Company uses internally manufactured films to produce tape products using internally manufactured films.products.

The Company’s film products are marketed under the Company’s brands including SuperFlex®SuperFlex®, StretchFlex®StretchFlex®, ExlfilmPlus®ExlfilmPlus®, Exlfilm® and Exlfilm®, and iCushion®iCushion® to industrial distributors and retailers, and are manufactured for sale to third parties under private brands. Film products launched in 2011 and 2012 include a new high performance cross-linked polyolefin shrink film. Further information regarding this new product can be found in

For the Research & Development section of this document.

16


During eachyear ended December 31, 2015, films accounted for 16% of the last threeCompany’s revenue and for the years ending December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, films accounted for 19% of the Company’s revenue.

The Company’s film products consist of two main product groups, film and protective packaging.

The Company primarily produces two film product lines: SuperFlex®SuperFlex® and StretchFlex®StretchFlex® stretch wrap and ExlfilmPlus®ExlfilmPlus® and Exlfilm®Exlfilm® shrink film.

Index to Financial Statements

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is a single or multi-layer plastic film that can be stretched without application of heat and which has the characteristic of trying to return to its original length thereby applying force on the wrapped load. It is used industrially to wrap pallets of various products ensuring a solid load for shipping. The Company uses technology that it believes is state-of-the-art technology for the manufacturing of its stretch film products.

SuperFlex®SuperFlex® is a high performance, light gauge stretch film which offers customers good security for their loads but at a low cost per load. Genesys® (introduced in 2006)Genesys®, Genesys®Genesys®Ultra, (introduced in 2011)Fortress®, Fortress® (introduced in 2008),ProLite® and ProLite® (introduced in 2010)Orbit Air™B are SuperFlex®SuperFlex® brand products. Since 2013, the Company has re-formulated its legacy Genesys®, Genesys®Ultra and ProLite® brand products to enhance their performance capabilities. AEP Industries, Inc., Amtopp, Berry Plastics Corp., Malpack (Canada), and Paragon Films produce competitive products.

StretchFlex®StretchFlex® is the Company’s regular duty, typically a heavier gauge of stretch film which also provides the customer with secure loads at a low price per pound. SFI, SSC, SFIII, Hand Wrap II and Hand Wrap IV are StretchFlex®StretchFlex® brand products. Since 2013, the Company has re-formulated its legacy SFI products and all were introduced prior to 2000.enhance performance capabilities. Competitors include AEP Industries Inc., Berry Plastics Corp., Sigma Plastics Group and Amtopp.

Shrink Film

ExlfilmPlus®ExlfilmPlus® and Exlfilm®Exlfilm® shrink film are specialty plastic films which shrink under controlled heat to conform to a package’s shape. The process permits the over-wrapping of a vast array of products of varying sizes and dimensions with a single packaging line. ExlfilmPlus®ExlfilmPlus® and Exlfilm®Exlfilm® are used to package paper products, food, toys, games, sporting goods, hardware and housewares and a variety of other products. In 2011,2014, the Company introduced ExlfilmPlus® GPS,ExlfilmPlus® GPL, a new high performance cross linked polyolefin shrink film. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are Sealed Air Corp. and Bemis Co. Inc.Clysar LLC.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company entered the European shrink film market through its investment in Fibope in April 1995. The Company initially purchased a 50% equity interest in Fibope, acquiring the remaining 50% equity stake in July 2003 to serve as a platform to penetrate European and African markets with other products of the Company.2003. Fibope operates as an autonomous unit within Intertape Polymer Group.the Company.

Fibope produces a full range of shrink film products for sale in the European Community. Raw materials are primarily sourced within Europe, with multiple sources utilized to ensure stability of supply and a competitive price environment.

Protective Packaging

Air Pillows

Air pillows are manufactured from polyethylene film and are inflated at the point of use with an air pillow machine. Air pillows are used as packaging material for void fill and cushioning applications. Typical end-use markets for air pillows include 3PL’s retail fulfillment houses and contract packagers, and mail order pharmacies.packaging operations. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are Pregis Corp., Sealed Air Corp., Storopack, Inc., Free-Flow Packaging International Inc. and Polyair Inter Pack Inc.

17


Complementary Packaging Systems

Machinery

IPG also provides complementary packaging systems under the InterpackInterpack™ and Better Packages®(R) brand.brands. Machinery that makes up IPG’s Complementary Packaging Systems and include, but are not limited to, mechanical systems for case sealing applications with the use of long roll carton sealing tape, as well as water activatedwater-activated tape produced by IPG. They also include IPG’s void fill machines and bagging machines. These machines are used in production lines at the packaging level. They are also widely used in the fulfillment industries. These systems add value by providing efficient packaging linesprocesses to a hostvariety of industrial customers. The company’s primary competitors are 3M, Loveshaw, BestPack, Better Packages, Marsh and Phoenix.

 

 (c)Woven Coated Fabrics

The Company develops and manufactures innovative industrial packaging, protective covering, barrier and liner products utilizing engineered coated polyolefin fabrics, paper and other laminated materials. Its products are sold through multiple channels in a wide number of industries including lumber, construction and agriculture.

Index to Financial Statements

On October 5, 2005, Intertape Polymer Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Flexia Corporation Ltd., which was the result of the amalgamation of Flexia Corporation and Fib-PakFib-pak Industries, Inc. The businesses of such companies were operated under wholly-owned Canadian entities, ECP L.P. and ECP GP II Inc. through December 31, 2012. ECP GP II Inc. was a producer of a wide range of engineered coated and laminated products with its facilities located in Langley, British Columbia and Truro, Nova Scotia. As a result of an internal restructuring of the Company’s subsidiaries, ECP L.P. and ECP GP II Inc., which were subsequently liquidated and dissolved on December 31, 2012 and as a result, all business, assets and liabilities were transferred to Intertape Polymer Inc.

The Company’s woven coated fabrics are categorized in four markets: (A) building and construction, (B) agro-environmental, (C) specialty fabrics, and (D) industrial packaging. For the three years ended December 31, 2013,2015, December 31, 2012,2014, and December 31, 20112013, woven coated fabric products accounted for 15%, 14%, and 15%, respectively, of the Company’s sales.revenue.

Building and Construction Products

The Company’s building and construction product group includes protective wrap for kiln dried lumber, membrane barrier products such as house wrap, window and door flashing, membrane structure fabrics used in clear span buildings, roof underlayment, and insulation facing, which are used directly in residential and commercial construction. The Company also supplies packaging over-wrap sleeves for unitizing multiple bags of fiberglass insulation. The Company’s primary competitors for these products include Interwrap,InterWrap, Inc., E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Fiberweb Inc.,Polymer Group International, Alpha ProTech and various producers from India, China and Korea.

Lumberwrap

Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s lumberwrap is used to package, unitize, protect and brand lumber during transportation and storage. The product is available in polyethylene or polypropylene coated fabrics and polyethylene films printed to customer specifications. The Company’s primary competitor is Interwrap.InterWrap.

Membrane Structure Fabrics

Nova-Shield®Nova-Shield® is a lightweight, wide-width, and durable polyolefin fabric used as the outer skin layer for flexible membrane structures. The introduction and continuous improvement of the Nova-Shield®Nova-Shield® fabric in the membrane structure market has enabled membrane structure manufacturers to expand the use of this product beyond agricultural applications. New applications such asinclude agriculture barns, into larger structures for human occupancy such as amphitheaters, recreational facilities, trade show pavilions, aircraft hangers, and casinos. Developments in the product line include the patented stacked weave, and AmorKote™ coatings. The Company sells the Nova-Shield®Nova-Shield® fabrics to membrane structure manufacturers who design, fabricate, and install the structures. The Company’s primary competitors are Fabrene Inc. and a number of polyvinyl chloridePVC (polyvinyl chloride) producers. The Company produces these products primarily at its plant in Truro, Nova Scotia.

18


Roof Underlayment

IPG’s roofing underlayment is a woven synthetic weather barrier installed on the roof before slate, tile or shingles are applied. The Company began commercial production of roofbelieves that IPG’s roofing underlayment at its Truro, Nova Scotia facility in August, 2008. It is a roof underlay that is lighter and easier to install than standard #30 building felt. In November 2010,To meet these market needs, the Company introduced new product names for its roof underlaymentcurrently has a three-tiered (“Good, Better, Best”) approach in an attempt to insure consistency across products and to help customers distinguish among levels of product performance so they may specify and use the best solution for their particular application.reach all market segments. The Company’s primary competitors in this market are Interwrap, W.R. Grace,InterWrap, Alpha ProTech, and a variety of #30 felt producers.producers and a number of competitors from India, China and Korea.

Agro-Environmental Products

The Company has developed a range of Agro-Environmental products, including bags for packaging fiber insulation, fabrics designed for conversion into hay covers, grain covers, landfill covers, oil field membranes, and canal and pond liners. These fabrics are intended to provide protection during transit and storage and to line waterways and ponds to prevent loss of water and other liquids.

Geomembrane Fabrics

The Company’s AquaMaster®AquaMaster® line of geomembrane fabrics is used as irrigation canal liners, golf course and aquascape pond liners, oil pad liners, hydraulic fracturing ponds and in aquaculture operations. During 2014, the Company widened its product offering by manufacturing composite product composed of its traditional extrusion-coated substrates laminated to other materials such as non-woven textiles and polyethylene film. In order to help customers specify and use the best solution for their particular need, the Company re-branded its geomembrane product lines to clearly separate long-term, high-performance products from products used for shorter term applications during 2014. The Company’s primary competitors for similar products include Fabrene Inc., Mai Weave LLC, InterwrapInterWrap and Inland Tarp. Competitive products which may be used as substitutes are manufactured by GSE Environmental and Raven Industries Inc.

Index to Financial Statements

Hay Wrap

Hay cover products are specially designed fabrics designed to function as protective covers, haystack covers, pit and pond liners and pool covers. The proprietary coating is used to enhance abrasion resistance, flex resistance, seam strength, UV resistance and longevity. The Company’s primary competitors for this product include offshore imports, as well as InterWrap, Maiweave and Fabrene.

Poultry Fabrics

Woven coated polyolefin fabrics are used in the construction of poultry houses in the southern United States. Materials with high ultraviolet resistance are fabricated into side curtains that regulate ventilation and temperature in buildings. Other materials are used in ceiling construction. The Company’s primary competitors for this product are Fabrene Inc. and Mai Weave LLC. These products are primarily produced at the Company’s plant in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Specialty Fabrics

The Company’s specialty fabric product category is comprised of a variety of specialty materials custom designed for unique applications or specific customers. The Company’s ability to provide polyolefin fabrics in a variety of weights, widths, colors and styles, and to slit, print and perform various other conversion steps, allows it to provide an array of coated products designed to meet the specific needs of its customers.

Products and applications of specialty fabrics include fabrics designed for conversion into pool covers, field covers, disaster relief materials, protective covers and construction sheeting, brattice cloth for mine ventilation, underground marking tapes, salt pile covers and industrial packaging.

Primary competitors of the Company for this product include Fabrene Inc., Mai Weave LLC and producers from China and Korea. The Company primarily produces these products at its plant in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Industrial Packaging Products

The Company’s metalprinted wrap is used to brand and protect large coilsa variety of steel and aluminumproducts during transit and storage. For example, the Company’s product is used to cover small recreational vehicles (ATVs) during transportation from their manufacturing location to retail dealers. Primary competitors of the Company for this product include Interwrap Inc. and Covalence Specialty Materials Corp.

 

19


 (d)Other

The Company also earns revenues from the sale of FIBCs and from royalties.royalties from the sale of film wrap. FIBCs are flexible, intermediate bulk containers generally designed to carry and discharge 1,500 to 3,500 pounds of dry flowable fill products such as chemicals, minerals and dry food ingredients. The market for FIBCs is highly fragmented. The Company has established proven supply lines for FIBCs with integrated bag manufacturers in India, China and Mexico. Revenue from royalties is earned on the purchases of film wrap by end usersend-users from another supplier which is used in machines supplied by the Company. ForDuring each of the last three years, ending December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, other revenues accounted for 1%, 1%, and 0%, respectively, of the Company’s revenue.

 

 (2)Sales and Marketing

As of December 31, 2013,2015, the Company had 196213 sales, customer service and marketing personnel, including manufacturer representatives. The Company participates in industry trade shows and uses trade advertising as part of its marketing efforts. The Company’s customer base is diverse, with no singlediverse; however, there was one customer accountingthat accounted for more than 5%approximately 7% of total sales in 2013.2015 and 2014. Sales of products to customers located in the United States and Canada accounted for approximately 82%86% and 7% of total sales, respectively, in 2015, 83% and 8% of total sales, respectively, in 2013, 81%2014, and 9%82% and 8%; in 2012; and 80% and 9% in 2011.2013.

Many tape and film products are sold to the market through a network of paper, packaging and industrial distributors throughout North America. In order to enhance sales of the Company’s pressure sensitive carton sealing tape, itThe Company also sells carton closing systems, including automatic and semi-automatic carton sealing equipment.equipment through this same network of distribution. The Company’s shrink and stretch film products are typically sold through an existing industrial distribution base primarily to manufacturers of packaged goodsdistributors. Electrical and printing and paper products which package their products internally. The industrial electricalelectronic tapes are primarily sold through specialty distribution.

Index to the electronics and electrical industries.

Financial Statements

The Company’s woven coated fabric productsfabrics are primarily sold directly to end-users. The Company offers a line of lumberwrap, structure and specialty fabrics manufactured from plastic resins. The Company’s woven coated fabric products are marketed throughout North America.

The Company also earns revenues from the sale of FIBCs and from royalties.royalties from the sale of film wrap. FIBCs are sold primarily to end usersend-users and are marketed throughout North America.

 

 (3)Seasonality of the Company’s Main Business

The Company experiences businessdoes not experience material seasonality or cyclicality that requires the management of working capital resources. Historically, a larger investment in working capital is required in the beginning of the year as accounts receivable increases due to higher first quarter sales compared to the prior fourth quarter while inventory increases due to higher anticipated seasonal second quarter sales. Furthermore, certain liabilities are accrued for throughout the year and are only paid during the first quarter. Normal seasonality would also typically reflect a slight sequential improvement in sales volumes in the third quarter. These sequential increases are usually driven by the same seasonal demand in anticipation of higher shipping volumes in line with the general economy during that time of the year. This normal increase in sales volume in the third quarter is typically followed by a slight decline in sales in the fourth quarter.its operations.

 

 (4)Equipment and Raw Materials

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company purchases mostly custom designed manufacturing equipment, including extruders, coaters, finishing equipment, looms, printers, bag manufacturing machines and injection molds, from manufacturers located in the United States and Western Europe, and participates in the design and upgrading of such equipment. The Company is not dependent on any one manufacturer for its equipment.

The major raw materials purchased for the Company’s tape products are polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, synthetic rubber, hydrocarbon resin, and paper (crepe and kraft). The resins and synthetic rubber are generated from petrochemicals which are by-products of crude oil and natural gas. Almost allA significant majority of these products are sourced from North American manufacturers. The majority of paper products are produced by North American paper manufacturers which are derived from the North American pulp and paper industry. Raw materials accounted for approximately 67%, 67% and 69%65% of reported cost of sales in 2013, 20122015, and 2011, respectively.67% for both 2014 and 2013.

20


The major raw material used in ourthe Company’s film products is polyethylene resin. Polyethylene is a derivative of natural gas petrochemical by-products and/or crude oil.

The major raw materials used to produce the Company’s engineeredwoven coated productsfabrics are polyethylene and polypropylene resins. Both of these products are petrochemical based products derived from crude oil and/or natural gas. These products are predominantly sourced from North American petrochemical manufacturers.

During 2013,2015, selling prices (including the impact of product mix) increased moredeclined less than raw material costs, which also rosedeclined on average. During 2013,2015, resin-based raw material costs increaseddecreased by about 3%approximately 20%, adhesives decreased by approximately 12%, and paper costs were approximatelycomparable.

The prices of most of the same,major raw materials noted above can be subject to significant volatility, primarily influenced by commodity price fluctuations for crude oil and adhesives decreased about 2%.natural gas.

 

 (5)Research and Development and New Products

Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s strategy is to create growth opportunities through enhancements of existing products and the introduction of new products. The Company’s research and development efforts continue to focus on new products, technology platform developments, new product processes and formulations. As described in the sections that follow, the Company introduced 42 new products in 2015, and 38 new products in 20132014 and introduced 35 new products in both 2012 and 2011.2013.

During 2011, Intertape Polymer Group launched its new transfer adhesives product line introducing four new products developed as part of the Company’s on-going product line development in double coated tapes. Intertape™ brand ATA200 and ATA400, a 2 mil and 4 mil acrylic transfer adhesive, was designed for use in general purpose applications such as core starting, paper/film splicing, arts and crafts bonding, picture framing and lamination. The Company also introduced ATA201 and ATA401 which are more suitable for more demanding and specialized applications requiring long term bonding and high temperature and solvent resistance. In 2013, IPG expanded its adhesive transfer tapes product line to include narrower widths, longer rolls, three adhesive thicknesses and a new ATG tape dispenser.

In 2012, Four masking products were launched into the Company enhanced its appliance grade clean removal portfolio with new tensilized polypropyleneautomotive refurbishing, marine, and filament products: APL145, TPP200, TPP350,architectural painting markets. Five double-coated products were released into a variety of splicing and TPP400. Each offers excellent adhesion and stain/residue free removal from painted metals, stainless steel, ABS plastic, fiberglass and various other surfaces used in the appliance, steel, composite, plastic extrusion, fulfillment and window and door industries.bonding markets.

In 2013, the Company expanded its stretch film product line to include smaller sized bundle wrap designed as convenient solutions for many home, office, workshop, yard and school applications.

During 2011, the Company introduced a new aluminum foil tape designed primarily for HVAC applications. In developing this product the Company focused on producing a finished product that supported both the rigid duct and flexible duct application requirements. The finished product received dual certifications which permit its use to support both flexible and rigid duct HVAC criteria for building codes throughout the United States. The Company also introduced Intertape™ brand ALF175L to meet the need of a UL723 rated multi-purpose foil tape. This product was designed to give exceptional performance where use of a thinner gauge foil base material is acceptable for this application.

In 2011, the Company launched ExlfilmPlus® GPS, the Company’s newest high performance crosslinked polyolefin shrink film. This multilayered film is versatile enough to perform on all sealing systems and shrink tunnels. The premium resin formulation provides consistently strong seals and offers high shrink force, making it the ideal choice for multipacking and unitizing products.

In 2012, the Company introduced UL 181-rated AC50UL, a premium-grade HVAC duct tape for flexible air ducts and air connectors. This 14 mil high-strength polyethylene-coated cloth duct tape meets flexible duct criteria for HVAC systems required by many building codes throughout the US, including that recommended by the 2009 California Residential Compliance Manual. The Company also expanded its offering to contractors with the addition of a metalized version of this AC50UL product. Its reflective finish is especially suited for joining seams on flexible air duct with metallic jackets and duct board with exterior foil laminate vapor retarders.

With more than 90% of all corrugated boxes being recovered for recycling and the average percentage of recycled content in a corrugated box greater than 40%, the Company’s research and development recognized the need for a test that mirrors the effectiveness of carton sealing tapes when applied to boxes of varying recycled content. A new test apparatus was

21


designed that accepts any box sample, duplicates the box sealing application and measures closure performance under a variety of controlled environmental conditions. In response to this market change, research and development also formulated a new Corru-Grip™ adhesive technology designed specifically for optimal closure of highly recycled corrugate, including 100% recycled boxes. In 2012, the Company introduced a new 1100 premium 3.0 mil hot melt carton sealing tape designed with this new proprietary adhesive formulation. The market responded favorably and the Company expanded its offering in 2013 to include 8100 (2.2 mil) and 9100 (2.5 mil).

In 2013, IPG introduced four new carton sealing tape (CST) products. Specifically, two, hot melt, pressure sensitivepressure-sensitive adhesive (HMPSA) products targeted for sealing cartons with a high, recycled content and two water activatedwater-activated tape (WAT) products. One WAT CST is an improved versionDuring 2014 the Company expanded its line of IPG’s legacy Red Alert Water Activatedcarton closure solutions with the addition of Ripcord™, a knife free solution to open packages and RG317, a filament tape Red Alert MD. Red Alert MD is designed to offer the same level of packaging security as the legacy product, while providing easier opening capabilities. The other is a high-strength, burst-resistant product specifically designed for a customer’s demanding application needs. Four masking products were launched into the automotive refurbishing, marine, and architectural painting markets. Five double coated products were released into a variety of splicing and bonding markets.L-clip box closure applications.

A new stainless steel uniform semi-automatic case sealer was added to IPG’s line of Interpack™ complementary packaging systems in 2013. Targeting food processing facilities, the USC 2020-SB SS is available in food grade 302-304 stainless steel and NEMA 4 electrics, making it ideal for non-caustic wash down applications. In 2014 the Company launched its new Auto H2O™ uniform semi-automatic water-activated case sealer. The Auto H2O™ case sealer’s patented technology provides a reliable and low maintenance automatic sealing system for reinforced water-activated tape to seal corrugated containers.

Index to Financial Statements

In 2014, the Company expanded its offering of specialty tape products with the introduction of AC778, a metalized BOPP tape and ALF301, an aluminum foil tape with superior UV, chemical and temperature resistant properties.

In 2014, the Company introduced ExlfilmPlus® GPL, the Company’s newest performance shrink film. This film is a cost savings alternative to standard, heavier gauge films. The premium resin formulation exhibits exceptional machinability and high speed processing capabilities.

In 2015, the Company continued to focus significant R&D resources on the transition of duct and masking tape products from the old Columbia, South Carolina facility to the new Blythewood, South Carolina facility. This transition involved significant product modifications with the most notable being producing products with environmentally-friendly solventless technology in the new facility.

In 2015, the Company expanded its product offering to include a range of masking tapes designed for multiple surfaces as well as technically demanding applications. During 2015, the Company also introduced a direct printable hot melt carton sealing tape, which is key product for the fulfillment industry.

In 2015, the Company bolstered its Protective Packaging offering with product additions in both its air pillows and tandem bagging product lines.

The Company’s research expenses in 2015, 2014, and 2013 2012, and 2011 totaled $6.9$9.5 million, $6.2$7.9 million, and $6.2$6.9 million, respectively.

 

 (6)Trademarks and Patents

Intertape Polymer Group embarked on a new corporate branding strategy during 2009 to create and communicate overall consistency and simplicity to its markets. The Company adopted a new look to its corporate logo and redesigned its sub-brand logos which the Company believes are clearer and also have helped to identify the individual product lines.

Intertape Polymer Group markets its tape products under the trademarks Intertape™, Central®Central®, Crowell®Crowell®, American®American®, TaraTape & Design®, and TARA TAPE® and various private labels. The Company’s shrink wrap is sold under the registered trademark ExlfilmPlus™ExlfilmPlus® and Exlfilm®Exlfilm®. Its stretch films are sold under the trademark SuperFlex™SuperFlex® and StretchFlex®StretchFlex®.

The Company markets its open mouth bags under the registered trademark NovaPac®NovaPac®. The otherOther key engineered coated products, are sold under the registered trademarks NovaThene®, NovaShield®, NovaSeal®, NovaWrap™, and NovaFlash®. Its engineered fabricincluding polyolefin fabrics are sold under the registered trademark NovaThene®trademarks NovaThene®, NovaShield®, NovaSeal®, NovaWrap™, and NovaFlash®.

The Company has approximately 151157 active registered trademarks, 7885 in the United States, 2230 in Canada, 119 in Mexico, and 4033 foreign, which include trademarks acquired from American Tape, Anchor, Rexford Paper Company, Central Products Company, The Crowell Corporation, Flexia, Better Packages, TaraTape & Design®, and Flexia.TARA TAPE® The Company currently has one16 pending trademark applicationapplications in the United States, and 121 in foreign jurisdictions.

Intertape Polymer Group has a US and PCT pending patent application directed to a carton sealing tape and a US, Taiwan, and PCT pending patent application to an improved tape dispenser for carton sealing tapes. Also, theThe Company has pursued US and foreign patents in select areas where it believes that unique products offer a competitive advantage in profitable markets, primarily inmarkets. The Company’s 87 granted patents and 40 pending patent applications include engineered coated products and film for which the Company has 819 patents and 1 patent4 pending film for which it has 8 patents and 1 patent pending,applications, tape products for which it has 1435 patents and 1623 pending applications, adhesive products and manufacture for which it has 24 patents and 5 pending adhesiveapplications, other products for which it has 159 patents and 8 patents pending container products for which it has 2 patents and 1 patent pending, and retail for which it has 5 patents and no patents pending.applications.

 

 (7)Competition

The Company competes with other manufacturers of plastic packaging and pressure sensitivepressure-sensitive adhesive products as well as manufacturers of alternative packaging products, such as paper, cardboard and paper-plastic combinations. Some of these competitors are larger companies with greater financial resources than the Company. Management believes that competition, while primarily based on price and quality, is also based on other factors, including product performance characteristics and service. No statistics, however, on the packaging market as a whole are currently publicly available. Please refer to Section B(1) above for a discussion of the Company’s main competitors by product.

22


The Company believes that significant barriers to entry exist in the packagingits addressable market. Management considers the principal barriers to be the high cost of vertical integration which it believes is necessary to operate competitively, the significant number of patents which already have been issuedtechnical expertise in respect ofto various processes and equipment operation, and the difficulties and expense of developing an adequate distribution network.

Index to Financial Statements
 (8)Environmental Initiatives and Regulation

 

 (a)Initiatives

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company has and continues to be focused on reducing waste and minimizing any harmful environmental impact throughout its manufacturing process, or footprint left behind by the line of products manufactured and marketed by the Company. Lili™ isLili® represents one aspect of the Company’s environmental stewardship program and stands for “low environmental“low-environmental impact line from IPG”, however it. The stewardship program is more than just the growing number of environmentally preferred products that the Company has and continues to develop, but is also a commitment by management and employees of the Company to continually look for opportunities to lower the Company’s environmental impact. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company has implemented and continues to implement activities, changes and programs that are designed to reduce waste in the manufacturing process; reduce the footprint left behind by its products, processes and employees; increase the recycling of its products; provide an alternative solutionsolutions to a less environmentally friendly productproducts or application;applications; reduce consumption of raw materials, fuel and other energy sources; reduce pollutants released through air, water and waste; and improve the safety and health of employees.

The Company’s latest environmental initiative has beenCompany continues to focus on energy savings.its environmental initiative to save energy. In August 2009, the Company became an Energy Star®ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partner, which is a voluntary partnership with the USU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve energy efficiency and fight global warming. Intertape Polymer Group (IPG®) as an Energy Star®ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partner joined the fight against global warming by improving the efficiency of its buildings and facilities. ProductsThe EPA recognized IPG as a 2014 and buildings2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for strategically managing and improving the energy efficiency in its operating locations. In addition, several IPG facilities have met the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, which is to reduce energy intensity by 10% within 5 years. IPG facilities that have earnedmet the Energy Star® designation preventEPA’s ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry have achieved an average energy intensity reduction of 24%. The reductions have cut greenhouse gas emissions at these IPG’s plants by meeting strict energy efficiency specifications set by36,000 metric tons over the government. In 2011 Intertape Polymer Group was recognized for meetingpast 5 years, which equals the US EPA Energy Star Challenge by improving energy efficiency at commercialemissions from the electricity use of 5,000 homes.

The transition of manufacturing operations from IPG’s Columbia, South Carolina facility to IPG’s new Blythewood, South Carolina facility has further enhanced IPG’s environmental stewardship. The Blythewood plant uses non-solvent technologies that do not utilize volatile organic compounds in the manufacturing process and industrial facilities by ten percent or more within five years. Onlydo not generate hazardous waste. Additionally, the effortstransition of 34 facilities operated by 14 companies were publicly acknowledged for successfully reducing emissions at their manufacturing sites. Intertape was cited for energy efficiency improvements of 29.1%operations to the Blythewood plant has resulted in Carbondale, Illinois, 23.4% in Richmond, Kentucky, and 18.3% in Menasha, Wisconsin.increased manufacturing efficiencies.

 

 (b)Regulation

Intertape Polymer Group’sThe Company’s operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation in each of the countries in which it maintains facilities. For example, United States (federal, state and local) and Canadian (federal, provincial and municipal) environmental laws applicable to the Company include statutes and regulations intended toto: (i) impose certain obligations with respect to site contamination and to allocate the cost of investigating, monitoring and remedying soil and groundwater contamination among specifically identified parties,parties; (ii) prevent future soil and groundwater contamination; (iii) impose national ambient standards and, in some cases, emission standards, for air pollutants which present a risk to public health, welfare or the natural environment; (iv) govern the handling, management, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and substances; and (v) regulate the discharge of pollutants into waterways.

The Company’s use of hazardous substances in its manufacturing processes and the generation of hazardous wastes not only by the Company, but by prior occupants of its facilities, suggest that hazardous substances may be present at or near certain of the Company’s facilities or may come to be located there in the future. Consequently, the Company is required to monitor closely its compliance under all the various environmental laws and regulations applicable to the Company. In addition, the Company arranges for the off-site disposal of hazardous substances generated in the ordinary course of its business.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company obtains Phase I or similar environmental site assessments, and Phase II environmental site assessments, if necessary, for most of the manufacturing facilities it owns or leases at the time the Company either acquires or leases such facilities. These assessments typically include general inspections and may involve soil sampling and/or ground water analysis. The assessments have not revealed any environmental liability that, based on current information,other than, or in addition to, the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on$2.5 million liability accrued in provisions in the Company.Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Nevertheless, these assessments may not reveal all potential

23


environmental liabilities and current assessments are not available for all facilities. Consequently, there may be material environmental liabilities that the Company is not aware of. In addition, ongoing clean up and containment operations may not be adequate for purposes of future laws and regulations. The conditions of the Company’s properties could also be affected in the future by neighboring operations or the conditions of the land in the vicinity of the Company’s properties. These developments and others, such as increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, increasingly strict enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, or claims for damage to property or injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health or safety impact of the Company’s operations, may cause it to incur significant costs and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Except as described below, the

Index to Financial Statements

The Company believes that all of its facilities are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and that the Company has obtained, and is in material compliance with, all material permits required under environmental laws and regulations.

The Company has purchased a new building in Blythewood South Carolina and is expected to closeplant uses low environmental impact technologies. After the existing Columbia, South Carolina plant by Mayrecent closure of 2015. This new plant will have technology with advanced environmental controls. Thethe Columbia, South Carolina Plant, its production will bewas relocated to this new plant and other existing Company plants. In preparation forThe reduced environmental impacts from Blythewood plant operations minimize applicability of environmental laws and permit requirements. Blythewood operations only require a minor EPA air emission permit and the facility is not classified as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste as opposed to the previous Columbia plant. The transition of manufacturing operations from the Columbia South Carolina plant closureto the Company will continue to monitorBlythewood plant has significantly reduced carbon emissions and limit environmental impacts, including certain contaminationhazardous air pollutants that has negatively impacted the value of this property.require EPA reporting and significantly reduced carbon emissions.

In addition, although certain of the Company’s facilities emit regulated pollutants into the air, the emissions are within current permitted limits, including applicable Maximum Achievable Control Technology (“MACT”) requirements.

Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company and its operating subsidiaries are required to maintain numerous environmental permits and governmental approvals for their operations. Some of the environmental permits and governmental approvals that have been issued to the Company or its operating subsidiaries contain conditions and restrictions, including restrictions or limits on emissions and discharges of pollutants and contaminants, or may have limited terms. If the Company or any of its operating subsidiaries fails to satisfy these conditions or to comply with these restrictions, it may become subject to enforcement actions and the operation of the relevant facilities could be adversely affected. The Company may also be subject to fines, penalties or additional costs. The Company or its operating subsidiaries may not be able to renew, maintain or obtain all environmental permits and governmental approvals required for the continued operation or further development of its facilities, as a result of which the operation of its facilities may be limited or suspended.

 

 C.ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is a holding company which owns various operating companies in the United States, Canada and internationally. Intertape Polymer Inc., a Canadian corporation, is the principal operating company for the Company’s Canadian operations. Intertape Polymer Corp., a Delaware corporation, is the principal operating company for the Company’s United States and international operations.

The table below lists for each of the subsidiaries of the Company their respective place of incorporation or constitution, as the case may be, and the percentage of voting securities beneficially owned or over which control or direction is exercised directly or indirectly by Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

 

Corporation

  Place of Incorporation
Incorporation or
Constitution
  Percentage of Ownership
or Control
 

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

  Canada   Parent  

Intertape Polymer Inc.

  Canada   100

Spuntech Fabrics Inc.*

  Canada   100

Intertape Polymer Corp.

  Delaware   100

Intertape Woven Products Services, S.A. de C.V.

  Mexico   100

24


Corporation

Place of
Incorporation or
Constitution
Percentage of Ownership
or Control

Intertape Woven Products, S.A. de C.V.

  Mexico   100

IPG Holdings LP *Luxembourg Finance S.à r.l

  DelawareLuxembourg   100

IPG (US) Inc.

  Delaware   100

IPG (US) Holdings Inc.

  Delaware   100

Intertape Polymer USBP Acquisition Corporation

Connecticut100

Better Packages, Inc.

Delaware100

RJM Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a TaraTape)

  Delaware   100

Fibope Portuguesa-Filmes Biorientados S.A.

  Portugal   100

Intertape Polymer Europe GmbH

  Germany   100

 

*Dormant

Index to Financial Statements
 D.PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT

 

Location

  Status Use  Products Square Feet   Property
Size

(Acres)
   

Status

  

Use

  

Products

  

Square Feet

  

Property
Size (Acres)

 

3647 Cortez Road West(1)

Bradenton, FL 34210

  Owned Idle  N/A  20,806     3.71  

100 Paramount Dr, Suite 300

Sarasota, FL 34232

  Leased Office  N/A  28,574      Leased  Office  N/A  31,942  

369 Elgin Street

Brantford, Ontario N3S 7P5

  Sold

Jan 2013

 Manufacturing  N/A  169,000     9.20  

2000 South Beltline Boulevard

Columbia, SC 29201

  Owned Manufacturing  Tapes (paper duct)  
 
7 Buildings –
499,770
  
  
   86.48    Owned  Idle    7 Buildings – 499,770   86.48  

1091 Carolina Pines Dr.(3)

Blythewood, SC 29016

  Owned Manufacturing  Tapes (paper duct)  350,000     33.83  

1091 Carolina Pines Dr.

Blythewood, SC 29016

  Owned  Manufacturing  Tapes (paper duct)  350,000   33.83  

360 Ringgold Industrial Pkwy.

Danville, VA 24540

  Leased Regional
Distribution
Center
  All products  199,600      Leased  Regional Distribution Center  All products  199,600  

19680 94A Avenue

Langley, British Columbia

V1M 3B7

  Leased

(Expires
4/30/2014)

 Manufacturing  ECPs  136,000    

10101 Nordel Court

Delta, British Columbia

V4G 1J8

  Leased

(Begins
1/1/2014)

 Manufacturing  ECPs  54,274      Leased  Manufacturing  ECPs  54,274  

317 Kendall Street(2)

Marysville, Michigan 48040

  Owned Manufacturing  Tapes (paper reinforced)  
 
5 Buildings –
226,016
  
  
   11.53    Owned  Manufacturing  Tapes (paper reinforced)  5 Buildings – 226,016   11.53  

741 4th Street

Menasha, Wisconsin 54952

  Owned Manufacturing  Tapes (water activated)  165,134     5.91    Owned  Manufacturing  Tapes (water activated)  165,134   5.91  

748 Sheboygan Street

Menasha, Wisconsin 54953

  Owned Office
Building
  N/A  16,251     Incl above    Owned  Office Building  N/A  16,251   Incl above  

2000 Enterprise Drive(2)

Richmond, Kentucky 40475

  Owned Idle  N/A  194,000     35.00  

760 West 1000 North

Tremonton, Utah 84337

  Owned  Manufacturing  Exlfilm®, Stretchflex®  115,000   17.00  

50 Abbey Avenue

Truro, Nova Scotia

  Owned  Manufacturing  ECPs  306,200   13.00  

543 Willow Street

Truro, Nova Scotia

  Leased  Warehouse    27,000  

9942 Currie Davis Dr.,

Ste 23B

Tampa, Florida 33619

  Leased  Manufacturing  Tape dispensing machinery  17,000  

2200 North McRoy Drive

Carbondale, Illinois 62901

  Owned  Manufacturing  Tapes – electrical, filament, specialty  190,324   29.9  

1095 S. 4th Avenue

Brighton, Colorado 80601

  Leased  Manufacturing  Film  

Manufacturing & Office – 252,940

Warehouse – 21,450

  

1101 Eagle Springs Road

Danville, Virginia 24540

  Owned  Manufacturing  Carton sealing tape, Stretchflex®, acrylic coating  289,195   26.0  

341 Bullys Street

Eagle Pass, Texas 78852

  Leased  Warehouse  FIBCs  20,000  

4-6 Hershey Dr

Ansonia, CT

  Leased  Manufacturing  Tape dispensing machinery  27,600  

250 Canal Rd

Fairless Hills, PA

  Leased  Manufacturing  Tapes- filaments  88,326  

772 Specialists Avenue

Neenah, Wisconsin 54956

  Leased  Distribution  Tapes – water activated  75,000  

1536 Cty Rd O

Neenah, Wisconsin 54957

  Leased  

Distribution

(Replacement for 772 Specialists Ave)

  Tapes – water activated  114,650  

1407 The Boulevard, Suite E

Rayne, Louisiana 70578

  Leased  Offices  N/A  1,472  

4061 E. Francis Street

Ontario, California 91761

  Leased  Warehouse and Distribution  

Tapes

Packaging products

  50,000  

9999 Cavendish Blvd.,

Suite 200

St. Laurent, Quebec H4M 2X5

  Leased  Offices  N/A  8,500  

Gronfahrtweg 3

24955 Harrislee

Germany

  Leased  Office  N/A  560   5.4  

Lugar de Vilares-Barqueiros

4740-676 Barqueiros BCL

Barcelos, Portugal

  Owned  Manufacturing and Distribution  Exlfilm®  35,500  

20 Rue de Peupliers

L-2328 Luxembourg

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

  Leased  Office  N/A  108  

25


Location

  Status  Use  Products Square Feet   Property
Size

(Acres)
 

760 West 1000 North(2)

Tremonton, Utah 84337

  Owned  Manufacturing  Exlfilm®,
Stretchflex®
  115,000     17.00  

50 Abbey Avenue(2)

Truro, Nova Scotia

  Owned  Manufacturing  engineered fabric
products and
Exlfilm®
  306,200     13.00  

543 Willow Street

Truro, Nova Scotia

  Leased  Warehouse    15,000    

9942 Currie Davis Dr., Ste 23B

Tampa, Florida 33619

  Leased  Manufacturing  Assembles tape
dispensing
machinery
  17,000    

2200 North McRoy Drive(2)

Carbondale, Illinois 62901

  Owned  Manufacturing  Tapes - electrical  190,324     29.9  

1095 S. 4th Avenue

Brighton, Colorado 80601

  Leased  Manufacturing  Film  
 

 
 

Manufacturing &
Office – 252,940

Warehouse –
21,450

  
  

  
  

  

1101 Eagle Springs Road(2)

Danville, Virginia 24540

  Owned  Manufacturing  Carton sealing tape,
Stretchflex®, acrylic
coating
  289,195     26.0  

341 Bullys Street

Eagle Pass, Texas 78852

  Leased  Warehouse  FIBCs  20,000    

772 Specialists Avenue

Neenah, Wisconsin 54956

  Leased  Distribution  Tapes – water
activated
  75,000    

1407 The Boulevard, Suite E

Rayne, Louisiana 70578

  Leased  Offices  N/A   

4061 E. Francis Street

Ontario, California 91761

  Leased  Warehouse and
Distribution
  Tapes

Packaging products

  50,000    

9999 Cavendish Blvd., Suite 200

St. Laurent, Quebec H4M 2X5

  Leased  Offices  N/A  

 

13,500 in 2013

8,500 a/o 1/1/2014

  

  

  

Gronfahrtweg 3

24955 Harrislee

Germany

  Leased  Office  N/A  560    

Lugar de Vilares-Barqueiros

4740-676 Barqueiros BCL

Barcelos, Portugal

  Owned  Manufacturing
and Distribution
  Exlfilm®  35,500    

(1)Encumbered by $1,765,500 commercial mortgage.
(2)Encumbered by $15,122,500 real estate secured term loan secured by certain real estate and improvements.
(3)Encumbered by commercial mortgage for up to $10.7 million, $8.5 million of which was advanced upon closing of the purchase of the property in June 2013, secured by real estate and improvements located in Blythewood, South Carolina. An additional $2.1 million is available to be loaned upon completion and appraisal of the building improvements to adapt the property for use as a manufacturing facility.
Index to Financial Statements

The Company also owns inventory that is temporarily located at facilities owned by various third-party logistics service providers. As these facilities are not owned or leased by the Company, they have been excluded from the summary table above.

The Company continued to move forward in 20132015 on several of its initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiencies.productivity, increase capacity, and manufacture new products. Capital expenditures for the replacement of machinery and equipment during 20122013, 2014, and 20132015 totaled $21.6$46.8 million, $40.6 million and $46.8$34.3 million, respectively,respectively. The Company typically relies upon cash flows from operations and funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund capital expenditures. In 2013 and 2014, capital expenditures were also financed in part by an Equipment Finance Agreement, the terms of which are summarized in Item 4.B. above.

26


The Company is also relocatinghas relocated and modernizingshut down permanently its Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility. In June 2013, the Company acquired property in Blythewood, South Carolina financed by an $8.5 million mortgage with Wells Fargo National Association. The new manufacturing facility will have state-of-the-art equipmentAssociation (in November 2014, the Company prepaid this loan in full with proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility). As of December 31, 2015, the Company had completed commissioning efforts in relation to the duct tape production line and is anticipatedbegan limited production and sales of masking tape in Blythewood, South Carolina with the full transfer of masking tape production still expected to be operationalcompleted in the first half of 2015.2016. Capital expenditures for thethis project are expected to total $43.0 million to $46.0approximately $60 million, of which $2.7 million was spent in 2012, and $21.8 million in 2013.2013, $24.3 million in 2014, and $7.9 million in 2015. The Company anticipates that the new South Carolina facility will result in a total annual cash savings in excess of $13.0 million commencing in the first half of 2015 with the first full year effectseffect in 2016.2017.

 

Item 4A:Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5:Operating and Financial Review and Prospects (Management’s Discussion & Analysis)

27


This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to provide the reader with a better understanding of the business, business strategy and performance of the Company,Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (the “Company”), as well as how it manages certain risks and capital resources. This MD&A, which has been prepared as of March 9, 2016, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 20132015 and 20122014 and for the three-year period ended December 31, 2013.2015 (“Financial Statements”).

For the purposes of preparing this MD&A, the Company considers the materiality of information. Information is considered material if the Company believes at the time of preparing this MD&A: (i) such information results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a significant change in the market price or value of the common shares of the Company; (ii) there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making an investment decision; and/or (iii) it would significantly alter the total mix of information available to investors. The Company evaluates materiality with reference to all relevant circumstances, including potential market sensitivity.

Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information presented in this MD&A, including tabular amounts, is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS” or “GAAP”) and is expressed in US dollars except as otherwise noted.dollars. Variance, ratio and percentage changes in this MD&A are based on unrounded numbers.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Index to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

(In thousandsmillions of US dollars, except per share data,amounts, selected ratios, stock and trading volume information)

(Unaudited)

 

   2013  2012(1)  2011(1) 
   $  $  $ 

Operations

    

Revenue

   781,500    784,430    786,737  

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381    7,384  

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital items

   90,804    78,699    54,174  

Per Common Share

    

Net earnings - basic

   1.12    0.35    0.13  

Net earnings - diluted

   1.09    0.34    0.12  

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital items - diluted

   1.47    1.30    0.92  

Book Value(2)

   3.79    2.58    2.33  

Financial Position

    

Working capital(3)

   115,036    111,748    124,652  

Total assets

   465,199    426,152    446,723  

Total long-term debt

   121,111    141,611    191,142  

Shareholders’ equity

   230,428    153,834    137,178  

Selected Ratios

    

Current Ratio(4)

   2.32    2.28    2.58  

Debt to capital employed(5)

   0.36    0.50    0.59  

Return on equity(6)

   29.2  13.2  5.4

Stock Information

    

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic(7)

   60,380    59,072    58,961  

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted(7)

   61,633    60,629    59,099  

Shares outstanding as of December 31(7)

   60,777    59,625    58,961  

The Toronto Stock Exchange (CDN$)

    

Share price as of December 31

   14.03    8.00    3.31  

High: 52 weeks

   15.62    9.07    3.31  

Low: 52 weeks

   7.96    3.12    1.02  

Volume: 52 weeks(7)

   358,507    83,972    20,907  

   2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $ 

Operations

    

Revenue

   781.9    812.7    781.5  

Gross margin(1)

   21.5  20.1  20.3

Net earnings

   56.7    35.8    67.4  

Adjusted net earnings(2)

   58.6    52.4    103.4  

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   102.0    103.9    103.1  

Cash flows from operating activities

   102.3    86.9    82.2  

Free cash flows(2)

   68.0    46.3    35.3  

Capital expenditures(3)

   34.3    40.6    46.8  

Effective Tax Rate(4)

   16.2  39.0  -113.5

Per Common Share

    

Net earnings - diluted

   0.93    0.58    1.09  

Adjusted net earnings - diluted(2)

   0.96    0.84    1.68  

Dividend paid per share

   0.50    0.40    0.24  

Financial Position

    

Working capital(5)

   130.5    128.2    115.0  

Total assets

   487.3    466.7    465.2  

Net debt(6)

   135.2    114.9    127.3  

Shareholders’ equity

   216.7    227.5    230.4  

Cash and loan availability(7)

   182.3    206.2    50.3  

Selected Ratios

    

Current Ratio(8)

   2.45    2.50    2.32  

Leverage Ratio(2) (9)

   1.50    1.19    1.26  

Return on equity(10)

   26.1  15.7  29.2

Index to Financial Statements

Stock Information

      

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted(11)

   61,111     62,061     61,633  

Shares outstanding as of December 31(11)

   58,668     60,436     60,777  

The Toronto Stock Exchange (CDN$)

      

Share price as of December 31

   18.69     18.61     14.03  

High: 52 weeks

   20.51     19.95     15.62  

Low: 52 weeks

   13.67     11.12     7.96  

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19-Employee Benefitsbecame effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, and as a result, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 and 2011 were lower than originally reported. Refer to the Section entitled “Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans” of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 – Changes in Accounting Policies of the December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements, for a summary of the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial results.Gross profit divided by revenue
(2)Shareholders’ equity dividedThese are non-GAAP measures defined below and accompanied by shares outstanding December 31the reconciliation to the closest GAAP measure
(3)Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(4)Refer to Note 5 – Income Taxes to the Company’s Financial Statements
(5)Current assets less current liabilities
(4)(6)Long-term debt plus installments on long-term debt less cash
(7)Refer to Note 13 – Long-Term Debt to the Company’s Financial Statements
(8)Current assets divided by current liabilities
(5)(9)Installment portion of long-termLong-term debt plus installments on long-term debt divided by installment portion of long-term debt plus long-term debt plus shareholders’ equityadjusted EBITDA
(6)(10)Net earnings divided by end of period shareholders’ equity
(7)(11)In thousands

2015 Share Prices

 

28


2013 Share Prices  High   Low   Close   ADV(1) 
  High   Low   Close   ADV(1) 
The Toronto Stock Exchange (CDN$)                        

Q1

   11.07     7.96     11.04     349,746     20.51     16.74     17.53     218,247  

Q2

   13.28     10.63     13.00     328,838     20.31     16.21     18.72     136,468  

Q3

   15.62     11.37     14.86     483,505     20.21     13.67     14.27     252,331  

Q4

   15.50     12.36     14.03     272,132     19.01     13.96     18.69     221,181  

 

(1)Average Daily VolumeRepresents average daily volume sourced from the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Quarterly Statements Ofof Earnings (Loss)(1)

(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

         1st Quarter         2nd Quarter 
   2013  2012  2011  2013   2012  2011 
   $  $  $  $   $  $ 

Revenue

   196,695    198,912    192,620    193,462     197,751    209,741  

Cost of sales

   158,389    166,505    169,241    151,202     161,629    177,442  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   38,306    32,407    23,379    42,260     36,122    32,299  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   22,959    18,373    18,406    20,208     20,653    21,558  

Research expenses

   1,602    1,519    1,373    1,589     1,650    1,468  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   24,561    19,892    19,779    21,797     22,303    23,026  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   13,745    12,515    3,600    20,463     13,819    9,273  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   27,201    546    3    924     14,152    1,543  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

   (13,456  11,969    3,597    19,539     (333  7,730  

Finance Costs

        

Interest

   1,753    3,355    3,791    1,846     3,384    4,010  

Other (income) expense

   160    473    2    437     667    121  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,913    3,828    3,793    2,283     4,051    4,131  

Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

   (15,369  8,141    (196  17,256     (4,384  3,599  

Income tax expense (benefit)

        

Current

   751    493    82    1,909     353    308  

Deferred

   (312  (61  154    226     (848  (126
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   439    432    236    2,135     (495  182  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   (15,808  7,709    (432  15,121     (3,889  3,417  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

        

Basic

   (0.26  0.13    (0.01  0.25     (0.07  0.06  

Diluted

   (0.26  0.13    (0.01  0.25     (0.07  0.06  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

        

Basic

   59,692,751    58,961,050    58,961,050    60,288,991     58,981,435    58,961,050  

Diluted

   59,692,751    60,156,176    58,961,050    61,584,732     58,981,435    58,989,394  

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19-Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, and as a result, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 and 2011 were lower than originally reported. Refer to the Section entitled “Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans” of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 – Changes in Accounting Policies of the December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements, for a summary of the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial results.

 

29
   1st Quarter  2nd Quarter 
   2015  2014  2013  2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Revenue

   189,009    199,948    196,695    196,586    202,925    193,462  

Cost of sales

   151,994    157,250    158,389    154,178    158,875    151,202  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   37,015    42,698    38,306    42,408    44,050    42,260  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross margin

   19.6  21.4  19.5  21.6  21.7  21.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   18,127    18,980    22,959    22,253    20,561    20,208  

Research expenses

   2,066    2,074    1,602    2,141    1,667    1,589  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   20,193    21,054    24,561    24,394    22,228    21,797  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   16,822    21,644    13,745    18,014    21,822    20,463  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   660    1,384    27,201    142    1,020    924  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

   16,162    20,260    (13,456  17,872    20,802    19,539  

Finance costs

       

Interest

   616    831    1,753    982    864    1,846  

Other expense (income), net

   (641  352    160    395    370    437  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (25  1,183    1,913    1,377    1,234    2,283  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

   16,187    19,077    (15,369  16,495    19,568    17,256  

Income tax expense (benefit)

       

Current

   1,063    457    751    1,249    1,062    1,909  

Deferred

   3,346    6,986    (312  3,498    6,392    226  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   4,409    7,443    439    4,747    7,454    2,135  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   11,778    11,634    (15,808  11,748    12,114    15,121  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

       

Basic

   0.19    0.19    (0.26  0.20    0.20    0.25  

Diluted

   0.19    0.19    (0.26  0.19    0.19    0.25  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

       

Basic

   60,471,031    60,776,649    59,692,751    59,727,825    60,825,745    60,288,991  

Diluted

   62,198,126    62,019,844    59,692,751    61,739,717    62,569,430    61,584,732  


Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Quarterly Statements Ofof Earnings (Loss)(1)

(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

          3rd Quarter         4th Quarter 
   2013   2012  2011   2013  2012  2011 
   $   $  $   $  $  $ 

Revenue

   199,853     198,476    201,360     191,490    189,291    183,016  

Cost of sales

   159,872     163,499    171,466     153,543    154,048    155,833  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   39,981     34,977    29,894     37,947    35,243    27,183  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   20,547     19,260    18,589     18,968    20,849    18,416  

Research expenses

   1,701     1,530    1,737     2,008    1,528    1,622  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   22,248     20,790    20,326     20,976    22,377    20,038  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   17,733     14,187    9,568     16,971    12,866    7,145  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   934     387    967     1,647    3,172    378  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

   16,799     13,800    8,601     15,324    9,694    6,767  

Finance Costs

         

Interest

   1,261     3,347    3,901     847    3,147    3,659  

Other (income) expense

   190     (192  1,610     159    355    447  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,451     3,155    5,511     1,006    3,502    4,106  

Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

   15,348     10,645    3,090     14,318    6,192    2,661  

Income tax expense (benefit)

         

Current

   729     (888  176     233    969    122  

Deferred

   200     659    459     (39,540  (464  595  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   929     (229  635     (39,307  505    717  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   14,419     10,874    2,455     53,625    5,687    1,944  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

         

Basic

   0.24     0.18    0.04     0.88    0.10    0.03  

Diluted

   0.23     0.18    0.04     0.86    0.09    0.03  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

         

Basic

   60,731,173     59,028,088    58,961,050     60,776,649    59,316,858    58,961,050  

Diluted

   62,072,583     61,054,123    59,267,987     62,170,733    61,036,145    59,526,474  

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19-Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, and as a result, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 and 2011 were lower than originally reported. Refer to the Section entitled “Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans” of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 – Changes in Accounting Policies of the December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements, for a summary of the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial results.

Business

   3rd Quarter  4th Quarter 
   2015  2014  2013  2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Revenue

   200,635    209,109    199,853    195,677    200,750    191,490  

Cost of sales

   157,838    168,447    159,872    149,885    164,527    153,543  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   42,797    40,662    39,981    45,792    36,223    37,947  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross margin

   21.3  19.4  20.0  23.4  18.0  19.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   17,927    23,153    20,547    25,765    23,261    18,968  

Research expenses

   2,499    1,778    1,701    2,753    2,354    2,008  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   20,426    24,931    22,248    28,518    25,615    20,976  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   22,371    15,731    17,733    17,274    10,608    16,971  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   181    1,560    934    2,683    963    1,647  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   22,190    14,171    16,799    14,591    9,645    15,324  

Finance costs

       

Interest

   919    867    1,261    1,036    2,069    847  

Other expense (income), net

   (651  426    190    504    380    159  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   268    1,293    1,451    1,540    2,449    1,006  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense (benefit)

   21,922    12,878    15,348    13,051    7,196    14,318  

Income tax expense (benefit)

       

Current

   3,281    2,914    729    2,592    (768  233  

Deferred

   2,987    3,953    200    (7,033  1,907    (39,540
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   6,268    6,867    929    (4,441  1,139    (39,307
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   15,654    6,011    14,419    17,492    6,057    53,625  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share

       

Basic

   0.26    0.10    0.24    0.30    0.10    0.88  

Diluted

   0.26    0.10    0.23    0.29    0.10    0.86  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

       

Basic

   59,785,871    60,790,184    60,731,173    58,802,897    60,427,043    60,776,649  

Diluted

   60,879,777    62,457,931    62,072,583    60,316,201    62,307,696    62,170,733  

Overview

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. operates in the specialty packaging industry in North America. The Company develops, manufactures and sells a variety of paper and film based pressure sensitive and water activatedwater-activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin packaging films, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use and retail applications.use. The Company’s products primarily consist ofof: carton sealing tapes, including pressure sensitive and water activatedwater-activated tapes; industrial and performance specialty tapes, including masking, duct, electrical and reinforced filament tapes; shrink film; stretch wrap; lumberwrap, structure fabrics and geomembrane fabrics; and non-manufactured flexible intermediate bulk containers.

In 2013, theThe Company reported a 3.8% decrease in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 and a 2.5% decrease in revenue for the fourth quarter of $781.5 million,2015 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease in both periods was primarily due to a $2.9 million or 0.4% decrease from $784.4 million for 2012. Selling prices,in average selling price, including the impact of product mix, partially offset by additional revenue from the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions. Both periods in 2015 were impacted negatively by an estimated $9 million of lost sales due to the South Carolina Flood (defined later in this document).

Index to Financial Statements

Gross margin increased approximately 2% and sales volume decreased approximately 3%to 21.5% in 2013the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 2012. The increase20.1% in selling prices, including the impact of product mix, was2014 primarily due to higher prices of equivalent units to pass through raw material cost increases which is reflective of a more favourable pricing environment as well as improved mix from reduction in sales of lower margin products. The sales volume decrease was primarily due to the reduction in sales of lower margin products resulting from the de-emphasis of the sale of such products.

Gross profit totalled $158.5 million in 2013 as compared to $138.7 million in 2012, a $19.7 million or 14.2% increase. The increase in gross profit in 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily due to improved product mix from continued progress made toward reducing sales of lower margin products,an increase in the spread between selling prices and raw material costs and netthe favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reductionsreduction programs, partially offset by an unfavourable product mix, an increase in manufacturing inefficiencies mainly related to the South Carolina Project and the decision to change manufacturing locations of certain products to meet customers’ demand.

Gross margin increased to 23.4% in the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared to 18.0% in the fourth quarter of 2014 primarily due to an increase in the spread between selling prices and lower sales volume.raw material costs, a significant improvement in manufacturing performance, the reversal of a 2010 impairment for manufacturing equipment, and the favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reduction programs, partially offset by an unfavourable product mix, the decision to change manufacturing locations of certain products to meet customers’ demand and the impact of the South Carolina Flood.

ForNet earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013,2015 increased to $56.7 million ($0.95 basic earnings per share and $0.93 diluted earnings per share) from $35.8 million ($0.59 basic earnings per share and $0.58 diluted earnings per share) for the Company reportedsame period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in income tax expense and finance costs, and an increase in gross profit.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased to $17.5 million ($0.30 basic earnings per share and $0.29 diluted earnings per share) from $6.1 million ($0.10 basic and diluted earnings per share) for the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in gross profit and a decrease in income tax expense, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) related to an increase in variable compensation expense, and an increase in manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges primarily associated with the South Carolina Flood.

Adjusted net earnings of $67.4 million ($1.12 per share basic, $1.09 per share diluted)(a non-GAAP financial measure as compared to $20.4 million ($0.35 per share basic, $0.34 per share diluted)defined and reconciled later in 2012. Forthis document) for the year ended December 31, 20112015 increased to $58.6 million ($0.98 basic adjusted earnings per share and $0.96 diluted adjusted earnings per share) from $52.4 million ($0.86 basic adjusted earnings per share and $0.84 diluted adjusted earnings per share) for the Company reportedsame period in 2014. Adjusted net earnings of $7.4 million ($0.13 per share basic, $0.12 per share diluted). The significantincreased primarily due to decreases in income tax expense, finance costs and variable compensation expenses, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit, an increase in certain other SG&A expenses, and an increase in research expenses primarily associated with the South Carolina Project (defined later in this document).

Adjusted net earnings for 2013the fourth quarter of 2015 increased to $18.9 million ($0.32 basic adjusted earnings per share and $0.31 diluted adjusted earnings per share) from $11.9 million ($0.20 basic adjusted earnings per share and $0.19 diluted adjusted earnings per share) for the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted net earnings increased primarily due to a decrease in income tax and an increase in gross profit, partially offset by an increase in variable compensation expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and reconciled later in this document) decreased $1.9 million to $102.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $103.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange due to the strengthening of the US dollar compared to 2012the Canadian dollar and Euro (“FX impact”), an increase in certain SG&A expenses, and an increase in research expenses primarily associated with the South Carolina Project, partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA increased $3.9 million to $24.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 from $20.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the recognition of $47.8 million of previously derecognized deferred tax assets related to the US jurisdiction combined with improvedan increase in gross profit, as discussed above, partially offset by a $12.4 millionan increase in manufacturing facility closure costs.

variable compensation expense.

30


Manufacturing cost reduction programs implemented during 2013 primarily relating to productivity improvementsFor the three months and material substitution resultedyear ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 366,600 and 2,487,188 common shares under its normal course issuer bids (“NCIBs”) for a total purchase price of $4.0 million and $30.0 million, respectively. As of March 9, 2016, the Company repurchased 147,200 shares under the NCIB in savings2016 for a total purchase price of approximately $14 million which included $3.2 million from the closure of the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility (“Kentucky Plant Closure”) and the consolidation of shrink film production from Truro, Nova Scotia to Tremonton, Utah (“Shrink Film Consolidation”).$1.7 million.

On August 14, 2013,12, 2015, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s quarterly dividend policy to increase the frequency of theannualized dividend from a semi-annual payment$0.48 to a quarterly payment.$0.52 per share. The Board’s decision to doubleincrease the annualized dividend reflectswas based on the Company’s continuedstrong financial improvementposition and positive outlook. TotalThe declaration and payment of future dividends, paid during 2013 were $14.5 million.

During 2013,however, are discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Board of Directors each quarter following its review of, among other considerations, the Company’s financial performance and the Company’s legal ability to pay dividends. Since the dividend policy was reinstated in August 2012, the Company redeemed, at par value, the remaining $38.7has paid $73.3 million aggregate principal amountin cumulative dividends, of its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) due August 2014 and the Indenturewhich $29.7 million was discharged and all Notes satisfied. The Company reduced total debt during 2013 by $21.5 million.paid in 2015.

On February 6, 2014,March 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08$0.13 per common share payable on March 31, 201421, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2014.31, 2016.

Outlook

Index to Financial Statements

Columbia, South Carolina Flood Update

For 2014,On October 4, 2015, the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility was damaged by significant rainfall and subsequent severe flooding (“South Carolina Flood”). The damages sustained were considerable and resulted in the facility being shut down permanently. The Company had planned to shut down this facility by the end of the second quarter of 2016 so this represents a timeline of eight to nine months earlier. Production of duct tape at the new Blythewood, South Carolina facility was not affected by the flooding and was shut down for only two days in order to ensure it was safe for employees to return to work.

The Company, along with its insurers and advisors, continues to assess the damage. The Company believes that it has sufficient property and business interruption insurance coverage, and expects that the losses exceeding the $0.5 million deductible will be substantially covered by those insurance policies.

The shut down of the Columbia, South Carolina facility has impacted the production of several masking tape and stencil products that represented approximately $55 million of total annualized sales. The Company has since taken all reasonable measures to ensure that customers’ needs are met.

Production of masking tape has been relocated to the Company’s other facilities such as the Marysville, Michigan and Blythewood, South Carolina facilities. Any masking tape production temporarily moved to the Marysville, Michigan facility will subsequently be transferred to the Blythewood, South Carolina facility. The transfer of masking tape production to the new Blythewood, South Carolina facility represents an acceleration of the previously announced schedule of the end of the second quarter of 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company anticipates moderate revenue growth similarbegan commercial production of certain masking tape products in the Blythewood, South Carolina facility but production levels are still not at intended target levels. In addition, the Company is experiencing higher costs of production and transportation in the masking tape production that was moved to the forecasted North American economic growth, while continuing to improve product mix.Marysville, Michigan facility. The Company expects that these operating inefficiencies will continue until the end of 2016 as current production levels in the Blythewood, South Carolina facility improve to focustargeted levels and masking tape products are moved from the Marysville, Michigan facility.

Production of stencil products is in the process of being relocated to other manufacturing facilities. Due mainly to the lead time required to receive and commission new equipment for stencil production, the Company expects that production will resume at some point in the second half of 2016. The Company has been mitigating this delay with its customers via outsourcing arrangements.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $6.5 million of manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges related to the Columbia, South Carolina facility damage to real and personal property as well as subsequent clean-up and idle facility costs. Partially offsetting the charges within the same caption were $5.0 million in initial insurance settlement claim proceeds received in 2015.

The Company estimates that its results for both the year and fourth quarter of 2015 were negatively impacted by the South Carolina Flood by the following amounts: approximately $9 million of lost sales of masking tape and stencil products, and reductions in gross profit and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $3 million. In addition to the impact of lost sales, the negative impact to gross profit and adjusted EBITDA is due to lost gross profit on executing onlost sales as well as incremental costs from alternative product sourcing, partially offset by the reduction in South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs following the unexpected permanent shut down of the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility.

Going forward, the Company expects, but is currently unable to provide a reliable estimate for the amount and timing of, future amounts related to: insurance recoveries, business interruption losses (including, but not limited to, lost sales and temporary alternative sourcing of the Company’s products), site clean-up and environmental remediation costs, and professional fee costs related to the insurance claim process.

South Carolina Project Update

The “South Carolina Project” refers to the previously announced relocation and modernization of itsthe Company’s Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing operationoperation. This project involves moving the Company’s duct tape and masking tape production to a new state-of-the-art facility in Blythewood, South Carolina (“South Carolina Project”) and on reducing variable manufacturing costs.

The Company’s financial projections include the following:

Revenue for the first quarter of 2014 is expected to be greater than the fourth quarter of 2013, which is reflective of normal seasonality. Revenue is expected to be approximately the same or slightly higher than the first quarter of 2013;

Gross margin for 2014, as well as formoving flatback tape production to the first quarter of 2014, is expectedCompany’s existing facility in Marysville, Michigan. “South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs” refers to be in the range of 20% to 22%. This reflects expected further improvement resulting from gross margin expansion initiatives partially offset by approximately $3 to $7 million of temporary operating cost increases the majority of which is expectedrelated to operating both plants in the second half of 2014 with the remainder expected in the first half of 2015. These expected costs are related toSouth Carolina simultaneously and performing planned actions to mitigate risk associated with new technology, including state-of-the-art equipment, to support the South Carolina Project;
Project. “South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction” refers to the sales attributed to the commissioning efforts of the production lines that were accounted for as a reduction of revenue and a corresponding reduction of the cost of the South Carolina Project. In addition, unless otherwise noted, the impact of the South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction on gross profit and capital expenditures is not significant due to the requirement to offset this revenue with the associated cost of sales in the reclassification of the related gross profit as a reduction of the capital expenditures.

Index to Financial Statements

As expected, the Blythewood, South Carolina facility’s duct tape production efficiency continued to improve throughout the fourth quarter of 2015 and was close to reaching targeted performance levels in early 2016. In the second and third quarters of 2015, the Company recorded a $10.5 million South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction attributed to the duct tape commissioning efforts for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction for duct tape product required in the fourth quarter of 2015 as the Company has determined that the commissioning efforts in relation to this production line are complete.

After

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company began limited production and sales of masking tape from the Blythewood, South Carolina facility, with the full transfer of masking tape production still expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. The Company now considers that the commercialization of the masking tape products being produced in the Blythewood, South Carolina facility is complete, and therefore must continue to focus on the ramp-up in production efficiencies as well as the transfer of certain masking tape production from the Marysville, Michigan facility. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $0.5 million South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction attributed to masking tape commissioning efforts for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The production ramp-up inefficiencies related to the South Carolina Project, has been completednet of project savings and start-upexcluding South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs, resulted in a net negative impact of less than $0.1 million, $0.6 million and $1.9 million on gross profit and adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter, third quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs included in gross profit were approximately nil, $1.3 million and $4.3 million for the fourth quarter, third quarter, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The costs were nil in the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of the unexpected permanent shut down of the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility due to the South Carolina Flood discussed in the section above.

The impact of the South Carolina Project, including both components mentioned above, resulted in a net negative impact of less than $0.1 million, $1.9 million and $6.2 million on gross profit and adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter, third quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The impact to adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs of nil, nil and $0.4 million for the fourth quarter, third quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

The Company’s expectation for cost savings from the South Carolina Project remains unchanged with impacts on gross profit and adjusted EBITDA as follows:

A significant net positive impact is expected in 2016 compared to 2015.

Management expects that all ramp-up inefficiencies have beenwill be resolved by the beginning of 2017, thereby resulting in the realization of the full extent of the expected $13 million annual cost savings.

As of December 31, 2015, capital expenditures for the South Carolina Project since inception totalled $56.8 million. South Carolina Project capital expenditures recorded were $1.9 million and $7.9 million for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. Total capital expenditures for the South Carolina Project from inception to the completion of the project are expected to be approximately $60 million, mainly as a result of additional commissioning efforts.

Better Packages Acquisition

On April 7, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of BP Acquisition Corporation (which wholly-owns a subsidiary, Better Packages, Inc.) (“Better Packages”), a leading supplier of water-activated tape dispensers. The Company expects overallthe Better Packages acquisition to further extend the Company’s product offering and global presence in the rapidly growing e-commerce market. The Company paid a purchase price of $15.9 million in cash. The Company expects that these acquired operations will generate annualized revenue of approximately $18 million and EBITDA margin of over 15% in 2016.

Index to Financial Statements

The impact of the Better Packages acquisition on the Company’s consolidated earnings was as follows (in thousands of US dollars, unaudited):

   Three months ended
December 31, 2015
   April 7, 2015 through
December 31, 2015
 
   $   $ 

Revenue

   5,476     14,601  

Net earnings

   639     1,538  

TaraTape Acquisition

On November 2, 2015, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of RJM Manufacturing, Inc. (doing business as “TaraTape”), a manufacturer of filament and pressure sensitive tapes. The Company expects the acquisition of TaraTape to strengthen the Company’s market position and provide opportunities to realize synergies between $2 and $4 million in additional adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2017. The Company paid a purchase price of $11.0 million. The Company expects that these acquired operations will generate annualized revenue of approximately $20 million and EBITDA margin of slightly below 10% before any synergies in 2016.

The impact of the TaraTape acquisition on the Company’s consolidated earnings was as follows (in thousands of US dollars, unaudited):

November 2, 2015 through
December 31, 2015
$

Revenue

3,078

Net loss(1)

(161

(1)The net loss resulting from the TaraTape acquisition includes a non-recurring $0.4 million charge to mark inventory to fair value as required by accounting guidance for business acquisitions.

Outlook

The Company expects gross margin for 2016 to be between 22% and 24%; and to reach the upper end of this range by the fourth quarter.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 20142016 is expected to be slightly higher compared$117 to both$123 million, excluding the fourth quarterimpact of 2013the South Carolina Flood. While South Carolina Flood costs and lost sales are expected to be substantially offset by insurance proceeds, the first quartertiming of 2013;the recovery of the insurance proceeds is uncertain.

 

Manufacturing cost reductions for 2016 are expected to be between $8 and $11 million, excluding any cost savings related to the South Carolina Project.

Total capital expenditures for 2016 are expected to be between $55 and $65 million.

The Company still expects a 25% to 30% effective tax rate for 2016. Cash flows from operationstaxes paid in 2016 are expected to be approximately half of the income tax expense in 2016.

Revenue in the first quarter of 2014 are2016 is expected to be lower thansimilar to the fourthfirst quarter of 2013 primarily due to seasonal2015.

Gross margin in the first quarter working capital requirements and are alsoof 2016 is expected to be lowergreater than the first quarter of 2013;2015.

 

Excluding the impact of potential tax planning, cash income taxes paid in 2014 are expected to be less than $5 million and the effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 40%;

Capital expenditures:

Expenditures for the first quarter of 2014 are expected to be $10 to $14 million, depending on the timing of delivery of several large pieces of new equipment;

Expenditures for 2014, including the South Carolina Project, are expected to total $31 to $35 million excluding any new potential high-return projects that may arise; and

Purchases of equipment and real estate related to the South Carolina Project are still expected to total $43 to $46 million. Since starting the project, purchases of equipment and real estate were $24.5 million and the remainder is expected to be spent primarily in 2014;

Manufacturing cost reductions are expected to total $16 to $20 million in 2014, which includes an incremental $3 million as compared to 2013 for expected savings relating to the Kentucky Plant Closure and the Shrink Film Consolidation;

Consistent with prior years, the Company anticipates that some of these cost savings will be offset by other manufacturing costs that are expected to increase, such as labor and energy;

The South Carolina Project reflects the Company’s largest single facility improvement in many years and is expected to result in the following:

Total annual cash savings in excess of $13 million starting in the first half of 2015 with the first full year effects in 2016; and

Total charge of $5 to $7 million between 2014 and 2015, with approximately $1 million expected to be recordedAdjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2014; and

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company began the process to relocate the Langley, British Columbia manufacturing facility to a new nearby location due to the expiration of a non-renewable lease. This initiative2016 is expected to result in charges of approximately $1.3 million primarily related to equipment relocation costs inbe greater than the first halfquarter of 2014 and decrease the future operating costs. Capital expenditures for this initiative are expected2015.

Index to be approximately $0.5 million.

31


Financial Statements

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of operating results include financial results for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Included in this MD&A are references to events and circumstances which have influenced the Company’s quarterly operating results presented in the table of Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Earnings (Loss) set forth above.

Revenue

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 20132015 totalled $781.5$781.9 million, a $2.9$30.8 million or 0.4%3.8% decrease from $784.4$812.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Selling prices,same period in 2014 primarily due to:

A decrease in average selling price, including the impact of product mix, increasedof approximately 2%6% or $49.2 million due to:

an unfavourable product mix variance primarily in the Company’s tape and woven product categories;

an unfavourable FX impact of approximately $13.3 million; and

lower selling prices mainly driven by lower petroleum-based raw material costs.

The South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction of $11.0 million in 2015 (nil in 2014);

Partially offset by:

Additional revenue of $17.7 million due to the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions; and

An increase in sales volume decreasedof approximately 3%1.4% or $11.6 million primarily due to increased demand for the Company’s tape and woven products. The Company believes that the increased sales volume was primarily due to:

growth in 2013 comparede-commerce fulfillment across the carton sealing tape product offerings; and

growth in the building and construction market;

Partially offset by:

a decrease in certain tape product sales due to 2012. Thethe South Carolina Flood.

Embedded in the unfavourable product mix and the increase in selling prices, includingsales volume is an estimate of approximately $9 million of lost sales due to the impact of product mix, was primarily due to higher prices of equivalent units to pass through raw material cost increases which is reflective of a more favourable pricing environment as well as improved mix from reduction in sales of lower margin products. The sales volume decrease was primarily due to the reduction in sales of lower margin products resulting from the de-emphasis of the sale of such products.South Carolina Flood.

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased 0.3% compared to $786.72014 totalled $812.7 million, a $31.2 million or 4.0% increase from $781.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Sales volume decreased approximately 4% andsame period in 2013 primarily due to:

An increase in average selling prices,price, including the impact of product mix, of approximately 3% or $23.3 million due to:

higher prices to manage the spread between selling prices and higher raw material costs; and

a favourable product mix across the Company’s major product categories.

An increase in sales volume of approximately 1% or $7.9 million primarily due to increased approximately 4%demand in 2012 compared to 2011.certain woven and tape products.

The Company closed its Brantford facilitybelieves that the increase in woven product demand was primarily driven by:

an increased utilization of the Company’s products within the agro-environmental market; and

growth within the building and construction market.

The increase in the secondCompany’s tape product demand was primarily driven by net growth in demand across both the industrial tape and carton sealing tape product offerings.

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2011. Revenue increased 0.3% in 2012 compared to $781.72015 totalled $195.7 million, a $5.1 million or 2.5% decrease from $200.8 million for 2011 after adjusting for the closurefourth quarter of the Brantford facility. The adjusted2014 primarily due to:

A decrease in average selling prices,price, including the impact of product mix, increasedof approximately 3% partially offset6% or $11.2 million primarily due to:

an unfavourable product mix in the Company’s woven and tape product categories;

lower prices primarily driven by the adjustedlower petroleum-based raw material costs;

an unfavourable FX impact of approximately $2.8 million; and

A decrease in sales volume decrease of approximately 3%. An improved pricing environment1.0% or $1.9 million due to a decrease in demand of certain tape products. The Company believes that began in 2011 as well as the reduction in sales of low-margin products were the primary reasons for the increase in selling prices including the impact of product mix. The decrease indecreased sales volume was primarily due to:

a decrease in certain tape product sales due to the progressSouth Carolina Flood;

Partially offset by:

growth in e-commerce fulfillment across the Company made toward reducing salescarton sealing tape product offerings.

Partially offset by:

Additional revenue of low-margin products partially offset by an increase$8.6 million due to the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions.

Embedded in the unfavourable product mix and the decrease in sales volume is an estimate of new products.approximately $9 million of lost sales due to the impact of the South Carolina Flood.

The Company’s revenueRevenue for the fourth quarter of 20132015 totalled $191.5$195.7 million, a $2.2$5.0 million or 1.2% increase2.5% decrease from $189.3$200.6 million for the fourththird quarter of 2012. Sales2015 primarily due to:

A decrease in sales volume for the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased approximately 4% compared to the fourth quarter of 20123.8% or $7.8 million primarily due to decreased demand for certain tape and woven products. The Company believes that the decreased sales volume was primarily due to:

a reductiondecrease in certain tape product sales of lower margin productsdue to the South Carolina Flood; and a net decline

seasonality in demand for woven products;

Partially offset by:

growth in e-commerce fulfillment across the carton sealing tapes. Selling prices,tape product offerings.

Index to Financial Statements
A decrease in average selling price, including the impact of product mix, increasedof approximately 5%3% or $6.0 million due to:

an unfavourable product mix variance primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 primarily due to higherCompany’s tape products;

lower selling prices of equivalent units to pass throughmainly driven by lower petroleum-based raw material cost increases which is reflectivecosts.

Partially offset by:

A decrease in the South Carolina Commissioning Revenue Reduction of a more favourable pricing environment as well as improved mix$5.1 million; and

Additional revenue of $3.8 million from reductionthe TaraTape and Better Packages acquisitions.

Embedded in the decrease in sales volume and the unfavourable product mix is an estimate of lower margin products.

The Company’s revenue for the fourth quarterapproximately $9 million of 2013 totalled $191.5 million, an $8.4 million or 4.2% decrease from $199.9 million for the third quarter of 2013. Sales volume for the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased approximately 4% compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarilylost sales due to normal seasonality. Selling prices, including the impact of product mix, were approximately the same in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2013.South Carolina Flood.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit totalled $158.5$168.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013,2015, a $19.7$4.4 million or 14.2%2.7% increase from $138.7$163.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.same period in 2014. Gross margin was 20.3%21.5% in 20132015 and 17.7%20.1% in 2012. The increase in gross2014.

Gross profit in 2013 compared to 2012 wasincreased primarily due to improvedan increase in the spread between selling prices and lower raw material costs, the favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reduction programs and additional gross profit from the Better Packages acquisition. These favourable items were partially offset by an unfavourable product mix from continued progress made toward reducing sales of lowervariance, an unfavourable FX impact and an increase in manufacturing inefficiencies mainly in relation to the South Carolina Project.

Gross margin products,increased primarily due to an increase in the spread between selling prices and raw material costs and netthe favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reductionsreduction programs, partially offset by lower sales volume. Thean unfavourable product mix, an increase in grossmanufacturing inefficiencies mainly related to the South Carolina Project and the decision to change manufacturing locations of certain products to meet customers’ demand.

Gross profit totalled $163.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a $5.1 million or 3.2% increase from $158.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross margin was 20.1% in 20132014 and 20.3% in 2013.

Gross profit in 2014 compared to 2012 was2013 increased primarily due to an improved product mix from continued progress made toward reducing sales of lower margin products, net manufacturing cost reductions and an increase in the spread between selling prices and higher raw material costs.

Gross profit totalled $138.7 million for 2012, an increase of 23.1% from 2011. Gross margin was 17.7% in 2012 and 14.3% in 2011. The increase in gross profit in 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily due to an improved pricing environment,costs, net manufacturing cost reductions and an increase in sales volume. The increase was partially offset by approximately $3.5 million of higher margin products,South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs, of which $0.7 million are non-cash charges and did not impact adjusted EBITDA, a total of $1.6 million related to the closurenon-cash Brantford Pension Charge and an unfavourable product mix variance. The “Brantford Pension Charge” refers to a charge recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014 related to the settlement of the former Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility pension plan.

Gross margin decreased in 20112014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the South Carolina Duplicate Overhead Costs, an unfavourable product mix variance and the non-cash Brantford Pension Charge, partially offset by lower sales volumes. The increase in gross margin in 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily due to manufacturing cost reductions, an increase in sales ofthe spread between selling prices and higher margin products, an improved pricing environmentraw material costs and the progress made toward reducing sales of low-margin products.

net manufacturing cost reductions.

Gross profit totalled $37.9$45.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, a $9.6 million or 26.4% increase from $36.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Gross margin was 23.4% in the fourth quarter of 2013, a $2.7 million or 7.7% increase from $35.2 million2015 and 18.0% in the fourth quarter of 2012. 2014.

Gross margin was 19.8% in the fourth quarter of 2013 and 18.6% in the fourth quarter of 2012. As compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, gross profit increased primarily due to an improvedincrease in spread between selling prices and lower raw material costs, a significant improvement in manufacturing performance, the reversal of a 2010 impairment for manufacturing equipment of $2.7 million, the favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reduction programs and additional gross profit from the Better Packages acquisition. These favourable items were partially offset by an unfavourable product mix variance, the decision to change manufacturing locations of certain products to meet customers’ demand and the impact of the South Carolina Flood.

Gross margin increased primarily due to an increase in spread between selling prices and lower raw material costs, a significant improvement in manufacturing performance, the reversal of a 2010 impairment for manufacturing equipment of $2.7 million, and the favourable impact of the Company’s manufacturing cost reduction programs, partially offset by an unfavourable product mix, the decision to change manufacturing locations of certain products to meet customers’ demand and the impact of the South Carolina Flood.

Index to Financial Statements

Gross profit totalled $45.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, a $3.0 million or 7.0% increase from $42.8 million for the third quarter of 2015. Gross margin was 23.4% in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 21.3% in the third quarter of 2015.

Gross profit increased primarily due to an increase in manufacturing efficiencies including the operational improvements realized in the Blythewood, South Carolina facility, the reversal of a 2010 impairment for manufacturing equipment of $2.7 million and an increase in spread between selling prices and lower raw material costs, partially offset by an unfavourable product mix, the impact of the South Carolina Flood and a slightdecrease in sales volume.

Gross margin increased primarily due to an increase in manufacturing efficiencies including the operational improvements realized in the Blythewood, South Carolina facility, the reversal of a 2010 impairment for manufacturing equipment of $2.7 million and an increase in the spread between selling prices and raw material costs, partially offset by lower sales volume. Gross margin increased primarily due to improvedan unfavourable product mix.

Gross profit totalled $37.9 million inmix and the fourth quarterimpact of 2013, a $2.0 million or 5.1% decrease from $40.0 million in the third quarter of 2013. Gross margin was 19.8% in the fourth quarter of 2013 and 20.0% in the third quarter of 2013. As compared to the third quarter of 2013, gross profit decreased primarily due to lower sales volume. Gross margin slightly declined primarily due to unplanned manufacturing inefficiencies.

32


South Carolina Flood.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2013&A totalled $82.7 million, a $3.5 million or 4.5% increase from $79.1$84.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As2015, a percentage of revenue,$1.9 million or 2.3% decrease from $86.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in SG&A was 10.6%primarily due to a decrease in stock-based compensation mainly related to a reduction in stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) expense, a decrease in variable compensation expense due to lower expected annual payment amounts and 10.1%a favourable FX impact. These decreases were partially offset by the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions and an increase in employee costs, including health related costs. The increase in employee costs was primarily to support the expected growth of the business.

SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2014 totalled $86.0 million, a $3.3 million or 4.0% increase from $82.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in SG&A in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to (i) an increase in stock compensation expense primarily due to new grants awarded during 2014, (ii) an increase in the expense associated with credit insurance coverage commencing for accounts receivable in the fourth quarter of 2013, (iii) the non-recurrence of a bad debt recovery recorded in 2013, and 2012, respectively.(iv) an increase in professional fees. The increase of $3.5 million in 2013 comparedwas partially offset by a decrease due to 2012 was primarily the resultnon-recurrence of increased stock-based compensation expense and a provision with respect to the resolution of a contingent liability partially offset by the non-recurrence of professional fees related to managerial reporting enhancements during 2012. The increaserecorded in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to the impact of award vesting and an increase in the Company’s Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”) expense due to the increase of the Company’s share price.2013.

SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $79.1 million compared to $77.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A was 9.8%expenses represented 10.8%, 10.6%, and 10.6% for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2011. Thefourth quarter of 2015 totalled $25.8 million, a $2.5 million or 9.7% increase of $2.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily the result of higher variable compensation expense related to higher profitability, higher stock-based compensation expense and increased professional fees, partially offset by the non-recurrence of the settlement of a lawsuit.

SG&A totalled $19.0from $23.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $20.8 million2014. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2012. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A was 9.9%primarily due to an increase in variable compensation expense and 11.0%the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions.

SG&A for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012, respectively. SG&A was $1.92015 increased $7.8 million lower in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 primarily due to lower stock-based compensation expense, lower variable compensation expense due to the timing of recording certain variable compensation expense and the non-recurrence of professional fees related to managerial reporting enhancements that occurred in the fourth quarter 2012. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense was related to the impact of a decrease in the Company’s SAR expense due to the decrease of the Company’s share price in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to an increase in the fourth quarter of 2012.

SG&A totalled $19.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $20.5or 30.2% from $17.9 million in the third quarter of 2013. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A was 9.9%2015, primarily due to an increase in variable compensation expense and 10.3% for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the third quarter of 2013, respectively. SG&A was $1.6 million lowerstock-based compensation mainly related to an increase in SARs expense in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to2015, partially offset by the gain on disposal of the Company’s former executive headquarters in Bradenton, Florida recognized in the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to lower SAR expense that resulted from a decrease in the Company share price in the fourth quarter of 2013.2015.

Research Expenses

The Company continues to focus its research efforts on potential new products, technology, manufacturing processes and formulations for existing products. Research expenses totalled $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 totalled $6.9 million,2015, a $0.7$1.6 million or 10.8%20.1% increase from $6.2$7.9 million of research expense for the year ended December 31, 2012. 2014. Research expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $1.0 million or 14.1% from $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Research expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 totalled $2.8 million, a $0.4 million or 16.9% increase from $2.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, and a $0.3 million or 10.1% increase from $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2015.

The increase wasincreases in all periods were primarily due to ongoing efforts to support the South Carolina Project. Project and other manufacturing cost reduction programs.

As a percentage of revenue, research expenses represented 0.9%1.2%, 0.8%1.0%, 0.8%and 0.9% for 2015, 2014 and 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Research expenses for fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $2.0 million, a $0.5 million or 31.4% increase from $1.5 million of research expenses for the fourth quarter of 2012. As a percentage of revenue, research expenses represented 1.0% for the fourth quarter of 2013 and 0.8% for the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase was primarily

Index to support the South Carolina Project.

Financial Statements

Manufacturing Facility Closures, Restructuring and Other Related Charges

On February 26, 2013,Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges totalled $3.7 million for the Company announced its plansyear ended December 31, 2015, a $1.3 million decrease from $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the non-recurrence of $1.0 million and $0.7 million in charges related to the South Carolina Project. This initiative resulted in a $1.1 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2013 primarily related to equipment relocation and accrued workforce retention costs. Total charges of $27.9 million were recorded in 2013, $23.5 million of which are non-cash items primarily related to impairment of property, plant and equipment with the remaining $4.4 million primarily consisting of environmental remediation and accrued workforce retention costs. The environmental remediation is expected to begin in 2015 upon closure of the existingRichmond, Kentucky manufacturing site. Capital expenditures forfacility and the South Carolina Project since inception have totalled $24.5 million. Capital expenditures recorded in the fourth quarterrelocation of 2013 for this project were $5.5 million.

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company began the process to relocate the Langley, British Columbia manufacturing facility to a new nearby location due to the expiration of a non-renewable lease. This initiative is expected to resultDelta, British Columbia, respectively. The charges recorded in total charges of approximately $1.4 million2015 are primarily related to equipment relocation costs. Total costs incurred were $0.1the South Carolina Project of $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 with the remainder expected to be recorded in the first half of 2014.

As announced on June 26, 2012, the Company ceased production at its Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility in the fourth quarter of 2012. This production was transferred to its Carbondale, Illinois facility in the first quarter of 2013. In addition, the Company’s North America shrink film production was consolidated in Tremonton, Utah and the productionSouth Carolina Flood of shrink film in Truro, Nova Scotia ceased in the first quarter$1.5 million. The South Carolina Project costs primarily include workforce retention and idle facility costs, partially offset by a reversal of 2013.impairment on equipment. The TruroSouth Carolina Flood charges of $1.5 million primarily relate to a total of $6.5 million of damaged inventory, clean-up and idle facility continues to manufacture woven products. Other smaller initiatives included the closurecosts and impaired property, plant and equipment, partially offset by initial insurance settlement claim proceeds of the manufacturing operation in Piedras Negras, Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2012. Total costs incurred in connection with activities summarized in this paragraph were $2.6 million, $0.4 million$5.0 million.

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and $3.0 millionother related charges for the full year ended December 31, 2013, fourth quarter of 2013 and fourth quarter of 2012, respectively. The full year ended December 31, 2013 charge of $2.62014 totalled $4.9 million, consists primarily of equipment relocation costs and property, plant and equipment impairments.

33


The fourth quarter of 2013 charge of $0.4a $25.8 million consists primarily of property, plant and equipment impairments. The fourth quarter of 2012 charge of $3.0decrease from $30.7 million consists primarily of equipment relocation and property, plant and equipment impairments related to the Shrink Film Consolidation.

The Brantford, Ontario facility was shut down in the second quarter of 2011. In 2011, $3.0 million was recorded for additional severance, retention incentives, equipment transfers and other costs related to this facility closure. Total costs incurred related to this facility closure were less than $0.1 million during the full year ended December 31, 2013 and $1.1 million during the full year ended December 31, 2012. Facility closure costs were nil and $0.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012, respectively. In January 2013, the Company sold the Brantford, Ontario facility and received net proceeds of $1.6 million.

Operating Profit

Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $3.2 million charge recorded in 2014 as compared to a $27.9 million charge recorded in 2013 for the South Carolina Project. The charges recorded in 2014 are primarily related to equipment relocation and workforce retention costs. The charges recorded in 2013 are primarily related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment upon the announcement of the South Carolina Project, and related environmental remediation and accrued workforce retention costs.

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges for the fourth quarter of 2015 totalled $38.2$2.7 million, a $3.1$1.7 million or 8.8% increase from $35.1$1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to the $1.5 million of charges relating to the South Carolina Flood discussed above. The charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 are primarily related to equipment relocation and workforce retention costs.

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges for the fourth quarter of 2015 totalled $2.7 million, a $2.5 million increase from $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to charges associated with the South Carolina Flood. The charges recorded in the third quarter of 2015 are primarily related to idle facility, workforce retention, and equipment relocation costs, partially offset by a reversal of impairment on equipment.

Finance Costs

Finance costs totalled $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily the result of higher gross profit, partially offset by higher manufacturing facility closure costs.

Operating profit for 2012 amounted to $35.1 million compared to $26.7 million for 2011. The increase of $8.4 million in 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily the result of higher gross profit related to an improved pricing environment and manufacturing cost reductions partially offset by lower volumes.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $15.3 million,2015, a $5.6$3.0 million or 58.1% increase48.7% decrease from $9.7$6.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2012.year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit, lower SG&A and lower manufacturing facility closure costs.

Interest

Interest expense for 2013 totalled $5.7 million, a $7.5 million or 56.9% decrease from $13.2 million of interest expense for 2012. This decrease was primarily due to the redemption of outstanding Notes bearing interest at 8.5%. The average cost of debt also decreased from December 31, 2012(i) foreign exchange gains in 2015, compared to December 31, 2013 as the Company took the following actions:

On December 13, 2012, the Company redeemed, at par value, the aggregate principal amount of $55.0 million of outstanding Notes due August 2014, the full-year benefit of which was realizedforeign exchange losses in 2013;

During 2013, the Company redeemed, at par value, the remaining aggregate principal amount of $38.7 million of outstanding Notes due August 2014 and the Indenture was discharged and all Notes satisfied;

On June 28, 2013, the Company entered into(ii) a ten-year real estate mortgage loan related to the purchase of the Blythewood, South Carolina real estate (“South Carolina Mortgage”) in the amount of $8.5 million bearing interest at 215 basis points above 30-day LIBOR (2.32% interest rate at December 31, 2013); and

During 2013, the Company scheduled $16.9 million of funding into finance leases bearing interest at 2.9% under the Equipment Finance Agreement entered into on August 14, 2012.

Interest expense for 2012 totalled $13.2 million, a $2.1 million or 13.9% decrease from $15.4 million of interest expense for 2011, primarily due to lower average debt levels resulting from improved free cash flows. The average cost of debt also decreased from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 as the Company took the following actions:

On February 1, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to its Asset-Based Loan (“ABL”) facility extending its maturity date to February 2017, and generally providing more flexibility to the Company;

On August 1, 2012, the Company redeemed, at par value, the aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of its outstanding Notes due August 2014;

On August 14, 2012, the Company entered into an Equipment Finance Agreement with a lifetime and maximum funding amount of $24.0 million with the final funding to occur by March 31, 2014. The terms of the arrangement include multiple individual finance leases, each of which will have a term of 60 months and a fixed interest rate of 2.74% for leases scheduled prior to January 1, 2013 and 2.90% for leases scheduled prior to January 1, 2014;

On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a ten-year real estate secured term loan (“Real Estate Loan”) in the amount of $16.6 million; and

On December 13, 2012, the Company redeemed, at par value, the aggregate principal amount of $55.0 million of its outstanding Notes due August 2014.

The decrease in interest expense from 2011 to 2012 was partially offset by $0.9 million of debt issue costs expensed as a result of the Note redemptions.

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $0.8 million, a $2.3 million or 73.2% decrease from $3.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, primarily due to the redemptions of Notes of $38.7 million during 2013. The decrease was also due to $0.6 million of debt issue costs expensed in the fourth quarter of 20122015 as a result of replacing the Note redemption onCompany’s $200 million asset-based loan facility (“ABL facility”) with a new five-year $300 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and the prepayment of certain other debt in 2014.

Finance costs for the year ended December 31, 2012 with no comparable expense incurred in the fourth quarter of 2013.

34


Other (Income) Expense

Other expense2014 totalled $6.2 million, a $0.5 million or 7.4% decrease from $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to (i) lower interest expense as a result of a lower average cost of debt and a lower average amount of debt outstanding and (ii) an increase in capitalized interest. These changes were partially offset by an increase in debt issue cost expensed as a result of replacing the ABL facility with the Revolving Credit Facility and the prepayment of certain other debt in the fourth quarter of 2014, as well as an increase in foreign exchange losses.

Finance costs for the fourth quarter of 2015 totalled $1.5 million, a $0.9 million a $0.4 million or 27.4%37.2% decrease from $1.3$2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the write off of debt issue costs related to the ABL facility that was paid in full during the fourth quarter of 2014 and lower loss on the disposalinterest expense as a result of property, plant and equipment in 2013a lower average cost of $0.4 million.debt.

Other expenseFinance costs increased $1.3 million or 474% from $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.3 million compared to $2.2 million for 2011, a decreasethird quarter of $0.9 million.2015. The decrease of $0.9 million in 2012 compared to 2011increase was primarily due to lower foreign exchange losses in 2012.

Other expense totalled $0.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, a $0.2 million or 55.0% decrease from $0.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease of $0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 20132015, compared to foreign exchange gains during the fourththird quarter of 2012 was primarily due to the recovery of unclaimed property.2015.

Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income taxation in multiple tax jurisdictions around the world. Accordingly, the Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates depending upon the geographic source of its earnings andearnings. The Company’s effective tax rate is also impacted by tax planning strategies that the Company implements. TheIncome tax expense is recognized in each interim period based on the best estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year.

Index to Financial Statements

Below is a table reflecting the calculation of the Company’s effective tax rate for 2013 was negative 113.5% compared to 1.0% for 2012 and 19.3% for 2011. The significant decrease in the effective tax rate in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily due to the recognition by the Company(in millions of $47.8 million of its US deferred tax assets, all of which was previously derecognized as of December 31, 2010. Of this $47.8 million, $43.0 million impacted net earnings while the remaining impacted shareholders’ equity. This decrease in the effective tax rate was partially offset by the derecognition of $4.6 million of deferred tax assets in the Canadian jurisdiction. dollars):

   Three months ended
December 31,
  Year ended
December 31,
 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Income tax (benefit) expense

   (4.4  1.1    11.0    22.9    (35.8

Earnings before income tax (benefit) expense

   13.1    7.2    67.7    58.7    31.6  

Effective tax rate

   -34.0  15.8  16.2  39.0  -113.5

The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to a favourable change in the mix of earnings between jurisdictions and the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily due to (i) the non-recurrence of the $43.0 million tax benefit recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared2013 to recognize the previously derecognized US deferred tax assets, (ii) the partial utilization of such deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily due to increased earnings2014, and (iii) the upfront tax expense incurred in jurisdictionsconnection with lower effective tax rates and the benefit received fromreorganization of the ability to utilize certain US alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) net operating losses without limitation. The AMT benefit wascapital structure of several of the result of a refund of $1.2 million of AMT recorded in 2012, approximately half of which was received in 2012 andCompany’s legal entities during the remaining half received in 2013.year ended December 31, 2014.

The effective tax rate was negative 274.6% in the fourth quarter of 2013 and 8.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012. As compared to the fourth quarter of 2012,2014, the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased primarily due to the recognition by the Company of $47.8 million of its US deferred tax assets, all of which was previously derecognized as of December 31, 2010. Of this $47.8 million, $43.0 million impacted net earnings while the remaining impacted shareholders’ equity. This decrease in the effective tax rate was partially offset by the derecognition of $4.6 million of deferred tax assets in the Canadian jurisdiction.

The effective tax rate was 8.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 27.0% in the fourth quarter of 2011. As compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, the effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the non-recurrence of expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011 related to the reduction in deferred tax assets due to changes in applicable future tax rates combined with an increase in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2012 in jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates. These decreases were partially offset by tax expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to stock options exercised during 2012.

In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, Management determines, at each balance sheet date, whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. In accordance with GAAP, this determination is based on quantitative and qualitative assessments by Management and the weighing of all available evidence, both positive and negative. Such evidence includes the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and the implementation of tax planning strategies.

As of December 31, 2013, management analyzed all available evidence including, in particular, the Company’s financial results for the year then ended (taxable income and earnings before income tax expense (benefit)), the 2013 budget variances, and the Company’s cumulative financial results for the prior three years. In addition, management took under significant consideration the Company’s 2014 budget, its long-term financial projections, market and industry conditions and certain available tax strategies. As a result of this detailed analysis, management determined it is more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US will be realized and, accordingly, recognized $47.8 million of its US deferred tax assets, $43.0 million of which impacted the Company’s net earnings while the balance impacted its shareholders’ equity.

In addition, management determined it is more likely than not that a portion of its deferred tax assets related to the Company’s corporate (holding) entity (the “Entity”) will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income in future periods. Previously, the Entity benefited from sufficient taxable income as a result of certain tax planning strategies implemented in 2011 (the “Planning”). The Company’s management continues to expect that, pursuant to the Planning, the Entity will continue to generate sufficient taxable income in order to fully utilize its net operating losses with expiration dates through 2015. However, the benefit of the Planning is expected to diminish over such time. Accordingly, the Company derecognized $4.6 million of its Canadian deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013. These deferred tax assets remain available to the Company in order to reduce its taxable income in future periods.assets.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company has $41.3 million (CDN$43.9 million) of Canadian operating loss carry-forwards expiring in 2015 through 2032, including $36.4 million (CDN$38.8 million) which have been derecognized and $90.0 million of US federal operating losses expiring in 2022 through 2033, $2.2 million of which have been derecognized.

35


Net Earnings

Net earnings totalled $56.7 million for the year ended December 31 2015, a $20.8 million increase from $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets, a decrease in finance costs, and an increase in gross profit.

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 20132014 totalled $67.4$35.8 million, a $47.0$31.5 million or 231% increasedecrease from $20.4$67.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the $43.0 million tax benefit recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013 to recognize the previously derecognized US deferred tax assets and the partial utilization of such deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2014. The increasedecrease was partially offset by higher manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges recorded in the first quarter of 2013 when the South Carolina Project was announced.

Net earnings for the year ended 2013 comparedfourth quarter of 2015 totalled $17.5 million, a $11.4 million increase from $6.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to 2012 wasan increase in gross profit and the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets, partially offset by an increase in SG&A, and an increase in manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges primarily related to the South Carolina Flood.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased $1.8 million from $15.7 million for the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets related to the US jurisdiction in the fourth quarter of 2013, an increase in gross profit and lower interest expense partially offset by an increase in manufacturing facility closure costs, restructuring and other related charges as previously discussed.

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 totalled $20.4 million compared to net earnings of $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in earnings for the year ended 2012 compared to 2011 was primarily due to an increase in gross profit, partially offset by an increaseincreases in SG&A, manufacturing facility closure costs,closures, restructuring and other related charges previously discussed.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $53.6 million, a $47.9 million or 843% increase from $5.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase in earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to the recognition of previously derecognized deferred tax assets related to the US jurisdiction in the fourth quarter of 2013 and higher gross profit.finance costs.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This MD&A contains certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under applicable securities legislation, including EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted earnings (loss) per share, leverage ratio and free cash flows (please see the below “Cash Flows” section below for a description and reconciliation of free cash flows). The Company believes such non-GAAP financial measures improve the period-to-period comparability of the Company’s results by providing more insight into the performance of ongoing core business operations. As required by applicable securities legislation, the Company has provided definitions of those measures and reconciliations of those measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Investors and other readers are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures set forth below and should consider non-GAAP financial measures only as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for or as a superior measure to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Index to Financial Statements

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss)

A reconciliation of the Company’s adjusted net earnings (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to net earnings (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is set out in the adjusted net earnings (loss) reconciliation table below. Adjusted net earnings (loss) should not be construed as net earnings (loss) as determined by GAAP. The Company defines adjusted net earnings (loss) as net earnings (loss) before (i) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (ii) stock-based compensation expense;expense (benefit); (iii) impairment of goodwill; (iv) impairment (reversal of impairment) of long-lived assets and other assets; (v) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; (vi) (gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment; (vii) other discrete items as shown in the table below; and (vii)(viii) the income tax effect of these items. The term “adjusted net earnings”earnings (loss)” does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted net earnings (loss) is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings (loss) as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company has included this non-GAAP financial measure because it believes that it permitsallows investors to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance between periods presented.presented by excluding certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses. In addition, adjusted net earnings (loss) is used by Managementmanagement in evaluating the Company’s performance because it believes that it provides an indicatorallows management to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance that is often more accurate than GAAP financial measures.between periods presented by excluding certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses.

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is also presented in the following table and is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted earnings (loss) per share should not be construed as earnings (loss) per share as determined by GAAP. The Company defines adjusted earnings (loss) per share as adjusted net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, both basic and diluted. The term “adjusted earnings (loss) per share” does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to earnings (loss) per share as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company has included this non-GAAP financial measure because it believes that it permitsallows investors to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance between periods presented.presented by excluding certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses. In addition, adjusted earnings (loss) per share is used by Managementmanagement in evaluating the Company’s performance because it believes that it provides an indicatorallows management to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance that is often more accurate than GAAP financial measures.between periods presented by excluding certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses.

36


Index to Financial Statements

Adjusted Net Earnings Reconciliation Toto Net Earnings

(In millions of US dollars, except per share amounts and share numbers)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three months ended   Year ended 
  December 31,   December 31,   Three months ended
December 31,
 Year ended
December 31,
 
  2013 2012   2013 2012 2011   2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 
  $ $   $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ 

Net earnings

   53.6   5.7     67.4   20.4   7.4     17.5   6.1    56.7   35.8   67.4  

Add back:

       

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   1.6   3.2     30.7   18.3   2.9     2.7   1.0    3.7   4.9   30.7  

Stock-based compensation expense

   0.1   0.9     4.9   1.8   0.8     2.3   3.0    3.2   6.2   4.9  

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   —      —       0.2    —      —    

(Reversal of impairment) impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   (5.8 0.1    (5.8 0.1   0.2  

(Gain) loss on disposals of property, plant and equipment

   0.2   (0.0  (0.8 (0.1 0.1  

Other Item: Provision related to the resolution of a contingent liability

   —      —       1.3    —     1.0     —      —      —      —     1.3  

Other Item: Brantford Pension Charge

   —     0.3    —     1.6    —    

Income tax effect of these items

   (2.9 0.2     (1.1 (0.9  —       2.0   1.6    1.6   3.8   (1.1
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Adjusted net earnings

   52.5    10.0     103.3    39.6    12.0     18.9   11.9    58.6   52.4   103.4  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings per share

             

Basic

   0.88    0.10     1.12    0.35    0.13     0.30   0.10    0.95   0.59   1.12  

Diluted

   0.86    0.09     1.09    0.34    0.12     0.29   0.10    0.93   0.58   1.09  

Adjusted earnings per share

             

Basic

   0.86    0.17     1.71    0.67    0.20     0.32   0.20    0.98   0.86   1.71  

Diluted

   0.84    0.16     1.68    0.65    0.20     0.31   0.19    0.96   0.84   1.68  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

             

Basic

   60,776,649    59,316,858     60,379,533    59,072,407    58,961,050     58,802,897   60,427,043    59,690,968   60,718,776   60,379,533  

Diluted

   62,170,733    61,036,145     61,632,652    60,629,136    59,099,198     60,316,201   62,307,696    61,110,633   62,060,923   61,632,652  

Adjusted net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 totalled $103.3 million, a $63.7 million or 161% increase from $39.6$58.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The2015, a $6.2 million increase in adjusted net earnings of $63.7from $52.4 million wasfor the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets related to the US jurisdictionand decreases in the fourth quarter of 2013finance costs and variable compensation expenses, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit, an increase in certain other SG&A expenses, and an increase in gross profit, as discussed above.research expenses primarily associated with the South Carolina Project.

Adjusted net earnings amounted to $39.6totalled $52.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to adjusted net earnings of $12.02014, a $51.0 million for 2011. Adjusted net earnings were $27.6decrease from $103.4 million higher infor the year ended December 31, 2012 compared2013, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the $43.0 million tax benefit recorded during the year ended December 31, 20112013 to recognize the previously derecognized US deferred tax assets and the partial utilization of such deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Adjusted net earnings totalled $18.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, a $7.0 million increase from $11.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to higherthe recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets and an increase in gross profit, lower finance costs and lower income tax expense, as discussed above.partially offset by an increase in variable compensation expense.

Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $52.52015 increased $6.0 million a $42.5 million or 425% increase from $10.0$12.9 million for the fourththird quarter of 2012. The increase in adjusted net earnings of $42.5 million was2015, primarily due to the recognition of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets, related to the US jurisdictionpartially offset by an increase in the fourth quarter of 2013variable compensation expense, a decrease in gross profit and an increase in gross profit, as discussed above.foreign exchange losses.

Index to Financial Statements

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Leverage Ratio

A reconciliation of the Company’s EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net earnings (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is set out in the EBITDA reconciliation table below. EBITDA should not be construed as earnings (loss) before income taxes, net earnings (loss) or cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP. The Company defines EBITDA as net earnings (loss) before (i) interest and other (income) expense;finance costs; (ii) income tax expense (benefit); (iii) refinancing expense, net of amortization; (iv) amortization of debt issue costs; (v) amortization of intangible assets; and (vi)(iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before (i) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (ii) stock-based compensation expense;expense (benefit); (iii) impairment of goodwill; (iv) impairment (reversal of impairment) of long-lived assets and other assets; (v) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; (vi) (gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and (vi)equipment; and (vii) other discrete items as shown in the table below. The terms “EBITDA” and “adjusted EBITDA” do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to cash flows from operating activities or as alternatives to net earnings (loss) as indicators of the Company’s operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes that they allow investors to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance between periods presented by excluding certain non-operating expenses as well as certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses. In addition, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are used by management and the Company’s lenders in evaluating the Company’s performance because they believe that they allow management and the Company’s lenders to make a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance between periods presented by excluding certain non-operating expenses as well as certain non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses.

The Company defines leverage ratio as long-term debt plus installments on long-term debt divided by adjusted EBITDA. The term “leverage ratio” does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Leverage ratio is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to any GAAP measure as an indicator of the Company’s liquidity level or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company has included this non-GAAP financial measure because it permitsbelieves that it allows investors to make a meaningful comparison of the Company’s performance between periods presented.liquidity level. In addition, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA areleverage ratio is used by Management and the Company’s lendersmanagement in evaluating the Company’s performance.performance because it believes that it allows management to monitor its liquidity level and evaluate its capacity to deploy capital to meet its strategic objectives.

37


EBITDA Andand Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation Toto Net Earnings

(In millions of US dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three months ended   Year ended 
  December 31,   December 31,   Three months ended
December 31,
 Year ended
December 31,
 
  2013 2012   2013 2012   2011   2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 
  $ $   $ $   $   $ $ $ $ $ 

Net earnings

   53.6   5.7     67.4   20.4     7.4     17.5   6.1    56.7   35.8   67.4  

Add back:

        

Interest and other expense

   1.0   3.5     6.7   14.5     17.5  

Interest and other finance costs

   1.5   2.4    3.2   6.2   6.6  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (39.3 0.5     (35.8 0.2     1.8     (4.4 1.1    11.0   22.9   (35.8

Depreciation and amortization

   6.9   7.6     27.7   30.4     30.9     10.6   6.7    30.9   26.2   27.7  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

EBITDA

   22.2    17.3     66.0    65.5     57.6     25.2   16.3    101.7   91.1   65.9  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   1.6    3.2     30.7    18.3     2.9     2.7   1.0    3.7   4.9   30.7  

Stock-based compensation expense

   0.1    0.9     4.9    1.8     0.8     2.3   3.0    3.2   6.2   4.9  

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   0.0    —       0.2    —       —    

(Reversal of impairment) impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   (5.8 0.1    (5.8 0.1   0.2  

(Gain) loss on disposal of plant, property and equipment

   0.2   (0.0  (0.8 (0.1 0.1  

Other Item: Provision related to the resolution of a contingent liability

   —      —       1.3    —       1.0     —      —      —      —     1.3  

Other Item: Brantford Pension Charge

   —     0.3    —     1.6    —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   24.0    21.4     103.1    85.6     62.2     24.6   20.6    102.0   103.9   103.1  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA totalled $102.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a $1.9 million or 1.8% decrease from $103.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to (i) an unfavourable FX impact, (ii) an increase in SG&A expenses related to the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions and an increase in employee related costs, including an increase in health related costs and (iii) an increase in research expenses primarily associated with the South Carolina Project. These negative impacts were partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation expense.

Index to Financial Statements

Adjusted EBITDA totalled $103.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a $0.8 million or 0.8% increase from $103.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, totalled $103.1 million, a $17.4 million or 20.4% increase from $85.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in adjusted EBITDA of $17.4 million was primarily due to increasedan increase in gross profit as discussed above.partially offset by (i) an increase in professional fees, (ii) an increase in research expenses, (iii) additional expenses associated with credit insurance coverage commencing for accounts receivable in the fourth quarter of 2013 and (iv) the non-recurrence of a bad debt recovery recorded in 2013.

Adjusted EBITDA totalled $85.6$24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to an adjusted EBITDAfourth quarter of $62.22015, a $3.9 million or 19.1% increase from $20.6 million for 2011. Adjusted EBITDA increased $23.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to increasedan increase in gross margin, as discussed above.profit, partially offset by an increase in variable compensation expense.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $24.0 million, a $2.62015 decreased $2.2 million or 12.3% increase8.4% from $21.4$26.8 million for the fourththird quarter of 2012. The increase in adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million was2015, primarily due to increasedan increase in variable compensation expense, partially offset by an increase in gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2013, as discussed above.profit.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss). ForComprehensive income totalled $45.7 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011,2015, a $22.2 million or 94.8% increase from $23.5 million for the Company reported comprehensive income of $79.6 million, comprehensive income of $18.1 million, and comprehensive loss of $7.7 million, respectively. The increase in comprehensive income in 2013 wasyear ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to higher net earnings in 20132015 and gains from the remeasurement of the defined benefit liability compared to actuarial losses in 2012. The increase in2014.

Comprehensive income totalled $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a $56.1 million or 70.5% decrease from $79.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower net earnings in 2013 when compared to 2012 was primarily due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets. The increase in comprehensive income in 2012 was primarily due to higher net earnings in 20122014 and lower losses from the remeasurement of the defined benefit liability when compared to 2011.actuarial gains in 2013.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company had standby and documentary letters of credit issued and outstanding as of December 31, 20132015 that could result in payments by the Company of up to an aggregate of $5.0$1.9 million upon the occurrence of certain events. All of the letters of credit have expiry dates in 2014.the third quarter of 2016.

The Company had commitments to suppliers to purchase machines and equipment totalingtotalling approximately $12.9$20.9 million as of December 31, 2013.2015. It is expected that such amounts will be paid out in the next twelve months. In the event of cancellation, the penalties that would apply may be equal to the purchase price depending on timing of the cancellation.

The Company obtains certain raw materials from suppliers under consignment agreements. The suppliers retain ownership of the raw materials until the earlier of when the materials are consumed in production.production or auto billings are triggered based upon maturity. The consignment agreements involve short-term commitments that typically mature within 30 to 60 days of inventory receipt and are typically renewed on an ongoing basis. The Company may be subject to fees in the event the Company requires storage in excess of 30 to 60 days. At December 31, 2013,2015, the Company had on hand $9.6$13.0 million of raw material owned by ourits suppliers.

The Company has entered into agreements with various raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities of certain raw materials at fixed rates through June 2017 totalling approximately $22.1 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company is also required by the agreements to pay any storage costs incurred by the applicable supplier in the event the Company delays shipment in excess of 30 days. In the event the Company defaults under the terms of an agreement, an arbitrator will determine fees and penalties due to the applicable supplier. Neither party will be liable for failure to perform for reasons of “force majeure” as defined in the agreements.

The Company entered into a ten-year electricity service contract for one of its manufacturing facilities on November 12, 2013. The service date of the contract commenced in August 2014. The Company is committed to monthly minimum usage requirements over the term of the contract. The Company was provided installation at no cost and is receiving economic development incentive credits and maintenance of the required energy infrastructure at the manufacturing facility as part of the contract. The credits are expected to reduce the overall cost of electricity consumed by the facility over the term of the contract. Effective August 1, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment lowering the minimum usage requirements over the term of the contract. In addition, a new monthly facility charge will be incurred by the Company over the term of the contract. The Company estimates that service billings will total approximately $14.4 million over the remaining term of the contract.

Index to Financial Statements

Certain penalty clauses exist within the electricity service contract related to early cancellation after the service date of the contract. The costs related to early cancellation penalties include termination fees based on anticipated service billings over the term of the contract and capital expense recovery charges. While the Company does not expect to cancel the contract prior to the end of its term, the penalties that would apply to early cancellation could total as much as $5.4 million as of December 31, 2015. This amount declines annually until the expiration of the contract.

The Company has entered into agreements with various utility suppliers to fix certain energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, through December 2019 for minimum amounts of consumption at several of its manufacturing facilities. The Company estimates that utility billings will total approximately $5.2 million over the term of the contracts based on the contracted fixed terms and current market rate assumptions. The Company is also required by the agreements to pay any difference between the fixed price agreed to with the utility and the sales amount received by the utility for resale to a third party if the Company fails to meet the minimum consumption required by the agreements. In the event of early termination, the Company is required to pay the utility suppliers the difference between the contracted amount and the current market value of the energy, adjusted for present value, of any future agreed upon minimum usage. Neither party will be liable for failure to perform for reasons of “force majeure” as defined in the agreements.

The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of these arrangements or that would trigger any such penalty described above. The Company maintains no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Related Party Transactions

In June 2014, the Company engaged with a relocation management company to facilitate the purchase of the then-newly appointed Chief Financial Officer’s home in Montreal, Québec, Canada to assist in his relocation to Sarasota, FL, U.S.A. The Company provided funding to the relocation management company to purchase the home for $0.9 million. On April 15, 2015, the home was sold and the Company was reimbursed for the purchase funding.

The Company’s key personnel are members of the Board of Directors and five members of senior management in 2015. Key personnel remuneration includes: short-term benefits including employee salaries and bonuses, director retainer and committee fees, post-employment benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and termination benefits. Total key personnel remuneration decreased $3.5 million to $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to SARs exercise activity in 2014.

Working Capital

The Company experiences some business cyclicality that requires the management of working capital resources. Historically,Typically, a larger investment in working capital is required in the beginning of the year asquarters when accounts receivable increasesincrease due to higher first quarter sales compared to prior quarter whileand when inventory increases due to higher anticipated seasonal second quarterfuture sales. Furthermore, certain liabilities are accrued for throughout the year and are only paid during the first quarter.quarter of the following year.

38


The Company uses Days Inventory to measure inventory performance. Days Inventory for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased three daysto 61 from 5458 in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 57 in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company expects Days Inventory to be in the mid 50’s during the first quarter of 2014. Inventories increased $2.4$3.8 million to $94.3$100.6 million as of December 31, 20132015 from $91.9$96.8 million as of December 31, 2012.2014. The increase was primarily due to the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions.

The Company uses Days Sales Outstanding (“DSOs”DSO”) to measure trade receivables. DSOs increased by one day fromDSO for the fourth quarter of 2015 of 37 was the same as in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 38 in the fourth quarter of 2013. DSOs are expected to return to the low 40’s during the first quarter of 2014. Trade receivables increaseddecreased $2.7 million to $78.5 million as of December 31, 20132015 from $75.9$81.2 million as of December 31, 2012.2014 primarily due to a decrease in the amount of revenue invoiced in the fourth quarter of 2015, partially offset by the additional revenue from the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions.

Index to Financial Statements

The calculations are shown in the following tables:

 

  Three months ended      Three months ended   Three months ended 
  Dec. 31,
2013
   Dec. 31,
2012
      Dec. 31,
2013
   Dec. 31,
2012
   Dec. 31,
2015
   Dec. 31,
2014
 

Cost of sales(1)

  $153.5    $154.0    

Revenue(1)

  $191.5    $189.3    $149.9    $164.5  

Days in quarter

   92     92    

Days in quarter

   92     92     92     92  
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Cost of sales per day(1)

  $1.67    $1.67    

Revenue per day(1)

  $2.08    $2.06    $1.63    $1.79  

Average inventory(1)

  $94.4    $90.2    

Trade receivables(1)

  $78.5    $75.9    $99.4    $102.8  
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Days inventory

   57     54    

DSOs

   38     37     61     58  
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Days inventory is calculated as follows:

  

  

DSOs is calculated as follows:

  

Cost of sales ÷ Days in quarter = Cost of sales per day

  

  

Revenue ÷ Days in quarter = Revenue per day

  

(Beginning inventory + Ending inventory) ÷ 2 = Average inventory

   

  

Ending trade receivables ÷ Revenue per day = DSO’s

  

Average inventory ÷ Cost of goods sold per day = Days inventory

  

  

Days inventory is calculated as follows:

Cost of sales ÷ Days in quarter = Cost of sales per day

(Beginning inventory + Ending inventory) ÷ 2 = Average inventory

Average inventory ÷ Cost of goods sold per day = Days inventory

 

(1)In millions of US dollars
   Three months ended 
   Dec. 31,
2015
   Dec. 31,
2014
 

Revenue(1)

  $195.7    $200.8  

Days in quarter

   92     92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue per day(1)

  $2.13    $2.18  

Trade receivables(1)

  $78.5    $81.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

DSO

   37     37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

DSO is calculated as follows:

Revenue ÷ Days in quarter = Revenue per day

Ending trade receivables ÷ Revenue per day = DSO

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $0.4$5.2 million to $76.4$82.2 million as of December 31, 20132015 from $76.0$77.0 million as of December 31, 20122014 primarily due to an increase in SAR current liability, partially offset bypayables associated with the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions and the timing of payments for inventory and SG&A.

Liquidity

The Company finances its operations through a decline in accrued interest expense. A discussioncombination of cash flows from operations and borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility. Liquidity risk management attempts to (i) maintain a sufficient amount of cash and (ii) ensure that the SAR PlanCompany has financing sources for a sufficient authorized amount. The Company establishes budgets, cash estimates and cash management policies with a goal of ensuring it has the necessary funds to fulfil its obligations for the foreseeable future.

The Company has access to a $300 million Revolving Credit Facility, plus an incremental accordion feature (that is set forth below in this MD&A section entitled “Stock Appreciation Rights”.

Long-Term Debtavailable subject to the credit agreement’s terms and Liquidity

lender approval) of $150 million through November 2019. As of December 31, 2013, below is2015, the Company had drawn a summarytotal of $135.3 million, resulting in loan availability of $164.7 million. In addition, the items that provide liquidity to the Company:

CashCompany had $17.6 million of cash, yielding total cash and loan availability of $50.3 million;

Access through February 2017 to a $200$182.3 million ABL facility;

Free cash flowsas of $35.3 million; and

December 31, 2015.

Maturity dates of three years or more for over 65% of our debt.

The Company believes it has enoughsufficient funds from cash flows from operating activities funds available under the ABL and cash on hand to meet theits ongoing expected capital expenditures and working capital requirements funding needs for at least the next twelve months. These funds are also sufficient to meet funding needs for discretionary dividend payments and common share repurchases. In addition, funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used, as needed, to fund more significant strategic initiatives.

Also refer to the section below entitled “Long-Term Debt” for additional discussion of funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Cash Flows

The Company’s net working capital on the balance sheet increased during the year due to the effects of the 2015 business acquisitions, however, working capital amounts acquired are not included in Cash flows from operating activities under IFRS. As such, the discussions below regarding 2015 working capital items appropriately exclude these effects.

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $15.4 million to $102.3 million from $86.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable resulting from lower sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and an increase in accounts receivable in 2014 compared to 2013.

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $4.7 million to $86.9 million from $82.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to higher gross profit.

Index to Financial Statements

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $8.1 million to $41.9 million from $33.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to an increase in gross profit. The Company’s working capital contained two significant fluctuations that largely offset each other:

a large increase in accounts payable due to (i) the timing of payments near the end of 2015 compared to the end of 2014 and (ii) a full year accrual in the fourth quarter of 2015 for annual variable compensation expense compared to a pro rata accrual for the same in the fourth quarter of 2014; and

partially offset by a large decrease in inventory in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to an increase in the fourth quarter of 2015 due to a lower volume of sales and higher production volume of inventory in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $22.4 million to $59.2 million from $36.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to funding the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions in 2015, partially offset by lower capital expenditures. The decrease in capital expenditures primarily related to the South Carolina Project, partially offset by capital expenditures to increase production capacity of water-activated tape and shrink film.

Cash flows used for investing activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $8.1 million to $36.8 million from $44.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and higher proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $15.0 million to $19.7 million from $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to funding the TaraTape acquisition in November 2015 and the non-recurrence of proceeds from the sale of the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $12.5 million to $31.2 million from $43.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in net borrowings, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of common shares and an increase in dividends paid due to the increases in quarterly dividend payments announced in July 2014 and August 2015.

Cash flows used in financing activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $3.3 million to $43.7 million from $40.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in dividends paid, repurchases of common stock, lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s Executive Stock Option Plan and an increase in the payment of debt issue costs related to entering into the Revolving Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase was partially offset by smaller net repayment of debt in 2014 and lower interest payments in 2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $8.9 million to $18.6 million from $27.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to a lower net repayment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2015, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of common shares in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Company hasis including free cash flows, a $200non-GAAP financial measure, because it is used by management and investors in evaluating the Company’s performance and liquidity. Free cash flows does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Free cash flows should not be interpreted to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, as it excludes other mandatory expenditures such as debt service.

Free cash flows, defined by the Company as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment, increased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $21.7 million ABL facilityto $68.0 million from $46.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable and lower capital expenditures.

Free cash flows increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $11.0 million to $46.3 million from $35.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and an increase in gross profit.

Free cash flows increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $6.5 million to $33.3 million from $26.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to an increase in gross profit.

Index to Financial Statements

A reconciliation of free cash flows to cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is set forth below.

Free Cash Flows Reconciliation

(In millions of US dollars)

(Unaudited)

   Three months ended
December 31,
  Year ended
December 31,
 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Cash flows from operating activities

   41.9    33.8    102.3    86.9    82.2  

Less purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (8.5  (7.0  (34.3  (40.6  (46.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flows

   33.3    26.8    68.0    46.3    35.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

The Company’s $300 million Revolving Credit Facility is with a syndicate of financial institutions.institutions and replaced the Company’s $200 million ABL facility in November 2014. The Company relies upon cash flows from operating activitiesoperations and funds available under its ABL facilitythe Revolving Credit Facility to meet working capital requirements anticipatedas well as to fund capital expenditures, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases, obligations under its other debt instruments, and other general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes an incremental accordion feature of $150 million, which will enable the Company to partially finance capital expenditures forincrease the foreseeable future. The amountlimit of borrowings availablethis facility (subject to the Company under the ABL facility is determined by its applicable borrowing base from time to time. The borrowing base is determined by calculating a percentage of eligible trade receivables, inventoriescredit agreement’s terms and manufacturing equipment.lender approval) if needed.

As of December 31, 2013,2015, the Company had drawn a total draw of $84.4$135.3 million against its ABL,the Revolving Credit Facility, which consisted of $79.5 million of borrowings, $2.2 million of standby letters of credit, and $2.7 million of documentary letters of credit. As of December 31, 2012, the total draw was $81.6 million, which consisted of $79.4$133.4 million of borrowings and $2.2$1.9 million of standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2011, the total draw was $66.1 million, which consisted of $63.7 million of borrowings, $1.7 million of standby letters of credit, and $0.7 million of documentary letters of credit.

The Company had total cash and loan availability of $50.3$182.3 million as of December 31, 2013, $54.72015 and $206.2 million as of December 31, 2012 and $58.0 million as of December 31, 2011.2014. The decrease of $4.5 millionchange in total cash and loan availability is due to the changes in cash flows as previously discussed above.

The Revolving Credit Facility is priced primarily on the LIBOR rate plus a spread varying between 100 and 225 basis points (150 basis points as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 was primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in documentary letters of credit and a $3.4 million decrease in cash, partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in2015). The spread depends on the borrowing base. Theconsolidated total draw combined with free cash flowsleverage ratio and increases in other debt instruments were used to fundas the redemptions in the aggregate amount of $38.7 million of Notes at par value. The decrease of $3.3 million inconsolidated total cash and loan availability between December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 was primarily due to a $15.7 million increase in ABL borrowings largely offset by a $10.8 million increase in the borrowing base mainly due to a greater value placed on the manufacturing equipment as a result of the appraisal completed in connection with the

39


amendment and extension of the ABL facility in February 2012. The increase in borrowings combined with free cash flows and increases in other debt instruments were used to fund the redemptions in the aggregate amount of $80.0 million of Notes at par value. The Company had cash and loan availability under its ABL facility exceeding $57 million as of March 11, 2014.

The ABL facility, at its inception in March 2008, was initially scheduled to mature in March 2013. In February 2012, the Company amended the ABL facility to extend its maturity date to February 2017. The new ABL facility maturity date can be accelerated to 90 days prior to August 1, 2014 (the maturity date of the Company’s recently redeemed Notes) if the Notes have not been retired or if other conditions have not been met. However, the Notes were fully redeemed as of August 30, 2013 and all other conditions no longer apply and, therefore, the Company does not expect an acceleration of the ABL maturity date. Under the amendment, the interest rate increased modestly while several other modifications in the terms provided the Company with greater flexibility.

The ABL facility is priced at 30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin determined from a pricing grid. The loan margin declines as loan availabilityleverage ratio increases. The pricing grid for the loan margin ranges from 1.75%1.00% to 2.25%. for LIBOR or other floating rate loans. The ABL facility has one financial covenant, a fixed charge ratio of 1.0revolving credit loans denominated in US Dollars bear interest at the LIBOR rate applicable to 1.0. The ratio compares EBITDA (as defineddollar-denominated loans plus the applicable margin. Revolving credit loans denominated in an alternative currency bear interest at the ABL facility agreement) less capital expenditures not financed underfloating rate applicable to alternative currency-denominated loans plus the Equipment Finance Agreement, pension plan contributions in excess of pension plan expense, dividends,applicable margin and cash taxes to the sum of debt service and the amortization of the value of the manufacturing equipment included in the borrowing base. The financial covenant becomes effective only when loan availability drops below $25.0 million. The Company was above the $25.0 million threshold of loan availability during 2013 and had a fixed charge ratio greater than 1.0 to 1.0 as of December 31, 2013.

The Company retains the ability to secure up to $35.0 million of financing on all or a portion of its owned real estate and have the negative pledge in favour of the ABL facility lenders terminated.any mandatory costs. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had secured real estate mortgage financing of $24.4 million, including $14.8 million borrowed under the Real Estate Loan and $8.1 million borrowed in the second quarter of 2013 under the South Carolina Mortgage, leaving the Company the ability to obtain an additional $10.62015, $124.0 million of real estate mortgage financing.

On November 25, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to its ABL facility increasing its ability to secure financing in connection with the purchase of fixed assets under a permitted purchase money debt facility from $25.0 million to $45.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding permitted purchase money debt of $21.7 million incurred after March 28, 2008 (original closing date of the ABL facility), leaving the Company the ability to obtain an additional $23.3borrowings was priced at 30-day US dollar LIBOR and $9.4 million of permitted purchase moneyUS dollar equivalent borrowings was priced at 30-day CDOR (“Canadian Dollar Offer Rate”).

The Revolving Credit Facility has, in summary, three financial covenants: (i) a consolidated total leverage ratio not to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00, (ii) a consolidated debt financing.

On August 14, 2012,service ratio not to be less than 1.50 to 1.00, and (iii) the Company entered into the Equipment Finance Agreement with a lifetime and maximum fundingaggregated amount of $24.0 million with the final funding to occur by March 31, 2014. The terms of the arrangement include multiple individual finance leases, each of which have and will have a term of 60 months and a fixed interest rate of 2.74% for leases scheduled prior to January 1, 2013 and 2.90% for leases scheduled prior to January 1, 2014. The Company financed two schedules, $2.7 million and $2.6 millionall capital expenditures in 2012 at 2.74%, and two schedules, $2.2 million and $14.7 million in 2013 at 2.90%. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the Company had borrowed $1.3 million under the Equipment Finance Agreement in the form of advanced fundings at a rate of 2.25%, which will be scheduled into finance leases with fixed terms of 60 months and a floating interest rate of 2.25% over 30-day LIBOR. Under the Equipment Finance Agreement, if the Company didany fiscal year may not finance the full amount of $24.0 million by December 31, 2013, then the Company would have been required to pay a Reinvestment Premium as defined under the Equipment Finance Agreement on the difference between those amounts and the amounts actually funded if the 3-Year SWAP rate decreased to less than 0.5%. While the Company did not finance the required amount by December 31, 2013, the Company did not pay a Reinvestment Premium because the 3-Year SWAP rate at December 31, 2013 was higher than 0.5%.

On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a Real Estate Loan of $16.6 million, amortized on a straight-line basis over the ten-year term of the loan. On November 25, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to its Real Estate Loan facility increasing its ability to secure financing in connection with the purchase of fixed assets under a permitted purchase money debt facility from $25.0 million to $45.0 million, maintaining the alignment of the covenants within the Real Estate Loan and the ABL facility, which are cross-defaulted. The maturity of the Real Estate Loan may be accelerated if the ABL facility is not extended and if Bank of America, N.A. ceases to be the agent by reason of an action of the Company. The notional value of the Real Estate Loan as of December 31, 2013 was $14.8exceed $50 million. AAny portion of the Real Estate Loanallowable $50 million not expended in the year may be required to be repaid early if any of the mortgaged properties are disposed of prior to October 31, 2022. The Real Estate Loan had an interest rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 250 basis points until December 31, 2012. Since then, the interest rate on the Real Estate Loan has been 30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin between 225 and 275 basis points determined from a pricing grid as definedcarried over for expenditure in the Real Estate Loan Agreement. The Real Estate Loan contains two financial covenants. following year but not carried over to any additional subsequent year thereafter (as such, the allowable capital expenditures are $65.7 million in 2016 and $59.4 million in 2015 due to a carry forward provision of unused capital expenditure amounts from the prior year).

The Company was in compliance with bothall three financial covenants, which were 1.55, 7.41 and $34.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. The loan is secured2015.

Capital Resources

Capital expenditures totalled $8.5 million and $34.3 million in the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, as funded by certainthe Revolving Credit Facility and cash flows from operations. Total capital expenditures are expected to be between $55 and $65 million in 2016. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2015 and expected to be made in 2016 are primarily for property, plant and equipment to support the following strategic and growth initiatives: the South Carolina Project, the recently announced water-activated tape capacity expansion in Cabarrus County, North Carolina (“WAT Project”), shrink film capacity

Index to Financial Statements

expansion at the Portugal manufacturing facility (“Shrink Film Project”), woven products capacity expansion (“Woven Project”), expansion of the Company’s real estate.specialty tape product offering (“Specialty Tape Project”) and various other initiatives and maintenance needs. All of the strategic and growth initiatives discussed above are expected to yield an after-tax internal rate of return greater than 15%. The table below summarizes the capital expenditures to date and expected future capital expenditures for the above mentioned initiatives (in millions of US dollars):

   Year ended
December 31,
   Approximate amounts
based on current estimates
 
   2015   2016   Total Project   Completion Date 
   $   $   $     

South Carolina Project

   7.9     3     60     End of 2016  

WAT Project

   4.2     31 - 36     44 - 49     End of 2017  

Shrink Film Project(1)

   3.9     5     11     End of the first half of 2017  

Woven Project

   3.2     0     5     Completed in 2015  

Specialty Tape Project

   —       4     10     End of the first half of 2017  

(1)Subject to foreign exchange impact and excluding any government subsidies.

In addition to the above, capital expenditures to support maintenance needs are expected to be between $8 and $12 million in 2016.

In addition, the Company had commitments to suppliers to purchase machines and equipment totalling approximately $20.9 million as of December 31, 2015, primarily to support the capacity expansion projects and other initiatives discussed above. It is expected that such amounts will be paid out in the next twelve months and will be funded by the Revolving Credit Facility and cash flows from operations.

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s principal contractual obligations and commercial commitments relate to its outstanding debt and its operating lease obligations. The following table summarizes these obligations as of December 31, 2015 (in millions of USD):

   Payments Due by Period(1) 
   Total   Less
than
1 year
   1-3
years
   4-5
years
   After
5 years
 
   $   $   $   $   $ 

Debt principal obligations(2)

   134.7     —       0.2     133.8     0.7  

Finance lease obligations(3)

   21.5     6.3     10.8     1.4     3.0  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined benefit plans(4)

   1.5     1.5     —       —       —    

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined contribution plans(5)

   3.5     3.5     —       —       —    

Operating lease obligations

   14.0     3.1     5.5     2.7     2.7  

Standby letters of credit

   1.9     1.9     —       —       —    

Equipment purchase commitments

   20.9     20.9     —       —       —    

Utilities contract obligations(6)

   19.6     4.0     5.8     3.8     6.0  

Raw material purchase commitments(7)

   35.2     33.2     2.0     —       —    

Other obligations

   5.1     2.2     1.0     1.0     0.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   257.9     76.6     25.3     142.7     13.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)“Less than 1 year” represents those payments due in 2016, “1-3 years” represents those payments due in 2017 and 2018, “3-5 years” represents those payments due in 2019 and 2020, while “After 5 years” includes those payments due in later periods.

Index to Financial Statements
(2)Refer to the previous section entitled “Long-Term Debt” for discussion of related interest obligations.
(3)The figures in the included in the table above include interest expense included in minimum lease payments of $1.6 million.
(4)Defined benefit plan contributions represent the amount the Company expects to contribute in 2016. Defined benefit plan contributions beyond 2016 are not determinable since the amount of any contributions is heavily dependent on the future economic environment and investment returns on pension plan assets. Volatility in the global financial markets could have an unfavourable impact on the Company’s future pension and other post-retirement benefits funding obligations as well as net periodic benefit cost.
(5)Defined contribution plan contributions represent the obligation recorded at December 31, 2015 to be paid in 2016. Certain defined contribution plan contributions beyond 2016 are not determinable since contribution to the plan is at the discretion of the Company.
(6)Utilities contract obligations also include agreements with various utility suppliers to fix certain energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, for minimum amounts of consumption at several of the Company’s manufacturing facilities, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above are estimates of utility billings over the term of the contracts based on the contracted fixed terms and current market rate assumptions. The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of the agreements.
(7)Raw material purchase commitments include certain raw materials from suppliers under consignment agreements, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above represent raw material inventory on hand or in transit, owned by the Company’s suppliers, that the Company expects to consume.

Raw material purchase commitments also include agreements with various raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities of certain raw materials at fixed rates, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above do not include estimates for storage costs, fees or penalties. The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of these agreements.

Purchase orders outside the scope of the raw material purchase commitments as defined in this section are not included in the table above. The Company is not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as these purchase orders typically represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The Company’s purchase orders are based on current demand expectations and are fulfilled by the Company’s vendors within short time horizons. The Company does not have significant non-cancellable agreements for the purchase of inventory or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed expected requirements. The Company also enters into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty.

Stock Appreciation Rights

On June 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“SAR Plan”). A SAR, as defined by the SAR Plan, is a right to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the base price of the SAR and the market value of a common share of the Company on the date of exercise. These SARs can be settled only in cash and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant.

On June 28, 2013,2012, 1,240,905 SARs were granted at an exercise price of CDN$7.56 with contractual lives ranging from six to ten years.

The amount and timing of a potential cash payment to settle a SAR is not determinable since the decision to exercise is not within the Company’s control after the award vests. At December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding vested awards was $2.9 million. At December 31, 2015, there was no accrual for SAR awards exercised but not yet paid.

Index to Financial Statements

Capital Stock and Dividends

As of December 31, 2015, there were 58,667,535 common shares of the Company purchased real estateoutstanding.

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”). A performance share unit (“PSU”), as defined by the PSU Plan, represents the right of a participant, once such PSU is earned and has vested in Blythewood, South Carolinaaccordance with the PSU Plan, to be utilized as its new South Carolina facility for $11.3 million and entered intoreceive the South Carolina Mortgage for up to $10.7 million, $8.5 millionnumber of which was advanced upon closingcommon shares of the purchaseCompany underlying the PSU. Furthermore, a participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the property. Interest is payable monthly and principal is amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. The maturitygrant date. PSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

PSUs granted will vest at the third anniversary of the South Carolina Mortgage may be accelerated if the ABL facility is not extended, refinanced with a credit facility acceptablegrant date. The number of shares earned can range from 0% to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), or if Wells Fargo ceases to be an ABL lender by reason150% of the actiongrant amount based on entity performance criteria, specifically the total shareholder return ranking of the Company versus a specified peer group of companies.

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”). A deferred share unit (“DSU”), as defined by the DSU Plan, represents the right of a participant to receive a common share of the Company. The notional value ofUnder the South Carolina Mortgage as of December 30, 2013 was $8.1 million, with an additional $2.1 million availableDSU Plan, a non-executive director is entitled to be loaned upon completion and appraisal of the building improvements to adapt the property for use as a manufacturing facility. The South Carolina Mortgage has an interest rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 215 basis points and contains two financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with both financial covenants as of December 31, 2013. The loan is secured solely by the Company’s Blythewood, South Carolina real estate. A default under the Company’s ABL will be deemed a default under the Company’s South Carolina Mortgage, Real Estate Loan and Equipment Financing Agreement.

40


As of August 30, 2013, the Company had redeemed in full the Notes bearing interest at 8.5%. The Indenture governing the Notes provided that they were redeemable at par beginning August 2012. On August 1, 2012, the Company redeemed $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Notes at par value. On December 13, 2012, the Company redeemed an additional $55.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Notes at par value. On June 27, 2013, the Company redeemed an additional $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Notes at par value. The final $18.7 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Notes was redeemed at par value on August 30, 2013. The redemptions were funded through free cash flows combined with funds available under the ABL facility which were higher than they would have beenreceive DSUs as a result of a grant and/or in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees. DSUs are settled when the executiondirector ceases to be a member of the Real Estate Loan, Equipment Finance Agreement,Board of Directors of the Company. DSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

The table below summarizes equity-settled share-based compensation activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31:

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2013 

Stock options granted

          —              492,500     830,000  

Stock options exercised

   116,250     21,250     712,500     256,677     1,151,610  

Cash proceeds (in millions of US dollars)

  $0.3    $0.1    $1.6    $0.8    $3.8  

Stock options expired or forfeited

   27,500     —       30,000     140,000     71,250  

PSUs granted

          —       363,600     152,500     —    

PSUs forfeited

   16,290     —       18,060     —       —    

DSUs granted

          —       46,142     36,901     —    

Shares issued upon DSU settlement

          —       6,397     —       —    

The Company paid a dividend of $0.12, $0.12, $0.13 and $0.13 per common share on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2015, respectively.

On August 12, 2015, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s quarterly dividend policy to increase the annualized dividend from $0.48 to $0.52 per share. The Board’s decision to increase the dividend was based on the Company’s strong financial position and positive outlook. The declaration and payment of future dividends, however, are discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Board of Directors each quarter following its review of, among other considerations, the Company’s financial performance and the South Carolina Mortgage.Company’s legal ability to pay dividends. Since the dividend policy was reinstated in August 2012, the Company has paid $73.3 million in cumulative dividends, of which $29.7 million was paid in 2015.

On March 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.13 per common share payable on March 31, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2016.

The dividends paid in 2015 and payable in 2016 by the Company are “eligible dividends” as defined in subsection 89(1) of theIncome Tax Act (Canada).

On July 7, 2014, the Company announced an NCIB effective on July 10, 2014. This NCIB expired on July 9, 2015. The Company renewed its NCIB for the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 common shares effective July 10, 2015 and expiring on July 9, 2016. On November 11, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved an amendment to the Company’s NCIB, as a result of which the Company is entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 2.5 million shares remained available for repurchase under the NCIB.

Index to Financial Statements

The table below summarizes the NCIB activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31:

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Common shares repurchased

   366,600     9,400     2,487,188     597,500  

Average price per common share including commissions

  CDN$14.28    CDN$17.64    CDN$15.52    CDN$14.35  

Total purchase price including commissions(1)

  $4,015    $144    $29,984    $7,822  

(1)In thousands of US dollars

As of March 9, 2016, the Company repurchased 147,200 shares under the NCIB in 2016 for a total purchase price of $1.7 million.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit PlansCash Flows

The Company’s net working capital on the balance sheet increased during the year due to the effects of the 2015 business acquisitions, however, working capital amounts acquired are not included in Cash flows from operating activities under IFRS. As notedsuch, the discussions below regarding 2015 working capital items appropriately exclude these effects.

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the March 31, 2013 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits on January 1, 2013.

Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits: Amended for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with retrospective application, introduced a measure of net interest income (expense) computed on the net pension asset (obligation) that replaced separate measurement of the expected return on plan assets and interest expense on the benefit obligation. The amended standard also required immediate recognition of past service costs associated with benefit plan changes, eliminating the requirement to recognize over the vesting period.

Upon retrospective application of the amended standard, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 were lower than originally reported. The decrease arose primarily because net interest income (expense) was calculated using the discount rate used to value the benefit obligation, which is lower than the expected rate of return on assets previously used to measure interest attributable to plan assets. This change resulted in an income tax benefit, an increase to the net pension liability prior to remeasurement and, at remeasurement, a reclass between other comprehensive income, deficit and net earnings.

The impact of adoption is a decrease to earnings before income tax benefit of $2.3 million and $1.7 million and an income tax benefit of $0.2 million for both of the yearsyear ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The following table shows2015 by $15.4 million to $102.3 million from $86.9 million in the impact of the retrospective application of the amended standard for each of the quarters for the yearsyear ended December 31, 20122014, primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable resulting from lower sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and 2011, respectively.an increase in accounts receivable in 2014 compared to 2013.

InCash flows from operating activities increased in the United States, certain union hourly employees ofyear ended December 31, 2014 by $4.7 million to $86.9 million from $82.2 million in the Company are covered by plans which provide a fixed benefit per month for each year of service. The Company amended one of the plans during the period ended September 30, 2012, which immediately increased the fixed benefit as well as incrementally over the next three years. Under Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits, the Company is required to recognize past service costs associated with benefit plan changes of $0.7 million immediately in Cost of sales.

41


Impact of Amended IAS 19-Employee Benefits Retrospective Application

Three month periods ended

(In thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

   December 31,
2012
  September 30,
2012
  June 30,
2012
  March 31,
2012
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Cost of sales

   94    1,184    505    505  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

   (94  (1,184  (505  (505

Gross margin

   (0.1%)   (0.6%)   (0.2%)   (0.2%) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

   (94  (1,184  (505  (505

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (40  (40  (41  (41
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   (54  (1,144  (464  (464
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

     

Basic

   (0.00  (0.02  (0.01  (0.01

Diluted

   (0.00  (0.02  (0.01  (0.01

Adjusted net earnings (loss)(1)

   (54  (1,144  (464  (464
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share(1)

     

Basic

   (0.00  (0.02  (0.01  (0.01

Diluted

   (0.00  (0.02  (0.01  (0.01

EBITDA(1)

   (94  (1,184  (505  (505
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   (94  (1,184  (505  (505
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   December 31,
2011
  September 30,
2011
  June 30,
2011
  March 31,
2011
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Cost of sales

   431    431    430    428  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

   (431  (431  (430  (428

Gross margin

   (0.2%)   (0.3%)   (0.2%)   (0.3%) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

   (431  (431  (430  (428

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (39  (37  (37  (37
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   (392  (394  (393  (391
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share

     

Basic

   (0.01  (0.01  (0.01  (0.01

Diluted

   (0.01  (0.01  (0.01  (0.01

Adjusted net earnings (loss)(1)

   (392  (394  (393  (391
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share(1)

     

Basic

   (0.01  (0.01  (0.01  (0.01

Diluted

   (0.01  (0.01  (0.01  (0.01

EBITDA(1)

   (431  (431  (430  (428
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   (431  (431  (430  (428
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)The changes in these Non-GAAP measures represent only the retrospective application of Amended IAS 19-Employee Benefitsresulting from the decrease in Net earnings (loss). For additional information regarding Non-GAAP measures refer to the Section entitled “Non-GAAP Measures” of this MD&A.

The Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans currently have an unfunded deficit of $18.9 million as of December 31, 2013, as comparedprimarily due to $39.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and $36.8 million as of December 31, 2011. The decreasehigher gross profit.

Index to Financial Statements

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the current year isfourth quarter of 2015 by $8.1 million to $41.9 million from $33.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to an increase in discountgross profit. The Company’s working capital contained two significant fluctuations that largely offset each other:

a large increase in accounts payable due to (i) the timing of payments near the end of 2015 compared to the end of 2014 and (ii) a full year accrual in the fourth quarter of 2015 for annual variable compensation expense compared to a pro rata accrual for the same in the fourth quarter of 2014; and

partially offset by a large decrease in inventory in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to an increase in the fourth quarter of 2015 due to a lower volume of sales and higher production volume of inventory in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $22.4 million to $59.2 million from $36.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to funding the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions in 2015, partially offset by lower capital expenditures. The decrease in capital expenditures primarily related to the South Carolina Project, partially offset by capital expenditures to increase production capacity of water-activated tape and shrink film.

Cash flows used for investing activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $8.1 million to $36.8 million from $44.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and higher proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $15.0 million to $19.7 million from $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to funding the TaraTape acquisition in November 2015 and the non-recurrence of proceeds from the sale of the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $12.5 million to $31.2 million from $43.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in net borrowings, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of common shares and an increase in dividends paid due to the increases in quarterly dividend payments announced in July 2014 and August 2015.

Cash flows used in financing activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $3.3 million to $43.7 million from $40.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in dividends paid, repurchases of common stock, lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s Executive Stock Option Plan and an increase in the payment of debt issue costs related to entering into the Revolving Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase was partially offset by smaller net repayment of debt in 2014 and lower interest payments in 2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $8.9 million to $18.6 million from $27.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to a lower net repayment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2015, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of common shares in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Company is including free cash flows, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it is used by management and investors in evaluating the Company’s performance and liquidity. Free cash flows does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Free cash flows should not be interpreted to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, as it excludes other mandatory expenditures such as debt service.

Free cash flows, defined by the Company as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment, increased in the year ended December 31, 2015 by $21.7 million to $68.0 million from $46.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable and lower capital expenditures.

Free cash flows increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $11.0 million to $46.3 million from $35.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and an increase in gross profit.

Free cash flows increased in the fourth quarter of 2015 by $6.5 million to $33.3 million from $26.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to an increase in gross profit.

Index to Financial Statements

A reconciliation of free cash flows to cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is set forth below.

Free Cash Flows Reconciliation

(In millions of US dollars)

(Unaudited)

   Three months ended
December 31,
  Year ended
December 31,
 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Cash flows from operating activities

   41.9    33.8    102.3    86.9    82.2  

Less purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (8.5  (7.0  (34.3  (40.6  (46.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flows

   33.3    26.8    68.0    46.3    35.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

The Company’s $300 million Revolving Credit Facility is with a syndicate of financial institutions and replaced the Company’s $200 million ABL facility in November 2014. The Company relies upon cash flows from operations and funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditures, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases, obligations under its other debt instruments, and other general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes an incremental accordion feature of $150 million, which will enable the Company to increase the limit of this facility (subject to the credit agreement’s terms and lender approval) if needed.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had drawn a total of $135.3 million against the Revolving Credit Facility, which consisted of $133.4 million of borrowings and $1.9 million of standby letters of credit. The Company had total cash and loan availability of $182.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and $206.2 million as of December 31, 2014. The change in total cash and loan availability is due to the changes in cash flows as previously discussed above.

The Revolving Credit Facility is priced primarily on the LIBOR rate plus a spread varying between 100 and 225 basis points (150 basis points as of December 31, 2015). The spread depends on the consolidated total leverage ratio and increases as the consolidated total leverage ratio increases. The pricing grid for the loan margin ranges from 3.64%1.00% to 2.25% for LIBOR or other floating rate loans. The revolving credit loans denominated in US Dollars bear interest at the LIBOR rate applicable to dollar-denominated loans plus the applicable margin. Revolving credit loans denominated in an alternative currency bear interest at the floating rate applicable to alternative currency-denominated loans plus the applicable margin and 4.00%any mandatory costs. As of December 31, 2015, $124.0 million of borrowings was priced at 30-day US dollar LIBOR and $9.4 million of US dollar equivalent borrowings was priced at 30-day CDOR (“Canadian Dollar Offer Rate”).

The Revolving Credit Facility has, in summary, three financial covenants: (i) a consolidated total leverage ratio not to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00, (ii) a consolidated debt service ratio not to be less than 1.50 to 1.00, and (iii) the aggregated amount of all capital expenditures in any fiscal year may not exceed $50 million. Any portion of the allowable $50 million not expended in the year may be carried over for USexpenditure in the following year but not carried over to any additional subsequent year thereafter (as such, the allowable capital expenditures are $65.7 million in 2016 and Canadian plans,$59.4 million in 2015 due to a carry forward provision of unused capital expenditure amounts from the prior year).

The Company was in compliance with all three financial covenants, which were 1.55, 7.41 and $34.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 20122015.

Capital Resources

Capital expenditures totalled $8.5 million and $34.3 million in the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, as funded by the Revolving Credit Facility and cash flows from operations. Total capital expenditures are expected to 4.63%be between $55 and 4.80%$65 million in 2016. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2015 and expected to be made in 2016 are primarily for property, plant and equipment to support the following strategic and growth initiatives: the South Carolina Project, the recently announced water-activated tape capacity expansion in Cabarrus County, North Carolina (“WAT Project”), shrink film capacity

Index to Financial Statements

expansion at the Portugal manufacturing facility (“Shrink Film Project”), woven products capacity expansion (“Woven Project”), expansion of the Company’s specialty tape product offering (“Specialty Tape Project”) and various other initiatives and maintenance needs. All of the strategic and growth initiatives discussed above are expected to yield an after-tax internal rate of return greater than 15%. The table below summarizes the capital expenditures to date and expected future capital expenditures for the above mentioned initiatives (in millions of US dollars):

   Year ended
December 31,
   Approximate amounts
based on current estimates
 
   2015   2016   Total Project   Completion Date 
   $   $   $     

South Carolina Project

   7.9     3     60     End of 2016  

WAT Project

   4.2     31 - 36     44 - 49     End of 2017  

Shrink Film Project(1)

   3.9     5     11     End of the first half of 2017  

Woven Project

   3.2     0     5     Completed in 2015  

Specialty Tape Project

   —       4     10     End of the first half of 2017  

(1)Subject to foreign exchange impact and excluding any government subsidies.

In addition to the above, capital expenditures to support maintenance needs are expected to be between $8 and Canadian plans, respectively,$12 million in 2016.

In addition, the Company had commitments to suppliers to purchase machines and equipment totalling approximately $20.9 million as of December 31, 2013. These changes resulted2015, primarily to support the capacity expansion projects and other initiatives discussed above. It is expected that such amounts will be paid out in the next twelve months and will be funded by the Revolving Credit Facility and cash flows from operations.

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s principal contractual obligations and commercial commitments relate to its outstanding debt and its operating lease obligations. The following table summarizes these obligations as of December 31, 2015 (in millions of USD):

   Payments Due by Period(1) 
   Total   Less
than
1 year
   1-3
years
   4-5
years
   After
5 years
 
   $   $   $   $   $ 

Debt principal obligations(2)

   134.7     —       0.2     133.8     0.7  

Finance lease obligations(3)

   21.5     6.3     10.8     1.4     3.0  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined benefit plans(4)

   1.5     1.5     —       —       —    

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined contribution plans(5)

   3.5     3.5     —       —       —    

Operating lease obligations

   14.0     3.1     5.5     2.7     2.7  

Standby letters of credit

   1.9     1.9     —       —       —    

Equipment purchase commitments

   20.9     20.9     —       —       —    

Utilities contract obligations(6)

   19.6     4.0     5.8     3.8     6.0  

Raw material purchase commitments(7)

   35.2     33.2     2.0     —       —    

Other obligations

   5.1     2.2     1.0     1.0     0.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   257.9     76.6     25.3     142.7     13.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)“Less than 1 year” represents those payments due in 2016, “1-3 years” represents those payments due in 2017 and 2018, “3-5 years” represents those payments due in 2019 and 2020, while “After 5 years” includes those payments due in later periods.

Index to Financial Statements
(2)Refer to the previous section entitled “Long-Term Debt” for discussion of related interest obligations.
(3)The figures in the included in the table above include interest expense included in minimum lease payments of $1.6 million.
(4)Defined benefit plan contributions represent the amount the Company expects to contribute in 2016. Defined benefit plan contributions beyond 2016 are not determinable since the amount of any contributions is heavily dependent on the future economic environment and investment returns on pension plan assets. Volatility in the global financial markets could have an unfavourable impact on the Company’s future pension and other post-retirement benefits funding obligations as well as net periodic benefit cost.
(5)Defined contribution plan contributions represent the obligation recorded at December 31, 2015 to be paid in 2016. Certain defined contribution plan contributions beyond 2016 are not determinable since contribution to the plan is at the discretion of the Company.
(6)Utilities contract obligations also include agreements with various utility suppliers to fix certain energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, for minimum amounts of consumption at several of the Company’s manufacturing facilities, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above are estimates of utility billings over the term of the contracts based on the contracted fixed terms and current market rate assumptions. The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of the agreements.
(7)Raw material purchase commitments include certain raw materials from suppliers under consignment agreements, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above represent raw material inventory on hand or in transit, owned by the Company’s suppliers, that the Company expects to consume.

Raw material purchase commitments also include agreements with various raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities of certain raw materials at fixed rates, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above do not include estimates for storage costs, fees or penalties. The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of these agreements.

Purchase orders outside the scope of the raw material purchase commitments as defined in this section are not included in the table above. The Company is not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as these purchase orders typically represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The Company’s purchase orders are based on current demand expectations and are fulfilled by the Company’s vendors within short time horizons. The Company does not have significant non-cancellable agreements for the purchase of inventory or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed expected requirements. The Company also enters into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty.

Stock Appreciation Rights

On June 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“SAR Plan”). A SAR, as defined by the SAR Plan, is a decrease in net presentright to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the base price of the SAR and the market value of a common share of the liabilityCompany on the date of exercise. These SARs can be settled only in cash and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant.

On June 28, 2012, 1,240,905 SARs were granted at an exercise price of CDN$7.56 with contractual lives ranging from six to ten years.

The amount and timing of a potential cash payment to settle a SAR is not determinable since the decision to exercise is not within the Company’s control after the award vests. At December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding vested awards was $2.9 million. At December 31, 2015, there was no accrual for SAR awards exercised but not yet paid.

Index to Financial Statements

Capital Stock and Dividends

As of December 31, 2015, there were 58,667,535 common shares of the Company outstanding.

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”). A performance share unit (“PSU”), as defined by the PSU Plan, represents the right of a participant, once such PSU is earned and has vested in accordance with the PSU Plan, to receive the number of common shares of the Company underlying the PSU. Furthermore, a participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the grant date. PSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

PSUs granted will vest at the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of shares earned can range from 0% to 150% of the grant amount based on entity performance criteria, specifically the total shareholder return ranking of the Company versus a specified peer group of companies.

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”). A deferred share unit (“DSU”), as defined by the DSU Plan, represents the right of a participant to receive a common share of the Company. Under the DSU Plan, a non-executive director is entitled to receive DSUs as a result of a grant and/or in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees. DSUs are settled when the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. DSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

The table below summarizes equity-settled share-based compensation activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31:

 

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2013 

Stock options granted

          —              492,500     830,000  

Stock options exercised

   116,250     21,250     712,500     256,677     1,151,610  

Cash proceeds (in millions of US dollars)

  $0.3    $0.1    $1.6    $0.8    $3.8  

Stock options expired or forfeited

   27,500     —       30,000     140,000     71,250  

PSUs granted

          —       363,600     152,500     —    

PSUs forfeited

   16,290     —       18,060     —       —    

DSUs granted

          —       46,142     36,901     —    

Shares issued upon DSU settlement

          —       6,397     —       —    

42The Company paid a dividend of $0.12, $0.12, $0.13 and $0.13 per common share on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2015, respectively.


partially offset by returnOn August 12, 2015, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s quarterly dividend policy to increase the annualized dividend from $0.48 to $0.52 per share. The Board’s decision to increase the dividend was based on plan assetsthe Company’s strong financial position and annual contribution paidpositive outlook. The declaration and payment of future dividends, however, are discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Company. For 2013,Board of Directors each quarter following its review of, among other considerations, the Company’s financial performance and the Company’s legal ability to pay dividends. Since the dividend policy was reinstated in August 2012, the Company contributed $4.3 million as compared to $5.6has paid $73.3 million in 2012cumulative dividends, of which $29.7 million was paid in 2015.

On March 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.13 per common share payable on March 31, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2016.

The dividends paid in 2015 and $4.3 millionpayable in 2011, to its funded pension plans and to beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans. Adverse market conditions could require2016 by the Company are “eligible dividends” as defined in subsection 89(1) of theIncome Tax Act (Canada).

On July 7, 2014, the Company announced an NCIB effective on July 10, 2014. This NCIB expired on July 9, 2015. The Company renewed its NCIB for the repurchase of up to make additional cash payments2,000,000 common shares effective July 10, 2015 and expiring on July 9, 2016. On November 11, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved an amendment to fund the plansCompany’s NCIB, as a result of which could reduce cashthe Company is entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 2.5 million shares remained available for other business needs; however,repurchase under the NCIB.

Index to Financial Statements

The table below summarizes the NCIB activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31:

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Common shares repurchased

   366,600     9,400     2,487,188     597,500  

Average price per common share including commissions

  CDN$14.28    CDN$17.64    CDN$15.52    CDN$14.35  

Total purchase price including commissions(1)

  $4,015    $144    $29,984    $7,822  

(1)In thousands of US dollars

As of March 9, 2016, the Company expects to meet its minimum required pension benefit plan funding obligationsrepurchased 147,200 shares under the NCIB in 2016 for 2014. Nonea total purchase price of the benefit plan assets were invested in any of the Company’s own equity or financial instruments or in any property or other assets used by the Company.$1.7 million.

Cash Flows

The Company’s net working capital on the balance sheet increased during the year due to the effects of the 2015 business acquisitions, however, working capital amounts acquired are not included in Cash flows from operating activities under IFRS. As such, the discussions below regarding 2015 working capital items appropriately exclude these effects.

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital itemsoperating activities increased in 2013the year ended December 31, 2015 by $12.1$15.4 million or 15.4% to $90.8$102.3 million from $78.7$86.9 million in 2012. Thethe year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable resulting from lower sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and an increase in accounts receivable in 2014 compared to 2013.

Cash flows from operating activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $4.7 million to $86.9 million from $82.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, was primarily due to higher gross profit partially offset by an increase in cash costs relatedprofit.

Index to manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges.

Financial Statements

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital items increased in 2012 by $24.5 million to $78.7 million from $54.2 million in 2011. The increase in 2012 was primarily due to higher gross profit partially offset by an increase in SG&A.

Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital itemsoperating activities increased in the fourth quarter of 20132015 by $1.6$8.1 million or 8.0% to $21.0$41.9 million from $19.4$33.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was2014, primarily due to an increase in adjusted EBITDA gross profit. The Company’s working capital contained two significant fluctuations that largely offset each other:

a large increase in accounts payable due to (i) the timing of payments near the end of 2015 compared to the end of 2014 and (ii) a full year accrual in the fourth quarter of 2015 for annual variable compensation expense compared to a pro rata accrual for the same in the fourth quarter of 2014; and

partially offset by income taxes paid.

Cash flows from working capital items decreased in 2013 by $14.4 million or 250% to $8.6 million use of cash from $5.8 million source of cash in 2012. Thea large decrease in inventory in the sourcefourth quarter of cash from working capital items in 2013 was primarily due to a one day increase in trade receivable DSOs in 20132014 compared to a five day decrease in 2012 relating to an increase in the amountfourth quarter of revenue invoiced2015 due to a lower volume of sales and collected earlyhigher production volume of inventory in the fourth quarter of 20122015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013, and higher payments in 2013 related to variable compensation costs accrued for in 2012. This decrease was partially offset by an environmental provision recorded in the first quarter of 2013 for the South Carolina Project.

Cash flows from working capital items increased in 2012 by $11.2 million to $5.8 million source of cash from $5.4 million use of cash in 2011. The increase in source of cash from working capital items in 2012 was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and a decrease in trade receivables. The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was primarily related to higher accrued variable compensation related to higher profitability and increased receipts of capital equipment for which payment had not been made. The decrease in trade receivables was primarily due to a decrease in DSOs.

Cash flows from working capital items decreased in the fourth quarter of 2013 by $10.5 million or 84.7% to a $1.9 million source of cash from a $12.4 million source of cash in the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease in the source of cash in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a two day decrease in trade receivable DSOs from the third quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to a seven day decrease from the third quarter of 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2012. The larger decrease in 2012 related to an increase in the amount of revenue invoiced and collected early in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2012, and accordingly, cash collections increased prior to the end of the fourth quarter of 2012.

2014.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in 2013the year ended December 31, 2015 by $23.8$22.4 million or 113% to $44.9$59.2 million from $21.1$36.8 million in 2012. The increase in 2013 wasthe year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to higherfunding the Better Packages and TaraTape acquisitions in 2015, partially offset by lower capital expenditures. The decrease in capital expenditures primarily related to the South Carolina Project.Project, partially offset by capital expenditures to increase production capacity of water-activated tape and shrink film.

Cash flows used for investing activities increaseddecreased in 2012the year ended December 31, 2014 by $15.8$8.1 million to $21.1$36.8 million from $5.3$44.9 million in 2011. The increase in 2012 wasthe year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to higherlower capital expenditures and higher proceeds from the non-recurrencesale of a release of restricted cash related to the settlement of a lawsuit in 2011.property, plant and equipment and other assets.

Cash flows used for investing activities increased in the fourth quarter of 20132015 by $3.2$15.0 million or 34.4% to $12.4$19.7 million from $9.2$4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increase for2014, primarily due to funding the TaraTape acquisition in November 2015 and the non-recurrence of proceeds from the sale of the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to higher capital expenditures related to the South Carolina Project.

Total expenditures in connection with property, plant and equipment were $46.8 million, $21.6 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total expenditures in connection with property, plant and equipment were $12.3 million and $9.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures from 2012 to 2013 was primarily related to the South Carolina Project.2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in 2013 were $40.5the year ended December 31, 2015 by $12.5 million including a $22.9to $31.2 million net repayment of debt. Cash flows used in financing activities in 2012 were $62.0 million, including a $42.8 million net repayment of debt. The decrease of $21.6 million or 34.8% in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily due to a decrease in repayments of debt as a result of lower free cash flows related to an increase in capital expenditures for the South Carolina Project and lower interest payments resulting from Note redemptions in 2012 and 2013. These decreases were partially offset by increased payments of dividends in 2013.

43


Cash flows used in financing activities were $62.0 million, including a $42.8 million net repayment of debt in 2012. Cash flows used in financing activities were $42.9 million, including a $27.0 million net repayment of debt in 2011. The increase of $19.1$43.7 million in the cash flows used in financing activities wasyear ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in repaymentsnet borrowings, partially offset by an increase in repurchases of debtcommon shares and an increase in dividends paid due to the payment of aincreases in quarterly dividend payments announced in 2012.July 2014 and August 2015.

Cash flows used in financing activities increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 by $3.3 million to $43.7 million from $40.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in dividends paid, repurchases of common stock, lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s Executive Stock Option Plan and an increase in the payment of debt issue costs related to entering into the Revolving Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of 2013 were $13.8 million, including an $8.0 million2014. The increase was partially offset by smaller net repayment of debt. debt in 2014 and lower interest payments in 2014.

Cash flows used in financing activities decreased in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $22.02015 by $8.9 million including a $15.8to $18.6 million net repayment of debt. The decrease of $8.2from $27.6 million or 37.4% used in financing activities in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared2014, primarily due to a lower net repayment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in repayments of debt as a result of lower free cash flows related to2015, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures forrepurchases of common shares in the South Carolina Project.fourth quarter of 2015.

The Company is including free cash flows, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it is used by Managementmanagement and investors in evaluating the Company’s performance and liquidity. Free cash flows does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Free cash flows should not be interpreted to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, as it excludes other mandatory expenditures such as debt service.

Free cash flows, a non-GAAP measurement that is defined by the Company as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment, and other assets, decreasedincreased in 2013the year ended December 31, 2015 by $27.6$21.7 million or 43.8% to $35.3$68.0 million from $62.9$46.3 million in 2012. The 2013 decrease wasthe year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to increaseda decrease in accounts receivable and lower capital expenditures related to the South Carolina Project.expenditures.

Free cash flows increased in 2012the year ended December 31, 2014 by $28.2$11.0 million to $62.9$46.3 million from $34.7$35.3 million in 2011. The 2012 increase wasthe year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to increased cash flows from operations partially offset bylower capital expenditures and an increase in capital expenditures.gross profit.

Free cash flows increased in the fourth quarter of 2013 were $10.62015 by $6.5 million a decrease of $12.0to $33.3 million or 53.2% from $22.6$26.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease in free cash flows in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was2014, primarily due to a decrease in the source of cash from trade receivables and an increase in capital expenditures.gross profit.

Index to Financial Statements

A reconciliation of free cash flows to cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is set forth below.

Free Cash Flows Reconciliation

(In millions of US dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three months ended

December 31,

   

Year ended

December 31,

   Three months ended
December 31,
 Year ended
December 31,
 
  2013 2012 2013 2012 2011   2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 
  $ $ $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ 

Cash flows from operating activities

   22.9   31.8    82.2   84.5   48.8     41.9   33.8    102.3   86.9   82.2  

Less purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets

   (12.3 (9.2  (46.8 (21.6 (14.0

Less purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (8.5 (7.0  (34.3 (40.6 (46.8
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Free cash flows

   10.6    22.6    35.3    62.9    34.7     33.3   26.8    68.0   46.3   35.3  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Financial Risk Management, ObjectivesLong-Term Debt

The Company’s $300 million Revolving Credit Facility is with a syndicate of financial institutions and Policiesreplaced the Company’s $200 million ABL facility in November 2014. The Company relies upon cash flows from operations and funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditures, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases, obligations under its other debt instruments, and other general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes an incremental accordion feature of $150 million, which will enable the Company to increase the limit of this facility (subject to the credit agreement’s terms and lender approval) if needed.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had drawn a total of $135.3 million against the Revolving Credit Facility, which consisted of $133.4 million of borrowings and $1.9 million of standby letters of credit. The Company had total cash and loan availability of $182.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and $206.2 million as of December 31, 2014. The change in total cash and loan availability is due to the changes in cash flows as previously discussed above.

The Revolving Credit Facility is priced primarily on the LIBOR rate plus a spread varying between 100 and 225 basis points (150 basis points as of December 31, 2015). The spread depends on the consolidated total leverage ratio and increases as the consolidated total leverage ratio increases. The pricing grid for the loan margin ranges from 1.00% to 2.25% for LIBOR or other floating rate loans. The revolving credit loans denominated in US Dollars bear interest at the LIBOR rate applicable to dollar-denominated loans plus the applicable margin. Revolving credit loans denominated in an alternative currency bear interest at the floating rate applicable to alternative currency-denominated loans plus the applicable margin and any mandatory costs. As of December 31, 2015, $124.0 million of borrowings was priced at 30-day US dollar LIBOR and $9.4 million of US dollar equivalent borrowings was priced at 30-day CDOR (“Canadian Dollar Offer Rate”).

The Revolving Credit Facility has, in summary, three financial covenants: (i) a consolidated total leverage ratio not to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00, (ii) a consolidated debt service ratio not to be less than 1.50 to 1.00, and (iii) the aggregated amount of all capital expenditures in any fiscal year may not exceed $50 million. Any portion of the allowable $50 million not expended in the year may be carried over for expenditure in the following year but not carried over to any additional subsequent year thereafter (as such, the allowable capital expenditures are $65.7 million in 2016 and $59.4 million in 2015 due to a carry forward provision of unused capital expenditure amounts from the prior year).

The Company is exposed to variouswas in compliance with all three financial risks including: foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity riskcovenants, which were 1.55, 7.41 and price risk resulting from its operations$34.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.

Capital Resources

Capital expenditures totalled $8.5 million and business activities. The Company’s Management is responsible for setting acceptable levels of risks and reviewing management activities as necessary.

The Company does not enter into financial instrument agreements, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

This section of the MD&A includes the significant highlights, events and transactions which have taken place$34.3 million in the course of the yearsthree months and year ended December 31, 2013, 20122015, respectively, as funded by the Revolving Credit Facility and 2011 with respectcash flows from operations. Total capital expenditures are expected to the Company’s financial risksbe between $55 and management thereof. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not execute any financial risk management contracts. For a complete discussion of the Company’s financial risks, management policies and procedures and objectives, please refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of and$65 million in 2016. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013.

In 2011,2015 and expected to be made in accordance with2016 are primarily for property, plant and equipment to support the Company’s foreign exchange rate risk policy,following strategic and growth initiatives: the Company executed a series of nine monthly forward foreign exchange rate contracts to purchase an aggregate CDN$10.0 million beginningSouth Carolina Project, the recently announced water-activated tape capacity expansion in July 2011 through March 2012, at fixed exchange rates ranging from CDN$0.9692 to CDN$0.9766 to the US dollar and a series of five monthly forward foreign exchange rate contracts to purchase an aggregate CDN$10.0 million beginning in March 2012 through July 2012, at fixed exchange rates ranging from CDN$1.0564 to CDN$1.0568 to the US dollar.Cabarrus County, North Carolina (“WAT Project”), shrink film capacity

Index to Financial Statements

44


These forward foreign exchange rate contracts mitigated foreign exchange rate risk associated with a portion of anticipated monthly inventory purchasesexpansion at the Portugal manufacturing facility (“Shrink Film Project”), woven products capacity expansion (“Woven Project”), expansion of the Company’s specialty tape product offering (“Specialty Tape Project”) and various other initiatives and maintenance needs. All of the strategic and growth initiatives discussed above are expected to yield an after-tax internal rate of return greater than 15%. The table below summarizes the capital expenditures to date and expected future capital expenditures for the above mentioned initiatives (in millions of US self-sustaining foreign operations thatdollars):

   Year ended
December 31,
   Approximate amounts
based on current estimates
 
   2015   2016   Total Project   Completion Date 
   $   $   $     

South Carolina Project

   7.9     3     60     End of 2016  

WAT Project

   4.2     31 - 36     44 - 49     End of 2017  

Shrink Film Project(1)

   3.9     5     11     End of the first half of 2017  

Woven Project

   3.2     0     5     Completed in 2015  

Specialty Tape Project

   —       4     10     End of the first half of 2017  

(1)Subject to foreign exchange impact and excluding any government subsidies.

In addition to the above, capital expenditures to support maintenance needs are expected to be settledbetween $8 and $12 million in Canadian dollars. The Company designated these forward foreign exchange rate contracts as cash flow hedges, effectively mitigating the cash flow risk associated with the settlement of the inventory purchases.

The Company is exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to the fluctuations in interest rates applicable on its variable rate ABL, Real Estate Loan and other smaller components of debt.2016.

In 2011, to mitigate the risk of a change in cash flows due to interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s variable rate ABL,addition, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap Agreement”), designated as a cash flow hedge which expired on September 22, 2011. The terms of this Swap Agreement were as follows:

   Notional
amount
   Settlement   Fixed interest
rate paid
 
   $       % 

Swap Agreement matured in September 2011

   40,000,000     Monthly     3.35  

There have been no material changes with respecthad commitments to the Company’s financial riskssuppliers to purchase machines and management thereof during 2013.

45


Contractual Obligations

The Company’s principal contractual obligations and commercial commitments relate to its outstanding debt and its operating lease obligations. The following table summarizes these obligationsequipment totalling approximately $20.9 million as of December 31, 2013:2015, primarily to support the capacity expansion projects and other initiatives discussed above. It is expected that such amounts will be paid out in the next twelve months and will be funded by the Revolving Credit Facility and cash flows from operations.

Contractual Obligations

(InThe Company’s principal contractual obligations and commercial commitments relate to its outstanding debt and its operating lease obligations. The following table summarizes these obligations as of December 31, 2015 (in millions of US dollars)

(Unaudited)USD):

 

  Payments Due by Period(1)   Payments Due by Period(1) 
  Total   Less
than
1 year
   1-3
years
   4-5
years
   After
5 years
   Total   Less
than
1 year
   1-3
years
   4-5
years
   After
5 years
 
  $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Debt principal obligations(2)

   105.3     3.9     5.2     91.3     5.0     134.7     —       0.2     133.8     0.7  

Finance lease obligations(3)

   26.5     4.8     9.7     8.8     3.1     21.5     6.3     10.8     1.4     3.0  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined benefit plans(2)

   6.1     6.1     —       —       —    

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined contribution plans(3)

   3.0     3.0     —       —       —    

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined benefit plans(4)

   1.5     1.5     —       —       —    

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - defined contribution plans(5)

   3.5     3.5     —       —       —    

Operating lease obligations

   14.1     2.3     4.1     3.8     3.9     14.0     3.1     5.5     2.7     2.7  

Standby letters of credit

   1.9     1.9     —       —       —    

Equipment purchase commitments

   12.9     12.9     —       —       —       20.9     20.9     —       —       —    

Utilities contract obligations(4)

   30.1     0.7     6.2     6.3     16.9  

Other provisions

   5.7     1.7     2.4     0.1     1.5  

Utilities contract obligations(6)

   19.6     4.0     5.8     3.8     6.0  

Raw material purchase commitments(7)

   35.2     33.2     2.0     —       —    

Other obligations

   5.1     2.2     1.0     1.0     0.9  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   203.7       35.5       27.5     110.3       30.4     257.9     76.6     25.3     142.7     13.3  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)“Less than 1 year” represents 2014,those payments due in 2016, “1-3 years” represents 2015those payments due in 2017 and 2016,2018, “3-5 years” represents 2017those payments due in 2019 and 2018,2020, while “After 5 years” includes amounts forthose payments due in later periods.

Index to Financial Statements
(2)Refer to the previous section entitled “Long-Term Debt” for discussion of related interest obligations.
(3)The figures in the included in the table above include interest expense included in minimum lease payments of $1.6 million.
(4)Defined benefit plan contributions represent the amount the Company expects to contribute in 2014.2016. Defined benefit plan contributions beyond 20142016 are not determinable since the amount of any contributioncontributions is heavily dependent on the future economic environment and investment returns on pension plan assets. Volatility in the global financial markets could have an unfavorableunfavourable impact on the Company’s future pension and other-retirementother post-retirement benefits funding obligations as well as net periodic benefit cost.
(3)(5)Defined contribution plan contributions represent the obligation recorded at December 31, 20132015 to be paid in 2014.2016. Certain defined contribution plan contributions beyond 20142016 are not determinable since contribution to the plan is at the discretion of the Company.
(4)(6)The Company entered into a ten-yearUtilities contract obligations also include agreements with various utility suppliers to fix certain energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, service contractfor minimum amounts of consumption at a manufacturing facility. The service dateseveral of the contract is expected to commenceCompany’s manufacturing facilities, as discussed in the second quarter of 2014. The Company will then be committed to monthly minimum usage requirements over the term of the contract.previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above are estimates of electricity utilizationutility billings over the term of the contracts based on the contracted fixed terms and do not include penalties of up to $17.0 million for early contract termination.current market rate assumptions. The Company does not expectcurrently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of the agreements.
(7)Raw material purchase commitments include certain raw materials from suppliers under consignment agreements, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above represent raw material inventory on hand or in transit, owned by the Company’s suppliers, that the Company expects to cancel the contract prior to the end of its term.consume.

Raw material purchase commitments also include agreements with various raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities of certain raw materials at fixed rates, as discussed in the previous section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” above. The figures included in the table above do not include estimates for storage costs, fees or penalties. The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of these agreements.

Purchase orders outside the scope of the raw material purchase commitments as defined in this section are not included in the table above. The Company is not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as these purchase orders typically represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The Company’s purchase orders are based on current demand expectations and are fulfilled by the Company’s vendors within short time horizons. The Company does not have significant non-cancellable agreements for the purchase of inventory or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed expected requirements. The Company also enters into contracts for outsourced services; however, the obligations under these contracts are not significant and the contracts generally contain clauses allowing for cancellation without significant penalty.

Stock Appreciation Rights

On June 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“SAR Plan in lieu of granting stock options in 2012. The purpose of the 2012 SAR Plan is to (a) promote a proprietary interest in the Company among its executives and directors; (b) encourage the Company’s executives and directors to further the Company’s development; and (c) attract and retain key employees necessary for the Company’s long-term success. The 2012 SAR Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award SARs to eligible persons.Plan”). A SAR, as defined by the Company’s plan,SAR Plan, is a right to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the base price of the SAR and the market value of a common share of the Company on the date of exercise. These SARs can only be settled only in cash and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant. The award agreements provide that these SARs granted to employees and executives will vest and may be exercisable 25% per year over four years. The SARs granted to directors, who are not officers of the Company, will vest and may be exercisable 25% on the grant date, and a further 25% will vest and may be exercisable per year over three years.

Over the life of the awards, the total amount of expense recognized will equal the amount of the cash outflow, if any, as a result of exercises. At the end of each reporting period, the lifetime amount of expense recognized will equal the current period value of the SARs using the Black-Scholes pricing model, multiplied by the percentage vested. As a result, the amount of expense recognized can vary due to changes in the model variables from period to period until the SARs are exercised, expire, or are otherwise cancelled.

46


A SAR is granted at a price determined and approved by the Board of Directors, which is the closing price of the common shares on the TSX on the trading day immediately preceding the day on which a SAR is granted.

On June 28, 2012, 1,240,905 SARs were granted at an exercise price of CDN$7.56 with contractual lives ranging from six to ten years.

The amount and timing of a potential cash payment to settle a SAR is not determinable since the decision to exercise is not within the Company’s control after the award vests. At December 31, 2013,2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding vested awards was $1.8$2.9 million. At December 31, 2015, there was no accrual for SAR awards exercised but not yet paid.

Index to Financial Statements

Capital Stock and Dividends

As of December 31, 20132015, there were 60,776,64958,667,535 common shares of the Company outstanding.

DuringOn April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”). A performance share unit (“PSU”), as defined by the PSU Plan, represents the right of a participant, once such PSU is earned and has vested in accordance with the PSU Plan, to receive the number of common shares of the Company underlying the PSU. Furthermore, a participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the grant date. PSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

PSUs granted will vest at the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of shares earned can range from 0% to 150% of the grant amount based on entity performance criteria, specifically the total shareholder return ranking of the Company versus a specified peer group of companies.

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors adopted the Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”). A deferred share unit (“DSU”), as defined by the DSU Plan, represents the right of a participant to receive a common share of the Company. Under the DSU Plan, a non-executive director is entitled to receive DSUs as a result of a grant and/or in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees. DSUs are settled when the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. DSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

The table below summarizes equity-settled share-based compensation activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31, 2013, 830,000 stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of CDN$12.19 and a weighted fair market value of US$3.69 and 1,151,610 stock options were exercised with proceeds totalling $3.8 million.31:

During the year ended December 31, 2012, no stock options were granted and 663,989 stock options were exercised. Proceeds from the options exercised totalled $2.0 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, 875,000 stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of CDN$1.66 and a weighted fair market value of USD$1.03. No stock options were exercised in 2011.

During the fourth quarter of 2013, no stock options were granted or exercised. During the fourth quarter of 2012, 451,489 stock options were exercised with proceeds totalling $1.5 million.

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2013 

Stock options granted

          —              492,500     830,000  

Stock options exercised

   116,250     21,250     712,500     256,677     1,151,610  

Cash proceeds (in millions of US dollars)

  $0.3    $0.1    $1.6    $0.8    $3.8  

Stock options expired or forfeited

   27,500     —       30,000     140,000     71,250  

PSUs granted

          —       363,600     152,500     —    

PSUs forfeited

   16,290     —       18,060     —       —    

DSUs granted

          —       46,142     36,901     —    

Shares issued upon DSU settlement

          —       6,397     —       —    

The Company paid a dividend of $0.08$0.12, $0.12, $0.13 and $0.13 per common share on April 10, 2013March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2013.19, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2015, respectively.

On August 14, 2013,12, 2015, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s quarterly dividend policy to increase the frequency ofannualized dividend from $0.48 to $0.52 per share. The Board’s decision to increase the dividend from a semi-annualwas based on the Company’s strong financial position and positive outlook. The declaration and payment of future dividends, however, are discretionary and will be subject to a quarterly paymentdetermination by the Board of Directors each quarter following its review of, among other considerations, the Company’s financial performance and concurrentlythe Company’s legal ability to pay dividends. Since the dividend policy was reinstated in August 2012, the Company has paid $73.3 million in cumulative dividends, of which $29.7 million was paid in 2015.

On March 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08$0.13 per common share paidpayable on September 30, 2013March 31, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business September 16, 2013.

The Company paid a dividend of $0.08 per common share on December 30, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business December 16, 2013.

On February 6, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per common share payable on March 31, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business March 19, 2014. The estimated amount of this dividend payment is $4.9 million based on 60,776,649 shares of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding as of February 6, 2014.21, 2016.

The dividends paid in 2015 and payable in 2016 by the Company on April 10, 2013, September 30, 2013, December 30, 2013, and March 31, 2014 are “eligible dividends” as defined in subsection 89(1) of theIncome Tax Act (Canada).

On July 7, 2014, the Company announced an NCIB effective on July 10, 2014. This NCIB expired on July 9, 2015. The Company renewed its NCIB for the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 common shares effective July 10, 2015 and expiring on July 9, 2016. On November 11, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved an amendment to the Company’s NCIB, as a result of which the Company is entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 2.5 million shares remained available for repurchase under the NCIB.

Index to Financial Statements

The table below summarizes the NCIB activity that occurred during the three months and year ended December 31:

   Three months ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Common shares repurchased

   366,600     9,400     2,487,188     597,500  

Average price per common share including commissions

  CDN$14.28    CDN$17.64    CDN$15.52    CDN$14.35  

Total purchase price including commissions(1)

  $4,015    $144    $29,984    $7,822  

(1)In thousands of US dollars

As of March 9, 2016, the Company repurchased 147,200 shares under the NCIB in 2016 for a total purchase price of $1.7 million.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

The Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans currently have an unfunded deficit of $29.3 million as of December 31, 2015 as compared to $31.7 million as of December 31, 2014. The decrease in the current year is primarily due to an increase in the weighted average discount rate from 3.73% and 4.15% for US and Canadian plans, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 to 4.01% and 4.25% for US and Canadian plans, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. These changes resulted in a decrease in net present value of the liability and are partially offset by the fair value of plan assets. For 2015, the Company contributed $2.0 million as compared to $2.3 million in 2014, to its funded pension plans and to beneficiaries for its unfunded benefit plans. Adverse market conditions could require the Company to make additional cash payments to fund the plans which could reduce cash available for other business needs; however, the Company expects to meet its minimum required pension benefit plan funding obligations for 2016. None of the defined benefit plan assets were invested in any of the Company’s own equity or financial instruments or in any property or other assets used by the Company.

Effective September 30, 2011, the defined benefit plan associated with the former Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility sponsored by the Company was wound-up. Pursuant to applicable legislation, benefits for this plan had to be settled within the five-year period following the wind-up effective date. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased group annuity buy out policies to settle its obligation to plan participants resulting in non-cash settlement losses of $1.6 million representing the difference between the accounting liability and the cost to settle the obligations. The settlement losses were included in the statement of consolidated earnings under the caption cost of sales.

Financial Risk, Objectives and Policies

On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted and implemented IFRS 9 (2013) -Financial Instruments. This standard replaces IAS 39 -Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 (2013) includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and introduces a new general hedge accounting model which aims to better align a company’s hedge accounting with risk management.

The Company is exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to the fluctuations in interest rates applicable on its variable rate Revolving Credit Facility and other floating rate debt. In the first and third quarters of 2015, to hedge the long-term cost of floating rate debt, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges.

Index to Financial Statements

The terms of the interest swap agreements are as follows:

Maturity

  Notional amount   Settlement   Fixed interest rate paid 
   $       % 

November 18, 2019

   40,000,000     Monthly     1.610  

August 20, 2018

   60,000,000     Monthly     1.197  

Please refer to Note 21 of the Company’s Financial Statements for a complete discussion of the Company’s risk factors, risk management, objectives and policies.

Litigation

On July 3, 2014, the Company was informed of a complaint filed on June 27, 2014 by its former Chief Financial Officer with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor (“OSHA”) alleging certain violations by the Company related to the terms of his employment and his termination. The Company aggressively contested the allegations and believes it demonstrated that the former Chief Financial Officer’s assertions are entirely without merit.

In February 2012, Multilayer Stretch Cling Film Holdings, Inc. (“Multilayer”) fileda letter dated July 16, 2015, OSHA informed the Company that the former Chief Financial Officer had withdrawn his OSHA complaint in order to file a complaint against the Company in US federal district court. The withdrawal occurred prior to any determination by OSHA regarding the U.S.complaint.

On November 5, 2015, the former Chief Financial Officer filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for Western Tennessee, allegingthe Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit is premised on essentially the same facts and makes essentially the same allegations as asserted in the OSHA complaint; the lawsuit seeks unspecified money damages and a trial by jury. The Company is not currently able to predict the probability of a favourable or unfavourable outcome, or the amount of any possible loss in the event of an unfavourable outcome. Consequently, no material provision or liability has been recorded for these allegations and claims as of December 31, 2015. As with the OSHA claim, the Company believes that the former Chief Financial Officer’s assertions in the lawsuit are entirely without merit. However, upon termination and in accordance with the existing employment agreement between the Company and the former Chief Financial Officer, a termination benefit accrual of $0.4 million had infringed a patent issued to Multilayerbeen recorded as of December 31, 2014. Terms of such agreement were not met within the timeframe specified therein and the termination benefit accrual was consequently reversed during the year ended December 31, 2015.

The Company is engaged from time-to-time in various legal proceedings and claims that covers certain aspectshave arisen in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of all of the manufacture of stretch film. In May 2013,proceedings and claims against the Company agreedis subject to a settlementfuture resolution, including the uncertainties of the outstanding litigation. PursuantBased on information currently known to the terms ofCompany and after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the confidential settlement agreement, the Company has paid Multilayer the full settlement amount in 2013, which settled all outstanding issues between the parties. The terms of the settlement agreement do not restrict the saleprobable ultimate resolution of any ofsuch proceedings and claims, individually or in the Company’s products, as the Company’s current products doaggregate, will not utilize Multilayer’s patented invention. The settlement has not had, and is not anticipated to have anya material adverse effect on the Company’s continuing operations.financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole, and accordingly, no amounts have been recorded as of December 31, 2015.

47


Critical Accounting Judgments, Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated financial statementsCompany’s Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Significant changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significant changes to these estimates. Consequently, management reviews these estimates on a regular basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Information about these significant judgments, assumptions and estimates that have the most significant effect on the recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses are summarized below:

Significant Management Judgment

Deferred income taxes

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the losses can be utilized. These estimates are reviewed at every reporting date. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and the level of the reversal of existing timing differences, future taxable income and future tax planning strategies. Please referRefer to Note 5 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding income taxes.

Leases

Leases are classified as either operating or finance, based on the substance of the transaction at inception of the lease. In some cases, the assessment of a lease contract is not always conclusive and management uses its judgment in determining if an agreement is a finance lease that transfers substantially all risks and rewards incidental

Index to ownership, or an operating lease.

Financial Statements

Estimation Uncertainty

Impairments

At the end of each reporting period the Company performs a test of impairment on assets subject to amortization if there are indicators of impairment. Goodwill allocated to cash generating units (“CGU”) and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”)CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, which in turn is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The value in use is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The cash flows are derived from the budget or forecasts for the estimated remaining useful lives of the CGUs and do not include restructuring activities that the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance the performance of the asset or CGU being tested. The value in use will vary depending on the discount rate applied to the discounted cash flows, the estimated future cash inflows, and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes. Please refer

Refer to Note 12 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding impairment testing of long-term assets.testing.

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans and the present value of the related obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. The determination of benefits expense and related obligations requires assumptions such as the discount rate to measure obligations, expected mortality and the expected healthcare cost trend. Actual results will differ from estimated results which are based on assumptions. Please referRefer to Note 17 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding the assumptions related to the pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Uncertain tax positions

The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations during the course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect itstheir risk. These provisions are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is possible that at some future date, liabilities in excess of the Company’s provisions could result from audits by, or litigation with, the relevant taxing authorities. Please referRefer to Note 5 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding income taxes.

Fair value measurement of financial instruments

Where the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using valuation techniques including the discounted cash flows model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments. Please refer to Note 21 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information regarding the fair value measurement of financial instruments.

48


Useful lives of depreciable assets

Management reviews the useful lives, depreciation methods and residual values of depreciable assets at each reporting date. As of the reporting date, management assesses the useful lives which represent the expected utility of the assets to the Company. Actual results, however, may vary due to technical or commercial obsolescence, particularly with respect to computersinformation technology and manufacturing equipment.

Net realizable value of inventories and parts and supplies

Inventories and parts and supplies are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. In estimating net realizable values of inventories and parts and supplies, management takes into account the most reliable evidence available at the time the estimate is made.

Allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue adjustments

During each reporting period, the Company makes an assessment of whether trade accounts receivable are collectible from customers. Accordingly, management establishes an allowance for estimated losses arising from non-payment and other revenue adjustments, taking into consideration customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, past experience and past experience.credit insurance coverage. The Company also records reductions to revenue for estimated returns, claims, customer rebates, and other incentives that are estimated based on historical experience and current economic trends. If future collections and trends differ from estimates, future earnings will be affected. Please referRefer to Note 21 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts and the related credit risks.

Index to Financial Statements

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows, when the effect of the time value of money is material.

Provisions of the Company include environmental and restoration obligations, resolution of a contingent liability and severancetermination benefits and other provisions. Please referRefer to Note 14 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding provisions.

Stock-based payments

The estimation of stock-based payment costsfair value and expense requires the selection of an appropriate pricing model.

The model used by the Company for the Executive Stock Option Plan (“ESOP”) and data and consideration asSAR Plan is the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires the Company to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the model, the most significant of which are the expected volatility of the Company’s own stock, the probable life of stock optionsawards granted, and the time of exercise, the risk-free interest rate commensurate with the term of those stock options. the awards, and the expected dividend yield.

The model used by the Company for the PSU Plan is the Black-Scholes pricingMonte Carlo simulation model. Please referThe Monte Carlo simulation model requires the Company to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the model, the most significant of which are the volatility of the Company’s own stock as well as a peer group, the performance measurement period, and the risk-free interest rate commensurate with the term of the awards.

Refer to Note 15 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013Financial Statements for more information regarding stock-based payments.

Business acquisitions

Management uses valuation techniques when determining the fair values of certain assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. In particular, the fair value of contingent consideration is dependent on the outcome of many variables including the acquirees’ future profitability.

Refer to Note 16 of the Company’s Financial Statements for more information regarding business acquisitions.

Changes in Accounting Policies

On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted and implemented IFRS 9 (2013) -Financial Instruments. This standard replaces IAS 39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 (2013) includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and introduces a new general hedge accounting model which aims to better align a company’s hedge accounting with risk management.

Previously, the Company classified financial assets when they were first recognized as fair value through profit or loss, available for sale, held to maturity investments or loans and receivables. Under IFRS 9 (2013), the Company classifies financial assets under the same two measurement categories as financial liabilities: amortized cost or fair value through profit and loss. Financial assets are classified as amortized cost if the purpose of the Company’s business model is to hold the financial assets for collecting cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. All other financial assets are classified as fair value through profit or loss. The adoption of this standard has not resulted in any changes to comparative figures.

The Company has not yet adopted IFRS 9 (2014) -Financial Instruments that incorporates the new impairment model that assesses financial assets based on expected losses rather than incurred losses as applied in IAS 39. This final standard will replace IFRS 9 (2013) and is effective for annual periods on or after January 1, 2018.

Index to Financial Statements

New Standards and Interpretations Issued but Not Yet Effective

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations, and improvements to existing standards have been published by the IASB but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Company. Management anticipates that all of the relevant pronouncements will be adopted in the first reporting period following the date of application. Information on new standards, amendments and interpretations, and improvements to existing standards, which could potentially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements,Financial Statements, are detailed as follows:

The IASB aims to replaceIFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces IAS 3918 Financial Instruments: RecognitionRevenue, IAS 11 – Construction Contracts and Measurementsome revenue related interpretations. IFRS 15 establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized at a point in its entirety withtime or over time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. IFRS 9, the replacement standard. To date, the chapters dealing with recognition, classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities as well as the chapter dealing with hedge accounting have been published. The chapter dealing with impairment methodology15 is still being developed. In November 2011, the IASB decided to consider making limited modifications to IFRS 9’s financial asset classification model to address application issues. In addition, in November 2013, the IASB decided to defer to a date to be announced the implementation of IFRS 9.effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Management has yet to assess the impact of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and does not expect to implement Financial Statements.

IFRS 9 until it has been completed(2014) - Financial Instruments was issued in July 2014 and its overall impact can be assessed.

IAS 36 –Impairmentdiffers in some regards from IFRS 9 (2013) which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2015. IFRS 9 (2014) includes updated guidance on the classification and measurement of Assets: Requires disclosurefinancial assets. The final standard also amends the impairment model by introducing a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment. The mandatory effective date of the recoverable amount of an asset (including goodwill) or a CGU when an impairment loss has been recognized or reversed in the period. When the recoverable amountIFRS 9 (2014) is based on fair value less costs to sell, the valuation techniques and key assumptions must also be disclosed. The new requirements apply prospectively and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014.2018 and must be applied retrospectively with some exemptions. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect a significanthas yet to assess the impact from Amended IAS 36of this new standard on the consolidatedCompany’s Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the IASB published IFRS 16 - Leases which will replace IAS 17 - Leases. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification as an operating lease and requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability in the statement of financial statementsposition for all leases with exemptions permitted for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. In addition, IFRS 16 changes the Company.definition of a lease; sets requirements on how to account for the asset and liability, including complexities such as non-lease elements, variable lease payments and options periods; changes the accounting for sale and leaseback arrangements; largely retains IAS 17’s approach to lessor accounting and introduces new disclosure requirements. IFRS 16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early application permitted in certain circumstances. Management has yet to assess the impact of this new standard on the Company’s Financial Statements.

49


Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Financial Statements.

Summary of Quarterly Results

A table of unaudited Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the twelve most recent quarters can be found at the beginning of this MD&A.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 52-109, “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings” (“NI 52-109”), the Company has filed interim certificates signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer that, among other things, report on the design of disclosure controls and procedures and design of internal control over financial reporting. With regards to the annual certification requirements of NI 52-109, the Company relies on the statutory exemption contained in section 8.18.2 of NI 52-109, which allows it to file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities the certificates required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 at the same time such certificates are required to be filed in the United States of America.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and its compliance with GAAP (as derived in accordance with IFRS) in its consolidated financial statements. The Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company have evaluated whether there were changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent interim period that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20132015 was effective.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitation, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Index to Financial Statements

Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Company, including its Form 20-F filed in lieu of an Annual Information Form for 2013,2014, is available on the Company’s website (www.intertapepolymer.com)(www.itape.com) as well as under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), the system used for electronically filing most securities-related information with the Canadian securities regulatory authoritiesat www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

50


Index to Financial Statements
Item 6:Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

 A.DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Directors

The following table sets forth the name, residence, position, and principal occupations for the last five (5) years of each Director of the Company as of the date hereof, as well as the date upon which each Director was first elected. Each Director is elected for a term of one year and may be nominated for re-election at the Company’s following annual shareholders’ meeting. The next annual shareholders’ meeting is scheduled to be held on June 11, 2014,9, 2016, at which time the current term of each Director will expire.

 

Name and

City of Residence

  

Position and Occupation

 

First Year as

Director

Eric E. Baker

Long Sault, Ontario, Canada

Director – Chairman of the Board

Managing Partner, Miralta Capital L.P.

President, Altacap Investors Inc. (private equity manager)

1989-2000

2007

Robert M. Beil

Phoenix, Arizona

  

Director

September 2006 – Retired

Sales, Marketing, Business and Executive Management, the Dow Chemical Company, 1975 to September 2006

 2007

George J. Bunze, CMACPA

Ile Bizard, Quebec, Canada

  

Director – Chairman of the Board (1)

Vice-Chairman and Director, Kruger Inc. (manufacturer of paper, tissue, wood products, energy (hydro/wind) and wine and spirits products)

 2007

Frank Di Tomaso, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Director

Director, Birks Group Inc. (designer, manufacturer and retailer of jewelry, timepieces, silverware and gifts), National Bank Trust (asset management and trust services firm), National Bank Life Insurance Company, Yorbeau Resources Inc. (gold exploration company), ADF Group Inc. (complex structural steel and heavy built-up steel components for the non-residential construction industry), and Laurentian Pilotage Authority (regulates operations of pilotage services on the St. Lawrence River)

Director, Redline Communications Group Inc., 2010 to 2013 (wireless communications network designer and manufacturer)

Partner and Advisory Partner 1981 to 2012 of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton

2014

Robert J. Foster

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  

Director

CEOChief Executive Officer and President, Capital Canada Limited (investment banking firm)

 2010

James Pantelidis

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  

Director

Director and Chairman of the Board of Parkland Fuel Corporation (distributor and marketer of fuels and lubricants)

Director and Chairman of the Board of EnerCare Inc. (home services company)

 2012

Jorge N. Quintas

Porto, Portugal

  

Director

President, Nelson Quintas SGPS, SA (manufacturer of electrical and telecommunication cables)

 2009

Mary Pat Salomone

Naples, Florida

Director (2)

Senior Vice President and COO, The Babcock & Wilcox Company 2010 to 2013 (power generation company)

Director, TransCanda Corporation (energy infrastructure company)

Director, TransCanada Pipelines Limited (energy infrastructure company)

2016

Gregory A.A.C. Yull

Sarasota, Florida

  

Director

CEO and President of the Company since June 2010, President Tapes and Films Division of the Company, 2008 through 2010; prior to that served as Executive Vice President, Industrial Business Unit for Tapes and Films since November 2004

 2010

Melbourne F. Yull

Sarasota, Florida

  

Director

Executive Director through June 8, 2010

June 2006 – June 2007 – Retired

Prior thereto he was Chairman of the Board and CEOChief Executive Officer of the Company

Father of Gregory A.C. Yull

 

1989-2006

2007

(1)On June 4, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Bunze as the new Chairman of the Board following the retirement of the former Chairman, Mr. Eric E. Baker.
(2)On November 30, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Ms. Salomone as a new member of the Board of Directors.

Index to Financial Statements

Senior Management

The following table sets forth the name, residence and position of each member of senior management of the Company as of the date hereof, as well as the date upon which each was first elected:

 

Name and City of

Residence

  

Position and Occupation

  

First Elected

To Office

Gregory A.A.C. Yull

Sarasota, Florida

  CEOChief Executive Officer & President  2010
President, Tapes & Films2008

Michael C. Jay, Certified Public

AccountantJeffrey Crystal, CPA, CA

Sarasota, Florida

  Interim Chief Financial Officer  2014

Douglas Nalette1

Longboat Key, Florida

Corporate Controller2011
  Senior Manager, Internal AuditVice President, Operations  2011
Senior Manager, Audit & Enterprise Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche LLP2009
2006

Shawn Nelson1

Bradenton, Florida

  Senior Vice President Sales  2010

Douglas Nalette 1

Parrish, Florida

Senior Vice President, Operations2006

Joseph Tocci1

Bradenton, Florida

  Senior Vice President, Logistics and Supply Chain  2013
Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, Research & Development, and Supply Chain2012
Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Supply Chain2011
Senior Vice President, Consumer and Supply Chain2009
Senior Vice President, Supply Chain2008

 

1 Officer of Intertape Polymer Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company

51


The principal occupation of each member of senior management for the last five (5) years is as follows:

Gregory A.A.C. Yull was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President on June 8, 2010. He was President, Tapes & Films, from 2008 to June 2010. Gregory A.A.C. Yull is a son of Melbourne F. Yull.

Michael C. JayJeffrey Crystalwas appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer on February 6,May 9, 2014. Prior to that he served as Corporate ControllerVice President of Finance of Primo International since 2011.December 2013. Prior to that he served as Chief Financial Officer of American Iron & Metal from June 2008 to February 2013.

Douglas Nalette was appointed Senior Manager of Internal Audit since 2011. Prior to that he served as Senior Manager, Audit & Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte & Touche LLP since 2009.Vice President Operations in 2006.

Shawn Nelson was appointed Senior Vice President Sales in 2010. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President Industrial Channel since 2006.

Douglas Nalette was appointed Senior Vice President Operations in 2006.

Joseph Tocci was appointed Senior Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain in 2013. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Research & Development, and Supply Chain since 2012. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Supply Chain since 2011. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President of Consumer and Supply Chain since 2009 and prior2009.

Index to that, he was Senior Vice President of Supply Chain since 2008.

The following changes in senior management occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013 or shortly thereafter:

Burgess H. Hildreth, Senior Vice President of Administration since 2010, retired June 30, 2013.

Bernard J. Pitz served as Chief Financial Officer from November 12, 2009 to January 30, 2014. Michael C. Jay, Corporate Controller since 2011, has assumed the duties of interim Chief Financial Officer until a successor is found.

Jim Bob Carpenter, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing since 2012, continues to hold this position with the Company but no longer meets the definition of senior management for presentation purposes.

Statements
 B.COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the compensation paid, and benefits in kind granted, to the Company’s Directors and senior management for the last fiscal year for services in all capacities to the Company, including contingent and deferred compensation.

 

2013

  Annual Compensation   Long-Term
Compensation
 

Name and principal position

  Salary
$ (1)
   Bonus
$
   Other
$
  Director/
Committee
Fees

$
   Options
granted
 

Eric E. Baker

Director, Chairman

   —       —       —      104,500     10,000  

Robert M. Beil

Director

   —       —       —      47,500     10,000  

George J. Bunze

Director

   —       —       —      52,000     10,000  

Robert J. Foster

Director

   —       —       —      56,000     10,000  

James Pantelidis

Director

   —       —       —      43,500     10,000  

Jorge N. Quintas

Director

   —       —       —      39,000     10,000  

Melbourne F. Yull

Director

   —       —       260,935(2)   42,000     10,000  

52


2013

  Annual Compensation   Long-Term
Compensation
 

Name and principal position

  Salary
$ (1)
   Bonus
$
   Other
$
  Director/
Committee
Fees

$
   Options
granted
 

Gregory A. Yull

Director, CEO & President

   514,423     759,139     24,566(3)   —       265,000  

Bernard J. Pitz

Chief Financial Officer(4)

   390,297     568,822     29,818(5)   —       90,000  

Shawn Nelson

Sr. Vice-President Sales

   321,037     306,095     —      —       50,000  

Douglas Nalette

Sr. Vice-President Operations

   337,235     321,538     —      —       50,000  

Joseph Tocci

Sr. Vice-President Logistics & Supply Chain

   299,986     286,023     —      —       50,000  

2015

      Annual Compensation   Performance Share Unit Plan   Deferred Share Unit Plan 

Name and principal position

  Salary (1)
$
   Bonus
$
   Other
$
  Director/
Committee
Fees (2)

$
   Awards
granted
   Awards
granted
 

Eric E. Baker

Director

   —       —       14,539 (3)   47,733     —       9,245  

Robert M. Beil

Director

   —       —       —      47,000     —       4,775  

George J. Bunze

Director, Chairman (4)

   —       —       —      79,500     —       6,965  

Frank Di Tomaso

Director

   —       —       —      50,500     —       3,000  

Robert J. Foster

Director

   —       —       —      53,000     —       6,878  

James Pantelidis

Director

   —       —       —      46,000     —       3,000  

Jorge N. Quintas

Director

   —       —       —      41,000     —       5,964  

Mary Pat Salomone

Director (5)

   —       —       —      3,000     —       —    

Melbourne F. Yull

Director

   —       —       260,935 (6)   45,000     —       6,315  

Gregory A.C. Yull

Director, Chief Executive Officer & President

   543,269     412,500     41,655 (7)   —       72,960     —    

Jeffrey Crystal

Chief Financial Officer

   337,235     254,926     5,142 (8)   —       20,550     —    

Douglas Nalette

Senior Vice-President

Operations

   347,352     175,048     —      —       15,000     —    

Shawn Nelson

Senior Vice-President

Sales

   330,918     166,640     —      —       15,000     —    

Joseph Tocci

Senior Vice-President Logistics & Supply Chain

   308,985     155,714     —      —       10,410     —    

 

(1)Represents amounts included in each executive’s W-2, rather than the base salary amount.
(2)Represents total compensation for Board and Committee fees, which includes both cash payments and the value of DSUs elected in lieu of cash for such fees.
(3)Represents amounts paid with respect to a service award. Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June 2015.
(4)On June 4, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Bunze as the new Chairman of the Board following the retirement of the former Chairman, Mr. Baker.
(5)On November 30, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed Ms. Salomone as a new member of the Board of Directors.
(6)Mr. Yull receives a pension from the CompanyIntertape (see Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans subsection below).
(3)(7)Represents a Company leased vehicle, club membership and associated tax gross up paid by the CompanyIntertape to Mr. Yull pursuant to the terms of Mr. Yull’s employment agreement.
(4)As disclosed above, Mr. Pitz served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer through January 30, 2014.
(5)(8)Represents amounts paid with respect to relocation.relocation.

2013

Index to Financial Statements

2015 Senior Management Bonus Plan

Each of the members of senior management, received a performance bonus for 2013.2015. Bonuses were paid based on the level of achievement of financial objectives of the Company. The Company attributes to each executive, depending on his or her management level, a bonus target level set as a percentage of his or her salary, representing the amount which will be paid if all objectives are achieved according to the targets set. Actual bonuses may vary between zero and twice the target bonus, based on the level of achievement of the predetermined objectives set out at the beginning of the fiscal year. The objectives and weight attached thereto are re-evaluated on an annual basis by the Compensation Committee and communicated to the relevant individuals.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013,2015, the bonuses were based on the Company achieving certain target amounts for:

(i) Adjusted EBITDA, which the Company defines as net earnings (loss) before: (i) interest and other finance costs; (ii) income tax expense (benefit); (iii) amortization of intangible assets; (iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment; (v) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (vi) stock-based compensation expense (benefit); (vii) impairment of goodwill; (viii) impairment (reversal of impairment) of long-lived assets and other assets; (ix) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; (x) (gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment and (xi) other discrete items as disclosed; and

(i)Adjusted EBITDA, which the Company defines as net earnings (loss) before (i) interest and other (income) expense; (ii) income tax expense (benefit); (iii) refinancing expense, net of amortization; (iv) amortization of debt issue costs; (v) amortization of intangible assets; (vi) depreciation of property, plant and equipment; (vii) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (viii) stock-based compensation expense; (ix) impairment of goodwill; (x) impairment of long-lived assets and other assets; (xi) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; and (xii) other discrete items as disclosed; and

(ii) Cash flows from operating activities.

(ii)Cash flows from operations after changes in working capital.

At the Compensation Committee’s recommendation, the Board of Directors elected to use Adjusted EBITDA in determining bonuses for 20132015 because certain expenses and charges expected (at the time of the Board’s election) to be incurred by the Company during the year (e.g., manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges) were viewed to be in the long term interest of the Company and that such amounts should not impact the ability of senior management to achieve the performance bonus targets.

The target amount for Adjusted EBITDA for 20132015 was set at $96,000,000.00$116,000,000 (the “Adjusted EBITDA Target”) and the target amount for cash flows from operations after changes in working capitaloperating activities was $73,500,000.00set at $83,400,000 (the “Cash Flows Target”). The Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for 2013 was $103,056,000$102,019,000 which was 107.3%87.9% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target. The Company’s cash flows from operations after changes in working capitaloperating activities for 20132015 was $82,160,000$102,268,000 which was 111.8%122.6% of the Cash Flows Target. The utilization of Adjusted EBITDA, rather than EBITDA, had the effect of increasing the bonus payable to the members of senior management.

The following table presents the target incentive compensation as a percentage of salary, the indicators used in 20132015 to measure the Company’s performance for purposes of the short term incentive compensation program and their relative weight.

 

53


  Gregory A.
Yull
 Bernard J.
Pitz
 Shawn
Nelson
 Douglas
Nalette
 Joseph
Tocci
    Gregory
A.C. Yull
 Jeffrey
Crystal
 Shawn
Nelson
 Douglas
Nalette
 Joseph
Tocci
 

2013 Annual Base Salary

  $525,000   $393,382   $323,575   $339,900   $302,357  

2015 Annual Eligible Base Salary

    $550,000   $339,900   $333,282   $350,097   $311,427  

Incentive compensation as a percentage of salary

  

Minimum

Target

Maximum

   

 

 

0

100

150


  

 

 

0

100

150


  

 

 

0

50

100


  

 

 

0

50

100


  

 

 

0

50

100


  

Minimum

Target

Maximum

   

 

 

0

100

150


  

 

 

0

75

150


  

 

 

0

50

100


  

 

 

0

50

100


  

 

 

0

50

100


Relative weight of financial indicators

        
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   Adjusted EBITDA   50 50 50 50 50

Relative weight of financial indicators

      

Adjusted EBITDA

   50  50  50  50  50

Cash flows from operations after changes in working capital

   50  50  50  50  50
  

Cash flows

from

operating

actives

   50 50 50 50 50
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

Personal

Performance

Metrics

   0 0 0 0 0

Total

Total

   100  100  100  100  100

Total

   100 100 100 100 100
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The bonus is calculated using, for each of the Adjusted EBITDA and Cash flows from operations after changes in working capitaloperating activities objectives, the following formula and is equal to the sum of all results:

 

Annual Eligible Base salary X number of applicable monthsat target X  Bonus percentage (as determined based on the performance relative to the applicable objective’s target and as capped by the applicable maximum) X  Weight of financial indicator

12 months

Members

Index to Financial Statements

For purposes of senior management were also eligible for prorated bonus amountsthe above calculation, “bonus percentage” is between 35% and 100% if between approximately 90% and 100% of the target objectives were achieved by the Company.Company, respectively. For achievement between 90% and 100%, the “bonus percentage” is interpolated between 35% and 100%. For achievement above 100%, the “bonus percentage” is capped at 100% for purposes of calculating the bonuses for each of the Adjusted EBITDA and cash flows from operating activities objectives but such achievement triggers respective additional “reach” bonuses described below.

The members of senior management were also eligible for an additional bonus calculated using an Adjusted EBITDA target amount of $105,000,000.00$123,000,000 (the “Reach Adjusted EBITDA Target”). This additional bonus is calculated using the following formula (note that the fraction below is capped by the applicable maximum)maximum (i.e., it cannot exceed 1)):

 

Actual Adjusted EBITDA – Adjusted EBITDA Target

 X  Maximum bonus amount-Target bonus amount  XWeight of financial indicator

Reach Adjusted EBITDA Target – Adjusted EBITDA Target     

The members of senior management, were also eligible for an additional bonus calculated using a Cash Flowsflows from operating activities target amount of $78,100,000.00$91,700,000 (the “Reach Cash Flows Target”). This additional bonus is calculated using the following formula (note that the fraction below is capped by the applicable maximum)maximum (i.e., it cannot exceed 1)):

 

Actual Cash flows from operations after changes in working capitaloperating activities - Cash Flows Target

 X  Maximum bonus amount-Target bonus amount  XWeight of financial indicator

Reach Cash Flows Target – Cash Flows Target     

54


The following table presents the objectives for 20132015 approved by the Board of Directors and the results achieved by the Company:Company.

 

  Target   Result   Evaluation of
Performance
   Target   Result   Evaluation of
Performance
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $96,000,000    $103,056,000     107.3  $116,000,000    $102,019,000     87.9

Cash flows from operations after changes in working capital

  $73,500,000    $82,160,000     111.8

Cash flows from operating activities

  $83,400,000    $102,268,000     122.6

Reach Adjusted EBITDA

  $105,000,000    $103,056,000     98.1  $123,000,000    $102,019,000     82.9

Reach Cash Flows

  $78,100,000    $82,160,000     105.2  $91,700,000    $102,268,000     111.5

Index to Financial Statements

The following table presents, for each target objective, the bonus amount earned by each member of senior management for 2013.2015.

 

   Gregory A. Yull   Bernard J. Pitz   Shawn Nelson   Douglas Nalette   Joseph Tocci 

Adjusted EBITDA Target

  $262,500    $196,691    $80,894    $84,975    $75,589  

Cash Flows Target

  $262,500    $196,691    $80,894    $84,975    $75,589  

Reach Adjusted EBITDA Target

  $102,889    $77,095    $63,413    $66,613    $59,256  

Reach Cash Flows Target

  $131,250    $98,345    $80,894    $84,975    $75,589  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $759,139    $568,822    $306,095    $321,538    $286,023  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Gregory
A.C. Yull
   Jeffrey
Crystal
   Shawn
Nelson
   Douglas
Nalette
   Joseph
Tocci
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $—      $—      $—      $—      $—    

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

  $275,000    $127,463    $83,320    $87,524    $77,857  

Reach Adjusted EBITDA

  $—      $—      $—      $—      $—    

Reach Cash Flows

  $137,500    $127,463    $83,320    $87,524    $77,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $412,500    $254,926    $166,640    $175,048    $155,714  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined Contribution Pension Plans

The Company maintains defined contribution pension plans in the United States and Canada. Each member of senior management participates in the “US Plan”. The US Plan is a defined contribution pension plan and qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401(k) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Under the US Plan, employees who have been employed for at least 90 days may defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings subject to statutory limitations. The Company may make discretionary contributions for the benefit of eligible employees. The US Plan permits eligible employees to choose how their account balances are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options provided by third-party fund managers. The following table sets out the Company’s contributions to the pension plan payable for 20132015 for each member of senior management.

 

Name

Company
Contributions
$

Gregory A. Yull

15,300

Bernard J. Pitz

15,300

Shawn Nelson

15,300

Douglas Nalette

15,300

Joseph Tocci

15,300

Name

  Company
Contributions
$
 

Gregory A.C. Yull

  $14,575  

Jeffrey Crystal

  $14,575  

Douglas Nalette

  $14,575  

Shawn Nelson

  $14,575  

Joseph Tocci

  $14,575  

Total Cash Payments

Total cash payments for employee future benefits for 2013,2015, consisting of cash contributed by the Company to its fundedunfunded pension plans, cash payments directly to beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans, cash contributed to its defined contribution plans and cash contributed to its multi-employer defined benefit plans, were $7.9$5.4 million ($7.85.9 million in 2012)2014).

Executive Employment Contracts and Change of Control Agreements

The following agreements between the Company and members of senior management were in effect at the end of the Company’s most recently-completed financial year.2015.

The Company entered into “change of control” agreements as of January 2001 with Shawn Nelson, (Sr. Vice-President Sales), as of October 28, 2004 with Douglas Nalette, (Sr. Vice-President Operations),and as of September 8, 2006 with Joseph Tocci (Sr. Vice-President Logistics & Supply Chain) and as of November 17, 2009 with Bernard J. Pitz (Chief Financial Officer).Tocci. These agreements provide that if, within a period of six months after a change of control of the Company: (a) the executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company; or (b) the Company terminates the executive’s employment without cause, such

55


executive will be entitled to, subject to the restrictions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in deferred compensation, a lump sum in the case of his resignation or an indemnity in lieu of notice in a lump sum in the case of his termination, equal to either 12 or 24 months of such executive’s base remuneration at the effective date of such resignation or termination, as follows: Shawn Nelson, 12 months, Douglas Nalette, 12 months, Joseph Tocci, 12 months, and Bernard Pitz, 24 months, and continued insurance coverage then in effect if permitted by its carrier during such period.

Furthermore, these agreements also provide that if during the term of the executive’s employment abona fide offer is made to all shareholders of the Company which, if accepted, would result in a change of control of the Company, then, subject to any applicable law, all of the executive’s options which have not yet become vested and exercisable shall become vested and exercisable immediately. Upon expiry of suchbona fide offer, if it does not result in a change of control of the Company, all of the executive’s unexercised options which were not vested prior to such offer, shall immediately revert to their unvested status and to their former provisions with respect to the time of their vesting.

Index to Financial Statements

On August 2, 2010, the Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Gregory A.A.C. Yull. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Yull shall receive an annual base salary of $450,000, increased to $475,000 commencing June 1, 2011, and $500,000 commencing on June 1, 2012. Annual base salary adjustment shall be determined by the Board as of June 1, 2013 and thereafter. Mr. Yull shall also be entitled to a performance bonus for each fiscal year ranging from zero to 150% of his then current annual base salary based on the achievement of specific goals that are mutually agreed to between Mr. Yull and the Board. For 2013,2015, Mr. Yull’s bonus was based on the Company achieving certain target amounts for Adjusted EBITDA Targets and Cash Flow Targets, as further described above in the Section entitled “2013“2015 Senior Management Bonus Plan”. During the first three years of Mr. Yull’s employment, commencing June 8, 2010, Mr. Yull shall bewas to have been granted 350,000 stock options annually in accordance with the Company’s Executive Stock Option Plan (“ESOP”) and thereafter at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In 2012, instead of receiving an award of 350,000 stock options in accordance with his employment agreement, Mr. Yull agreed to receive 500,905 stock appreciation rights under the Company’s 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan described below. The options to be granted during each of the first three years became, or shall become, exercisable in annual increments of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Such options shall expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date, subject to the early expiry provisions of the ESOP. The exercise price of such options shall be equal to the closing market price on the last trading day prior to the date of such grant. Fifty percent (50%) of the shares acquired by Mr. Yull pursuant to the exercise of the options granted under the Executive Employment Agreement must be retained by Mr. Yull and not sold or disposed of for a period of three years following the date when the option was exercised.

Provided Mr. Yull has served under the Agreement a minimum of five years, unless earlier terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Yull for Good Reason as defined in the Agreement, he shall receive a defined benefit supplementary pension annually for life equal to the lesser ofof: (i) $600,000 if he separates from service at age 65 or older, $570,000 at age 64, $540,000 at age 63, $510,000 at age 62, $480,000 at age 61, or $450,000 at age 60,60; and (ii) two percent of the average of his total cash compensation (base salary and performance bonus) for the highest five years of his employment during the prior ten years as of the time of separation, multiplied by his years of service with the Company. In the event of Mr. Yull’s death, his surviving spouse would receive 50% of the annual supplement pension benefit within ninety days of his death and continuing annually during her lifetime.

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Yull’s employment for any reason other than cause, or Mr. Yull terminates his employment for Good Reason as defined in the Agreement, Mr. Yull shall be entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to two times the sum of his base salary and the average performance bonus paid to Mr. Yull in the last two fiscal years ending on the date prior to his date of termination. Subject to the restrictions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, such amount shall be paid 65% in a lump sum and the balance in eight equal quarterly instalments. In addition, all unvested options that would otherwise vest during the 24 months following the date of termination shall be immediately vested and remain exercisable for a period of twelve months. Lastly, the retirement benefits set forth above shall vest.

In the event that Mr. Yull’s employment is terminated as a result of his Permanent Disability, as defined in the Agreement, or death, he shall be entitled to receivereceive: (i) accrued and unpaid base salary earned up to the date of termination,termination; (ii) a pro-rated performance bonus that he would have received in respect of the fiscal year in which the termination occurred,occurred; (iii) vacation pay earned up to the date of termination,termination; and (iv) provided the date of termination is on or after the fifth year anniversary of the Agreement, the retirement benefits set forth above shall vest. In addition, all unvested stock options held by Mr. Yull shall immediately vest and remain exercisable for a period of nine months following the date of termination for Permanent Disability or death.

56


In the event that Mr. Yull’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or for Good Reason within two years of a Change of Control, as defined in the Agreement, then he shall be entitled to receivereceive: (i) accrued and unpaid base salary earned up to the date of termination,termination; (ii) a pro-rated performance bonus that he would have received in respect of the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based upon the average performance bonus paid to Mr. Yull in the last two fiscal years,years; (iii) vacation pay earned up to the date of termination,termination; and (iv) severance pay in an amount equal to three times the sum of his base salary and the average performance bonus paid in the last two fiscal years immediately preceding the date of termination. In addition, all unvested stock options held by Mr. Yull shall immediately vest and remain exercisable for a period of 36 months following the date of termination, and the retirement benefits set forth above shall vest. Mr. Yull shall also be entitled to participate, at his cost, in the benefits under the Company’s medical and dental benefit program until such time as he reaches the age of eligibility for coverage under Medicare. Lastly, disability and life insurance benefits shall be provided for the benefit of Mr. Yull pursuant to any benefit plans and programs then provided by the Company generally to its executives and continue for a period of 36 months following the date of termination.

Index to Financial Statements

Mr. Yull has also agreed to a customary non-compete for two years from the date of termination.

On October 30, 2009,March 21, 2014, the Company entered into an employment letter agreement with Bernard J. Pitz. Pursuantand Mr. Crystal mutually agreed to thecertain terms of the letter agreement,employment. Under these terms, Mr. Pitz receivedCrystal receives an annual base salary of $360,000. Further,$330,000. Mr. Pitz was awarded 182,927 options with a grant price of CDN$3.61. In addition, the Company agreed to cover Mr. Pitz’ relocation costs. Mr. Pitz wasCrystal is also entitled to a bonus ranging from zero to 150%50% of his then currentthen-current annual base salary based on the achievement of specific goals that are mutually agreed to between Mr. Pitz and the Board. For 2013, Mr. Pitz’s bonus was based on the Company’s achieving certain target amounts for Adjusted EBITDA Targets and Cash Flow Targets, with the bonus opportunity increasing to 100% of his then-current annual base salary based on the achievement of certain stretch Adjusted EBITDA goals, as further described above in the Section entitled “2013“2015 Senior Management Bonus Plan”.

On November 17, 2009, the Company entered into a second letter agreement with Mr. Pitz. Pursuant to (also as further described in such section, certain percentages set forth in the terms of Mr. Crystal’s employment were adjusted in connection with the letter agreement, in the eventcalculation of his 2015 bonus). In addition, the Company terminatedagreed to cover certain of Mr. Pitz’s employment for any reason other than Cause as defined inCrystal’s relocation costs. Further, the letter agreement, orterms provide that Mr. Pitz terminated his employment for Good Reason as defined in the letter agreement, Mr. Pitz was to have beenCrystal will be entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to 12 times his highest total base monthly salary received in any one month during the twelve months prior to Mr. Pitz’s last day of employment, provided thatbase annual salary, or if Mr. Pitz’s termination of employment occursCrystal were terminated within twelvesix months of the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer of the Company other than Gregory A. Yull, then the severance payment due to Mr. Pitz shall be equal to 24 times Mr. Pitz’ highest monthly salary. Subject to the restrictions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Section 409A”), such amount was to have been paid in either 12 or 24 equal monthly instalments as applicable (“Severance Period”). In the event there was a Section 409A Change in Control within 6 months prior to Mr. Pitz’s termination of employment or during the Severance Period, the remainder of the unpaid severance payments was to have been accelerated and paid in a single lump sum within 10 days after the 409A Change in Control occurs, subject to Section 409A. In the event of an occurrence of Good Reason and Mr. Pitz had not terminated his employment within 60 days of the occurrence, he would have been deemed to have waived such Good Reason. If Mr. Pitz’s employment had terminated for Cause, or he had resigned without Good Reason, or retires, then Mr. Pitz would not have been eligible for severance pay. Mr. Pitz also was entitled to participate in the benefits under the Company’s medical, dental, vision, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage during the Severance Period, subject to the then current cost sharing features of the plans. In the event Mr. Pitz obtains other employment during the first twelve months of severance payments, the Company’s obligation to pay such severance shall cease. In the event Mr. Pitz obtains employment after twelve months but during the remainder of the Severance Period, the severance payments shall be reduced by the amount of compensation paid to Mr. Pitz by his subsequent employer.

On November 17, 2009, the Company also entered into a “change of control” agreement with Mr. Pitz. The agreement provided that if, within a period of six months after a change of control, he will be entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to eighteen months base annual salary. Alternatively, if Mr. Crystal were to resign within six months of the Company: (a) Mr. Pitz voluntarily terminated his employment with the Company;change of control, or (b) the Company terminated his employment without cause,were to terminate Mr. Pitz would have beenCrystal after six months of change of control, he will be entitled to subject to the restrictions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,severance pay in deferred compensation, a lump sum in the case of his resignation or an indemnity in lieu of notice in a lump sum in the case of his termination,amount equal to 24twelve months ofbase annual salary. Mr. Pitz’s base remuneration at the effective date of such resignation or termination. Mr. Pitz wasCrystal shall also be entitled to continuedcontinue insurance coverage then in effect if permitted by its carrier during such period.

Executive Stock Option Plan

In 1992, the Company adopted the Executive Stock Option Plan (the “ESOP”). Since its adoption, the ESOP has been amended on several occasions. The ESOP provides that the total number of common shares reserved for issuance thereunder

57


is equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company from time to time. The ESOP is considered to be an “evergreen” plan, because the number of common shares covered by options which have been exercised will be available for subsequent grants under the ESOP and the number of options available for grants increases as the number of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company increases. As such, under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange, a security-based arrangement such as the ESOP must, when initially put in place, receive shareholder approval at a duly-called meeting of shareholders and the unallocated options are subject to ratification by shareholders every three years thereafter. All unallocated options under the ESOP were ratified, confirmed and approved by shareholders at a special meeting of shareholders of the Company held on September 6, 2012.June 4, 2015.

The purpose of the ESOP is to promote a proprietary interest in the Company among the executives, key employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, in order to both encourage such persons to further the development of the Company and assist the Company in attracting and retaining key personnel necessary for the Company’s long-term success. The Board of Directors designates from time-to-time those persons to whom options are to be granted and determines the number of common shares subject to such options. Generally, participation in the ESOP is limited to persons holding positions that can have an impact on the Company’slong-term results.

The number of common shares to which the options relate is determined by taking into account,inter alia, the market value of the common shares and each optionee’s base salary.

The following is a description of certain features of the ESOP (for further details regarding the ESOP, please see Exhibit 4.1 to this Form 20-F):

 

 (a)options expire not later than ten years after the date of grant and, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, all vested options under a particular grant expire 36 months after the vesting date of the last tranche of such grant for directors who are not officers of the Company, 24 months after the vesting date of the last tranche of such grant for officers of the Company excluding the CEO, and 72 months after the vesting date of the last tranche of such grant for the CEO;grant;

 

 (b)options vest at the rate of 25% per year, beginning, in the case of options granted to employees, on the first anniversary date of the grant and, in the case of optionsthat are granted to directors who are not executives officers of the Company,Corporation vest 25% on the date of grant, with another 25% vesting on each of the grant;first three anniversaries of the date of the grant. Under the current amended plan, all other options granted vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. Previously, the ESOP provided that such stock options granted, other than to directors who are not executives, vest 25% per year over four years.

 

 (c)the exercise price of the options is determined by the Board of Directors, but cannot be less than the “Market Value” of the common shares of the Company, defined in the ESOP as the closing price of the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the day immediately preceding the effective date of the grant; and

 

 (d)certain limitations exist on the number of options, common shares reserved for issuance, number of common shares issuable and the number of common shares issued to certain individuals over certain time periods.

Index to Financial Statements

As of December 31, 2013,2015, there were options outstanding under the ESOP to purchase an aggregate of 2,264,1771,617,500 common shares, representing 3.7%2.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, and a total of 987,927950,625 options exercisable. During 2013, 830,0002015, no options were granted.

58


Option Grants During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

The following table sets out the details of all grants of options to the Directors and members of senior management during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Name

  Options
granted
   % of total options
granted in
financial year
   Exercise price
CDN$
   Market value on
date of grant

CDN$
   Expiration
date
 

Eric E. Baker

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Robert M. Beil

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

George J. Bunze

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Robert J. Foster

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

James Pantelidis

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Jorge N. Quintas

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Gregory A. Yull

   265,000     31.9     12.04     12.04     06/05/2023  

Melbourne F. Yull

   10,000     1.2     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Bernard J. Pitz

   90,000     10.8     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Joseph Tocci

   50,000     6.0     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Shawn Nelson

   50,000     6.0     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Douglas Nalette

   50,000     6.0     12.04     12.04     06/05/2019  

Year-End Unexercised Options and Option Values

The following table sets out for each of the Directors and members of senior management the total number of unexercised options held as of December 31, 20132015 and the value of such unexercised options at that date.

 

Name

Number of unexercised
options at fiscal year-end
Exercisable /
Unexercisable
Value of unexercised “in the
money” options at fiscal year-

end Exercisable /  Unexercisable
CDN$ (1)

Eric E. Baker

67,500 /12,500784,175 / 77,325

Robert M. Beil

10,000 / 12,50096,975 / 77,325

George J. Bunze

2,500 / 12,5004,975 / 77,325

Robert J. Foster

15,000 / 12,500156,175 / 77,325

James Pantelidis

2,500 / 7,5004,975 / 14,925

Jorge N. Quintas

5,000 / 12,50034,575 / 77,325

Gregory A. Yull

437,500 / 527,5005,368,125 / 3,772,725

Melbourne F. Yull

20,000 / 12,500215,375 / 77,325

Bernard J. Pitz

232,927 / 140,0002,517,599 / 790,600

Joseph Tocci

21,250 / 83,750256,475 / 508,850

Shawn Nelson

51,250 / 83,750616,550 / 508,850

Douglas Nalette

51,250 / 83 750616,550 / 508,850

Name

  Number of unexercised options
at fiscal year-end
Exercisable / Unexercisable
   Value of unexercised “in the money” options
at fiscal year-end
Exercisable / Unexercisable CDN$ (1)
 

Eric E. Baker(2)

   —       /     —       —       /     —    

Robert M. Beil

   20,000     /     2,500     262,525     /     16,625  

George J. Bunze

   12,500     /     2,500     135,575     /     16,625  

Frank Di Tomaso

   —       /     —       —       /     —    

Robert J. Foster

   7,500     /     2,500     49,875     /     16,625  

Jorge N. Quintas

   15,000     /     2,500     176,825     /     16,625  

James Pantelidis

   7,500     /     2,500     49,875     /     16,625  

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       /     —       —       /     —    

Melbourne F. Yull

   30,000     /     2,500     427,525     /     16,625  

Gregory A.C. Yull

   522,500     /     252,500     7,125,726     /     1,617,925  

Jeffrey Crystal

   8,125     /     24,375     53,219     /     159,626  

Douglas Nalette

   83,125     /     49,375     1,060,638     /     315,913  

Shawn Nelson

   98,125     /     49,375     1,308,138     /     315,913  

Joseph Tocci

   42,500     /     40,000     408,075     /     258,350  

 

(1)The value of unexercised “in-the-money” options is calculated using the closing price of the common shares of the CompanyIntertape on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 20132015 (CDN$14.0318.69 less the respective exercise prices of the options.)options).
(2)Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June, 2015

2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan

The Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan on June 20, 2012 in lieu of granting stock options in 2012. The purpose of the 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan is toto: (a) promote a proprietary interest in the Company among its executives and directors; (b) encourage the Company’s executives and directors to further the

59


Company’s development; and (c) attract and retain the key employees necessary for the Company’s long-term success. The 2012 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to eligible persons. A SAR, as defined by the Company’s plan, is a right to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the base price of the SAR and the market value of a common share of the Company on the date of exercise. These SARs can only be settled in cash and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant. The award agreements provide that these SARs granted to employees and executives will vest and may be exercisable 25% per year over four years. The SARs granted to directors, who are not officers of the Company, will vest and may be exercisable 25% on the grant date, and a further 25% will vest and may be exercisable per year over three years. The Stock Appreciation Rights Plan was amended to include the following language during the year: “the base price of each SAR is confirmed in writing by the Compensation Committee to the participant at the time of grant and once so confirmed, may not be changed” and “once the expiry date of SARs is determined in the applicable Grant Agreement, such expiry date may not be extended.” No SARs were granted in 2013.2015.

Index to Financial Statements

The following table sets out for each of the Directors and members of senior management the total number of SARs held as of December 31, 20132015 and the value of such unexercised SARs at that date.

 

Name

Number of unexercised
SARs at fiscal year-end
Exercisable /
Unexercisable
Value of unexercised SARs at
fiscal year-end Exercisable /
Unexercisable CDN$ (1)

Eric E. Baker

5,000 / 5,00032,350 / 32,350

Robert M. Beil

5,000 / 5,00032 350 / 32,350

George J. Bunze

5,000 / 5,00032,350 / 32,350

Robert J. Foster

5,000 / 5,00032,350 / 32,350

James Pantelidis

15,000 / 15,00097,050 / 97,050

Jorge N. Quintas

5,000 / 5,00032,350 / 32,350

Gregory A. Yull

125,226 / 375,679810,214 / 2,430,642

Melbourne F. Yull

5,000 / 5,00032,350 / 32,350

Bernard J. Pitz

41,250 / 123,750266,888 / 800,663

Joseph Tocci

20,000 / 60,000129,400 / 388,200

Shawn Nelson

20,000 / 60,000129,400 / 388,200

Douglas Nalette

20,000 / 60,000129,400 / 388,200

Name

  Number of unexercised SARs at fiscal
year-end

Exercisable / Unexercisable
   Value of unexercised SARs at
fiscal year-end

Exercisable / Unexercisable CDN$ (1)
 

Eric E. Baker(2)

   —      /     —       —      /     —    

Robert M. Beil

   10,000    /     —       111,300    /     —    

George J. Bunze

   10,000    /     —       111,300    /     —    

Frank Di Tomaso

   —      /     —       —      /     —    

Robert J. Foster

   10,000    /     —       111,300    /     —    

James Pantelidis

   30,000    /     —       333,900    /     —    

Jorge N. Quintas

   10,000    /     —       111,300    /     —    

Mary Pat Salomone

   —      /     —       —      /     —    

Melbourne F. Yull

   10,000    /     —       111,300    /     —    

Gregory A.C. Yull

   125,226    /     125,226     1,393,765    /     1,393,765  

Jeffrey Crystal

   —      /     —       —      /     —    

Douglas Nalette

   20,000    /     20,000     222,600    /     222,600  

Shawn Nelson

   20,000    /     20,000     222,6000    /     222,600  

Joseph Tocci

   60,000    /     20,000     667,800    /     222,600  

 

(1)The value of unexercised SARs is calculated using the closing price of the common shares of the CompanyIntertape on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 20132015 (CDN$14.0318.69 less the base price of the SARs.)SARs).
(2)Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June 2015

Performance Share Unit Plan

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the PSU Plan. The purpose of the PSU Plan is to provide participants with a proprietary interest in the Company to (a) increase the incentives of those participants who share primary responsibility for the management, growth and protection of the business of the Company, (b) furnish an incentive to such participants to continue their services for the Company and (c) provide a means through which the Company may attract potential employees. The PSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award PSUs to eligible persons. A PSU, as defined by the Company’s PSU Plan, represents the right of a participant, once such PSU is earned and has vested in accordance with the PSU Plan, to receive the number of common shares of the Company underlying the PSU. Furthermore, a participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the grant date. PSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

PSUs are expensed straight-line over their vesting period. The fair value of the PSU is based on the close price for the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date of the grant adjusted for market-based performance conditions. The PSUs are earned over a three-year period with vesting at the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of shares earned can range from 0 to 150% of the grant amount based on entity performance criteria, specifically the total shareholder return ranking versus a specified peer group of companies.

Index to Financial Statements

PSU Grants During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

The following table sets out the details of all PSU grants to the members of senior management during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Name

  PSU Awards
granted
   % of total PSU awards
granted in financial
year
  Market value on
date of grant

CDN$
   Expiration date

Gregory A.C. Yull

   72,960     20 $16.29    3/13/2018

Jeffrey Crystal

   20,550     6 $16.29    3/13/2018

Douglas Nalette

   15,000     4 $16.29    3/13/2018

Shawn Nelson

   15,000     4 $16.29    3/13/2018

Joseph Tocci

   10,410     3 $16.29    3/13/2018

Year-End Unvested PSU Shares and Values

The following table sets out for each of the members of senior management the total number of unvested PSU shares held as of December 31, 2015 and the value of such unvested shares at that date.

Name

  Number of unvested PSU at
fiscal year-end
   Equivalent number of
common stock shares at
fiscal year-end(1)
   Value of unvested shares CDN$ (2) 

Gregory A.C. Yull

   112,960     169,440     3,166,834  

Jeffrey Crystal

   37,550     56,325     1,052,714  

Douglas Nalette

   25,000     37,500     700,875  

Shawn Nelson

   25,000     37,500     700,875  

Joseph Tocci

   18,010     27,015     504,910  

(1)The equivalent number of common stock shares earned is based on the Corporation’s level of attainment of the performance objective measured at December 31, 2015. Based on the first quartile TSR ranking, equivalent common shares are 150% of PSU’s granted.
(2)The value of unvested shares is calculated using the closing price of the common shares of Intertape on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2015 (CDN$18.69).

Deferred Share Unit Plan

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the DSU Plan. The purpose of the DSU Plan is to provide participants with a form of compensation which promotes greater alignment of the interests of the participants and the shareholders of the Company in creating long-term shareholder value. The DSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award DSUs to any member of the Board of Directors of the Company that is not an executive officer or employee of the Company. A DSU, as defined by the Company’s DSU Plan, represents the right of a participant to receive a common share of the Company. Under the DSU Plan, each director is entitled to receive DSUs as a result of a grant and/or in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees. DSUs are settled when the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. DSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

DSUs received as a result of a grant are expensed immediately. The fair value of DSUs is based on the close price for the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date of the grant. DSUs received in lieu of cash for directors’ fees are expensed as earned over the service period.

Index to Financial Statements

DSU Grants During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year

The following table sets out the details for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 of all DSU grants to Directors, including DSUs elected in lieu of cash by the Directors for semi-annual Director fees. Amounts presented do not include DSUs elected in lieu of cash for semi-annual fees earned that were not granted as of December 31, 2015.

Name

  DSU Awards granted   % of total DSU
awards granted in
financial year
  Market value on date
of grant

CDN$
   Expiration date

Eric E. Baker

   3,222     7 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   3,023     7 $19.31    n/a

Robert M. Beil

   703     2 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   1,072     2 $14.24    n/a

George J. Bunze

   1,689     4 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   2,276     5 $14.24    n/a

Frank Di Tomaso

   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a

Robert J. Foster

   1,689     4 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   2,189     5 $14.24    n/a

James Pantelidis

   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a

Jorge N. Quintas

   1,126     2 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   1,838     4 $14.24    n/a

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       —      —      n/a

Melbourne F. Yull

   1,345     3 $17.74    n/a
   3,000     7 $19.25    n/a
   1,970     4 $14.24    n/a

Year-End Unsettled DSU Shares and Values

The following table sets out for each of the Directors the total number of unsettled DSU shares held as of December 31, 2015 and the value of such unsettled shares at that date.

Name

  Number of unsettled shares at
fiscal year-end(1)
   Value of unsettled shares
CDN$ (1)(2)
 

Eric E. Baker

   —       —    

Robert M. Beil

   8,749     163,519  

George J. Bunze

   12,032     224,878  

Frank Di Tomaso

   6,000     112,140  

Robert J. Foster

   12,144     226,971  

James Pantelidis

   6,000     112,140  

Jorge N. Quintas

   10,594     198,002  

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       —    

Melbourne F. Yull

   11,064     206,789  

(1)Amounts presented do not include DSUs elected in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees earned that were not yet granted as of December 31, 2015.
(2)The value of unvested shares is calculated using the closing price of the common shares of Intertape on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2015 (CDN$18.69).
(3)Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June 2015.

The following table sets out for each of the Directors the total number of DSUs elected in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees earned that were not yet granted as of December 31, 2015.

Name

  Number of DSUs not yet granted
at 12/31/15 (1)
   Fees Earned for which
DSUs were elected in
lieu of cash CDN$
 

Eric E. Baker(2)

   —       —    

Robert M. Beil

   809     15,020  

George J. Bunze

   3,848     71,427  

Frank Di Tomaso

   —       —    

Robert J. Foster

   2,013     37,383  

James Pantelidis

   —       —    

Jorge N. Quintas

   1,438     26,702  

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       —    

Melbourne F. Yull

   1,618     30,040  

(1)Estimated DSUs to be granted in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fee earned based on five-day volume weighted average of the closing price of the common shares of Intertape on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2015 (CDN$18.56).
(2)Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June 2015

Index to Financial Statements

Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plans

Melbourne F. Yull was Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from January 11, 1995 to June 14, 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Yull was the President and a director of the Company or a predecessor thereof, from 1981. The former employment agreement entered into between the Company and Mr. Yull provides that Mr. Yull receive from the Company a defined benefit supplementary pension annually for life in an amount equal to 2% of the average of Mr. Yull’s annual gross salary for the final five years of his employment with the Company, multiplied by his years of service with the Company to retirement. Accordingly, Mr. Yull receives a pension from the Company in an amount of $260,935 per year.

Clawback Policy

In April 2014, the Board of Directors adopted a “clawback” policy, pursuant to which the Company will recoup from executive officers or employees and its subsidiaries, as the case may be, annual incentive bonuses, special bonuses, other incentive compensation and equity-based awards, whether vested or unvested, paid, issued or granted to them, in the event of fraud, restatement of the Company’s financial results, material errors or omissions in the Company’s financial statements, or other events as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors in its discretion. To date, the Company has not been required to apply the “clawback” policy.

 

C.BOARD PRACTICES

Term

The Company has eightnine Directors. Each Director is elected for a term of one year and may be nominated for re-election at the Company’s following annual shareholders’ meeting. The next annual shareholders’ meeting is scheduled to be held on June 11, 2014,9, 2016, at which time the current term of each Director will expire.

60


Human Resources and Compensation Committee

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and is currently composed of threefour directors, Robert M. Beil (Chairman), Robert J. Foster, and Jorge N. Quintas and Mary Pat Salomone, none of whom is or has been at any previous time an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Each of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee members areis independent as that term is defined by the Toronto Stock Exchange and Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Mr. Beil joined the Dow Chemical Company in 1975 after graduating from Youngstown State University with a BA Degree in Industrial Marketing. During a thirty-two yearthirty-two-year career with Dow, Mr. Beil held numerous sales and marketing executive positions, where he had responsibility for the implementation of company compensation schemes for large organizations. In addition, he spent a portion of his career working in Dow’s Human Resources function, which was responsible for compensation design for Dow, a Fortune 500 company.

Mr. Foster graduated from Queen’s University with an MA in Economics, earning his CFA, then managed the research department and worked in corporate finance at one of the major investment dealers in Canada. He founded and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Canada Limited, a boutique investment banking firm. He serves on a number of not-for-profit boards and was on the board and audit committee of CHC Helicopters Corporation and Golf Town Income Trust.

Mr. Quintas graduated in Management at INP-Lisbon and initialized his professional career in ALCAN (England). Later he became a Board Member in several industrial companies from power and telecommunication cable production to Optic Fibers.optic

Index to Financial Statements

F=fibers. He was a Board Member at Portgás, a city gas distributiondistributor in Portugal. Presently Mr. Quintas is the Chairman of Nelson Quintas Group in Portugal and Board Member of: ECODEAL- dangerous waste recycling plant, NQT- Telecommunication Network in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) and Audit Committee of Serralves Foundation.

Ms. Salomone graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a Masters of Business Administration and from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Ms. Salomone is a Director of TransCanda Corporation and TransCanada Pipelines Limited and has served in these roles since 2013. Ms. Salomone is also on the Audit Committee and Health, Safety and Environment Committee of TransCanada Corporation. Ms. Salomone was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Babcock & Wilcox Company (“B&W”) (power generation company) from January 2010 to June 2013. Prior to that she served as Manager of Business Development from 2009 to 2010 and Manager of Strategic Acquisitions from 2008 to 2009 for Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. From 1998 through December 2007, Ms. Salomone served as an officer of the Marine Mechanical Corporation, which B&W acquired in 2007, including her term as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2001 through 2007. Ms. Salomone serves as a trustee of the Youngstown State University Foundation. She served on the board of directors of United States Enrichment Corporation from December 2011 to October 2012 and on the Naval Submarine League from 2007 to 2013. She was formerly a member of the Governor’s Workforce Policy Advisory Board in Ohio and the Ohio Employee Ownership Center, and served on the board of Cleveland’s Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network.

The mandate of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee consists of ensuring the direction and implementation of the Company’s wage and compensation plans, policies, and programs, and in ensuring that a succession plan is put in place to deal with the Company’s future needs regarding human resources, with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and other key executives.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee Charter is included as Exhibit 15.2 to this Form 20-F.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board and is currently composed of threefour Directors, George J. Bunze,Frank Di Tomaso (Chairman), Robert J. Foster, James Pantelidis, and James Pantelidis.Mary Pat Salomone. Each of the Audit Committee members areis independent and financially literate as such terms are defined by Canadian Multilateral Instrument 52-110-Audit Committees.

Mr. BunzeDi Tomaso graduated from the commerce certification CMA program at McGillConcordia University Montreal, Quebec,with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and is a professional accountantChartered Professional Accountant, a Fellow CPA, FCA and Certified Management Accountant.an ICD.D. Mr. Bunze is the Vice-ChairmanDi Tomaso has over 45 years of experience in accounting and auditing. Mr. Di Tomaso was a Partner and Advisory Partner from 1981 until 2012 and served as Director and a memberMember of the ExecutiveManagement Committee from 2000 to 2009, of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. Mr. Di Tomaso currently serves as Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of KrugerADF Group Inc., one of the largest private pulpBirks Group Inc., and paper companies in North America.Yorbeau Resources Inc. He is also served as the Chief Financial Officer of Kruger Inc. and its various subsidiaries from 1982 to 2003. Mr. Bunze is a Director of Stella-Jones Inc.National Bank Trust, National Bank Life Insurance Company and Chairman of its AuditLaurentian Pilotage Authority.

For Mr. Foster’s professional experience, please see above under “Human Resources and Compensation Committee. He was previously a Director of B2B Trust Inc. and Chairman of its Audit Committee.

Mr. Foster graduated from Queen’s University with an MA in Economics, earning his CFA, managed the research department and worked in corporate finance at one of the major investment dealers in Canada. He founded and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Canada Limited, a boutique investment banking firm. He serves on a number of not-for-profit boards and was on the board and audit committee of CHC Helicopters Corporation and Golf Town Income Trust.

Mr. Pantelidis graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration. Mr. Pantelidis has over 30 years of experience in the petroleum industry. Mr. Pantelidis is Chairman of the Board of Parkland Fuel Corporation and has served as a director of Parkland Fuel Corporation since 1999. Mr. Pantelidis is Chairman and Director of EnerCare Inc. since 2002 (member of the Audit, Governance and Compensation, and Investment Committees). He2002. Mr. Pantelidis also serves on the Board of each of RONA Inc. (Chairman of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and member of the Development Committee)Resources); Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (Chairman of the Investment Committee and member of Human Resources and Compensation Committee). From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Pantelidis was on the board of FisherCast Global Corporation and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2006. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Pantelidis was President of J.P. & Associates, a strategic consulting group. Between 1999 and 2001, Mr. Pantelidis served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the Bata International Organization.

For Ms. Salomone’s professional experience, please see above under “Human Resources and Compensation Committee.”

61


Index to Financial Statements

The Audit Committee fulfills applicable public corporation obligations required of audit committees and assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee examines the financial reporting processes, internal controls, financial risk management and the audit process and procedures applied by the Company and makes recommendations to the Board in connection with the nomination of the external auditor.

The Audit Committee’s Charter is included as Exhibit 15.215.3 to this Form 20-F.

 

 D.EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2013,2015 the Company had 1,8691,970 total employees, 349employees; 382 in Canada, 1,4421,517 in the US, 6761 in Portugal, and 1110 in Mexico and Europe. As of December 31, 2013, 3732015, 424 held either sales-related, administrative, information technology or research and development positions and 1,496 of whom1,546 were employed in operations. Approximately 150145 hourly employees at the Company’s Marysville plant are unionized and subject to a collective bargaining agreement which expires on April 30, 2015.2018. Approximately 170212 hourly employees at the Company’s Menasha plant are unionized and subject to a collective bargaining agreement which expires on July 31, 2015.2018. Approximately 9092 hourly employees at the Company’s Carbondale plant are unionized and subject to a collective bargaining agreement which expires on March 4, 2015.2017. Approximately 2015 hourly employees at the Company’s Langley,Delta, British Columbia plant are unionized and subject to a collective bargaining agreement which wasis scheduled to expire on March 31, 2014 but has been amended as of August 22, 2013 for a new effective term from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2019. Other than the strike at its Brantford, Ontario plant, which was closed in the second quarter of 2011, the Company has never experienced a work stoppage and it considers its employee relations to be satisfactory. The Company does not employ a significant number of temporary employees.

As of December 31, 2012,2014, the Company had 1,8001,896 total employees, 387employees; 369 in Canada, 1,3461,446 in the US, 5267 in Portugal, and 1514 in Mexico and Europe. As of December 31, 2012, 3602014, 387 held either sales-related, administrative, information technology or research and development positions and 1,440 of whom were employed in operations. The Company’s Portuguese subsidiary had 54 employees, 2 in sales positions and the rest1,509 were employed in operations.

As of December 31, 2011,2013, the Company had 1,8611,869 total employees, 418349 in Canada, 1,3761,442 in the US, 5267 in Portugal, and 1511 in Mexico and Europe. As of December 31, 2011, 3622013, 373 held either sales-related, administrative, information technology or research and development positions and 1,438 of whom were employed in operations. The Company’s Portuguese subsidiary had 52 employees, 2 in sales positions and the rest1,496 were employed in operations.

 

 E.SHARE OWNERSHIP

The following table sets out for each of the Directors and members of senior management as of March 17, 2014, the number of shares of the Company owned or controlled by each.each, as of March 9, 2016.

Name

  Number of Shares
Owned
   % of Shares
Outstanding
 

Eric E. Baker(1)

   N/A     N/A  

Robert M. Beil

   50,196     0.09

George J. Bunze

   53,371     0.09

Frank Di Tomaso

   10,000     0.02

Robert J. Foster

   65,000     0.11

James Pantedilis

   10,000     0.02

Jorge N. Quintas

   39,357     0.07

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       —    

Melbourne F. Yull

   2,035,829     3.47

Gregory A.C. Yull

   595,464     1.01

Jeffrey Crystal

   4,200     0.01

Douglas Nalette

   108,849     0.19

Shawn Nelson

   131,596     0.22

Joseph Tocci

   63,252     0.11

 

(1)

NAME

NUMBER OF SHARES OWNED

Eric E.Mr. Baker

3,019,039

Robert M. Beil

52,196

George J. Bunze

56,871

Robert J. Foster

67,500

James Pantedilis

5,000

Jorge N. Quintas

24,657

Gregory A. Yull

383,070

Melbourne F. Yull

2,200,120

Bernard J. Pitz

19,286

Joseph Tocci

57,464

Shawn Nelson

114,843

Douglas Nalette

100,588 retired from the Board in June 2015.

62


As of March 17, 2014,9, 2016, the Directors and senior management owned an aggregate of 6,100,6343,167,114 common shares of the Company, being 10%5.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The common shares held by the Directors and senior management do not have different voting rights from those held by the other shareholders of the Company.

Index to Financial Statements

Please see the heading “Executive Stock Option”Option Plan” above in this section for a description of the Company’s Amended Executive Stock Option Plan.

63


The following table sets forth all vested and unvested outstanding options granted to the Company’s Directors and senior management through March 17, 2014:December 31, 2015:

 

Name

  Number of options   Exercise price of
options

CDN$
   Expiration date of
options
 

Eric E. Baker

   50,000     2.19     06/10/2016  
   20,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Robert M. Beil

   2,500     2.19     06/10/2016  
   10,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

George J. Bunze

   5,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Robert J. Foster

   7,500     2.19     06/10/2016  
   10,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

James Pantelidis

   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Jorge N. Quintas

   2,500     2.19     06/10/2016  
   5,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Melbourne F. Yull

   12,500     2.19     06/10/2016  
   10,000     1.55     06/07/2017  
   10,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Gregory A. Yull

   350,000     1.90     08/05/2020  
   350,000     1.55     06/07/2021  
   265,000     12.04     06/05/2023  

Bernard J. Pitz

   182,927     3.61     11/12/2015  
   100,000     1.80     06/27/2017  
   90,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Joseph Tocci

   17,500     2.19     06/10/2016  
   37,500     1.80     06/27/2017  
   50,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Shawn Nelson

   35,000     2.19     06/10/2016  
   50,000     1.80     06/27/2017  
   50,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Douglas Nalette

   35,000     2.19     06/10/2016  
   50,000     1.80     06/27/2017  
   50,000     12.04     06/05/2019  

Name

  Number of options
outstanding
   Exercise price of
options

CDN$
   Expiration date of
options

Eric E. Baker(1)

   —       —      n/a

Robert M. Beil

   2,500     2.19    6/10/2016
   10,000     1.55    6/7/2017
   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

George J. Bunze

   5,000     1.55    6/7/2017
   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

Frank Di Tomaso

   —       —      n/a

Robert J. Foster

   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

James Pantelidis

   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

Jorge N. Quintas

   2,500     2.19    6/10/2016
   5,000     1.55    6/7/2017
   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

Mary Pat Salomone

   —       —      n/a

Melbourne F. Yull

   12,500     2.19    6/10/2016
   10,000     1.55    6/7/2017
   10,000     12.04    6/5/2019

Gregory A.C. Yull

   350,000     1.55    6/7/2021
   265,000     12.04    6/5/2023
   160,000     12.55    3/17/2024

Jeffrey Crystal

   32,500     12.14    5/13/2020

Douglas Nalette

   50,000     1.80    6/27/2017
   50,000     12.04    6/5/2019
   32,500     12.55    3/17/2020

Shawn Nelson

   15,000     2.19    6/10/2016
   50,000     1.80    6/27/2017
   50,000     12.04    6/5/2019
   32,500     12.55    3/17/2020

Joseph Tocci

   12,500     1.80    6/27/2017
   50,000     12.04    6/5/2019
   20,000     12.55    3/17/2020

 

64
(1)Mr. Baker retired from the Board in June 2015.


Index to Financial Statements
Item 7:Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

 A.MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

As of December 31, 2013,2015, to the knowledge of the Company, the following are the only persons who beneficially own, or exercise control or direction over, more than 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (“Major Shareholders”), along with. Also provided below is a three-year history of their stock ownership:

 

Name and place of residence

  # / %
12/31/20132015
  # / %
12/31/20122014
   # / %
12/31/20112013
 

Fidelity Management & Research Co.(1)FMR, LLC

Boston, Massachusetts

8,193,799 / 13.97 (1)6,675,400 / 11.05   7,744,300 / 12.74  0 / 0.000 / 0.00

Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc.(2)

Montreal, Québec

   4,961,6183,408,070 / 8.165.80 (2)  10,084,641 / 16.9112,798,950 / 21.71

O’Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC(3)

Stamford, Connecticut

3,800,0003,779,901 / 6.25     3,300,0004,961,618 / 5.530 / 0.00

Mackenzie Financial Corporation(3)

Toronto, Ontario

3,250,000 / 5.353,250,000 / 5.452,950,000 / 5.00

BlackRock, Inc. (4)

New York, New York

3,128,807 / 5.150 / 0.000 / 0.008.16  

 

(1)Based on report dated February 14, 201412, 2016 filed by FMR LLC with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(2)Based on report dated February 13, 2014January 8, 2016 filed by Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(3)Based on an email from a shareholder analyst listing the number of shares owned as of December 31, 2013.
(4)Based on report dated January 17, 2014 filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Major Shareholders of the Company do not have any voting rights that differ from the other shareholders of the Company.

As of December 31, 2013, of2015, the 60,776,649number record holders in Canada, the United States and elsewhere are 10,263, 818 and 222 respectively. Of the 58,667,535 common shares issued and outstanding, approximately 49,195,697 are held in Canada and 11,580,952such record holders hold 28,747,092 shares in the United States, being 80.9% and 19.1%, respectively. Also as of December 31, 2013, the number of record holders26,987,066 shares in Canada and in the United States are 132,933,377 shares elsewhere, equaling 49%, 46% and 42,5%, respectively.

The Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any natural or legal person. There are no arrangements known to the Company that could result at a subsequent date in a change of control of the Company.

 

 B.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

To the knowledge of the Company, none of its directors or officers or any person who beneficially owns or exercises control or direction over shares carrying more than ten percent of the voting rights attached to the Company’s shares, or any associate or affiliate of any such person, has any material interest in any transaction since the beginning of the last completed financial year or in any proposed transactions that has materially affected or will materially affect the Company or any of its affiliates.affiliates, other than as set forth below.

Prior to July 31, 2002,In June 2014, the Company made certain interest-free loans payable on demand to certain of its directors and officers. Only one loan remained outstanding to Gregory A. Yull in 2013,engaged with a balancerelocation management company to facilitate the purchase of US$52,372.00, whichMr. Crystal’s home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to assist in the relocation to Sarasota, FL, U.S.A. The Company provided funding to the relocation management company to purchase the home for $0.9 million. On April 15, 2015, the home was paid in full on March 7, 2013.sold and the Company was reimbursed for the purchase funding.

 

 C.INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

Not Applicable.

 

65


Item 8:Financial Information

Intertape’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Until December 31, 2010, the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).

 

 A.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Intertape for the years ended December 31, 2013, 20122015, 2014, and 20112013 include the following:

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Earnings (Loss)

Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Index to Financial Statements

Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

On July 3, 2014, the Company was informed of a complaint filed on June 27, 2014 by its former Chief Financial Officer with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor (“OSHA”) alleging certain violations by the Company related to the terms of his employment and his termination. The Company aggressively contested the allegations and, it believes, demonstrated that the former Chief Financial Officer’s assertions are without merit.

In a letter dated July 16, 2015, OSHA informed the Company that the former Chief Financial Officer had withdrawn his OSHA complaint in order to file a complaint against the Company in U.S. federal district court. The withdrawal occurred prior to any determination by OSHA regarding the complaint.

On November 5, 2015, the former Chief Financial Officer filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit is premised on essentially the same facts and makes essentially the same allegations as asserted in his OSHA complaint; the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a trial by jury. The Company is not currently able to predict the probability of a favourable or unfavourable outcome, or the amount of any possible loss in the event of an unfavourable outcome. Consequently, no material provision or liability has been recorded for these allegations and claims as of December 31, 2015.

The Company is engaged from time-to-time in various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of all of the proceedings and claims against the Company is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information currently known to the Company and after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the probable ultimate resolution of any such proceedings and claims, individually, or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole, and accordingly, no amounts have been recorded as of December 31, 2015.

Dividends

The Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Dividend Policy on August 14, 2012 providing for semi-annual dividend payments. On August 14, 2013, the Board of Directors modified the Company’s dividend policy to provide for quarterly dividend payments. On July 7, 2014, the Board of Directors further modified the Company’s dividend policy to increase the annualized dividend by 50% from $0.32 to $0.48 per common share. On August 12, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company amended the quarterly dividend policy to increase the annualized dividend from $0.48 to $0.52 per share. So long as the payments do not result in a violation of the Company’s covenants with its lenders, and subject to the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act relating to the declaration and payment of dividends, there are no other restrictions that would prevent the Company from paying dividends. The following table sets forth the dividends paid as of December 31, 2013:2015:

 

   Date Declared  Record Date  Date Paid  Amount per Share

Dividends per Share

    
  8/14/2012  9/21/2012  10/10/2012  CDN$0.08CDN $0.08
  3/6/2013  3/25/2013  4/10/2013  USD$0.08USD $0.08
  8/14/2013  9/16/2013  9/30/2013  USD$0.08USD $0.08
  11/12/2013  12/16/2013  12/30/2013  USD $0.08
USD$0.08  2/6/20143/19/20143/31/2014USD $0.08
5/7/20146/17/20146/30/2014USD $0.08
8/5/20149/15/20149/30/2014USD $0.12
11/4/201412/15/201412/31/2014USD $0.12
3/9/20153/19/20153/31/2015USD $0.12
5/11/20156/15/20156/30/2015USD $0.12
8/12/20159/15/20159/30/2015USD $0.13
11/11/201512/15/201512/31/2015USD $0.13

Index to Financial Statements

The Company has determined it is appropriate to paydeclare its dividend in US dollars because most of its cash flows are in US dollars. The Company has paid no other dividend in the past three years other than as set forth above. For details regarding the Company’s covenants with its lenders please refer to the ABL Loan and SecurityCredit Facility Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.34.8 to this Form 20-F.

 

 B.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

No significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements.

 

66


Item 9:The Offer and Listing

 

 A.OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

The following table sets forth the reporting of the high and low closing prices for Intertape shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the periods indicated. Also set forth below are the high and low closing prices for Intertape shares on the New York Stock Exchange through December 2009 and the OTC Pink Marketplace from 2010 through 2012. The Company voluntarily delisted its shares of common stock from the New York Stock Exchange effective December 3, 2009.Marketplace.

 

     Toronto Stock Exchange (CDN$)   New York Stock Exchange (US$)*
OTC Pink Marketplace
 

Year

  

Period

  High   Low   High Low   

Period

  

Toronto Stock Exchange (CDN$)

  

OTC Pink Marketplace

2009

  Annual   3.07     0.39     2.90 0.26

Year

Period

  

High

  

Low

  

High

  

Low

  Annual   3.60     0.92     3.43   0.93    3.60  0.92  3.43  0.93

2011

  Annual   3.39     1.02     3.30   1.04    Annual  3.39  1.02  3.30  1.04

2012

  Annual   9.07     3.12     9.17   3.08    Annual  9.07  3.12  9.17  3.08

2013

  Annual   15.53     8.05     15.04   8.17    Annual  15.62  7.96  15.20  8.09
2014  Annual  19.95  11.12  17.36  10.10
2015  Annual  20.51  13.67  16.65  10.30

2013

  First Quarter   11.04     8.05     10.86   8.17    First Quarter  11.07  7.96  10.86  8.09
2013 Second Quarter  13.28  10.63  12.62  10.40
Third Quarter  15.62  11.37  15.20  11.16
Fourth Quarter  15.50  12.36  14.89  11.95
2014  First Quarter  14.05  11.12  13.23  10.10
Second Quarter  13.21  11.50  11.96  10.73
Third Quarter  16.37  11.84  14.82  11.24
Fourth Quarter  19.95  14.53  17.36  12.89
2015  First Quarter  20.51  16.74  16.41  13.43
  Second Quarter   13.03     10.75     12.50   10.51    Second Quarter  20.31  16.21  16.65  13.60
  Third Quarter   15.53     11.55     15.04   11.26    Third Quarter  20.21  13.67  15.58  10.30
  Fourth Quarter   15.25     12.52     14.89   11.95    Fourth Quarter  19.01  13.96  14.19  10.82

2012

  First Quarter   4.70     3.17     4.65   3.10  
2015  September  14.95  13.72  11.32  10.30
  Second Quarter   7.85     4.72     7.65   4.75    October  15.77  13.96  11.79  10.82
  Third Quarter   9.00     6.12     9.11   6.21    November  19.01  14.59  14.19  11.15
  Fourth Quarter   8.28     6.10     8.40   6.03    December  18.90  17.77  14.13  12.87

2013

  September   15.53     14.71     15.04   14.09  
2016  January  18.61  16.06  13.21  11.33
  October   15.25     14.73     14.89   14.18    February  16.74  15.46  12.13  11.19
  November   15.13     12.52     14.46   11.95  
  December   14.35     13.53     13.47   12.74  

2014

  January   13.52     11.42     12.68   10.18  
  February   13.34     12.05     12.17   11.29  

Intertape has authorized an unlimited number of voting common shares without par value. The Company also has authorized an unlimited number of non-voting Class A preferred shares issuable in a series, ranking in priority to the common shares with respect to dividends and return of capital on dissolution. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix, before issuance, the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the shares of each series of Class A preferred shares. As of December 31, 2013,2015, there were 60,776,64958,667,535 issued and outstanding common shares and no issued and outstanding preferred shares of the Company.

Index to Financial Statements
 B.PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Not Applicable.

 

 C.MARKETS

The Company’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “ITP.” The Company’s common shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ITP” until December 3, 2009, the effective date of the Company’s voluntary delisting. The Company’s common shares are traded in the US on the OTC Pink Marketplace.

 

 D.SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

Not Applicable.

 

 E.DILUTION

Not Applicable.

 

 F.EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

Not Applicable.

 

67


Item 10: Additional Information

Item 10:Additional Information

 

 A.SHARE CAPITAL

Not Applicable.

 

 B.MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

1. The business of Intertape was established when Intertape Systems Inc., a predecessor of the Company, established a pressure-sensitive tape manufacturing facility in Montreal. Intertape Polymer GroupThe Company was incorporated under theCanada Business Corporations Act (the “Act”) on December 22, 1989 under the name “171695 Canada Inc.” On October 8, 1991, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment changing its name to “Intertape Polymer Group Inc.” A Certificate of Amalgamation was filed by the Company on August 31, 1993, at which time the Company was amalgamated with EBAC Holdings Inc. The Shareholders, at the Company’s June

On November 11, 2003 annual and special meeting, voted on the replacement of the Company’s By-Law No. 1 with a new General By-Law 2003-1. The intent of the replacement by-law was to conform the Company’s general by-laws with amendments that were made to the Act since the adoption of the general by-laws and to simplify certain aspects of the governance of the Company. On August 6, 2006, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to permit2015, the Board of Directors ofadopted a new By-Law 2015-1. Under the Company to appoint one or more additional Directors to hold office for a term expiring not later thanCanada Business Corporations Act, By-law 2015-1 is in force, but must be confirmed by the close ofCompany’s shareholders at the next annual meeting of the Company’s Shareholders, so long as the total number of Directors so appointed doesshareholders’ meeting. If By-law 2015-1 is not exceed one-third of the number of Directors electedconfirmed at the previous annualshareholders’ meeting, of the Shareholders of the Companyit will cease to have effect at that time.

2. The directorsDirectors of the Company may, when deemed expedient:

(a)

(a)borrow money upon the credit of the Company;

(b)issue debentures or other securities of the Company, and pledge or sell the same for such sums and at such prices as may be deemed expedient;

(c)notwithstanding the provisions of the Civil Code, hypothecate, mortgage or pledge the moveable or immoveable property, present or future, of the Company, to secure any such debentures, or other securities, or give part only of such guarantee for such purposes; and constitute the hypothec, mortgage or pledge above mentioned, by trust deed, or on any other manner; and

(d)mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any moveable or personal, immoveable or real or other property of the Company, owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of the Company.

(b) issue debentures or other securities of the Company, and pledge or sell the same for such sums and at such prices as may be deemed expedient;

(c) notwithstanding the provisions of the Civil Code, hypothecate, mortgage or pledge the moveable or immoveable property, present or future, of the Company,

Index to secure any such debentures, or other securities, or give part only of such guarantee for such purposes; and constitute the hypothec, mortgage or pledge above mentioned, by trust deed, or on any other manner; and

(d) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any moveable or personal, immoveable or real or other property of the Company, owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of the Company.

Financial Statements

Non-executive directors are required to own a minimum of 50,00010,000 Common Shares by August 2014 in order to remain eligible for future option grants, with the exception of one director appointed in May 2012 who has until May 2015 to be in compliance.DSU grants.

3. Description of Share Capital:Capital

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares and non-voting Class A preferred shares, issuable in series. The following is a summary of the material provisions which attach to the common shares and Class A preferred shares, and is qualified by reference to the full text of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions of such shares.

Common Shares

Voting Rights – Each common share entitles the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company.

68


Payment of Dividends – The holders of the Company’s common shares are entitled to receive during each year, as and when declared by the Board of Directors, dividends payable in money, property or by issue of fully-paid shares of the capital of the Company.

Distribution of Assets Upon Winding-Up – In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or other distribution of assets of the Company among shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, the holders of the Company’s common shares are entitled to receive the remaining property of the Company.

Class A Preferred Shares

The Board of Directors may at any time and from time to time issue non-voting Class A preferred shares in one or more series, each series to consist of such number of shares, designation, rights, restrictions, conditions and limitations (including any sinking fund provisions) as may, before the issuance thereof, be determined by the Board of Directors. The Class A preferred shares are entitled to preference over the common shares with respect to the payment of dividends. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or other distribution of assets of the Company among shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, the holders of the Class A preferred shares will, before any amount is paid to, or any property or assets of the Company distributed among, the holders of the common shares, be entitled to receive: (i) an amount equal to the amount paid-up on such shares together with, in the case of cumulative Class A preferred shares, all unpaid cumulative dividends and, in the case of non-cumulative Class A preferred shares, all declared and unpaid non-cumulative dividends; and (ii) if such liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or distribution is voluntary, an additional amount equal to the premium, if any, which would have been payable on the redemption of the Class A preferred shares if they had been called for redemption by the Company on the date of distribution.

3.4. The rights of the holders of the Class A preferred shares may be amended only with the prior approval of two-thirds of the holders of the Class A preferred shares in addition to any other approvals required by the Act.

There are no preferred shares currently issued and outstanding.

4.5. Subject to compliance with the Act, the annual shareholders meeting shall be convened on such day each year and at such time as the Board of Directors may by resolution determine. Special meetings of the shareholders may be convened by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President who is a director or by the Board of Directors to be held at such time and place as may be specified in such order. Special meetings of the shareholders may also be called by written request to the Board of Directors signed by shareholders holding between them not less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting. Such request shall state the business to be transacted at the meeting and sent to the registered office of the Company. In the event the Board of Directors does not call the meeting within twenty-one (21) days after receiving the request, then any shareholder who signed the request may call the meeting.

5.6. The Articles of Amalgamation of Intertape do not contain limitations on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on the Company’s shares.

6.

Index to Financial Statements

7. The Articles of Amalgamation and the Bylaws contain no provision that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

 C.MATERIAL CONTRACTS

The following is a description of the material contracts the CompanyIntertape was a party to during the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2013,2015, regardless of when they were initially entered into by Intertape, Polymer Group, either directly or through one of its subsidiaries, and that are not in the ordinary course of the Company’sIntertape’s business:

 

anAmended Executive Stock Option Plan.For aPurchase Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement and Indenture each dated as summary of July 28, 2004,this Plan, please see Item 6.B in connection with the issuance by Intertape Polymer US Inc.,this 20-F. For a finance subsidiary of Intertape Polymer Group,copy of the aggregate principal amountExecutive Stock Option Plan, see Exhibit 4.1 to this Form 20-F.

aStock Appreciation Rights Plan. For a summary of US$125.0 millionthis Plan, please see Item 6.B in this 20-F. For a copy of 8.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.the Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended, see Exhibit 4.2 to this Form 20-F. The Notes were offered to institutional investors and were guaranteed on a senior subordinated basisStock Appreciation Rights Plan was amended so that the base price of each SAR is confirmed in writing by the CompanyCompensation Committee to the participant at the time of grant and substantially allonce so confirmed, may not be changed and once the expiry date of its subsidiaries. Interest accrued and was payable onSARs is determined in the Notes semi-annuallyapplicable Grant Agreement, such expiry date may not be extended.

aPerformance Share Unit Plan.For a summary of this Plan, please see Item 6.B in arrears on February 1 and August 1. On August 13, 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining balancethis 20-F. For a copy of the outstanding

Performance Shared Unit Plan, see Exhibit 4.3 to this Form 20-F.

 

69


Notes fully discharging and satisfying the Notes and Indenture. For a copy of the Purchase Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement, and Indenture, as well as details of the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes, see Exhibit 4.2 to this Form 20-F.

aDeferred Share Unit Plan. For a summary of this Plan, please see Item 6.B in this 20-F. For a copy of the Deferred Shared Unit Plan, see Exhibit 4.4 to this Form 20-F.

 

aLoan and Security Agreement dated March 28, 2008 (and since amended on June 18, 2008, March 23, 2011, February 1, 2012, and November 25, 2013)2013 and since paid off and satisfied on November 18, 2014), among certain subsidiaries of the Company, the Lenders referred to therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, for a $200.0 million asset based loan (“ABL”). The amount of borrowings available to the Company under the ABL iswas determined by its applicable borrowing base from time to time. The borrowing base iswas determined by calculating a percentage of eligible trade accounts receivable, inventories and property, plant, and equipment. The ABL iswas priced at Libor30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin determined from a pricing grid. The loan margin declinesdeclined as unused availability increases.increased. The loan margin pricing grid rangesranged from 1.75% to 2.25%. Unencumbered real estate iswas subject to a negative pledge in favor of the ABL lenders. However, the Company retainsretained the ability to secure financing on all or a portion of its owned real estate up to $35 million of real estate mortgage financing and have the negative pledge in favor of the ABL lenders terminated. The Company hashad the ability to secure financing up to $45 million in connection with the purchase of fixed assets under a permitted purchase money debt facility. The ABL hashad one financial covenant, a fixed charge ratio of 1.0 to 1.0. The ratio comparescompared EBITDA (as defined in the ABL) less capital expenditures and pension plan payments in excess of pension plan expense to the sum of debt service and the amortization of the value of equipment in the borrowing base. The financial covenant becomesbecame effective only when unused availability dropsdropped below $25.0 million. TheWhile the ABL matureswas to mature in February 2017.2017, Intertape paid off and satisfied the ABL on November 18, 2014 and replaced it with the Revolving Credit Facility. For a copy of the Loan and Security Agreement, see Exhibit 4.34.5 to this Form 20-F.

Index to Financial Statements
anEquipment Finance Agreement dated August 14, 2012 in the amount of up to $24.0 million (which was later increased to $25.7 million as of March 26, 2014) for qualifying US capital expenditures during the period May 2012 through March 31, 2014. The Equipment Finance Agreement allowsallowed for periodic scheduling of amounts with each schedule having a term of sixty months and a fixed interest rate for leases scheduled prior to January 1,March 31, 2014. For a copy of the Loan and SecurityEquipment Finance Agreement, see Exhibit 4.44.6 to this Form 20-F. The Company has entered into the fourfive schedules as listed below.

 

Date Entered

  Amount   Interest Rate Payments   Last Payment due   Amount   Interest
Rate
 Payments   Last Payment due

September 27, 2012

  $2.7 million     2.74 $48,577     October 1, 2017    $2.7 million     2.74 $48,577    October 1, 2017

December 28, 2012

  $2.6 million     2.74 $46,258     January 1, 2018    $2.6 million     2.74 $46,258    January 1, 2018

June 28, 2013

  $2.2 million     2.90 $39,329     July 1, 2018    $2.2 million     2.90 $39,329    July 1, 2018

December 31, 2013

  $14.7 million     2.90 $263,450     January 1, 2019    $14.7 million     2.90 $263,450    January 1, 2019

April 1, 2014

  $3.5 million     2.95 $62,263    April 1, 2019

aRevolving Credit Facility Agreement dated November 18, 2014, among Intertape and certain of its subsidiaries, the Lenders referred to therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender, Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. The Revolving Credit Facility Agreement provides for a five-year $300 million Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the ABL. The Revolving Credit Facility Agreement includes an incremental accordion feature of $150 million, which will enable the Company to increase the limit of this facility (subject to the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement’s terms and lender approval) if needed. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on November 18, 2019 and bears an interest rate based primarily on the LIBOR for US dollar loans and CDOR for Canadian dollar loans plus a spread varying between 100 and 225 basis points depending on the consolidated total leverage ratio (150 basis points as of December, 2015 and 125 basis points on December 31, 2014). The Revolving Credit Facility Agreement includes certain financial covenant obligations. The amount of capital expenditures in any fiscal year is limited to $50 million. Any portion of the allowable $50 million not expended in the year may be carried over for expenditure in the following year but not carried over to any additional subsequent year thereafter. The consolidated total leverage ratio may not exceed 3.25 to 1.00 (subject to increase to 3.75 to 1.00 for the first four quarters following an acquisition with a price not less than $50 million), and the consolidated debt service coverage ratio may not be less than 1.50 to 1.00. The consolidated total leverage ratio compares consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement). The consolidated debt service coverage ratio compares consolidated EBITDA (less certain taxes and dividends), to the sum of consolidated interest expense plus scheduled principal payments. The Revolving Credit Facility Agreement also includes certain other affirmative and negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, and distributions. Reference is made to the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement for more detailed information regarding specific covenants, defined terms and conditions. For a copy of the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, see Exhibit 4.7 to this Form 20-F.

theRights Plandated December 14, 2015 with CST Trust Company. The purpose of the Shareholder Rights Plan is to provide IPG’s Board of Directors with additional time, in the event of an unsolicited takeover bid, to develop and propose alternatives to the bid and negotiate with the bidder, as well as to ensure equal treatment of shareholders in the context of an acquisition of control made other than by way of an offer to all shareholders, and lessen the pressure on shareholders to tender a bid.

IPG’s Board of Directors has implemented the Rights Plan by authorizing the issuance of one right (a “Right”) in respect of each common share outstanding at the close of business on December 14, 2015 (the “Record Time”) and in respect of each voting share issued by IPG after the Record Time. The Rights trade with, and are represented by, the common shares. Until such time as the Rights separate, when they become exercisable, Rights certificates will not be distributed to shareholders and no further action is required by shareholders. If a person, or a group acting jointly or in concert (each, an “Offeror”), acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the then outstanding voting shares (other than pursuant to an exemption available under the Rights Plan), Rights (other than those held by such Offeror, which will become void) will separate and permit the holders thereof to purchase additional shares at a substantial discount to the market price of the shares at that time. Pursuant to the Rights Plan, any bid that meets certain criteria intended to protect the interests of all shareholders will be deemed to be a “permitted bid” and will not trigger a separation under the Rights Plan. These criteria require, among other things, that the bid be made by way of a takeover bid circular to all holders of voting shares other than the Offeror, that all shareholders be treated equally and that the bid remain open for acceptance by shareholders for at least 60 days or such longer period as may be prescribed by law as the minimum deposit period.

Index to Financial Statements

Prior to separation, the Rights Plan is not dilutive and will not affect reported earnings per share or change the way in which shareholders would otherwise trade shares. Upon separation, reported earnings per share, on a fully diluted or non-diluted basis, may be affected. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights upon separation may suffer substantial dilution along with the Offeror.

Under the policies of the TSX, the Rights Plan must be ratified by the shareholders of the Corporation at a meeting held within six months following the adoption of the Rights Plan, failing which the Rights Plan must be immediately cancelled and any rights issued thereunder must be immediately redeemed or cancelled. Accordingly, on June 9, 2016, shareholders will be asked to approve a resolution ratifying and approving the Rights Plan.

For a copy of the Rights Plan, see Exhibit 2.1 to this Form 20-F.

A copy of all of the foregoing contracts, except as otherwise noted, are available as Exhibits to this Form 20-F.

 

 D.EXCHANGE CONTROLS

As of the date hereof, there are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada on the export or import of capital, or which impose foreign exchange controls or affect the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of Intertape’s common stock, except as described under Item 10E “Taxation” below.

Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act (Canada), the Competition Act (Canada), and/or the Canada Transportation Act (Canada), which have provisions that may potentially restrict the holding of voting shares by non-Canadians, there are no limitations specific to the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote the Company’s common shares under the laws of Canada or in its charter documents. The following summarizes the principal features of the Investment Canada Act, the Competition Act and the Canada Transportation Act for non-Canadian residents proposing to acquire the Company’s common shares.

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, legal advice to any holder or prospective holder of the Company’s common shares, and no opinion or representation to any holder or prospective holder of the Company’s common shares is hereby made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of the Company’s common shares should consult with their own legal advisors with respect to the consequences of purchasing and owning the Company’s common shares.

 

70


1.Investment Canada Act

The Investment Canada Act governs acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians. Under the Investment Canada Act, non-Canadian individuals or entities acquiring “control” (as defined in the Investment Canada Act) of a corporation carrying on business in Canada are required to either notify, or file an application for review with, IndustryInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (or in the case of “cultural businesses”, Heritage Canada), subject to certain statutory exemptions. The relevant Minister may review any transaction which constitutes an acquisition of control of a Canadian business, where the book value of the assets acquired exceeds certain thresholds are exceeded (which are higher for investors from members of the World Trade Organization, including United States residents, or World Trade Organization member-controlled companies) or where the activity of the business is a “cultural business” (as defined in the legislation and its regulations), or where the investment could be injurious to Canada’s national security. For acquisitions of control of businesses which do not involve a cultural business or present national security issues, no change of voting control will be deemed to have occurred, for purposes of the Investment Canada Act, if less than one-third of the voting control of a Canadian corporation is acquired by an investor. Different rules apply to acquisitions of control of businesses related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity, or present national security concerns.

If an investment is reviewable under the Investment Canada Act, an application for review in the form prescribed is normally required to be filed with IndustryInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or Heritage Canada prior to implementation of the investment. An investment subject to review may not be implemented until the review has been completed and the Minister responsible is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of “net benefit” to Canada. If the Minister is not satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, the non-Canadian cannot implement the investment, or if the investment has been implemented, may be required to divest itself of control of the Canadian business that is the subject of the investment. Different rules apply if the Minister determines that the investment may be injurious to Canada’s national security.

Index to Financial Statements

Certain transactions relating to Intertape’s common stock would be exempt from the Investment Canada Act, unless they are found to be potentially injurious to Canada’s national security by the Minister responsible, including:

 

 (a)the acquisition of the Company’s common stock by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities;

 

 (b)the acquisition of control of the Company in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Canada Act; and

 

 (c)the acquisition of control of the Company by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of the Company, through ownership of ourthe Company’s common stock, remains unchanged.

These exemptions do not apply to an acquisition of control of a Canadian business that is deemed to be potentially injurious to Canada’s national security.

 

2.Competition Act

The Competition Act requires notification to the Commissioner of Competition of specified merger transactions that exceed certain monetary and share thresholds prior to their completion.

If a proposed merger is subject to pre-merger notification, each party to the proposed merger must file a notification with the Commissioner of Competition.

Proposed mergers that are subject to pre-merger notification under the Competition Act are prohibited from being completed before the end of 30 days following the receipt of a complete notification by the Commissioner of Competition, unless a waiver of the waiting period is obtained from the Commissioner of Competition. The waiting period may be extended by the issuance of a supplementary information request by the Commissioner of Competition within the initial 30 day waiting period. In the event that a supplementary information request is issued by the Commissioner of Competition, the parties may not complete the proposed merger until the end of a further 30 day waiting period that commences on the date on which the information requested pursuant to the supplementary information request has been provided to the Commissioner of Competition.

71


Whether or not a merger is subject to pre-merger notification to the Commissioner of Competition, the Commissioner of Competition may commence an application for relief in the Competition Tribunal on the basis that the merger prevents or lessens, or is likely to prevent or lessen, competition substantially in a relevant market. Such applications for relief are subject to a one-year limitation period from the merger’s substantial completion.

 

3.Canada Transportation Act

If a proposed transaction involves a transportation undertaking, and is subject to pre-merger notification to the Commissioner of Competition pursuant to the Competition Act, the parties to the proposed transaction must also provide pre-closing notification to the Minister of Transportation under the Canada Transportation Act. Such transactions require a 42 day waiting period which may be extended.

The parties to a proposed transaction subject to pre-merger notification to the Minister of Transportation may not complete the proposed transaction unless the Minister of Transportation issues a notice of his opinion that the proposed transaction does not raise issues with respect to the public interest as it relates to national transportation, or unless the transaction is approved by the Governor in Council.

Index to Financial Statements
 E.TAXATION

Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following general summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to a holder of the Company’s common stock who is a resident of the United States, who is not, will not be and will not be deemed to be a resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Income Tax Act”) and any applicable tax treaty and who does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, his common stock in the capital of the Company in connection with carrying on a business in Canada (a “non-resident holder”). This summary applies only to non-resident holders who hold their Intertape common stock as capital property. This summary does not apply to non-resident holders who are financial institutions (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act) or insurers.

This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Income Tax Act, the regulations thereunder (the “Regulations”), the current publicly announced administrative and assessing policies of the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada- UnitedCanada-United States Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Treaty”). This summary also takes into account the amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Tax Proposals”) and assumes that all such Tax Proposals will be enacted in their present form. However, no assurances can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed, or at all. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to a non-resident holder of the Company’s common stock and, except for the foregoing, this summary 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 provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations, which may differ from the Canadian federal income tax consequences described herein.

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, legal, business or tax advice to any particular holder or prospective holder of Intertape’s common stock, and no opinion or representation with respect to the tax consequences to any holder or prospective holder of the Company’s common stock is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of the Company’s common stock should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of Intertape’s common stock in their particular circumstances.

Dividends

Dividends paid on the Company’s common stock to a non-resident holder will be subject under the Income Tax Act to withholding tax which tax is deducted at source by the Company. The withholding tax rate for dividends prescribed by the Income Tax Act is 25% but this rate may be reduced under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. Under the Treaty, the withholding tax rate is reduced to 15% on dividends paid by the Company to a resident of the United States who is the beneficial owner of such dividend and is eligible to benefits under the Treaty. The rate is further reduced to 5% where the beneficial owner of the dividend is a corporation resident in the United States that is eligible for benefits under the Treaty and that owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company.

72


Capital Gains

A non-resident holder is not subject to tax under the Income Tax Act in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of a common share of the Company unless such share is (or is deemed to be) “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Income Tax Act) of the non-resident holder. As long as they are listed on a designated stock exchange (which includes the TSX) at the time they are disposed of, Intertape’s common stock generally will not be considered taxable Canadian property of a non-resident holder unless at any time during the 60 month60-month period immediately preceding the disposition of the stock: (i) the non-resident holder, persons with whom the non-resident holder does not deal at arm’s length or the non-resident holder together with such non-arm’s length persons owned, or had an interest in an option in respect of, 25% or more of the issued stock of any class or series of the Company’s capital stock,stock; and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of the shares of Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Income Tax Act), timber resource properties (as defined in the Income Tax Act), or an option, an interest or right in such property.

United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a general discussion of the material United States federal income tax consequences, under current law, generally applicable to a US Holder (as hereinafter defined) of common shares of the Company. This discussion does not address individual consequences to persons subject to special provisions of federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a US Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences. (See “Canadian Federal Tax Consequences”).

Index to Financial Statements

The following discussion is based upon the sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. This discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. This discussion is for general information only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder or prospective holder of common shares of the Company and no opinion or representation with respect to the United States federal income tax consequences to any such holder or prospective holder is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of common shares of the Company are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of common shares of the Company.

US Holders

As used herein, a “US Holder” means a holder of common shares of the Company who is a citizen or individual resident of the United States, a corporation or partnership created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof or a trust whose income is taxable in the United States irrespective of source.

This summary does not address the tax consequences to, and US Holder does not include, persons subject to specific provisions of federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals, persons or entities that have a “functional currency” other than the US dollar, shareholders who hold common shares as part of a straddle, hedging or a conversion transaction, and shareholders who acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services. This summary is limited to US Holders who own common shares as capital assets. This summary does not address the consequences to a person or entity holding an interest in a shareholder or the consequences to a person of the ownership, exercise or disposition of any options, warrants or other rights to acquire common shares.

Distribution on Common Shares of the Company

US Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to common shares of the Company are required to include in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions equal to the US dollar value of such dividends on the date of receipt (based on the exchange rate on such date) to the extent that the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits, without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from

73


such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be credited, subject to certain limitations, against the US Holder’s federal income tax liability or, alternatively, may be deducted in computing the US Holder’s federal taxable income by those who itemize deductions. (See more detailed discussion at “Foreign Tax Credit” below). To the extent that distributions exceed current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, they will be treated first as a return of capital up to the US Holder’s adjusted basis in the common shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the common shares. Preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains are applicable to a US Holder which is an individual, estate or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a US Holder which is a corporation. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 added Section 1411 to the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income of certain individuals, estates and trusts beginning in 2013. In general, income with respect to Company distributions will be considered investment income for purposes of the surtax.

Foreign Tax Credit

A US Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of common shares of the Company may be entitled, at the option of the US Holder, to either receive a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. Generally, it will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer’s income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid by (or withheld from) the US Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the US Holder’s United States income tax liability that the US Holder’s foreign sources income bears to his or its worldwide taxable income. In the determination of the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income such as “passive income,” “high

Index to Financial Statements

withholding tax interest,” “financial services income,” “shipping income,” and certain other classifications of income. Dividends distributed by the Company will generally constitute “passive income” or, in the case of certain US Holders, “financial services income” for these purposes. The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the credit are fact specific, and US Holders of common shares of the Company should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.

Disposition of Common Shares of the Company

A US Holder will recognize gain or loss upon the sale of common shares of the Company equal to the difference, if any, betweenbetween: (i) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received,received; and (ii) the shareholder’s tax basis in the common shares of the Company. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of US Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the common shares are a capital asset in the hands of the US Holder, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common shares of the Company are held for more than one year. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 added Section 1411 to the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income of certain individuals, estates and trusts beginning in 2013. In general, capital gain or loss recognized upon the sale of common shares of the Company will be considered investment income for purposes of the surtax.

Other Considerations

In the following circumstances, the above sections of this discussion may not describe the United States federal income tax consequences resulting from the holding and disposition of common shares:

Passive Foreign Investment Company

Certain United States income tax legislation contains rules governing “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFIC”) which can have significant tax effects on US Holders of foreign corporations. These rules do not apply to non-US Holders.

Section 1297 of the Code defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the United States and, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income”, which includes interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties or (ii) the average percentage, by fair market value (or, if the Company is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election, adjusted tax basis) of its assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income” is 50% or more. The Company does not believe that it is a PFIC. Each US Holder of the Company is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect their tax situation.situation and whether any related reporting is required.

74


A US Holder who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is subject to United States federal income taxation under one of three alternative tax regimes. The following is a discussion of such three alternative tax regimes applied to such US Holders of the Company. In addition, special rules apply if a foreign corporation qualifies as both a PFIC and a “controlled foreign corporation” (as defined below) and a US Holder owns, directly or indirectly, ten percent (10%) or more of the total combined voting power of classes of shares of such foreign corporation (See more detailed discussion at “Controlled Foreign Company” below).

A US Holder who makes a valid election to treat the Company as a Qualified Electing Fund (“QEF”) will be subject, under Section 1293 of the Code, to current federal income tax for any taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC on his pro rata share of the Company’s (i) “net capital gain” (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to the US Holder and (ii) “ordinary earnings” (the excess of earnings and profits over net capital gain), which will be taxed as ordinary income to the US Holder, in each case, for the shareholder’s taxable year in which (or with which) the Company’s taxable year ends, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed.

The effective QEF election allows a US Holder toto: (i) generally treat any gain realized on the disposition of their common shares of the Company (or deemed to be realized on the pledge of their shares) as capital gain; (ii) treat his share of the Company’s net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain instead of ordinary income; and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether, or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his share of the Company’s annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge. If the US Holder is not a corporation, such an interest charge would be treated as “personal interest” that is not deductible. US Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy the recordkeeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that the Company will supply US Holders with the information that such US Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC and a US Holder wishes to make a QEF election.

Index to Financial Statements

A US Holder who makes a valid mark-to-market election is required to include, under Section 1296 of the Code, in ordinary income for any taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s stock held by the US Holder at year-end over the US Holder’s tax basis in such stock. Any amount by which the US Holder’s stock basis exceeds the fair market value of stock held at year-end will be allowed as an ordinary loss deduction to the extent of the unreversed inclusions with respect to such stock. Gain on a sale or other disposition of the stock will be subject to ordinary income tax rates, and a loss on a disposition is deductible as an ordinary loss to the extent it does not exceed the unreversed inclusions attributable to the stock. An effective mark-to-market election allows a US Holder to avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status where a QEF election may not be available.

If a US Holder does not make a valid QEF election or a mark-to-market election during a year in which it holds (or is deemed to have held) the shares in question and the Company is a PFIC (a “Non-electing US Holder”), then special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code will apply toto: (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reasons of a pledge) of his common shares of the CompanyCompany; and (ii) certain “excess distributions”, as specifically defined, by the Company.

A Non-electing US Holder generally would be required to pro rate all gains realized on the disposition of his common shares of the Company and all excess distribution of his common shares and all excess distributions over the entire holding period for the Company.

All gains or excess distributions allocated to prior years of the US Holder (other than years prior to the first taxable year of the Company during such US Holder’s holding period and beginning after January 1, 1987 for which it was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. The Non-electing US Holder also would be liable for interest on the foregoing tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such prior year. A Non-electing US Holder that is not a corporation must treat this interest charge as “personal interest” which, as discussed above, is wholly non-deductible. The balance of the gain of the excess distribution will be treated as ordinary income in the year of the disposition or distribution, and no interest charge will be incurred with respect to such balance.

If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-electing US Holder holds common shares of the Company, then the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such common shares, even if it is no longer definitionally a PFIC. A Non-electing US Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize a gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed above for Non-electing US Holders) as if such common shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which it was a PFIC.

75


Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would treat as taxable certain transfers of PFIC stock by Non-Electing US Holders that are generally not otherwise taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. Generally, in such cases the basis of the Company common shares in the hands of the transferee and the basis of any property received in the exchange for those common shares would be increased by the amount of gain recognized. A US Holder that makes a valid QEF or a mark-to-market election (an “Electing US Holder”) would not be taxed on certain transfers of PFIC stock, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. The transferee’s basis in this case will depend on the manner of the transfer. In a transfer at death, for example, the transferee’s basis is equal to (i) the fair market value of the Electing US Holder’s common shares, less (ii) the excess of the fair market value of the Electing US Holder’s common shares reduced by the US Holder’s adjusted basis in these common shares at death. The specific tax effect to the US Holder and the transferee may vary based on the manner in which the common shares are transferred. Each US Holder of the Company is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect their tax situation and what elections may or may not be available.

Certain special, generally adverse, rules will apply with respect to common shares of the Company while the Company is a PFIC whether or not it is treated as a QEF or a mark-to-market election is made. For example under Section 1297(b)(6) of the Code, a US Holder who uses PFIC stock as security for a loan (including a margin loan) will, except as may be provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such shares.

Index to Financial Statements

Controlled Foreign Company

If more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of shares or the total value of the shares of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships and corporations or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts, each of whom own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company (“United States shareholder”), the Company could be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” under Subpart F of the Code. This classification would affect many complex results one of which is the inclusion of certain income of a CFC which is subject to current US tax. The United States generally taxes a United States shareholder of a CFC currently on their pro rata shares of the Subpart F income of the CFC. Such US shareholders are generally treated as having received a current distribution out of the CFC’s Subpart F income and are also subject to current US tax on their pro rata shares of the CFC’s earnings invested in US property. The foreign tax credit described above may reduce the US tax on these amounts. In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, gain from the sale or exchange of shares by a US Holder of common shares of the Company who is or was a United States shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and profits of the Company attributable to the shares sold or exchanged. If a foreign corporation is both a PFIC and a CFC, the foreign corporation generally will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to United States shareholders of the CFC. This rule generally will be effective for taxable years of United States shareholders beginning after 1997 and for taxable years of foreign corporations ending with or within such taxable years of United States shareholders. Special rules apply to United States shareholders who are subject to the special taxation rules under Section 1291 discussed above with respect to a PFIC. Because of the complexity of Subpart F, and because it is not clear that Subpart F would apply to US Holders of common shares of the Company, a more detailed review of these rules is outside of the scope of this discussion.

 

 F.DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

Not Applicable.

 

 G.STATEMENT BY EXPERTS

Not Applicable.

 

 H.DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

The documents referred to in this Form 20-F may be viewed at the Company’s office located at 100 Paramount Drive, Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida 34232.

 

 I.SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

 

76


Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 11:Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information for this Item is set forth in Note 21 to the 20132015 audited Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 18 hereof.18.

Item 12: Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Item 12:Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 13: Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Item 13:Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not Applicable.

Item 14: Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Item 14:Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

Item 15: Controls and Procedures

Index to Financial Statements
Item 15:Controls and Procedures

(a)Disclosure Controls and Procedures.Procedures. Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (“Intertape Polymer Group” or the “Company”) maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure not only that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, but also that information required to be disclosed by Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Intertape Polymer Groupthe Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.2015. They concluded based on such evaluation that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting as well as the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures thatthat: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statements preparation and presentation. Also projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on the criteria established in 1992 Internal Controlcont – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 20132015 based on those criteria.

77


(c)Attestation Report of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP. The Company’s independent auditors, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, audited the annual consolidated financial statements included in this annual report and audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20132015 and included in the Consolidated Financial Statements referenced in Item 18 of this Form 20-F its report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(d)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.Reporting. There have been no changes in Intertape Polymer Group’sthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 20132015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16: [RESERVED]

Item 16:[RESERVED]

 

Item 16A:Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board of Directors of Intertape has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Mr. George J. Bunze,Frank Di Tomaso, having been the Chief Financial Officerover 45 years of Kruger Inc.,experience with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, and having the attributes set forth in Paragraph 16A(b) of the General Instructions to Form 20-F, has been determined to be an audit committee financial expert. Further, Mr. BunzeDi Tomaso is “independent” as that term is defined by the Toronto Stock Exchange and Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Index to Financial Statements
Item 16B:Code of Ethics

Intertape has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Intertape Polymer Group Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics”, which is applicable to all of its employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and all persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been posted on the Company’s website athttp://www.intertapepolymer.comwww.itape.com under “Investor Relations”, “Corporate Governance”, “Governance Documents”. Any amendments to, or waiver from, any provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be posted on ourthe Company’s website at the above address.

 

Item 16C:Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table sets forth the fees billed (in USCanadian dollars) for professional services rendered by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Chartered Accountants, Intertape’s independent auditors, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20132015, and December 31, 2012:2014:

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2013   2012 
  $   $   2015
$
   2014
$
 

Audit Fees

   840,000     860,430     790,500     953,000  

Audit-Related Fees

   9,250     10,005     59,000     5,850  

Tax Fees

   78,225     75,038     257,620     114,275  

All Other Fees

   —       —       —       —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Fees

   927,475     945,473     1,107,120     1,073,125  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

(a)Audit Fees. Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the integrated audit of Intertape’s consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, assisting its Audit Committee in discharging its responsibilities for the review of the Company’s interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and services that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably provide, such as consent letters and assistance and review of documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.authorities

(b)Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees were for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Intertape’s consolidated interim unaudited financial statements and are not reported under the caption “Audit Fees” above. These services included consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards, as well as the Company’s transition to International Financial Reporting Standards.

standards.

78


(c)Tax Fees. Tax fees were for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services included the preparation of the Canadian subsidiaries’ income tax returns, assistance with questions regarding tax audits from the various taxation authorities in Canada and tax planning relating to common forms of domestic and international taxation.

(d)All Other Fees. All other fees were foris defined as services provided other than the audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees described above. No such fees have been billed in the last two years.

Intertape’s Audit Committee pre-approves all audit engagement feescharter provides for the required pre-approvals of services to be rendered by the external auditors. The pre-approval process takes place annually and is presented by the Company’s internal accountants and the termsexternal auditors for planned activity including audit, tax and non-audit services and includes reasonable detail with respect to the services covered. The pre-approval of all significant permissible non-audit services provided by independent auditors.allows the Committee to consider the effect of such services on the independence of the external auditor. Any such services that may arise in addition to the pre-approved plan must be presented separately to the Committee for pre-approval. The charter states that this responsibility cannot be delegated to management of the Corporation in any way whatsoever.

 

Item 16D:Exemptions Fromfrom the Listing Standards for Audit Committee

Not Applicable.

Index to Financial Statements
Item 16E:Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Not Applicable.

Period

 (a) Total number of
subordinate voting
shares purchased
  (b) Average price paid
per subordinate voting
share
  (c) Total number of
subordinate voting
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
  (d) Maximum number
(or approximate dollar
value) of subordinate
voting shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans or
programs

(shares in millions)
 

January 1, 2015 – January 31, 2015

  —      —      —      1,402,500  

February 1, 2015 – February 28, 2015

  —      —      —      1,402,500  

March 1, 2015 – March 31, 2015

  619,988    13.82    619,988    782,512  

April 1, 2015 – April 30, 2015

  248,900    14.25    248,900    533,612  

May 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015

  98,200    13.91    98,200    435,412  

June 1, 2015 – June 30, 2015

  —      —      —      435,412  

July 1, 2015 – July 31, 2015(1)

  —      —      —      2,000,000  

August 1, 2015 – August 31, 2015(1)

  284,200    10.90    284,200    1,715,800  

September 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015 (1)

  869,300    10.80    869,300    846,500  

October 1, 2015 – October 31, 2015(1)

  366,600    10.95    366,600    479,000  

November 1, 2015 – November 30, 2015 (1)

  —      —      —      2,479,900  

December 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015 (1)

  —      —      —      2,479,900  
  2,487,188    12.06    2,487,188    2,479,900  

 

1)On July 7, 2014, the Company announced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) effective on July 10, 2014. In connection with this NCIB, the Company was entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 2,000,000 of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding. This NCIB, which was scheduled to expire on July 9, 2015, was renewed effective July 10, 2015. This renewed NCIB expires on July 9, 2016. On November 11, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved an amendment to the Company’s NCIB, as a result of which the Company will be entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has repurchased 2,487,188 common shares at an average price of CDN$15.52 per share, including commissions, for a total purchase price of $30.0 million.

Item 16F:Change Inin Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not Applicable.

 

Item 16G:Corporate Governance

Not Applicable.

 

Item 16H:Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable.

Index to Financial Statements

PART III

Item 17: Financial Statements

Item 17:Financial Statements

Not Applicable.

Item 18: Financial Statements

Item 18:Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements required under Item 18 of this Form 20-F are attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.

Item 19: Exhibits

Item 19:Exhibits

The Consolidated Financial Statements and the following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 A.Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Earnings (Loss)

Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

79


B.Exhibits:

  1.1  Articles of Amalgamation as amended incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to S-4 filed October 26, 2004, File No. 333-119982-26.
  1.2  General By-law 2003-1 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to S-4 filed October 26, 2004, File No. 333-119982-26.
  1.3By-Law 2015-1, filed under 6-K on December 1, 2015, Film No. 151262916.
  2.1Shareholder Rights Plan Agreement with CST Trust Company, dated December 14, 2015.
4.1  Amended Executive Stock Option Plan incorporated herein by reference to S-8 filed November 7, 2012, File No. 333-184797. Executive Stock Option Plan (as amended and consolidated to June 11, 2014) filed under 6-K on June 18, 2014, Film No. 14928713.
  4.2  Purchase Agreement, RegistrationStock Appreciation Rights Agreement and Indenture incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement filed on October 26, 2004Plan, as Registration No. 333-119982 as amended onwww.sec.gov in the United States.amended.
  4.3Deferred Share Unit Plan filed under 6-K on June 18, 2014, Film No. 14928673.

Index to Financial Statements
  4.4Performance Share Unit Plan filed under 6-K on June 18, 2014, Film No. 14928649.
  4.5  Loan and Security Agreement filed under 6-K on May 8, 2008, Film No. 08813597. First and Second Amendments filed under 6-K on April 29, 2011, Film No. 11793224, Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement filed under 6-K on February 2, 2012, Film No. 12566721, and Fourth Amendment filed under 6-K on February 13, 2014, Film No. 001-10928.14605422.
  4.44.6  Equipment Finance Agreement filed under 6-K on September 5, 2012, Film No. 121073380.
  4.7Credit Facility Agreement filed under 6-K on November 18, 2014, Film No. 141232715.
  8.1  A list of all of Intertape’s significant subsidiaries is set forth in Item 4C of this Form 20-F.
10.1  During 2013,2015, Intertape was not required to send its directors and executive officers notices pursuant to Rule 104 of Regulation BTR concerning any equity security subject to a blackout period under Rule 101 of Regulation BTR. Intertape’s blackout periods are regularly scheduled and a description of such periods, including their frequency and duration and plan transactions to be suspended or affected are included in the documents under which Intertape’s plans operate and is disclosed to employees before enrollment or within thirty (30) days thereafter.
12.1  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)) or Rule 15d-14(a) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(a)).
12.2  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(a)).
13.1  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b)) or Rule 15d-14(b) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350).
13.2  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b)) or Rule 15d-14(b) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350).
15.1  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
15.2  Human Resources and Compensation Committee Charter incorporateincorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to 20-F filed March 26, 2013.
15.3  Audit Committee Charter, incorporate herein by reference to Exhibit 14.2 to 20-F filed March 26, 2013.as amended.

80


Index to Financial Statements

SIGNATURES

The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.
By: 

/s/ Gregory A.A.C. Yull

Dated March 20, 2014 Gregory A.A.C. Yull, Chief Executive Officer

Dated March 31, 2016

Index to Financial Statements

81


Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 20122015, 2014 and 20112013

 

Management’s Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements

   2  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   3  

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

   4 to 5  

Independent Auditor’s Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   6 to 7  

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Earnings

   8  

Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   9  

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   10 to 12  

Consolidated Cash Flows

   13  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   14  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   15 to 6976  


Index to Financial Statements

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (the “Company”) and other financial information are the responsibility of the Company’s management and have been examined and approved by its Board of Directors. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. The selection of accounting principles and methods is management’s responsibility.

Management is responsible for the design, establishment and maintenance of appropriate internal control and procedures over financial reporting, to ensure that financial statements for external purposes are fairly presented in conformity with IFRS. Pursuant to these internal control and procedures, processes have been designed to ensure that the Company’s transactions are properly authorized, the Company’s assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and the Company’s transactions are properly recorded and reported to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS.

Management recognizes its responsibility for conducting the Company’s affairs in a manner to comply with the requirements of applicable laws and for maintaining proper standards of conduct in its activities.

The BoardAudit Committee, all of Directors assigns its responsibility forwhose members are independent directors, is involved in the review of the consolidated financial statements and other financial information to the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors.information.

The Audit Committee’s role is to examine the consolidated financial statements and annual report and once approved, recommend that the Board of Directors approve them, examine internal control over financial reporting and information protection systems and all other matters relating to the Company’s accounting and finances. In order to do so, the Audit Committee meets periodically with the external auditorsauditor to review theirits audit plan and discuss the results of theirits examinations. The Audit Committee is also responsible for recommending the nomination of the external auditors.auditor.

The Company’s external independent registered public accounting firm, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, was appointed by the Shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 5, 2013,4, 2015, to conduct the integrated audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. TheirIts reports indicating the scope of theirits audits and theirits opinions on the consolidated financial statements and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting follow.

/s/ Gregory A.C. Yull

Gregory A.C. Yull

President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Michael C. JayJeffrey Crystal

Michael C. JayJeffrey Crystal

Interim Chief Financial Officer

Sarasota, Florida and Montreal, Quebec

March 11, 20149, 2016

2


Index to Financial Statements

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting as well as the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’sCompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the company’sCompany’s financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statements preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20132015 based on the criteria established in “19922013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 20132015 based on those criteria.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20132015 has been audited by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, the Company’s external independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which follows.

/s/ Gregory A.C. Yull

Gregory A.C. Yull

President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Michael C. JayJeffrey Crystal

Michael C. JayJeffrey Crystal

Interim Chief Financial Officer

Sarasota, Florida and Montreal, Quebec

March 11, 20149, 2016

Index to Financial Statements

3


LOGOLOGO

Independent Auditor’s Report of

Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders of

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 20132015 and 20122014 and the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013,2015, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

4


Index to Financial Statements

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. as at December 31, 20132015 and 2012,2014, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20132015 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Other Matter

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Intertape Polymer Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2013,2015, based on the criteria established in “19922013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 11, 2014,9, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on Intertape Polymer Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

LOGO

Montreal, Canada

March 11, 2014LOGO

 

Montreal, Canada

March 9, 2016

 

1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A120795

Index to Financial Statements

5


LOGOLOGO

Independent Auditor’s Report of

Registered Public Accounting Firm on

on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

To the Shareholders of

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

We have audited Intertape Polymer Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2013,2015, based on criteria established in “19922013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Management’s Responsibility

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Definition of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by International Accounting Standards Board, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

6


Index to Financial Statements

Inherent limitations

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Opinion

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 20132015 based on criteria established in 1992“2013 Internal Control — Integrated FrameworkFramework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. as at December 31, 20132015 and 20122014 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20132015 and our report dated March 11, 20149, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

LOGO

Montreal, Canada

March 11, 2014LOGO

 

Montreal, Canada

March 9, 2016

 

1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A120795

7


Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Earnings

Years ended December 31, 2013, 20122015, 2014 and 20112013

(In thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)

 

   2013  2012(1)  2011(1) 
   $  $  $ 

Revenue

   781,500    784,430    786,737  

Cost of sales

   623,006    645,681    673,982  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   158,494    138,749    112,755  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   82,682    79,135    76,969  

Research expenses

   6,900    6,227    6,200  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   89,582    85,362    83,169  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   68,912    53,387    29,586  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges (Note 4)

   30,706    18,257    2,891  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   38,206    35,130    26,695  

Finance costs (Note 3)

    

Interest

   5,707    13,233    15,361  

Other expense

   946    1,303    2,180  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   6,653    14,536    17,541  

Earnings before income tax expense (benefit)

   31,553    20,594    9,154  

Income tax expense (benefit) (Note 5)

    

Current

   3,622    927    688  

Deferred

   (39,426  (714  1,082  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (35,804  213    1,770  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381    7,384  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share (Note 6)

    

Basic

   1.12    0.35    0.13  

Diluted

   1.09    0.34    0.12  

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.
   2015  2014   2013 
   $  $   $ 

Revenue

   781,907    812,732     781,500  

Cost of sales

   613,895    649,099     623,006  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

   168,012    163,633     158,494  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   84,072    85,955     82,682  

Research expenses

   9,459    7,873     6,900  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   93,531    93,828     89,582  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   74,481    69,805     68,912  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges (Note 4)

   3,666    4,927     30,706  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

   70,815    64,878     38,206  

Finance costs (Note 3)

     

Interest

   3,553    4,631     5,707  

Other (income) expense, net

   (393  1,528     946  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,160    6,159     6,653  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense (benefit)

   67,655    58,719     31,553  

Income tax expense (benefit) (Note 5)

     

Current

   8,185    3,665     3,622  

Deferred

   2,798    19,238     (39,426
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   10,983    22,903     (35,804
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   56,672    35,816     67,357  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share (Note 6)

     

Basic

   0.95    0.59     1.12  

Diluted

   0.93    0.58     1.09  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements and Note 3 presents additional information on consolidated earnings.

Index to Financial Statements

8


Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years ended December 31, 2013, 20122015, 2014 and 20112013

(In thousands of US dollars)

 

   2013  2012(1)  2011(1) 
   $  $  $ 

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381    7,384  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges (net of deferred income tax expense of nil in 2011)

   —      —      (30

Settlements of interest rate swap agreements, transferred to earnings (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011)

   —      —      927  

Changes in fair value of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, designated as cash flow hedges (net of deferred income tax expense of nil in 2012 and 2011)

   —      227    867  

Settlements of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, transferred to earnings (net of income tax expense of nil in 2012 and 2011)

   —      (214  (1,015

Gain on forward foreign exchange rate contracts recorded in earnings pursuant to recognition of the hedged item in cost of sales upon discontinuance of the related hedging relationships (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011)

   —      —      (998

Change in cumulative translation adjustments

   (3,978  2,002    (1,729
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net earnings

   (3,978  2,015    (1,978
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax (expense) benefit of ($6,160), $1,047 in 2012 and $1,277 in 2011) (Note 17)

   11,501    (4,310  (13,131

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets (Note 5)

   4,671    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net earnings

   16,172    (4,310  (13,131
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   12,194    (2,295  (15,109
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) for the period

   79,551    18,086    (7,725
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.
   2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $ 

Net earnings

   56,672    35,816    67,357  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge
(net of deferred income tax benefit of $166 in 2015, and nil in 2014 and 2013) (Note 21)

   (272  —      —    

Change in cumulative translation adjustments

   (12,294  (7,343  (3,978
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net earnings

   (12,566  (7,343  (3,978
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax (expense) benefit of
($964), $3,183 in 2014 and ($6,160) in 2013) (Note 17)

   1,586    (5,023  11,501  

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets (Note 5)

   —      —      4,671  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net earnings

   1,586    (5,023  16,172  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   (10,980  (12,366  12,194  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

   45,692    23,450    79,551  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

9


Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Year ended December 31, 2011(1)

(In thousands of US dollars, except for number of common shares)

  Capital stock     Accumulated other comprehensive income       
  Number  Amount  Contributed
surplus
  Cumulative
translation
adjustment
account
  Reserve for
cash flow
hedges
  Total  Deficit  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     $  $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

  58,961,050    348,148    15,793    2,935    236    3,171    (223,027  144,085  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

        

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    818        818  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net earnings

        7,384    7,384  
       

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

        

Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges (net of deferred income tax expense of nil)

      (30  (30   (30

Settlement of interest rate swap agreements, transferred to earnings (net of income tax expense of nil)

      927    927     927  

Changes in fair value of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, designated as cash flow hedges (net of deferred income tax expense of nil)

      867    867     867  

Settlement of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, transferred to earnings (net of income tax expense of nil)

      (1,015  (1,015   (1,015

Gain on forward foreign exchange rate contracts recorded in earnings pursuant to recognition of the hedged item in cost of sales upon discontinuance of the related hedging relationships (net of income tax expense of nil)

      (998  (998   (998

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax benefit of $1,277) (Note 17)

        (13,131  (13,131

Changes to cumulative translation adjustments

     (1,729   (1,729   (1,729
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss for the period

     (1,729  (249  (1,978  (5,747  (7,725
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

  58,961,050    348,148    16,611    1,206    (13  1,193    (228,774  137,178  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

10


Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Year ended December 31, 2012(1)

(In thousands of US dollars, except for number of common shares)

  Capital stock     Accumulated other comprehensive income       
           Cumulative             
           translation  Reserve for        Total 
        Contributed  adjustment  cash flow        shareholders’ 
  Number  Amount  surplus  account  hedges  Total  Deficit  equity 
     $  $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2011 (balance carried forward)

  58,961,050    348,148    16,611    1,206    (13  1,193    (228,774  137,178  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

        

Exercise of stock options (Note 15)

  663,989    2,017         2,017  

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options (Note 5)

   773         773  

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    539        539  

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised (Note 15)

   764    (764      —    

Dividends on common stock (Note 15)

        (4,759  (4,759
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 
  663,989    3,554    (225     (4,759  (1,430
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

        20,381    20,381  
       

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

        

Changes in fair value of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, designated as cash flow hedges (net of deferred income tax expense of nil)

      227    227     227  

Settlement of forward foreign exchange rate contracts, transferred to earnings (net of income tax expense of nil)

      (214  (214   (214

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax benefit of $1,047) (Note 17)

        (4,310  (4,310

Changes to cumulative translation adjustments

     2,002     2,002     2,002  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

     2,002    13    2,015    16,071    18,086  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

  59,625,039    351,702    16,386    3,208    —      3,208    (217,462  153,834  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

11


Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Year ended December 31, 2013

(In thousands of US dollars, except for number of common shares)

 

           Accumulated       
           other       
           comprehensive       
  Capital stock     loss       
           Cumulative       
           translation     Total 
        Contributed  adjustment     shareholders’ 
  Number  Amount  surplus  account  Deficit  equity 
     $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2012 (balance carried forward)

  59,625,039    351,702    16,386    3,208    (217,462  153,834  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

      

Exercise of stock options (Note 15)

  1,151,610    3,760       3,760  

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options (Note 5)

   2,030       2,030  

Excess tax benefit on outstanding stock options (Note 5)

    4,675      4,675  

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    1,145      1,145  

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised (Note 15)

   1,709    (1,709    —    

Dividends on common stock (Note 15)

      (14,567  (14,567
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,151,610    7,499    4,111     (14,567  (2,957
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

      67,357    67,357  

Other comprehensive income

      

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax expense of $6,160) (Note 17)

      11,501    11,501  

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets (Note 5)

      4,671    4,671  

Changes to cumulative translation adjustments

     (3,978   (3,978
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

     (3,978  83,529    79,551  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

  60,776,649    359,201    20,497    (770  (148,500  230,428  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  Capital stock     Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
       
  Number  Amount  Contributed
surplus
  Cumulative
translation
adjustment
account
  Deficit  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

  59,625,039    351,702    16,386    3,208    (217,462  153,834  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

      

Exercise of stock options (Note 15)

  1,151,610    3,760       3,760  

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options
(Note 5)

   2,030       2,030  

Excess tax benefit on outstanding stock options (Note 5)

    4,675      4,675  

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    1,145      1,145  

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised (Note 15)

   1,709    (1,709    —    

Dividends on common shares (Note 15)

      (14,567  (14,567
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,151,610    7,499    4,111     (14,567  (2,957
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

      67,357    67,357  

Other comprehensive income

      

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax expense of $6,160) (Note 17)

      11,501    11,501  

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets (Note 5)

      4,671    4,671  

Changes to cumulative translation adjustments

     (3,978   (3,978
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (3,978  16,172    12,194  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

     (3,978  83,529    79,551  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

  60,776,649    359,201    20,497    (770  (148,500  230,428  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

12


Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Cash FlowsChanges in Shareholders’ Equity

YearsYear ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 20112014

(In thousands of US dollars)dollars, except for number of common shares)

 

   2013  2012(1)  2011(1) 
   $  $  $ 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381    7,384  

Adjustments to net earnings

    

Depreciation and amortization

   27,746    30,397    30,882  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (35,804  213    1,770  

Interest expense

   5,707    13,233    15,361  

Charges in connection with manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   23,863    14,958    191  

Write-down (reversal) of inventories, net

   —      (31  30  

Stock-based compensation expense

   4,937    1,832    818  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits expense

   3,077    3,702    2,673  

Gain on foreign exchange

   (100  (56  (276

Other adjustments for non cash items

   (386  (77  298  

Income taxes paid, net

   (1,371  (291  (639

Contributions to defined benefit plans

   (4,222  (5,562  (4,318
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital items

   90,804    78,699    54,174  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in working capital items

    

Trade receivables

   (2,778  6,269    3,356  

Inventories

   (3,492  (1,500  1,140  

Parts and supplies

   (570  (967  (747

Other current assets

   (2,402  (104  (2,750

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (1,865  2,646    (5,664

Provisions

   2,463    (570  (757
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (8,644  5,774    (5,422
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

   82,160    84,473    48,752  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds on the settlements of forward foreign exchange rate contracts

   —      198    1,520  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (46,818  (21,552  (14,006

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and other assets

   1,849    35    2,962  

Restricted cash and other assets

   416    305    5,520  

Purchase of intangible assets

   (339  (64  (1,318
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   (44,892  (21,078  (5,322
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

   111,799    135,333    105,415  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (134,671  (178,168  (132,404

Payments of debt issue costs

   (139  (2,281  —    

Interest paid

   (6,692  (14,190  (15,953

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   3,760    2,046    —    

Dividends Paid

   (14,520  (4,759  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   (40,463  (62,019  (42,942
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   (3,195  1,376    488  

Effect of foreign exchange differences on cash

   (196  170    (111

Cash, beginning of year

   5,891    4,345    3,968  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   2,500    5,891    4,345  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.
  Capital stock     Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
       
  Number  Amount  Contributed
surplus
  Cumulative
translation
adjustment
account
  Deficit  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

  60,776,649    359,201    20,497    (770  (148,500  230,428  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

      

Exercise of stock options (Note 15)

  256,677    843       843  

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options
(Note 5)

   732    (732    —    

Excess tax benefit on outstanding stock awards (Note 5)

    2,535      2,535  

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    2,482      2,482  

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised (Note 15)

   289    (289    —    

Repurchases of common stock (Note 15)

  (597,500  (3,225    (4,597  (7,822

Dividends on common shares (Note 15)

      (24,416  (24,416
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (340,823  (1,361  3,996     (29,013  (26,378
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

      35,816    35,816  

Other comprehensive loss

      

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax benefit of $3,183) (Note 17)

      (5,023  (5,023

Changes to cumulative translation adjustments

     (7,343   (7,343
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (7,343  (5,023  (12,366
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

     (7,343  30,793    23,450  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

  60,435,826    357,840    24,493    (8,113  (146,720  227,500  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

13


Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Balance SheetsChanges in Shareholders’ Equity

As ofYear ended December 31, 2015

(In thousands of US dollars)dollars, except for number of common shares)

 

   December 31,  December 31, 
   2013  2012 
   $  $ 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash

   2,500    5,891  

Trade receivables

   78,543    75,860  

Other receivables (Note 7)

   6,552    5,163  

Inventories (Note 8)

   94,319    91,910  

Parts and supplies

   13,574    14,442  

Prepaid expenses

   6,533    5,701  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   202,021    198,967  

Property, plant and equipment (Note 9)

   181,612    185,592  

Other assets (Note 10)

   3,650    3,597  

Intangible assets (Note 11)

   1,597    1,980  

Deferred tax assets (Note 5)

   76,319    36,016  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   465,199    426,152  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   76,417    76,005  

Provisions (Note 14)

   1,865    1,526  

Installments on long-term debt (Note 13)

   8,703    9,688  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   86,985    87,219  

Long-term debt (Note 13)

   121,111    141,611  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Note 17)

   21,545    40,972  

Other liabilities (Note 15)

   1,250    625  

Provisions (Note 14)

   3,880    1,891  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   234,771    272,318  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Capital stock (Note 15)

   359,201    351,702  

Contributed surplus

   20,497    16,386  

Deficit

   (148,500  (217,462

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 16)

   (770  3,208  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   230,428    153,834  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   465,199    426,152  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  Capital stock     Accumulated other comprehensive loss       
  Number  Amount  Contributed
surplus
  Cumulative
translation
adjustment
account
  Reserve for
cash flow
hedge
  Total  Deficit  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     $  $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

  60,435,826    357,840    24,493    (8,113  —      (8,113  (146,720  227,500  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Transactions with owners

        

Exercise of stock options (Note 15)

  712,500    1,559         1,559  

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options (Note 5)

   2,088    (2,088      —    

Excess tax benefit on outstanding stock awards (Note 5)

    (1,502      (1,502

Stock-based compensation expense (Note 15)

    3,359        3,359  

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised
(Note 15)

   746    (746      —    

Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) settlement, net of required minimum tax withholding (Note 15)

  6,397    65    (218      (153

Repurchases of common shares (Note 15)

  (2,487,188  (14,973      (15,011  (29,984

Dividends on common shares (Note 15)

        (29,743  (29,743
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (1,768,291  (10,515  (1,195     (44,754  (56,464
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

        56,672    56,672  
       

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

        

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge (net of deferred income tax benefit of $166) (Note 21)

      (272  (272   (272

Remeasurement of defined benefit liability (net of income tax expense of $964) (Note 17)

        1,586    1,586  

Change in cumulative translation adjustments

     (12,294   (12,294   (12,294
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (12,294  (272  (12,566  1,586    (10,980
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

     (12,294  (272  (12,566  58,258    45,692  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

  58,667,535    347,325    23,298    (20,407  (272  (20,679  (133,216  216,728  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

14Consolidated Cash Flows


Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of US dollars)

   2015  2014  2013 
   $  $  $ 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net earnings

   56,672    35,816    67,357  

Adjustments to net earnings

    

Depreciation and amortization

   30,880    26,169    27,746  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   10,983    22,903    (35,804

Interest expense

   3,553    4,631    5,707  

Non-cash charges in connection with manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   4,620    284    23,863  

Stock-based compensation expense

   3,249    6,185    4,937  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits expense

   2,654    4,495    3,077  

(Gain) loss on foreign exchange

   (1,308  548    (100

Impairment (reversals of impairment) of assets

   (5,796  139    161  

Other adjustments for non cash items

   (488  85    (547

Income taxes paid, net

   (5,209  (4,329  (1,371

Contributions to defined benefit plans

   (1,877  (2,196  (4,222
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital items

   97,933    94,730    90,804  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in working capital items

    

Trade receivables

   4,605    (4,258  (2,778

Inventories

   (5,345  (4,686  (3,492

Parts and supplies

   (1,747  (490  (570

Other current assets

   5,700    (919  (2,402

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   3,090    1,746    (1,865

Provisions

   (1,968  787    2,463  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   4,335    (7,820  (8,644
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

   102,268    86,910    82,160  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

   (26,383  —      —    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (34,301  (40,616  (46,818

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

   1,355    4,178    1,849  

Other assets

   273    296    416  

Purchases of intangible assets

   (174  (672  (339
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   (59,230  (36,814  (44,892
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

   191,279    294,022    111,799  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (160,473  (300,643  (134,671

Other financing activities

   (150  (2,113  (139

Interest paid

   (3,740  (3,755  (6,692

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   1,559    843    3,760  

Repurchases of common shares

   (30,018  (7,826  —    

Dividends paid

   (29,695  (24,249  (14,520
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   (31,238  (43,721  (40,463
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   11,800    6,375    (3,195

Effect of foreign exchange differences on cash

   (2,527  (533  (196

Cash, beginning of period

   8,342    2,500    5,891  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

   17,615    8,342    2,500  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of

(In thousands of US dollars)

   December 31,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
   $  $ 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash

   17,615    8,342  

Trade receivables

   78,517    81,239  

Inventories (Note 7)

   100,551    96,782  

Parts and supplies

   15,265    13,788  

Other current assets (Note 8)

   8,699    13,562  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   220,647    213,713  

Property, plant and equipment (Note 9)

   198,085    188,146  

Goodwill (Note 12)

   7,476    —    

Intangible assets (Note 11)

   12,568    1,581  

Deferred tax assets (Note 5)

   45,308    60,078  

Other assets (Note 10)

   3,178    3,158  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   487,262    466,676  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   82,226    77,049  

Provisions (Note 14)

   2,209    2,770  

Installments on long-term debt (Note 13)

   5,702    5,669  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   90,137    85,488  

Long-term debt (Note 13)

   147,134    117,590  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Note 17)

   29,292    31,713  

Other liabilities

   1,029    845  

Provisions (Note 14)

   2,942    3,540  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   270,534    239,176  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Capital stock (Note 15)

   347,325    357,840  

Contributed surplus (Note 15)

   23,298    24,493  

Deficit

   (133,216  (146,720

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (20,679  (8,113
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   216,728    227,500  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   487,262    466,676  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

Intertape Polymer Group Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 20132015

(In US dollars, tabular amounts in thousands, except shares, per share data and as otherwise noted)

1—1 -GENERAL BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (the “Parent Company”), incorporated under theCanada Business Corporations Act, has its principal administrative offices in Montreal, Quebec,Québec, Canada and in Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A. The address of the Parent Company’s registered office is 800 Place Victoria, Suite 3700, Montreal, Québec H4Z 1E9, c/o Fasken Martineau DumoulinDuMoulin LLP. The Parent Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) in Canada.

The Parent Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Company”), develops, manufacturesdevelop, manufacture and sellssell a variety of paper and film based pressure sensitive and water activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is the Company’s ultimate parent.

2—2 -ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Statement of Compliance

The consolidated financial statements present the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20132015 and 2012,2014, as well as its consolidated earnings, consolidated comprehensive income, (loss), consolidated cash flows, and consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013.2015. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and are expressed in USUnited States (“US”) dollars.

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 11, 2014.9, 2016.

Changes in Accounting Policies

Presentation of items of other comprehensive income (loss)

Effective January 1, 2013, Amended IAS 1 –Presentation of Financial Statements: Requires entities to group items presented in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) into those that, in accordance with other IFRS, will be reclassified subsequently to earnings or loss and those that will not be reclassified subsequently to earnings or loss when specific conditions are met. The existing option to present items of OCI either before tax or net of tax remains unchanged; however, if the items are presented before tax then amended IAS 1 requires the tax related to each of the two groups of OCI to be shown separately.

Amended IAS 19 – Employee Benefits

As noted in the March 31, 2013 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits on January 1, 2013.

Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits: Amended for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with retrospective application, introduced a measure of net interest income (expense) computed on the net pension asset (obligation) that replaced separate measurement of the expected return on plan assets and interest expense on the benefit obligation. The amended standard also required immediate recognition of past service costs associated with benefit plan changes, eliminating the requirement to recognize over the vesting period.

15


Upon retrospective application of the amended standard, the Company’s net earnings for 2012 and 2011 were lower than originally reported. The decrease arose primarily because net interest income (expense) was calculated using the discount rate used to value the benefit obligation, which is lower than the expected rate of return on assets previously used to measure interest attributable to plan assets.

The impact of these changes for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is summarized as follows:

   Year ended December 31, 2012  Year ended December 31, 2011 
   As  IAS 19     As   IAS 19    
   reported  adjustment  Adjusted  reported   adjustment  Adjusted 
   $  $  $  $   $  $ 

Revenue

   784,430    —      784,430    786,737     —      786,737  

Cost of sales

   643,393    2,288    645,681    672,262     1,720    673,982  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   141,037    (2,288  138,749    114,475     (1,720  112,755  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   79,135    —      79,135    76,969     —      76,969  

Research expenses

   6,227    —      6,227    6,200     —      6,200  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   85,362    —      85,362    83,169     —      83,169  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit before manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   55,675    (2,288  53,387    31,306     (1,720  29,586  

Manufacturing facility closures restructuring and other related charges

   18,257    —      18,257    2,891     —      2,891  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   37,418    (2,288  35,130    28,415     (1,720  26,695  

Finance costs

        

Interest

   13,233    —      13,233    15,361     —      15,361  

Other expense

   1,303    —      1,303    2,180     —      2,180  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   14,536    —      14,536    17,541     —      17,541  

Earnings before income tax expense (benefit)

   22,882    (2,288  20,594    10,874     (1,720  9,154  

Income tax expense (benefit)

        

Current

   927    —      927    688     —      688  

Deferred

   (552  (162  (714  1,232     (150  1,082  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   375    (162  213    1,920     (150  1,770  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   22,507    (2,126  20,381    8,954     (1,570  7,384  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share

        

Basic

   0.38    (0.03  0.35    0.15     (0.02  0.13  

Diluted

   0.37    (0.03  0.34    0.15     (0.03  0.12  

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the impact of adoption is a decrease to earnings before income tax benefit of $2.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and an income tax benefit of $0.2 million for each of these years. This impact also results in an equivalent net increase to OCI and deficit. As such, the retrospective application did not result in an impact to the Company’s balance sheets as of January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

16


The Company’s consolidated cash flows were not significantly impacted.

Effective January 1, 2013, IFRS 10—Consolidated Financial Statements and IFRS 12—Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: IFRS 10 provides a single consolidation model that identifies control as the basis for consolidation for all types of entities. IFRS 10 replaces IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and SIC-12 Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities. IFRS 12 combines, enhances and replaces the disclosure requirements for subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and unconsolidated structured entities. As a consequence of these new IFRS disclosure requirements, the IASB also issued amended and retitled IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements. IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures has been amended to include joint ventures in its scope and to address the changes in IFRS 10 to IFRS 12. These new standards have no impact on the Company consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2013, IFRS 13—Fair Value Measurement: IFRS 13 clarifies the definition of fair value and provides related guidance and enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. IFRS 13 applies when other IFRS standards require or permit fair value measurements. It does not introduce any new requirements to measure an asset or a liability at fair value, change what is measured at fair value in IFRS standards or address how to present changes in fair value. The new requirements apply prospectively. The application of this new standard had no impact on the Company’s current fair value measurement accounting practices.

Basis of Measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the defined benefit liability of the Company’s pension plans, and other post-retirement benefit plans and derivative financial instruments in the balance sheets, for which the measurement basis is detailed in the respective accounting policy.

Critical Accounting Judgments, Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Significant changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significant changes to these estimates. Consequently, management reviews these estimates on a regular basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are

Index to Financial Statements

revised and in any future periods affected. Information about these significant judgments, assumptions and estimates that have the most significant effect on the recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses are summarized below:

Significant Management Judgment

Deferred income taxes

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the losses can be utilized. These estimates are reviewed at every reporting date. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and the level of the reversal of existing timing differences, future taxable income and future tax planning strategies. Refer to Note 5 for more information regarding income taxes.

Leases

Leases are classified as either operating or finance, based on the substance of the transaction at inception of the lease. In some cases, the assessment of a lease contract is not always conclusive and management uses its judgment in determining if an agreement is a finance lease that transfers substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership, or an operating lease.

17


Estimation Uncertainty

Impairments

At the end of each reporting period the Company performs a test of impairment on assets subject to amortization if there are indicators of impairment. Goodwill allocated to cash generating units (“CGU”) and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”)CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, which in turn is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The value in use is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. The cash flows are derived from the budget or forecasts for the estimated remaining useful lives of the CGUs and do not include restructuring activities that the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance the performance of the asset or CGU being tested. The value in use will vary depending on the discount rate applied to the discounted cash flows, the estimated future cash inflows, and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.

Refer to Note 12 for more information regarding impairment testing of long-term assets.testing.

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans and the present value of the related obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. The determination of benefits expense and related obligations requires assumptions such as the discount rate to measure obligations, expected mortality and the expected healthcare cost trend. Actual results will differ from estimated results which are based on assumptions. Refer to Note 17 for more information regarding the assumptions related to the pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

Uncertain tax positions

The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations during the course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect its risk. These provisions are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is possible that at some future date, liabilities in excess of the Company’s provisions could result from audits by, or litigation with, the relevant taxing authorities. Refer to Note 5 for more information regarding income taxes.

Useful lives of depreciable assets

Management reviews the useful lives, depreciation methods and residual values of depreciable assets at each reporting date. As of the reporting date, management assesses the useful lives which represent the expected utility of the assets to the Company. Actual results, however, may vary due to technical or commercial obsolescence, particularly with respect to computersinformation technology and manufacturing equipment.

Index to Financial Statements

Net realizable value of inventories and parts and supplies

Inventories and parts and supplies are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. In estimating net realizable values of inventories and parts and supplies, management takes into account the most reliable evidence available at the time the estimate is made.

Allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue adjustments

During each reporting period, the Company makes an assessment of whether trade accounts receivable are collectible from customers. Accordingly, management establishes an allowance for estimated losses arising from non-payment and other revenue adjustments, taking into consideration customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, past experience and past experience.credit insurance coverage. The Company also records reductions to revenue for estimated returns, claims, customer rebates, and other incentives that are estimated based on historical experience and current economic trends. If future collections and trends differ from estimates, future earnings will be affected. Refer to Note 21 for more information regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts and the related credit risks.

18


Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows, when the effect of the time value of money is material.

Provisions of the Company include environmental and restoration obligations, resolution of a contingent liability and severancetermination benefits and other provisions. Refer to Note 14 for more information regarding provisions.

Stock-based payments

The estimation of stock-based payment costsfair value and expense requires the selection of an appropriate pricing model.

The model used by the Company for the Executive Stock Option Plan (“ESOP”) and data and consideration asStock Appreciation Rights Plan (“SAR Plan”) is the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires the Company to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the model, the most significant of which are the expected volatility of the Company’s own stock, the probable life of stock optionsawards granted, and the time of exercise, the risk-free interest rate commensurate with the term of those stock options. the awards, and the expected dividend yield.

The model used by the Company for the Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”) is the Black-Scholes pricingMonte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo model requires the Company to make significant judgements regarding the assumptions used within the model, the most significant of which are the volatility of the Company’s own stock as well as a peer group, the performance measurement period, and the risk-free interest rate commensurate with the term of the awards.

Refer to Note 15 for more information regarding stock-based payments.

Business acquisitions

Management uses valuation techniques when determining the fair values of certain assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. In particular, the fair value of contingent consideration is dependent on the outcome of many variables including the acquirees’ future profitability. Refer to Note 16 for more information regarding business acquisitions.

Index to Financial Statements

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and all of its subsidiaries. The Parent Company controls a subsidiary if it is exposed, or has rights, to variable return, from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. At the reporting date, the subsidiaries are all, directly or indirectly, 100% owned by the Parent Company.

All subsidiaries have a reporting date identical to that of the Parent Company. Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Parent Company.

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation, including unrealized gains and losses on transactions between the consolidated entities.

19


Details of the Parent Company’s operating subsidiaries as of December 31, 20132015 are as follows:

 

Name of Subsidiary

  Principal Activity  Country of Incorporation
and Residence
  Proportion of Ownership
Interest
and Voting Power Held

Intertape Polymer Corp.

  Manufacturing  United States  100

Intertape Polymer US Inc.

HoldingUnited States100100%

IPG (US) Holdings Inc.

  Holding  United States  100100%

IPG (US) Inc.

  Holding  United States  100100%

Intertape Polymer Inc.

  Manufacturing  Canada  100100%

FIBOPE Portuguesa-Filmes Biorientados, S.A.

  Manufacturing  Portugal  100100%

Intertape Polymer Europe GmbH

  ManufacturingDistribution  Germany  100%

IPG Luxembourg Finance S.à r.l

100FinancingLuxembourg100%

Intertape Woven Products, S.A. de C.V.

  Distribution  Mexico  100100%

Intertape Woven Products Services, S.A. de C.V.

  Services  Mexico  100%

Spuntech Fabrics, Inc.

100HoldingCanada100%

Better Packages, Inc.

ManufacturingUnited States100%

BP Acquisition Corporation

HoldingUnited States100%

RJM Manufacturing, Inc.

100%

    (d/b/a TaraTape)

ManufacturingUnited States100%

Business Acquisitions

The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The consideration transferred by the Company to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Company, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values.

Financial Instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.

Index to Financial Statements

Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset and all substantial risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is derecognized when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or when it expires.

On initial recognition, financial instruments are measured at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss, which are measured initially at fair value.

In subsequent periods, the measurement of financial instruments depends on their classification. The classification of the Company’s financial instruments is presented in the following table:

 

Category

  

Financial instruments

Loans and receivablesFinancial assets measured at amortized cost  Cash
  Trade receivables
  Other receivablescurrent assets(1)
Loan to an officer
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2)
  Long-term debt(3)
Derivatives used for hedgingDerivative financial instruments

 

(1)Excluding prepaids and income, sales and other taxes
(2)Excluding employee benefits
(3)Excluded finance lease liabilities

Loans and receivablesFinancial assets are non-derivativemeasured at amortized cost if the purpose of the Company’s business model is to hold the financial assets with fixed or determinable paymentsfor collecting cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are not quoted in an active market.solely payments of principal and interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The expense relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts is recognized in earnings in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. All interest related charges are recognized in earnings withinin finance costs. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

20


Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets that are either classified as held for trading or that meet certain conditions and are designated at fair value through profit or loss upon initial recognition. Assets in this category are measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, and the related gains and losses are recognized in earnings. The Company does not have any financial assets in this category.

All financial assets except those at fair value through profit or loss are subject to review for impairment at least at each reporting date. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably.

Objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets areis impaired could include:

 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty;

 

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

 

it becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization.

Evidence of impairment of trade receivables and other receivables is considered at both specific asset and collective levels. Individually significant receivables are considered for impairment when they are past due or when other objective evidence is received that a specific counterparty will default. Receivables that are not considered to be individually impaired are reviewed for impairment by grouping together receivables with similar risk categories.

In assessing collective impairment, the Company uses historical trends of the probability of default, timing of recoveries and the amount of the loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgment as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or less than those suggested by historical trends.

Index to Financial Statements

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging

The Company may use derivative financial instruments to mitigate or eliminate the interest rate risk on its long-term debt and the foreign exchange risk on certain inventory purchases.

The interest rate swap agreements were used as part of the Company’s program to manage the floating interest rate mix of the Company’s total debt portfolio and the related cost of borrowing. The interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of periodic payments excluding the notional principal amount upon which the payments are based.

These payments were recorded as an adjustment of interest expense on the hedged debt instrument. The related amount payable to or receivable from counterparties is included as an adjustment to accrued interest.

The forward foreign exchange rate contracts were used to manage the exchange risk associated with certain highly probable forecast monthly inventory purchases of the Company’s United States (“US”) operations that are settled in Canadian dollars.

When the requirements for hedge accounting are met at inception, the Company’s policy is to designate each derivative financial instrument as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge relationship. Upon designation, the Company documents the relationships between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, and the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.

At inception of thea hedge relationship and at each subsequent reporting date, the Company uses the critical terms method to determine prospectively whether or not the hedging instruments are expected to be “highly effective” in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the respective hedged items during the period for which the hedge are designated. At each subsequent financial reporting date, the Company uses the dollar offset method to determine retrospectively whether or notevaluates if the hedging relationship has continuedqualifies for hedge accounting under IFRS 9 (2013), which includes the following conditions to be effective,met:

There is an economic relationship between the hedged item and what part may be ineffective. Athe hedging instrument;

The effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship; and

The hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is generally considered to be highly effective if the offsetting changes are within a range of 80 to 125 percent, andsame as that resulting from the transactions continue to be highly probable.

21


The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument designated as a hedging item is recognized in OCI and gains and losses related to the ineffective portion, if any, are immediately recognized in earnings. Amounts previously included as part of OCI are transferred to earnings in the period during which the changes in cash flowquantity of the hedged item impact net earnings.

that the entity actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the entity actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item.

Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when a derivative instrument ceases to satisfy the conditions for hedge accounting, or is sold or liquidated or the Company terminates the designation of the hedging relationship.liquidated. If the hedged item ceases to exist, unrealized gains or losses recognized in OCI (“other comprehensive income”) are reclassified to earnings.

Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, if a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative, and if the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any embedded derivatives that needed to be separated from a host contract.

Foreign Currency Translation

Functional and presentation currency

The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the Company’s presentation currency. Items included in the financial statements of each of the consolidated entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates (the “functional currency”). The significant functional currencies of the different consolidated entities include the US dollar, the Canadian dollar and the Euro.

Transactions and balances

Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of a consolidated entity are translated into the functional currency of that entity using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of each transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currencies using the current rate at each period-end. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising on the settlement of monetary items or on the translation of monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous financial statements are recognized in earnings in finance costs in the period in which they arise, except when deferred in OCIother comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) as a qualifying cash flow hedge.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Group companies

Assets and liabilities of entities with a functional currency other than the US dollar are translated to the presentation currency using the closing exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at theeach month end’s average exchange rate for the reporting period.rate. The resulting translation adjustments are charged or credited to OCI and recognized in the cumulative translation adjustment account within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Index to Financial Statements

When a foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognized in the statement of consolidated earnings as part of the gain or loss on sale.

22


Foreign exchange gains or losses recognized in earnings are presented in cost of sales and finance costs.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are generated almost exclusively from the sale of goods.

Revenue is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership, legal title and effective control and management over the goods have transferred to the customer, collection of the relevant receivable is probable, the sales price is fixed and the revenues and the associated incurred costs can be measured reliably. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the terms of sale, generally when goods are shipped to external customers.

Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of estimated returns, rebates and discounts.

Research

Research expenses are expensed as they are incurred, net of any related investment tax credits, unless the criteria for capitalization of development expenses are met.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The Company has adopted an Executive Stock OptionESOP Plan, (“ESOP”)a SAR Plan, a PSU Plan and a Stock Appreciations RightsDeferred Share Unit Plan (“SARDSU Plan”).

With respect toFor the ESOP, the expense is based on the grant date fair value of the awards expected to vest over the vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of the grant and are included in the measurement of the expense and are subsequently adjusted to reflect actual events. For the SAR Plan, the expense is determined based on the fair value of the liability at the end of the reporting period until the award is settled. The expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied.

For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized on a straight-line basis over its respective vesting period. At the end of each reporting period, the Company re-assesses its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest and recognizes the impact of the revisions in the consolidated earnings statement. Refer to Note 15 for more information regarding stock-based payments.

Any consideration paid by management and directors on exercise of stock options is credited to capital stock together with any related stock-based compensation expense originally recorded in contributed surplus. If the amount of the tax deduction (or estimated future tax deduction) exceeds the amount of the related cumulative remuneration expense for stock options, this indicates that the tax deduction relates not only to remuneration expense but also to ana shareholders’ equity item. In this situation, the Company recognizes the excess of the associated current or deferred tax to contributed surplus prior to an award being exercised, and any such amounts are transferred to capital stock upon exercise of the award.

For the SAR Plan, the expense is determined based on the fair value of the liability at the end of the reporting period until the award is settled. The expense is recognized over the vesting period. At the end of each reporting period, the Company re-assesses its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest and recognizes the impact of the revisions in the consolidated earnings statement.

For the PSU Plan, the expense is based on the grant date fair value of the awards expected to vest over the vesting period. The expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

For the DSU Plan, the expense of Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) received as a result of a grant is based on the closing price for the common shares of the Company on the TSX on the date of the grant. The expense is recognized immediately. The expense of DSUs received in lieu of cash for directors’ fees is based on the fair value of services rendered. The expense is recognized as earned over the service period.

Index to Financial Statements

Refer to Note 15 for more information regarding stock-based payments.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. period including the effect of the common shares repurchased under the normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) and DSUs outstanding.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effect of the common shares repurchased under the NCIB and for the effects of all dilutive potential outstanding stock options. options and contingently issuable shares.

Dilutive potential of outstanding stock options includes the total number of additional common shares that would have been issued by the Company assuming exercise of all stock options with exercise prices below the average market price for the year and decreased by the number of shares that the Company could have repurchased if it had used the assumed proceeds from the exercise of stock options to repurchase them on the open market at the average share price for the period.

DSUs are not contingently issuable shares since the shares are issuable solely after the passage of time. As such, DSUs are treated as outstanding and included in the calculation of weighted average basic common shares.

Performance share units (“PSUs”) are contingently issuable shares since the shares are issuable only after certain service and market-based performance conditions are satisfied. PSUs are treated as outstanding and included in the calculation of weighted average basic common shares only after the date when these conditions are satisfied at the end of the vesting period.

23PSUs are treated as outstanding and included in the calculation of weighted average diluted common shares, to the extent they are dilutive, when the applicable performance conditions have been satisfied as of the reporting period end date.


Inventories and Parts and Supplies

Raw materials, work in process and finished goods are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is assigned by using the first in, first out cost formula, and includes all costs of purchases, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Trade discounts, rebates and other similar items are deducted in determining the costs of purchase. The cost of work in process and finished goods includes the cost of raw materials, direct labour and a systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overhead incurred in converting materials into finished goods. The allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the manufacturing facilities.

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated selling expenses.

Parts and supplies are valued at the lower of cost which is equivalent to its purchase price or net realizable value the latter being determined based on replacement cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, accumulated impairment losses and the applicable investment tax credits earned. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and, where applicable, borrowing costs and the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

Index to Financial Statements

Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method, over the estimated useful lives of like assets as outlined below or, if lower, over the terms of the related leases:

 

   

Years

Land

  Indefinite

Buildings and related major components

  5 to 40

Manufacturing equipment and related major components

  5 to 30

Computer equipment and software

  3 to 2015

Furniture, office equipment and other

  3 to 7
Asset

Assets related to restoration provisionprovisions

  RemainingExpected remaining term of the lease

The depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values related to property, plant and equipment are reviewed and adjusted if necessary at each financial year-end.

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment, and are depreciated over their respective useful lives. Depreciation of an asset begins when it is available for use in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Manufacturing equipment under construction is not depreciated. Depreciation of an asset ceases at the earlier of the date that the asset is classified as held for sale, or is included in a disposal group that is classified as held for sale, and the date that the asset is derecognized.

The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the asset if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. At the same time, the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment, and repairs and maintenance are recognized in earnings as incurred.

24


Gains or losses arising on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets and are recognized in earnings in the statementcategory consistent with the function of consolidated earnings under the caption other expense in finance costs.property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation expense has beenis recognized in earnings in the expense category consistent with the function of the property, plant and equipment.

Intangible Assets

The Company has noa trademark and goodwill which are identifiable intangible assets for which the expected useful life is indefinite. The trademark represents the value of a brand name acquired in a business acquisition which management expects will provide benefit to the Company for an indefinite period. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business acquisition. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost.

When intangible assets are purchased with a group of assets, as was the case of distribution rights and customer contracts, the cost of the group of assets is allocated to the individual identifiable assets and liabilities on the basis of their relative fair values at the date of purchase. When intangible assets are purchased separately, as was the case with the license agreements and software, the cost comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable cost of preparing the asset for its intended use.

Index to Financial Statements

Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

   Years 

Distribution rights and customer contracts

   6  

Customer lists, license agreements and software

   5

Patents/Trademarks

5 - indefinite

Non-compete agreements

3  

The amortization methods, useful lives and residual values related to intangible assets are reviewed and adjusted if necessary at each financial year-end. Amortization begins when the asset is available for use, i.e. when it is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Amortization expense is recognized in earnings in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible asset.

Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs, directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use, are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are recognized in earnings within interest in the period they are incurred. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs incurred in connection with the borrowing of funds.

Impairment Testing of Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company assesses, at least at each reporting date, whether or not there is an indication that a CGU may be impaired. If such an indication exists, or when annual impairment testing is required for intangible assets, such as applications software not yet available for use, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of other assets or groups of assets. In the latter case, the recoverable amount is determined for a CGU which is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets. Goodwill is allocated to CGU that are expected to benefit from synergies of a related business combination and represent the lowest level within the group at which management monitors goodwill.

The recoverable amount is the higher of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or CGU. Fair value less costs to sell is the price that would be received to sell an asset or CGU in an orderly transaction between market participants, less the cost of disposal. The Company determines the recoverable amount and compares it with the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Impairment losses are recognized in earnings in the

25


expense category consistent with the function of the corresponding property, plant and equipment or intangible asset. Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amounts of the assets of the unit or group of units on a pro rata basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit or group of units.

AnWith the exception of goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. In this case, the Company will estimate the recoverable amount of that asset, and if appropriate, record a partial or an entire reversal of the impairment. The increased carrying amount of an asset attributable to a reversal of an impairment loss would not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortization or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years.

Index to Financial Statements

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least once a year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Goodwill is considered to be impaired when the carrying amount of the cash generating unit or group of cash generating units to which the goodwill has been allocated exceeds its fair value. An impairment loss, if any, would be recognized in the statement of earnings.

Provisions Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

Provisions represent liabilities to the Company for which the amount or timing is uncertain. Provisions are recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expected expenditures to settle the obligation which, when the effect of the time value of money is material, is determined using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision during the period to reflect the passage of time is recognized as Interest.a finance cost in earnings.

A provision is recorded in connection with the estimated future costs to restore a leased property to its original condition at the inception of the lease agreement. The liability and a corresponding asset are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet respectively under the captions provisions, and property, plant and equipment (machinery and equipment). The provision is reviewed at the end of each reporting period to reflect the passage of time, changes in the discount rate and changes in the estimated future restoration costs. The Company amortizes the amount capitalized to property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term and recognizes a financial cost in connection with the discounted liability over the same period. Changes in the liability are added to, or deducted from, the cost of the related asset in the current period. These changes to the capitalized cost result in an adjustment to depreciation and interest.

A provision is recorded in connection with environmental expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues. Provisions for liabilities related to anticipated remediation costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, and when a present obligationsobligation exists as a result of a past event. Environmental expenditures for capital projects that contribute to current or future operations generally are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

A provision is recorded in connection with termination benefits at the earlier of whenthe date on which the Company can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits or whenand the date on which the Company recognizes costs related to restructuring activities. In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, the termination benefits are measured based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer. If benefits are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting period, then they are presented on a discounted basis.

Contingent liabilities represent a possible obligation to the Company that arises from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events that are not wholly within the control of the entity; or a present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.

26


Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

The Company has defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for certain of its employees in Canada and the US.

A defined contribution plan is a post-retirement benefit plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and to which it will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay future amounts. The Company contributes to several state plans, multi-employer plans and insurance funds for individual employees that are considered defined contribution plans. Contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in earnings in the periods during which services are rendered by employees.

A defined benefit plan is a post-retirement benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan. For defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans, the benefits expense and the related obligations are actuarially determined on an annual basis by independent qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Past service costs are recognized as an expense in earnings immediately

Index to Financial Statements

following the introduction of, or changes to, a pension plan. Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling, the effect of minimum funding requirements and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense) are recognized immediately in OCI, net of income taxes, and in deficit.

The asset or liability related to a defined benefit plan recognized in the balance sheet is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period, less the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for the asset ceiling and minimum funding liabilities. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.

For funded plans, surpluses are recognized only recognized to the extent that the surplus is considered recoverable. Recoverability is primarily based on the extent to which the Company can unilaterally reduce future contributions to the plan. Any reduction in the recognized asset is recognized in OCI, net of income taxes, and in deficit.

An additional liability is recognized based on the minimum funding requirement of a plan when the Company does not have an unconditional right to the plan surplus. The liability and any subsequent remeasurement of that liability is recognized in OCI, net of income taxes, and in deficit.

Leases

Leases are classified as either operating or finance, based on the substance of the transaction at inception of the lease. Classification is re-assessed if the terms of the lease are changed other than by renewing the lease.

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Expenses under an operating lease are recognized in the statement of consolidated earnings on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the Company are classified as finance leases. Assets meeting finance lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the related lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance cost and the liability. The finance charge is recognized in earnings withinin finance costs and is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

27


Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) comprises both current and deferred tax. Current and deferred tax is recognized in earnings except to the extent it relates to items recognized in OCI or directly in shareholders’ equity. When it relates to the latter items, the income tax is recognized in OCI or directly in shareholders’ equity, respectively.

Current tax is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items that are not taxable or deductible. Current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income.

Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation. Provisions are established where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the taxing authorities.

Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the balance sheet. A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates and laws enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates, and which are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Index to Financial Statements

The carrying amountamounts of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable income will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable income will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off the recognized amounts and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Shareholders’ Equity

Capital stock represents the amount received on issuance of shares less(less any issuance costs and net of taxes.taxes), stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on stock options exercised and common shares repurchased equal to the carrying value. Contributed surplus includes amounts related to stock options, PSUs and DSUs until such equity instruments are exercised or settled, in which case the amounts are transferred to capital stock.stock or reversed upon forfeiture. Foreign currency translation differences arising on the translation of the consolidated entities that use a functional currency different from the presentation currency are included in the cumulative translation adjustment account. Gains and losses on certain derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are included in reserves for cash flow hedges until such time as the hedged forecasted cash flows affect earnings. Deficit includes all current and prior period retained earnings or losses.losses, the excess of the purchase price paid over the carrying value of common share repurchases, dividends on common shares and remeasurement of defined benefit liability net of income tax expense (benefit).

Share Repurchases

The purchase price of the common shares repurchased equal to its carrying value is recorded in capital stock in the consolidated balance sheet and in the statement of consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity. The excess of the purchase price paid over the carrying value of the common shares repurchased is recorded in deficit in the consolidated balance sheet and in the statement of consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity as a share repurchase premium.

Dividends

Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognized as a liability if not paid in the consolidated balance sheets if not paid in the period in which dividends are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Segment Reporting

The Company operates as a single segment.

Changes in Accounting Policies

On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted and implemented IFRS 9 (2013) –Financial Instruments. This standard replaces IAS 39 –Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 (2013) includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and introduces a new general hedge accounting model which aims to better align a company’s hedge accounting with risk management.

28

Index to Financial Statements

Previously, the Company classified financial assets when they were first recognized as fair value through profit or loss, available for sale, held to maturity investments or loans and receivables. Under IFRS 9 (2013), the Company classifies financial assets under the same two measurement categories as financial liabilities: amortized cost or fair value through profit and loss. Financial assets are classified as amortized cost if the purpose of the Company’s business model is to hold the financial assets for collecting cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. All other financial assets are classified as fair value through profit or loss. The adoption of this standard has not resulted in any changes to comparative figures.


The Company has not yet adopted IFRS 9 (2014) –Financial Instruments that incorporates the new impairment model that assesses financial assets based on expected losses rather than incurred losses as applied in IAS 39. This final standard will replace IFRS 9 (2013) and is effective for annual periods on or after January 1, 2018.

New Standards and Interpretations Issued but Not Yet Effective

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations, and improvements to existing standards have been published by the IASB but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Company. Management anticipates that all of the relevant pronouncements will be adopted in the first reporting period following the date of application. Information on new standards, amendments and interpretations, and improvements to existing standards, which could potentially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements, are detailed as follows:

The IASB aims to replaceIFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces IAS 3918Financial Instruments: Recognition Revenue, IAS 11 – Construction Contracts and Measurementsome revenue related interpretations. IFRS 15 establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized at a point in its entirety withtime or over time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. IFRS 9, the replacement standard. To date, the chapters dealing with recognition, classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities as well as the chapter dealing with hedge accounting have been published. The chapter dealing with impairment methodology15 is still being developed. In November 2011, the IASB decided to consider making limited modifications to IFRS 9’s financial asset classification model to address application issues. In addition, in November 2013, the IASB decided to defer to a date to be announced the implementation of IFRS 9.effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Management has yet to assess the impact of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and does not expect to implement statements.

IFRS 9 until it has been completed(2014) – Financial Instruments was issued in July 2014 and its overall impact can be assessed.

IAS 36 –Impairmentdiffers in some regards from IFRS 9 (2013) which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2015. IFRS 9 (2014) includes updated guidance on the classification and measurement of Assets: Requires disclosurefinancial assets. The final standard also amends the impairment model by introducing a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment. The mandatory effective date of the recoverable amount of an asset (including goodwill) or a CGU when an impairment loss has been recognized or reversed in the period. When the recoverable amountIFRS 9 (2014) is based on fair value less costs to sell, the valuation techniques and key assumptions must also be disclosed. The new requirements apply prospectively and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014.2018 and must be applied retrospectively with some exemptions. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect a significanthas yet to assess the impact from Amended IAS 36of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statementsstatements.

In January 2016, the IASB published IFRS 16 – Leases which will replace IAS 17 – Leases. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification as an operating lease and requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability in the statement of financial position for all leases with exemptions permitted for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. In addition, IFRS 16 changes the Company.definition of a lease; sets requirements on how to account for the asset and liability, including complexities such as non-lease elements, variable lease payments and options periods; changes the accounting for sale and leaseback arrangements; largely retains IAS 17’s approach to lessor accounting and introduces new disclosure requirements. IFRS 16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early application permitted in certain circumstances. Management has yet to assess the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Certain other new standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

3 -3—INFORMATION INCLUDED IN CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS

 

   2013  2012  2011 
   $  $  $ 

Employee benefit expense

    

Wages, salaries and other short-term benefits

   135,524    137,847    134,121  

Stock-based compensation expense

   4,937    1,832    818  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits – defined benefit plans (Note 17)

   3,186    3,768    2,673  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits – defined contribution plans (Note 17)

   3,641    3,682    2,218  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   147,288    147,129    139,830  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Finance costs—Interest

    

Interest on long-term debt

   5,255    11,556    14,453  

Amortization of debt issue costs on long-term debt and asset based loan

   1,034    1,954    1,182  

Other financial income

   —      —      (116

Interest capitalized to property, plant and equipment

   (582  (277  (158
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   5,707    13,233    15,361  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

29


   2013  2012  2011 
   $  $  $ 

Finance costs—Other expense

    

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

   (102  152    453  

Interest and other finance costs, net

   1,048    1,151    1,409  

Change in fair value of forward foreign exchange rate contracts

   —      —      318  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   946    1,303    2,180  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Additional information

    

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   27,062    29,646    30,163  

Amortization of intangible assets

   684    751    719  

Amortization of other charges

   46    35    86  

Impairment of long-term assets

   22,497    12,180    107  

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

   92    436    550  

Write-down of inventories to net realizable value

   —      57    517  

Reversal of write-down of inventories to net realizable value, recognized as a reduction of cost of sales

   —      (88  (487

Related party advisory and support services fees

   —      —      153  
   2015   2014   2013 
   $   $   $ 

Employee benefit expense

      

Wages, salaries and other short-term benefits

   148,887     139,682     135,269  

Termination benefits (Note 14)

   (27   740     905  

Stock-based compensation expense

   3,249     6,185     4,937  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits – defined benefit plans (Note 17)

   2,750     4,597     3,186  

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits – defined contribution plans (Note 17)

   4,016     3,606     3,641  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   158,875     154,810     147,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs - Interest

      

Interest on long-term debt

   3,737     3,763     5,255  

Amortization of debt issue costs on long-term debt

   473     1,993     1,034  

Interest capitalized to property, plant and equipment

   (657   (1,125   (582
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,553     4,631     5,707  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs - Other (income) expense, net

      

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

   (1,287   541     (102

Other costs, net

   894     987     1,048  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (393   1,528     946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Additional information

      

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 9)

   29,857     25,498     27,062  

Amortization of intangible assets (Note 11)

   1,023     671     684  

Impairment (reversal of impairment) of assets (Note 12)

   (1,240   54     22,497  

4—4 -MANUFACTURING FACILITY CLOSURES, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES

The following table describes the charges incurred by the Company, in connection with its restructuring efforts, which are included in the Company’s consolidated earnings for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20132015 under the caption manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges:

 

   2013  2012   2011 
   South               
   Carolina   Other           
   project   projects  Total  

 

   

 

 
   $   $  $  $   $ 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

   22,215     121    22,336    11,677     107  

Impairment (reversal) of parts and supplies

   1,312     (7  1,305    1,168     —    

Impairment of intangible assets

   —       —      —      503     —    

Equipment relocation

   767     1,791    2,558    1,339     —    

Write-down (reversal) of inventories to net realizable value

   22     (121  (99  855     —    

Severance and other labor related costs

   1,012     129    1,141    1,585     1,411  

Environmental costs

   2,518     —      2,518    —       —    

Idle facility costs

   —       812    812    1,087     1,373  

Other costs

   91     44    135    43     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   27,937     2,769    30,706    18,257     2,891  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2015 
   South   South         
   Carolina   Carolina   Other     
   Project   Flood   projects   Total 
   $   $   $   $ 

Impairment (reversal of impairment) of property, plant and equipment

   (494   923     558     987  

Impairment (reversal of impairment) of parts and supplies

   (60   11     4     (45

Equipment relocation

   186     —       4     190  

Revaluation and impairment of inventories

   110     3,614     —       3,724  

Termination benefits and other labor related costs

   988     88     26     1,102  

Idle facility costs

   822     1,465     —       2,287  

Insurance proceeds

   —       (5,000   —       (5,000

Professional fees

   —       273     —       273  

Other costs (recoveries)

   (9   157     —       148  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,543     1,531     592     3,666  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Index to Financial Statements
   2014  2013 
   South         South        
   Carolina  Other      Carolina   Other    
   Project  projects   Total  Project   projects  Total 
   $  $   $  $   $  $ 

Impairment (reversal of impairment) of property, plant and equipment

   (481  226     (255  22,215     121    22,336  

Impairment (reversal of impairment) of parts and supplies

   —      77     77    1,312     (7  1,305  

Equipment relocation

   2,062    462     2,524    767     1,791    2,558  

Revaluation and impairment (reversal of impairment) of inventories

   42    54     96    22     (121  (99

Termination benefits and other labor related costs

   1,559    271     1,830    1,012     129    1,141  

Environmental costs

   —      —       —      2,518     —      2,518  

Idle facility costs

   —      632     632    —       812    812  

Professional fees

   18    3     21    86     137    223  

Other costs (recoveries)

   —      2     2    5     (93  (88
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   3,200    1,727     4,927    27,937     2,769    30,706  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

On February 26, 2013, the Company announced its intention to relocate its Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility within the region in order to modernize facility operations and acquire state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.equipment (“South Carolina Project”).

On October 4, 2015, the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility was damaged by significant rainfall and subsequent severe flooding (“South Carolina Flood”). The charges incurred are includeddamages sustained were considerable and resulted in the table above under South Carolina project.facility, which was previously scheduled to close by the end of the second quarter of 2016, being shut down permanently.

Going forward, the Company expects, but is currently unable to provide a reliable estimate for the amount and timing of future amounts related to: insurance recoveries, business interruption losses (including, but not limited to, lost revenue and temporary alternative sourcing of the Company’s products), site clean-up and environmental remediation costs, and professional fee costs related to the insurance claim process. The Company believes that it has sufficient property and business interruption insurance coverage, and expects that the losses exceeding the $0.5 million deductible will be substantially covered by those insurance policies. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized insurance recoveries for an amount of $5.0 million in insurance settlement claim proceeds.

On June 26, 2012, the Company announced its intention to close its Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility to(which was sold in December 2015), and consolidate its shrink film production from Truro, Nova Scotia to Tremonton, Utah, andas well as other small restructuring initiatives. The majority of products produced in the Richmond, Kentucky facility have been transferred to the Company’s Carbondale, Illinois facility. Woven fabric products continue to be produced at the Truro, Nova Scotia facility.

30


Due to the economic consequences of significant and unsustainable losses associated with the strike of its unionized workers, and the Company’s management assessment and conclusion that turnaround was unlikely, the Company decided and accordingly committed, in the latter part of 2010, to a plan to close its manufacturing facility in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.

In 2013, the other charges incurred in the table above are theThe incremental costs of the ongoing Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility closure, consolidation of the shrink film production from Truro, Nova Scotia to Tremonton, Utah, other small restructuring initiatives and the Brantford, Ontario facility closure and are included in the table above under other projects.

In 2012, the charges incurred in the table above are primarily the costs of the Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facility closure, consolidation of the shrink film production from Truro, Nova Scotia to Tremonton, Utah and other small restructuring initiatives. The idle facility chargesinitiatives are primarily related to the revaluation of certain Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility assets in connection with the Brantford, Ontario facility closure.

In 2011, the charges incurred in the table above are primarily the costs of the Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility closure.under Other projects.

As of December 31, 2013, $3.92015, $3.0 million is included in provisions ($1.15.0 million in 2012)2014) and nil (nil in 2012)$1.6 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (nil in 2014) for restructuring provisions.

Index to Financial Statements

5 -5—INCOME TAXES

The reconciliation of the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is detailed as follows:

 

  2013 2012 (1) 2011 (1)   2015   2014   2013 
  % % %   %   %   % 

Combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate

   28.3   28.9   30.4     29.5     28.5     28.3  

Foreign earnings/losses taxed at higher income tax rates

   9.5   9.8   10.8     5.8     9.7     9.5  

Foreign earnings/losses taxed at lower income tax rates

   (0.1 0.4   3.2     (1.0   (0.1   (0.1

Legal entity reorganization

   (0.0   5.6     —    

Change in statutory rates

   (6.8  —      —       (1.6   (0.2   (6.8

Prior period adjustments

   (13.9  —      —       (3.1   0.1     (13.9

Stock-based payments

   —     (4.9  —    

Non-deductible expenses

   1.9   0.1   5.5  

Nondeductible expenses

   0.7     1.7     1.9  

Impact of other differences

   0.6   0.8   5.1     (1.1   (0.0   0.6  

Nontaxable dividend

   (7.6   (1.6   —    

Change in derecognition of deferred tax assets

   (133.0 (34.1 (35.7   (5.4   (4.7   (133.0
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   (113.5  1.0    19.3     16.2     39.0     (113.5
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Major Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

 

  2013 2012 (1) 2011 (1)   2015   2014   2013 
  $ $ $   $   $   $ 

Current income tax expense

   3,622   927   688     8,185     3,665     3,622  
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

          

Recognition of US deferred tax assets

   (46,049  —      —    

(Recognition) derecognition of US deferred tax assets

   (113   114     (46,049

US temporary differences

   3,011    —      —       7,794     19,411     3,011  

(Recognition) derecognition of Canadian deferred tax assets

   (3,847   (2,872   4,067  

Canadian temporary differences

   (1,095   2,579     (316

Temporary differences and derecognition of deferred tax assets in other jurisdictions

   3,612   (714 1,082     59     6     (139
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)

   (39,426  (714  1,082     2,798     19,238     (39,426
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total tax expense (benefit) for the year

   (35,804  213    1,770     10,983     22,903     (35,804
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

31


Index to Financial Statements

Income taxes related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)

The amount of income taxes relating to components of OCIother comprehensive income (loss) are outlined below:

 

   Amount before  Deferred  Amount net of 
Components of other comprehensive income  income tax  income taxes  income taxes 
   $  $  $ 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

    

Deferred tax expense on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   18,588    (6,416  12,172  

Deferred tax benefit on funding requirement changes of defined benefit plans

   (927  256    (671
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   17,661    (6,160  11,501  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets

     4,671  
   Amount before  Deferred  Amount net of 
Components of other comprehensive loss  income tax  income taxes  income taxes 
   $  $  $ 

For the year ended December 31, 2012(1)

    

Deferred tax benefit on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   (4,163  700    (3,463

Deferred tax benefit on funding requirement changes of defined benefit plans

   (1,194  347    (847
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (5,357  1,047    (4,310
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011(1)

    

Deferred tax benefit on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   (16,346  1,855    (14,491

Deferred tax benefit on funding requirement changes of defined benefit plans

   1,938    (578  1,360  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (14,408  1,277    (13,131
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

32


   Amount before
income tax
   Deferred
income taxes
   Amount net of
income taxes
 
   $   $   $ 

For the year ended December 31, 2015

      

Deferred tax benefit on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   2,550     (964   1,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,550     (964   1,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

      

Deferred tax benefit on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   (10,703   3,894     (6,809

Deferred tax expense on funding requirement changes of defined benefit plans

   2,497     (711   1,786  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (8,206   3,183     (5,023
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

      

Deferred tax expense on remeasurement of defined benefit liability

   18,588     (6,416   12,172  

Deferred tax benefit on funding requirement changes of defined benefit plans

   (927   256     (671
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   17,661     (6,160   11,501  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax benefit due to the recognition of US deferred tax assets

       4,671  

Recognized Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

Timing differences, unused tax losses  Deferred tax   Deferred tax   
and unused tax credits  assets   liabilities Net 
  $   $ $   Deferred tax
assets
   Deferred tax
liabilities
   Net 

As of December 31, 2013

     
  $   $   $ 

As of December 31, 2015

      

Tax credits, losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   45,363     —     45,363     20,319     —       20,319  

Property, plant and equipment

   19,011     (18,371 640     16,801     (17,851   (1,050

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   7,915     —     7,915     10,838     —       10,838  

Stock-based payments

   7,085     —     7,085     6,409     —       6,409  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   6,591     —     6,591     4,453     —       4,453  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   6,197     —     6,197     3,464     (2,118   1,346  

Trade and other receivables

   1,698     —       1,698  

Inventories

   1,826     —     1,826     1,682     —       1,682  

Other

   812     (110 702     583     (970   (387
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   94,800     (18,481  76,319     66,247     (20,939   45,308  
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

As of December 31, 2012

     

Tax losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   36,233     —      36,233  

Property, plant and equipment

   19,469     (27,088  (7,619

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   2,886     —      2,886  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   4,458     —      4,458  

Other

   58     —      58  
  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   63,104     (27,088  36,016  
  

 

   

 

  

 

 

   Deferred tax
assets
   Deferred tax
liabilities
   Net 
   $   $   $ 

As of December 31, 2014

      

Tax credits, losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   30,442     —       30,442  

Property, plant and equipment

   17,969     (19,792   (1,823

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   11,641     —       11,641  

Stock-based payments

   9,560     —       9,560  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   3,937     —       3,937  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   4,896     —       4,896  

Inventories

   1,501     —       1,501  

Other

   898     (974   (76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   80,844     (20,766   60,078  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Index to Financial Statements

Nature of evidence supporting recognition of deferred tax assets

In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management determines, at each balance sheet date, whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. This determination is based on quantitative and qualitative assessments by management and the weighing of all available evidence, both positive and negative. Such evidence includes the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and the implementation of tax planning strategies.

As of December 31, 2013,2015, management analyzed all available evidence including, in particular, the Company’s financial results for the year then ended (taxable income and earnings before income tax expense (benefit)), the 2013 budget variances, and the Company’s cumulative financial results for the prior three years. In addition, management took under significant consideration the Company’s 2014 budget, its long-term financial projections, market and industry conditions and certain available tax strategies. As a result of this detailed analysis, management determined it is more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US will be realized and, accordingly, recognized $47.8 millioncontinues to recognize the majority of its US deferred tax assets, $43.0 million of which impacted the Company’s net earnings while the balance impacted its shareholders’ equity.

In addition, managementassets. Management also determined it is more likely than not that a portionsubstantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the Canadian operating entity will be realized based on available evidence such as the cumulative positive financial results for the prior three years, consistent utilization of deferred tax assets, consistent generation of taxable income, and positive financial projections. Accordingly, the Company recognized the majority of its Canadian operating entity’s deferred tax assets, including $3.8 million that were previously derecognized. With respect to the deferred tax assets at the Canadian corporate holding entity (the “Entity”), management determined it appropriate to maintain the same positions for the year ended December 31, 2015 as taken for the year ended December 31, 2014 in that the majority of the Entity’s deferred tax assets should continue to be derecognized as of December 31, 2015. The Canadian deferred tax assets remain available to the Company in order to reduce its taxable income in future periods.

As of December 31, 2014, management analyzed all available evidence and determined it was more likely than not that substantially all of the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US will be realized and, accordingly, continued to recognize the majority of its US deferred tax assets. With respect to the Canadian deferred tax assets, management determined it appropriate to maintain the same positions for the year ended December 31, 2014 as taken for the year ended December 31, 2013. Specifically, management determined that the majority of the deferred tax assets related to the Company’s corporate (holding) entity (the “Entity”) will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income in future periods. Previously, the Entity benefited from sufficient taxable income as a result of certain tax planning strategies implemented in 2011 (the “Planning”). The Company’s management continues to expect that, pursuant to the Planning, the Entity willshould continue to generate sufficient taxable income in order to fully utilize its net operating losses with expiration dates through 2015. However, the benefit of the Planning is expected to diminish over such time. Accordingly, the Companybe derecognized $4.6 million of its Canadian deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013. These2014. In addition, Management determined that no additional deferred tax assets should be recorded at the Canadian operating entity. The Canadian deferred tax assets remain available to the Company in order to reduce its taxable income in future periods.

33


During 2012, the Company applied for and was granted the ability

Index to retroactively elect a three-year carryback with respect to its 2008 NOL and to utilize the 2008 NOL carryover without being subject to the 90% limitation under the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) provisions. As a result, the Company amended its 2005, 2007, and 2009 US income tax returns to obtain a refund of $0.4 million of AMT paid for those years. During 2012, the Company also utilized a portion of the remaining 2008 NOL carryforward on its 2011 US tax return filed to request a refund of $0.5 million AMT. In January 2013, the Company applied for a refund for the $0.3 million AMT remitted for 2012. In total, the Company recorded a total income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the expected AMT refunds during the year ended December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company implemented a tax-free reorganization within the Canadian entity group. As the Canadian reorganization did not have any significant business impact to the entities, no additional deferred tax assets were recorded. However, the Company replaced the previously recognized deferred tax assets related to the Canadian investment tax credits with an equal amount of previously derecognized longer-lived deferred tax assets related to fixed assets and net operating losses. Upon consideration of all positive and negative evidence including but not limited to business changes such as the transfer of the shrink film production to the Tremonton facility, the Planning, historical and projected income, and projected use of its deferred tax assets, management determined to maintain the same position for the year ended December 31, 2013 and, accordingly, no additional deferred tax assets were recorded.

34


Financial Statements

Variations During the Period

 

Timing differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits  Balance
January 1,
2013
  Recognized
in earnings
(with
translation
adjustments)
  Recognized
in
contributed
surplus
   Recognized in
other
comprehensive
income
  Balance
December 31,
2013
 
   $  $  $   $  $ 

Tax credits, losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   36,233    9,132    —       —      45,365  

Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”)

   19,469    (457  —       —      19,012  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   2,885    6,716    —       (1,687  7,914  

Stock-based payments

   —      2,409    4,675     —      7,084  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   —      6,591    —       —      6,591  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   4,458    1,738    —       —      6,196  

Inventories

   —      1,826    —       —      1,826  

Other

   59    643    —       —      702  

Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E

   (27,088  8,717    —       —      (18,371
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   36,016    37,315    4,675     (1,687  76,319  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Impact due to foreign exchange rates

    2,108    —       198   

Total recognized in earnings

    39,423    4,675     (1,489 
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

  Balance
January 1,
2012
 Recognized
in earnings
(with
translation
adjustments)
 Recognized in
other
comprehensive
loss
 Balance
December 31,
2012 (1)
   Balance
January 1,
2015
 Recognized in
earnings (with
translation
adjustments)
 Recognized in
contributed
surplus
 Recognized in
other
comprehensive
income
 Business
acquisitions
 Balance
December 31,
2015
 
  $ $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ $ 

Deferred tax assets

       

Tax credits, losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   46,655   (10,422  —     36,233     30,442   (10,123  —      —      —      20,319  

Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”)

   15,093   4,376    —     19,469  

Property, plant and equipment

   17,969   (1,168  —      —      —      16,801  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   2,165   (370 1,090   2,885     11,641   334    —     (1,137  —      10,838  

Stock-based payments

   9,560   439   (3,590  —      —      6,409  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   3,937   472    —      —     44    4,453  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   4,272   186    —     4,458     4,896   (1,432  —      —      —      3,464  

Trade and other receivables

   —     1,695    —      —     3    1,698  

Inventories

   1,501   157    —      —     24    1,682  

Other

   53   6    —     59     898   (485  —     166   4    583  

Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E

   (34,749 7,661    —     (27,088
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   80,844   (10,111 (3,590 (971 75    66,247  

Deferred tax liabilities

       

Property, plant and equipment

   (19,792 2,455    —      —     (514  (17,851

Other

   (974 4    —      —      —      (970

Goodwill and other intangibles

   —     645    —      —     (2,763  (2,118
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   (20,766 3,104    —      —     (3,277  (20,939
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   33,489    1,437    1,090    36,016     60,078   (7,007 (3,590 (971 (3,202  45,308  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Impact due to foreign exchange rates

    (723  (43    4,209    —     172    
   

 

  

 

  

 

   

Total recognized in earnings

    714    1,047      (2,798 (3,590 (799  
   

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

   

Index to Financial Statements
   Balance
January 1,
2014
  Recognized in
earnings (with
translation
adjustments)
  Recognized in
contributed
surplus
   Recognized in
other
comprehensive
income
   Balance
December 31,
2014
 
   $  $  $   $   $ 

Deferred tax assets

        

Tax credits, losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   45,365    (15,310  —       387     30,442  

Property, plant and equipment

   19,012    (1,043  —       —       17,969  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   7,914    654    —       3,073     11,641  

Stock-based payments

   7,084    673    1,803     —       9,560  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   6,591    (2,654  —       —       3,937  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   6,196    (1,300  —       —       4,896  

Inventories

   1,826    (325  —       —       1,501  

Other

   702    196    —       —       898  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   94,690    (19,109  1,803     3,460     80,844  

Deferred tax liabilities

        

Property, plant and equipment

   (18,371  (1,421  —       —       (19,792

Other

   —      (974  —       —       (974
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (18,371  (2,395  —       —       (20,766
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

   76,319    (21,504  1,803     3,460     60,078  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact due to foreign exchange rates

    2,266    —       110    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total recognized in earnings

    (19,238  1,803     3,570    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

35


Index to Financial Statements

Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognized onin the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

   December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
 
   $   $ 

Tax losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   66,309     123,924  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   246     10,820  

Trade and other receivables

   —       2,374  

Inventories

   —       2,722  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

   —       33,521  

Goodwill and other intangibles

   —       9,731  

Stock-based payments

   —       15,596  

Other

   1,316     4,020  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   67,871     202,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company also had state losses of $71.7 million, with expiration dates through 2028, for which a tax benefit of $2.5 million has not been recognized.

   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
   $   $ 

Tax losses, carryforwards and other tax deductions

   22,002     40,389  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   —       110  

Property, plant and equipment

   —       2,124  

Other

   —       433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   22,002     43,056  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents the amounts and expiration dates relating to unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset is recognized onin the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:

 

  2013   2012   2015   2014 
  United States   Canada   United States   Canada   United States   Canada   United States   Canada 
  $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

No expiration

   —       —       3,310     —    

2018

   —       799     402     854     —       612     —       733  

2019

   —       1,503     320     1,607     —       1,152     —       1,378  

2020

   —       664     —       709     —       508     —       609  

2021

   —       251     —       268     —       192     —       230  

2022

   —       571     —       611     —       438     —       524  

2023

   —       283     —       302     —       217     —       259  

2024

   —       267     —       285     —       204     —       244  

2025

   —       451     —       482     —       345     —       413  

2026

   —       345     —       369     —       264     —       316  

2027

   —       315     —       336     —       241     —       289  

2028

   —       365     —       391     —       280     —       335  

2029

   —       291     —       311     —       223     —       267  

2030

   —       265     —       284     —       203     —       243  

2031

   —       388     —       415     —       297     —       356  

2032

   —       233     —       —       —       179     —       214  

2033

   —       219     —       263  

2034

   —       194     —       —    

2035

   —       180     —       —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total derecognition of tax credits

   —       6,991     4,032     7,224  

Total tax credits derecognized

   —       5,948     —       6,673  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

36


Index to Financial Statements

The following table presents the year of expiration of the Company’s operating losses carried forward as of December 31, 2013:2015:

 

  DTA is recognized   DTA is not recognized   DTA is recognized   DTA is not recognized 
  Canada   United
States
   Canada   United
States
           United           United 
  Federal   Provincial       Federal   Provincial       Canada   States   Canada   States 
  $   $   $   $   $   $   Federal   Provincial       Federal   Provincial     

2015

   264     263     —       —       —       —    

2022

   —       —       1,035     —       —       —    

2023

   —       —       34,794     —       —       —    
  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

2024

   —       —       8,873     —       —       203     —       —       —       —       —       —    

2026

   —       —       25,456     1,668     1,668     1,959     —       —       —       —       —       —    

2027

   —       —       —       4,988     4,988     4  

2028

   —       —       17,385     2,432     2,432     —       —       —       2,688     —       —       —    

2029

   —       —       —       7,235     7,235     —       —       —       —       1,575     1,574     —    

2030

   —       —       186     12,751     12,751     —       1,255     1,255     186     2,342     2,342     —    

2031

   898     898     39     7,362     7,362     —       4,852     4,852     40     1,476     1,476     —    

2032

   3,699     3,699     26     —       —       —       2,835     2,835     26     —       —       —    

2033

   —       —       45     —       —       —       —       —       45     —       —       —    

2034

   —       —       59     —       —      

2035

   —       —       32     —       —       —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   4,861     4,860     87,839     36,436     36,436     2,166     8,942     8,942     3,076     5,393     5,392     —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

In addition, the Company has $19.7i) state losses of $157 million (with expiration dates ranging from 2016 to 2035) for which a tax benefit of $4.4 million has been recognized; ii) state losses of $73 million (with expiration dates ranging from 2018 to 2028) for which a tax benefit of $2.5 million has not been recognized; and iii) $14.5 million of capital loss carryforwards with indefinite lives available to offset future capital gains in Canada. No deferredCanada for which no tax asset is recognized for these carryforwards.benefit has been recognized.

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.

6—6 -EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

  2013   2012(1)   2011(1)   2015   2014   2013 
  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Net earnings

   67,357     20,381     7,384  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

            

Basic

   60,379,533     59,072,407     58,961,050     59,690,968     60,718,776     60,379,533  

Effect of stock options

   1,253,119     1,556,729     138,148     808,928     1,214,925     1,253,119  

Effect of performance share units

   610,737     127,222     —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Diluted

   61,632,652     60,629,136     59,099,198     61,110,633     62,060,923     61,632,652  

Earnings per share

      

Basic

   1.12     0.35     0.13  

Diluted

   1.09     0.34     0.12  
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Stock options that were anti-dilutive and not included in diluted earnings per share calculations

   —       32,500     32,500  

The numberAll PSUs outstanding as of options thatDecember 31, 2015 met the performance conditions as of December 31, 2015 and were anti-dilutive and not included in the calculation of weighted average diluted earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 32,500, nil and 1,628,600, respectively.common shares outstanding.

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.

37


Index to Financial Statements

7—7 -OTHER RECEIVABLES

   December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
 
   $   $ 

Income and other taxes

   750     810  

Supplier rebates receivable

   1,877     1,749  

Sales taxes

   2,768     819  

Other

   1,157     1,785  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   6,552     5,163  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

8—INVENTORIES

 

  December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
  $   $   $   $ 

Raw materials

   29,389     27,856     27,570     25,358  

Work in process

   18,206     19,904     18,640     18,354  

Finished goods

   46,724     44,150     54,341     53,070  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   94,319     91,910     100,551     96,782  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 20132015 the Company recorded in cost of sales, a write-down of inventories to net realizable value of nil ($0.1 million in 2012) and a reversal of write-down of inventories to net realizable value, recognized as a reduction of cost of sales of nil ($0.1 million in 2012).

During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company recorded,earnings, in manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges, a write-down of inventories to net realizable value of less$0.1 million (less than $0.1 million ($0.9 million in 2012) and a reversal of write-down2014). There were no write-downs of inventories to net realizable value recognized as a reductionincluded in earnings in cost of manufacturing facility closures, restructuringsales in 2015 and other related charges2014.

There were no reversals of $0.1 million (nil in 2012).

The amountwrite-downs of inventories recognized as an expense during the period corresponds to cost of sales.

net realizable value in 2015 and 2014.

 

   2015   2014   2013 
   $   $   $ 

The amount of inventories recognized in earnings as an expense during the period:

   569     604     580  

38Refer to Note 12 for information regarding impairments and reversals of impairments of inventories.


9—8 - OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
   $   $ 

Taxes receivable, credits and prepaid

   2,849     5,404  

Other Prepaid expenses

   4,257     4,994  

Supplier rebates receivable

   727     1,823  

Other

   866     1,341  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   8,699     13,562  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Index to Financial Statements

9 -PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

  Land Buildings Manufacturing
equipment
 Computer
equipment
and
software
 Furniture,
office
equipment
and other
 Manufacturing
equipment
under
construction
 Total   Land Buildings Manufacturing
equipment
 Computer
equipment
and software
 Furniture,
office equipment
and other
 Construction
in progress
 Total 
  $ $ $ $ $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 

Gross carrying amount

                

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   4,001   78,815   518,750   70,322   2,526   8,407   682,821  

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   2,695   81,119   521,081   74,644   2,799   41,473   723,811  

Additions

   —     1,778   11,977   2,277   200   7,107   23,339     —      —      —      —      —     39,501   39,501  

Assets placed into service

   1,140   17,429   8,154   1,790   21   (28,534  —    

Disposals

   —     (9 (19,055 (68 (99  —     (19,231   (243 (9,004 (19,144 (15,976 (190  —     (44,557

Foreign exchange and other

   92   (1,938 5,605   186   36   33   4,014     (128 (2,575 (10,238 (719 (65 (209 (13,934
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   4,093    78,646    517,277    72,717    2,663    15,547    690,943  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,464   86,969   499,853   59,739   2,565   52,231   704,821  

Accumulated depreciation and impairments

                

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   309    50,040    358,676    67,705    2,443    —      479,173  

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   696   62,047   406,839   70,278   2,285   54   542,199  

Depreciation

   —      3,135    24,042    2,355    115    —      29,647     —     2,423   21,352   1,645   78    —     25,498  

Impairments

   —      1,386    10,191    5    —      95    11,677     —     435   342    —      —     3   780  

Impairment reversals

   —     (52 (847  —      —      —     (899

Disposals

   —      (7  (17,261  (21  (99  —      (17,388   —     (6,867 (17,353 (15,965 (190  —     (40,375

Foreign exchange and other

   —      1,112    1,041    145    (56  —      2,242     (1 (1,433 (8,253 (713 (71 (57 (10,528
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   309    55,666    376,689    70,189    2,403    95    505,351  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   695   56,553   402,080   55,245   2,102    —     516,675  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2012

   3,784    22,980    140,588    2,528    260    15,452    185,592  

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2014

   2,769   30,416   97,773   4,494   463   52,231   188,146  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Gross carrying amount

                

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   4,093    78,646    517,277    72,717    2,663    15,547    690,943  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,464   86,969   499,853   59,739   2,565   52,231   704,821  

Additions

   —      1,269    18,324    2,863    403    25,879    48,738     —      —      —      —      —     33,600   33,600  

Transfers in

   —      —      55    —      —      —      55  

Transfers out

   —      (55  —      —      —      —      (55

Additions through business acquisitions

   —     1,130   4,456   46   87   13   5,732  

Assets placed into service

   —     927   38,334   5,552   29   (44,842  —    

Disposals

   (1,200  (3,253  (3,155  (397  (185  —      (8,190   —     (1,561 (3,469 (61 (101  —     (5,192

Foreign exchange and other

   (198  4,512    (11,420  (539  (82  47    (7,680   (101 (2,689 (16,027 (1,249 71   (262 (20,257
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   2,695    81,119    521,081    74,644    2,799    41,473    723,811  

Balance as of December 31, 2015

   3,363   84,776   523,147   64,027   2,651   40,740   718,704  

Accumulated depreciation and impairments

                

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   309    55,666    376,689  �� 70,189    2,403    95    505,351  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   695   56,553   402,080   55,245   2,102    —     516,675  

Depreciation

   —      2,691    22,372    1,955    44    —      27,062     —     4,159   23,271   2,308   119    —     29,857  

Impairments

   605    4,019    18,179    82    24    (41  22,868     —     578   1,197    —      —      —     1,775  

Impairment reversals

   —      (217  (154  —      —      —      (371   (86 (807 (5,690 (1  —      —     (6,584

Transfers in

   —      —      55    —      —      —      55  

Transfers out

   —      (55  —      —      —      —      (55

Disposals

   —      (3,000  (2,695  (372  (170  —      (6,237   —     (1,226 (3,296 (61 (65  —     (4,648

Foreign exchange and other

   (218  2,943    (7,607  (1,576  (16  —      (6,474   —     (2,111 (13,010 (1,206 (129  —     (16,456
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   696    62,047    406,839    70,278    2,285    54    542,199  

Balance as of December 31, 2015

   609   57,146   404,552   56,285   2,027    —     520,619  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2013

   1,999    19,072    114,242    4,366    514    41,419    181,612  

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2015

   2,754    27,630    118,595    7,742    624    40,740    198,085  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

39


Index to Financial Statements

Included in property, plant and equipment are assets under finance leases as of December 31, which was as follows:

 

  December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 
  $   $   $ $ 

Buildings

   3,796     4,487     2,898   3,425  

Manufacturing equipment

   7,664     3,831     23,668   24,619  

Computer equipment and software

   113     142     42   66  

Furniture, office equipment and other

   —       72  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   11,573     8,532     26,608   28,110  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 
  $ $ 

Interest capitalized to property, plant and equipment

   657   1,125  

Weighted average capitalization rates

   2.12 2.48

Commitments to purchase machinery and equipment

   20,877   2,696  

During the yearsyear ended December 31, 2013 and 20122015 the lossgain on disposals amounted to less than $0.1$0.8 million ($0.1 million in 2014 and a loss on disposals of $0.4 million respectively.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 the Company had commitments to purchase machines and equipment totaling approximately $12.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 the amount of borrowing costs capitalized in property, plant and equipment was $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The weighted average capitalization rates used to determine the amount of the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization for the same periods were 2.46% and 2.70%, respectively.2013).

10—10 -OTHER ASSETS

 

  December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
  $   $   $   $ 

Loan to an officer

   —       55  

Cash surrender value of officers’ life insurance

   1,581     1,701  

Prepaid software licensing

   1,232     77  

Deposits

   339     1,107  

Funds held in grantor trust to satisfy future pension obligation

   552     853     —       253  

Cash surrender value of officers life insurance

   1,655     1,566  

Deposits

   1,115     845  

Other

   328     278     26     20  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   3,650     3,597     3,178     3,158  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

40


Index to Financial Statements

11—11 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

   Distribution
rights
  Customer
contracts
  License
agreements
   Customer
List
   Software   Total 
   $  $  $   $   $   $ 

Gross carrying amount

          

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   3,575    1,369    849     811     772     7,376  

Additions – separately acquired

   —      —      —       —       60     60  

Net foreign exchange differences

   42    30    —       —       —       72  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   3,617    1,399    849     811     832     7,508  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

          

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   2,748    1,071    259     68     93     4,239  

Amortization

   271    98    87     162     121     739  

Impairments

   —      —      503     —       —       503  

Net foreign exchange differences

   24    23    —       —       —       47  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   3,043    1,192    849     230     214     5,528  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount as of December 31, 2012

   574    207    —       581     618     1,980  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

          

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   3,617    1,399    849     811     832     7,508  

Additions – separately acquired

   —      —      115     —       224     339  

Net foreign exchange differences

   (232  (90  —       —       —       (322
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   3,385    1,309    964     811     1,056     7,525  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

          

Balance as of December 31, 2012

   3,043    1,192    849     230     214     5,528  

Amortization

   264    95    3     162     160     684  

Impairments

   —      —      —       —       —       —    

Net foreign exchange differences

   (204  (80  —       —       —       (284
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   3,103    1,207    852     392     374     5,928  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount as of December 31, 2013

   282    102    112     419     682     1,597  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Distribution
rights
   Customer
contracts
   License
agreements
   Customer
Lists
   Software   Total 
   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Gross carrying amount

            

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   3,385     1,309     964     811     1,056     7,525  

Additions – separately acquired

   14     —       187     —       470     671  

Net foreign exchange differences

   (277)     (109)     —       —       —       (386)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,122     1,200     1,151     811     1,526     7,810  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

            

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   3,103     1,207     852     392     374     5,928  

Amortization

   201     69     58     162     181     671  

Net foreign exchange differences

   (271)     (99)     —       —       —       (370)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,033     1,177     910     554     555     6,229  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2014

   89     23     241     257     971     1,581  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   Distribution
rights
   Customer
contracts
   License
agreements
   Customer
Lists
   Software   Patents/
Trademarks (1)
   Non-compete
agreements
   Total 
   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Gross carrying amount

                

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,122     1,200     1,151     811     1,526     —       —       7,810  

Additions – separately acquired

   —       —       —       —       174     —       —       174  

Additions through business acquisitions

   —       —       —       9,438     —       2,215     198     11,851  

Disposals

   —       —       (849)     —       —       —       —       (849)  

Net foreign exchange differences

   (515)     (199)     —       —       —       —       —       (714)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

   2,607     1,001     302     10,249     1,700     2,215     198     18,272  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

                

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   3,033     1,177     910     554     555     —       —       6,229  

Amortization

   28     20     143     553     210     19     50     1,023  

Disposals

   —       —       (849)     —       —       —       —       (849)  

Net foreign exchange differences

   (500)     (199)     —       —       —       —       —       (699)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

   2,561     998     204     1,107     765     19     50     5,704  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amount as of December 31, 2015

   46     3     98     9,142     935     2,196     148     12,568  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

41

(1)Includes a trademark of $1.7 million not subject to amortization.


Index to Financial Statements

12—12 -IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-TERM ASSETS

Impairment Testing on Property, PlantCGU Determination and Equipment and Intangible AssetsIndicators of Impairment

In updating its determination of CGUs, and applying the related indicators of impairment, if any, the Company took into consideration the manufacturing facility closures and other related activities that have taken place in the course of the year.year, as well as the expected costs, timeline, and future benefits expected from major capital expenditure projects. In making such an evaluation, the Company attributed these activities to specific CGUs as applicable. The Company concluded that these activities for the years ended December 31, 20132015 and 20122014 do not give rise to an impairment test to be performed for the applicable CGU.CGUs. However, these activities and the related impairment charges recorded, which are primarily with respect to idledmanufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges and idle assets, are presented in Note 4 and in the table below, respectively. The Company also considers indicators for the reversal of prior impairment charges, which is based on the recent and projected results of CGUs and specific asset groups that were previously impaired. For the year ended December 31, 2015, this analysis resulted in an impairment reversal for certain specific assets as discussed in further detail below.

Regarding the recent acquisitions of Better Packages and TaraTape (see Note 16 below for definitions of these two terms), the Company has determined at this time that each of those businesses are separate CGUs for impairment testing purposes. This conclusion could be impacted in the future should additional business integration efforts occur, which could cause these businesses to no longer be separate CGUs but part of a larger CGU. The Company assigned each CGU the goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives acquired as part of each business acquisition to each respective CGU.

Impairment Testing for Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives

All of the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as of December 31, 2015 relate to the Better Packages and TaraTape business acquisitions and resulting CGUs. The Company performed the required annual impairment test for these two CGUs in the fourth quarter of 2015 with both resulting in no impairment. See Note 16 for the amounts relating to the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each CGU, as well as the carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives allocated to each CGU. The impairment test for each of these CGUs was determined based on Idled Assetsvalue in use. The key assumptions used in each discounted cash flow projection, management’s approach to determine the value assigned to each key assumption, and other information as required for each CGU are outlined in the table below. Reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions below would not be expected to cause the carrying amount of the CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.

Index to Financial Statements
   Better Packages  TaraTape 

Carrying amount allocated to the CGU

   

Goodwill (Note 16)

   $6,077    $1,399  

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (Note 16)

   $1,700    —    

Results of test performed as of December 31, 2015:

   

Recoverable amount

   $16,400    $23,200  

Annual revenue growth rates(1)

   7.1  4.9

Discount rate (2)

   15.0  16.5

Cash flows beyond the five-year period have been extrapolated using a steady growth rate of(3)

   2.0  1.0

Income tax rate(4)

   38.5  38.6

Sensitivity analysis performed using reasonably possible changes in key assumptions above:

   

Revenue growth rates

   4.5  -2.0

Discount rate

   15.5  17.5

Cash flows beyond the five-year period have been extrapolated using a steady growth rate of

   0.0  -2.0

Income tax rate

   41.0  41.0

There was no impairment resulting from changing the individual assumptions above.

(1)Annual revenue growth rates are for each year in the five year period following acquisition, and are based on projections presented to management and the Board of Directors when the business acquisitions were approved. There have been no significant changes to the projections since that time. The revenue growth rates for the period are consistent with recent history at Better Packages as well as the Company’s expectations for the water-activated tape dispenser market. For TaraTape, the revenue growth rates reflect a reduction associated with certain low margin products and then annual increases that are commensurate with the Company’s expectations for TaraTape’s product lines.
(2)The discount rate used is the estimated weighted average cost of capital for each individual CGU.
(3)Cash flows beyond the five-year period have been extrapolated using a per annum growth rate which is at or below the projected long-term average growth rate for the CGU’s business.
(4)The income tax rate represents an estimated statutory federal and state tax rate.

Index to Financial Statements

Impairments

Impairments (reversals of impairments) recognized during the years ended December 31, 20132015 and 2012 were as a result of manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges and idled assets and2014 are as follows:

 

  For the year ended For the year ended 
  December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012   2015   2014 
  Impairment   Impairment Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Impairment   Impairment 
  recognized   reversed recognized   reversed   recognized   reversed   recognized   reversed 
  $   $ $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Classes of assets impaired

               

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

               

Inventories

   3,614     —       96     —    

Parts and supplies

   15     (60   77     —    

Property, plant and equipment

        

Buildings

   578     —       435     (52

Manufacturing equipment

   1,156     (747   209     (847
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   1,734     (747   644     (899

Cost of sales and research expenses

        

Property, plant and equipment

               

Land

   605     —      —       —       —       (86   —       —    

Buildings

   4,019     (217 1,385     —       —       (807   —       —    

Manufacturing equipment

   17,977     (154 10,287     —       41     (4,944   136     —    

Furniture, office equipment and other

   24     —      —       —    

Computer equipment and software

   82     —     5     —    
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   22,707     (371  11,677     —       41     (5,837   136     —    

Intangible assets

       

Distribution rights

   —       —      503     —    
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Idled Assets

       

Property, plant and equipment

       

Manufacturing equipment

   161     —      —       —    
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   22,868     (371  12,180     —       5,404     (6,644   953     (899
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The assets impaired are substantially all related to the manufacturing facility closures, South Carolina Flood and restructuring initiatives as discussed in Note 4. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the net book value and recoverable amount of the assets forremaining was $0.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The net book value includes the year ended December 31, 2013 was determined using an independent market appraisaleffects of ongoing depreciation of the assets continuing to be used until their disposal, which is expected to be at the completion of the facility closure, restructuring initiative or final sale of the asset. The fair value less costs to sell.

Theof the recoverable amount of the assets forat the year ended December 31, 2012 wasimpairment dates were determined in connection withusing independent market appraisals by regional real-estate professionals; quoted market values or the Company’s plans and intent to transfer, use, sell or any other value that cancould be attributed to these idled assets.the assets; and estimated costs to repair the assets damaged by the South Carolina Flood. The Company used its best estimate in assessing the likely outcome for each of the assets. The recoverable amount of the assets in all cases was fair value less costs to sell. As a result, the recoverable amounts of the assets were within Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy. A further description of the fair value measurement hierarchy can be found in Note 21.

The impairment reversals recorded in 2015 relate to improved recent and projected positive cash flows associated with the Company’s shrink film assets in Tremonton, Utah due to the consolidation of shrink film production to that facility in 2012 and 2013, as well as ongoing improvements in the related manufacturing processes. The impairment reversal test for these assets was based on value in use. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow projection, management’s approach to determine the value assigned to each key assumption, and other information as required are outlined in the table below. Reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions below would not be expected to cause the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the recoverable amount.

Index to Financial Statements
Tremonton, UT
Shrink Film
Assets

Results of test performed as of December 31, 2015:

Recoverable amount

$15,000

Annual revenue growth rates(1)



3.7% in
2016, zero
thereafter


Discount rate (2)

10.0%

Average remaining asset life before fully depreciated (3)

6 years

Income tax rate(4)

38.5%

Sensitivity analysis performed using reasonably possible changes in key assumptions above:

Revenue growth rates

0.0%

Discount rate

14.0%

Average remaining asset life before fully depreciated

4.5 years

Income tax rate

45.0%

There was no impairment resulting from changing the individual assumptions above.

 

42
(1)Annual revenue growth rate is based on underlying projections of Tremonton, Utah results as presented to management and the Board of Directors for budget purposes. The Company conservatively used a one-time growth rate based on the 2016 budgeted growth and zero growth thereafter.
(2)The discount rate used was on the high end of the Company’s estimated weighted average cost of capital. The discount rate used upon adoption of IFRS effective January 1, 2010 that resulted in the original impairment recognized was 14.5%.
(3)Average remaining asset life is based on the Company’s asset lives for IFRS purposes. In practice, the Company incurs additional maintenance and capital expenditures to potentially extend the life of the overall facility assets beyond this time period, which would serve to increase the recoverable value but would not affect the outcome of the impairment reversal amount.
(4)The income tax rate represents an estimated statutory federal and state tax rate.


Index to Financial Statements

13—13 -LONG-TERM DEBT

 

   December 31, 2013 
   Maturity   Effective
Interest rate
 

 

 
         $ 

Senior Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) (a) (1)

   Redeemed    —    —    

Asset-based loan (“ABL”) (b) (1)

   February 2017    2.89%  78,159  

Real estate secured term loan (“Real Estate Loan”) (c) (1)

   February 2017    3.67%  14,278  

Finance lease liabilities(d)

   Various until October 2024    2.74% - 8.70%  26,468  

Term debt(e)

   Paid in full    —    —    

Mortgage and other loans (f) (1)

   Various until October 2028    3.40%  9,602  

Equipment finance agreement advance fundings (g)

   March 2014    2.46%  1,307  
     

 

 

 
      129,814  

Less: Installments on long-term debt

      8,703  
     

 

 

 
      121,111  
     

 

 

 
       December 31, 2012 
       Effective
Interest rate
 

 

 
         $ 

Senior Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) (a) (1)

    9.21%  38,282  

Asset-based loan (“ABL”) (b) (1)

    2.36%  77,709  

Real estate secured term loan (“Real Estate Loan”) (c) (1)

    3.29%  15,632  

Finance lease liabilities(d)

    2.74% - 8.70%  10,979  

Term debt(e)

    4.16% - 4.45%  2,381  

Mortgage and other loans (f) (1)

    5.63%  1,699  

Equipment finance agreement advance fundings (g)

    2.25%  4,617  
     

 

 

 
      151,299  

Less: Installments on long-term debt

      9,688  
     

 

 

 
      141,611  
     

 

 

 
   December 31, 2015 
   Maturity   Effective
Interest rate
    
          $ 

Revolving Credit Facility(a) (1)

   November 2019     2.54  131,684  

Finance lease liabilities(b)

   Various until June 2022     2.22% - 10.18  19,971  

Refundable government loan(c) (2)

   January 2024     0.00  1,124  

Mortgage and other loans (d)

   Various until October 2024     0.00% - 1.21  57  
     

 

 

 
      152,836  

Less: Installments on long-term debt

      5,702  
     

 

 

 
      147,134  
     

 

 

 
   December 31, 2014 
   Maturity   Effective
Interest rate
    
          $ 

Revolving Credit Facility(a) (1)

   November 2019     2.01  97,936  

Asset-based loan (“ABL”)(e)

   Repaid in full     —      —    

Real estate secured term loan
(“Real Estate Loan”)(f)

   Prepaid in full     —      —    

Finance lease liabilities(b)

   Various until October 2024     2.74% - 8.70  25,217  

Mortgage and other loans (d)

   November 2017     0.00  106  
     

 

 

 
      123,259  

Less: Installments on long-term debt

      5,669  
     

 

 

 
      117,590  
     

 

 

 

 

(1)The Notes, ABL, Real Estate Loan and mortgage and other loans areRevolving Credit Facility is presented net of unamortized related debt issue costs, amounting to $1.9$1.7 million ($3.02.1 million in 2012)2014).

43


(2)The refundable government loan is shown net of imputed interest amounting to $0.1 million.

Long-term debt repayments are due as follows:

 

  Finance   Other   Finance   Other 
  lease   long-term   lease   long-term 
  liabilities   loans   liabilities   loans 
  $   $   $   $ 

2014

   5,611     3,883  

2015

   5,307     2,580  

2016

   5,494     2,584     6,258     —    

2017

   5,310     90,346     6,054     58  

2018

   4,055     936     4,796     100  

2019

   986     133,560  

2020

   424     200  

Thereafter

   3,506     4,958     3,037     700  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total payments

   29,283     105,287     21,555     134,618  

Interest expense included in minimum lease payments

   2,815     —       1,584     —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   26,468     105,287     19,971     134,618  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

(a) Senior Subordinated Notes

Index to Financial Statements
(a)Revolving Credit Facility

On May 14, 2013 and July 12, 2013,November 18, 2014 the Company announced a notice of redemption to redeem the remaining aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million and $18.7 million, respectively, of its outstanding 8.5% Notes due August 2014, with the redemptions occurring on June 27, 2013 and August 30, 2013, respectively. The Company financed the redemption with funds available under the ABL combined with its cash flows from operations. The corresponding expense write-off of debt issue costs of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was recorded in interest under the caption finance costs in the statement of consolidated earnings.

The Parent Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries other than the subsidiary issuer, had guaranteed the Notes. The Notes were issued and the guarantees executed pursuant to an Indenture dated July 28, 2004 (“Indenture”). As a result of the redemption of the remaining balance due under the Notes, both the Notes and the Indenture have been satisfied and discharged.

(b) Asset-based loan

In 2008, the Company securedentered into a five-year, $200.0$300 million ABL entered intorevolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. institutions, replacing the Company’s $200 million asset-based loan (“ABL”) that was due to mature in February 2017.

In securing the ABL,Revolving Credit Facility, the Company incurred debt issue costs amounting to approximately $2.8 million.

On February 1, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to its ABL facility extending its maturity date to February 1, 2017 from March 28, 2013. Under the amendment to the ABL, the pricing grid of the extended ABL ranges from 1.75% to 2.25%.

In 2012, the Company$2.2 million which were capitalized an additional $1.5 million in debt issue costs as a result of the ABL amendment. The remaining capitalized debt issue costs of $1.3 millionand are being amortized using the straight-line method over the extended maturity. The original debt issue costs are being amortized over the extended term as the amendment did not result in an extinguishment of debt. This resulted in an adjustment to the carrying amount of the liability and amortization over the remaining term of the modified liability.

On November 25, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to its ABL facility increasing its ability to secure financing in connection with the purchase of fixed assets under a permitted purchase money debt facility from $25.0 million to $45.0 million.five-year term.

The ABLRevolving Credit Facility matures on November 18, 2019 and bears an interest at 30-dayrate based primarily on the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rates) or other floating rate plus a premiumspread varying between 175100 and 225 basis points depending on the loan’s remaining availability (200consolidated total leverage ratio (150 and 125 basis points as of December 31, 20132015 and 200 basis points as2014, respectively). The revolving credit loans denominated in US dollars bear interest primarily at the LIBOR rate applicable to dollar-denominated loans plus the applicable margin. Revolving credit loans denominated in an alternative currency bear interest primarily at the CDOR (Canadian Dollar Offer Rate) applicable to alternative currency-denominated loans plus the applicable margin and any mandatory costs. Interest payments on base rate loans, which consist of December 31, 2012).all loan draws not funded with a floating rate contract, are due and payable in arrears on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Interest payments on floating rate loans are due and payable on the last day of each interest period. If such interest period extends over three months, interest is due at the end of each three-month interval during such interest period.

44


The amountcredit agreement also includes an incremental accordion feature of $150 million, which enables the Company to increase the limit of the borrowing availableRevolving Credit Facility, subject to the Company undercredit agreement’s terms and lender approval, if needed. Such incremental revolving credit increase matures on the ABL is determined by itsrevolving credit maturity date and bears interest at the rate applicable borrowing base from time to time. The borrowing base is calculated as a function of a percentage of eligible trade receivables, inventories and property, plant and equipment as defined in the ABL agreement.

Under the ABL agreement, the Company’s remaining unencumbered real estate is subject to a negative pledge in favour of the ABL lenders. However, the Company retains the ability to secure financing on all or a portion of, its owned real estate, up to an amount of $35.0 million, thereby terminating the negative pledge to the ABL lenders. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $24.4 million of secured real estate mortgage financing, including $14.8 million outstanding under the Real Estate Loan discussed below. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $10.6 million remaining real estate mortgage financing available ($17.0 million in 2012).revolving credit loans.

As of December 31, 2013,2015, the ABL’s borrowing baseRevolving Credit Facility’s outstanding balance amounted to $132.2$135.3 million, ($130.5 million in 2012) of which $84.4 million ($81.6 million in 2012) was drawn, including $2.2 million and $2.7$1.9 million in standby and documentary letters of credit, respectively ($2.2 and nil in 2012, respectively).credit. Accordingly, the Company’s unused availability as of December 31, 20132015 amounted to $47.8 million ($48.8 million in 2012).$164.7 million.

The ABLRevolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on the Company’s, and substantially all of its subsidiaries’, trade receivables, inventories and personal property of the Company and equipment, includedall current and future material subsidiaries.

The Revolving Credit Facility has three financial covenants, a consolidated total leverage ratio not to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00, with an allowable temporary increase to 3.75 to 1.00 for the four quarters following an acquisition with a price not less than $50 million, a consolidated debt service ratio not to be less than 1.50 to 1.00, and the aggregated amount of all capital expenditures in any fiscal year may not exceed $50 million. Any portion of the allowable $50 million related to capital expenditures which is not expended in the determination ofcurrent year may be carried over for expenditure in the ABL’s borrowing base,following year, but may not be carried over to any additional subsequent years thereafter. The Company was in compliance with a carrying amount of $78.5 million, $94.3 millionthe consolidated total leverage ratio, consolidated debt service ratio and $181.6capital expenditures limit which were 1.55, 7.41 and $34.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 ($75.9 million, $91.1 million and $185.6 million, respectively in 2012).

The ABL has one financial covenant,2015. A default under the Revolving Credit Facility is deemed a fixed charge ratio of greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0. The financial covenant becomes effective only when unused availability drops below $25.0 million. Although not in effect,default under the Company was above the $25.0 million threshold of unused availability and, thus, was in compliance with this fixed charge ratio covenant as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

(c) Real Estate Loan

On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a Real Estate Loan of $16.6 million, amortized on a straight-line basis over the ten-year term, having a net book value of $14.3 million as of December 31, 2013 ($15.6 million in 2012). The maturity of the loan may be accelerated if the ABL facility is not extended and if Bank of America, N.A. ceases to be the revolver agent by reason of an action of the Company. A portion of the loan may be required to be repaid early if any mortgage properties are disposed of prior to October 31, 2022. The loan is secured by certain of the Company’s real estate and improvements thereon with a net book value of $11.2 million as of December 31, 2013 ($12.0 million as of December 31, 2012).

On November 25, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to its Real Estate Loan increasing its ability to secure financing in connection with the purchase of fixed assets under a permitted purchase money debt facility from $25.0 million to $45.0 million.

The Real Estate Loan bore interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 250 basis points until December 31, 2012. Thereafter, the Real Estate Loan bears interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin between 225 and 275 basis points based on a pricing grid, as defined in the loan agreement (225 basis points as of December 31, 2013). The Real Estate Loan requires monthly payments of principal of $138,125 plus accrued interest, with the first payment having occurred on December 1, 2012. A final payment of $9.7 million will be due on February 1, 2017, if the ABL facility is not extended and if Bank of America, N.A. ceases to be the revolver agent by reason of an action of the Company.

The Real Estate Loan contains two financial covenants, both of which are calculated at the end of each fiscal month. The Company has been in compliance with these covenants since entering into the Real Estate Loan.

Equipment Finance Agreement.

 

45


(d) Finance lease liabilities

(b)Finance lease liabilities

The Company has obligations under finance lease liabilities for the rental of a building, computer hardware, shop equipment and office equipment, payable in monthly installments ranging from $90$127 to $263,450 ($90126 to $46,320$263,450 in 2012)2014), including interest. In addition, a $2.5 million lump sum payment is due in June, 2022, under one of the lease liabilities. The finance lease liabilities are secured by assets under the lease liabilities.

Index to Financial Statements

On August 14, 2012, the Company entered into a secured debt equipment finance agreement (the “Equipment Finance Agreement”) in the amount of up to $24.0 million for qualifying US capital expenditures during the period May 2012 through March 31, 2014. The Equipment Finance Agreement allows for periodic schedulingamount available under the facility was increased to $25.7 million as of amounts withMarch 26, 2014. The terms of the arrangement include multiple individual finance leases, each schedule havingof which have a term of sixty60 months and a fixed interest rate of 2.74%, 2.90%, and 2.95%for amountsleases scheduled prior to January 1, 2013, January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2014, respectively. The Company entered into the final schedule on March 26, 2014.

The Company has entered into the following schedules as of December 31, 2013:schedules:

 

Date entered

  Amount   Interest rate Payments   Last payment due   Amount   Interest rate Payments   Last payment due 
  $     $     

September 27, 2012

  $2.7 million     2.74 $48,577     October 1, 2017     2.7 million     2.74 48,577     October 1, 2017  

December 28, 2012

  $2.6 million     2.74 $46,258     January 1, 2018     2.6 million     2.74 46,258     January 1, 2018  

June 28, 2013

  $2.2 million     2.90 $39,329     July 1, 2018     2.2 million     2.90 39,329     July 1, 2018  

December 31, 2013

  $14.7 million     2.90 $263,450     January 1, 2019     14.7 million    2.90 263,450     January 1, 2019  

March 26, 2014

   3.5 million     2.95 62,263     April 1, 2019  

(e) Term debt

One of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries had a long-term loan agreement, containing two debt instruments, totalling approximately $2.4 million as of December 31, 2012 (€1.8 million), with each instrument bearing interest at a rate of Euribor plus a premium of 375 basis points as of December 31, 2012, which could have been, at the discretion of the lender, increased semi-annually by 75 basis points. Under the terms of the agreement, only monthly interest payments were required for the first two years followed by interest plus eight equal semi-annual principal payments amounting to $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for each of the instruments commencing on January 2010 and November 2010, respectively, and final payment on July 2013 and May 2014, respectively. The final payment due May 2014 was prepaid in November 2013. As a result of the final payments, the long-term loan agreement has been satisfied and discharged.

(f) Mortgage loans

The Company has a $1.8 million mortgage loan on its owned real estate located in Bradenton, Florida having a net book value of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2013 ($1.5 million in 2012). The mortgage is for a period of 20 years. Until October 1, 2011, the loan bore interest at 7.96%. The applicable interest rate adjusts every three years to a 355 basis point spread over the 10-year Interest Rate Swap published in the daily release of the Federal Reserve. Effective on October 1, 2011, the applicable interest rate decreased to 5.63%. As a result, the required monthly payments of principal and interest decreased from $14,723 to $12,535 beginning on November 1, 2011.

On June 28, 2013, the Company purchased real estate in Blythewood, South Carolina for $11.3 million and entered into a mortgage (“South Carolina Mortgage”) on the real estate for up to $10.7 million, $8.5 million of which was advanced upon closing of the purchase of the property. Interest is payable monthly and principal will be amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. The loan provides for an additional advance of $2.1 million upon completion of building improvements, subject to an appraisal. The loan had a net book value of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2013. The maturity of the loan may be accelerated if the ABL facility is not extended, refinanced with a credit facility acceptable to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), or if Wells Fargo ceases to be an ABL lender by reason of the action of the Company. The loan bears interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 215 basis points. The mortgage loan initially requires monthly payments of principal of $70,937.50 (subject to adjustment if the additional advance is made) plus accrued interest, with the first payment paid on July

46


15, 2013. In the event the additional $2.1 million is not advanced, a final payment of up to $7.2 million will be due on February 1, 2017 if the ABL facility is not extended or refinanced with a credit facility acceptable to Wells Fargo. The mortgage loan contains two financial covenants, a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1.0 and a cash flow leverage ratio of not greater than 3.5 to 1.0, both of which are measured monthly on a trailing 12-month basis. The Company has been in compliance with these covenants since entering into the mortgage loan. The loan is secured by the Company’s Blythewood, South Carolina real property and the building improvements thereon with a net book value of $12.5 million as of December 31, 2013.

A default under the Company’s ABL will be deemed a default under the Company’s South Carolina Mortgage, Real Estate Loan and Equipment Financing Agreement.

(g) Equipment finance agreement advance fundings

Advance fundings, which are amounts funded and borrowed but not yet scheduled, were $1.3 million as of December 31, 2013 ($4.6 million in 2012). Advance fundings accrue interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 200 basis points.

The Company financed two schedules, $2.7 million and $2.6 million in 2012 and two schedules, $2.2 million and $14.7 million in 2013. If the Company did not finance the full amount of $4.0 million and $20.0 million by December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, respectively, then the Company was required to pay a Reinvestment Premium as defined under the Equipment Finance Agreement on the difference between those amounts and the amounts actually funded in each of those years if the 3-Year SWAP rate decreased to less than 0.5%. The Company did not finance the required amount for 2013, but was not required to pay a Reinvestment Premium based on the 3-Year SWAP rate at December 31, 2013. The schedules are secured by the equipment with a net book value of $21.0$23.0 million as of December 31, 20132015 ($5.123.9 million in 2012)2014).

(c)Refundable government loans

In August 2015, one of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a partially forgivable loan. The loan was entered into with Agencia para Investmento Comercio Externo de Portugal, EPE (AICEP), the Portuguese agency for investment and external trade, as part of financing a capital expansion project. The loan totalled approximately $1.2 million at December 31, 2015 (€1.1 million). Based on the terms of the agreement, 50% of the loan will be forgiven in 2020 based on satisfying certain 2019 targets, including financial metrics and headcount additions. The partially forgivable loan is non-interest bearing and semi-annual installments of principal are due beginning in July 2018 through January 2024.

To reflect the benefit of the interest-free status, the loan was discounted to its estimated fair value using a discount rate of 1.25% which reflects the borrowing cost of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary. The discount was recorded as deferred income in the balance sheet in the caption other liabilities in the amount of $0.1 million. When the capital expansion assets are placed into service, the deferred income will be recognized in earnings through cost of sales on a systematic basis over the related assets’ useful lives. In addition, imputed interest expense will be recorded over the life of the loan so that at the end of the loan period the amount to be reimbursed will equal the nominal amount.

(d)Mortgage loans and other

The Company had a $1.8 million mortgage loan on its owned real estate in Bradenton, Florida. On October 7, 2014, the Company prepaid in full the remaining $1.5 million on the note which was originally due September 28, 2028. There was a corresponding write-off of debt issue costs of $0.1 million which was recorded as interest expense under the caption finance costs in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

On November 18, 2014, the Company prepaid in full the remaining $7.4 million on the Blythewood, South Carolina mortgage. There was a corresponding write-off of debt issue costs of $0.1 million which was recorded as interest expense under the caption finance costs in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

In October 2015, one of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a long-term debt agreement containing a short-term credit line and a long-term loan for the purpose of financing a capital expansion project. No amounts were outstanding and approximately $2.3 million (€2.5 million) of the loan was available as of December 31, 2015. Both credit lines bear interest at the rate of 6 month

Index to Financial Statements

EURIBOR (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) plus a premium (125 basis points as of December 31, 2015). The effective interest rate was 1.21% as of December 31, 2015. The short-term credit line matures in September 2016 and is renewable annually, with interest due quarterly and billed in arrears. The long-term loan has a period for capital use until October, 2017 and matures in April, 2022, with interest billed in arrears and due bi-annually beginning in April, 2018. The loans are secured by a comfort letter issued to the lender by the Company in favour of its wholly-owned subsidiary.

(e)Asset-based loan

On November 18, 2014, the ABL balance of $95.0 million was repaid in full, resulting in satisfaction and discharge of the first priority lien. There was a corresponding write-off of debt issue costs of $0.9 million which was recorded as interest expense under the caption finance costs in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The ABL bore interest at 30-day LIBOR plus a premium varying between 175 and 225 basis points depending on the loan’s remaining availability.

(f)Real Estate Loan

On November 18, 2014, the Real Estate Loan balance of $13.3 million was prepaid in full, resulting in satisfaction and discharge of liability. There was a corresponding write-off of debt issue costs of $0.4 million which was recorded as interest expense under the caption finance costs in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Real Estate Loan bore interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a loan margin between 225 and 275 basis points based on a pricing grid, as defined in the loan agreement.

14—14 -PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company’s current provisions consist of environmental, and restoration obligations resolution of a contingent liability and severancetermination benefits and other provisions primarily related to employee termination costs resulting from the closure of manufacturing facilities and provisions for litigation.facilities.

The reconciliation of the Company’s provisions as of December 31, 20122014 is as follows:

 

      Severance       Environmental   Restoration   Termination
benefits and other
   Total 
      and other       $   $   $   $ 
  Restoration   provisions Litigation Total 
  $   $ $ $ 

Balance, December 31, 2011

   1,861     1,805   259   3,925  

Balance, December 31, 2013

   2,518     1,674     1,553     5,745  

Additional provisions

   —       2,446    —     2,446     —       433     2,301     2,734  

Amounts paid

   —       (2,759 (257 (3,016

Amounts used

   —       (532   (932   (1,464

Amounts reversed

   —       (559   (17   (576

Net foreign exchange differences

   30     34   (2 62     —       (99   (30   (129
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

   1,891     1,526    —      3,417  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   2,518     917     2,875     6,310  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Amount presented as current

   —       1,526    —      1,526     —       —       2,770     2,770  

Amount presented as non-current

   1,891     —      —      1,891     2,518     917     105     3,540  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

   1,891     1,526    —      3,417  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   2,518     917     2,875     6,310  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

47


Index to Financial Statements

The reconciliation of the Company’s provisions as of December 31, 20132015 is as follows:

 

        Resolution of Severance     Environmental   Restoration   Termination
benefits and other
   Total 
        a contingent and other     $   $   $   $ 
  Environmental   Restoration liability provisions Total 
  $   $ $ $ $ 

Balance, December 31, 2012

   —       1,891    —     1,526   3,417  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   2,518     917     2,875     6,310  

Additional provisions

   2,518     —     1,300   1,895   5,713     —       1,026     1,397     2,423  

Amounts paid

   —       (130 (1,300 (1,819 (3,249

Amounts used

   (12   —       (3,039   (3,051

Amounts reversed

   —       —       (439   (439

Net foreign exchange differences

   —       (87  —     (49 (136   —       (71   (20   (91
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   2,518     1,674    —      1,553    5,745  

Balance, December 31, 2015

   2,506     1,872     774     5,152  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Amount presented as current

   —       1,190    —      675    1,865     1,473     50     686     2,209  

Amount presented as non-current

   2,518     484    —      878    3,880     1,033     1,822     87     2,942  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   2,518     1,674    —      1,553    5,745  

Balance, December 31, 2015

   2,506     1,872     773     5,151  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The environmental provision pertains to the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility. Refer to Note 4 for more information regarding the relocation of the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility.

The restoration provision pertains to two leases at operating facilities where the Company is obligated to restore the leased properties to the same condition that existed at the time of the lease commencement date. The carrying amount of this obligation is based on management’s best estimate of the costs of the permanent removal of the Company’s manufacturing equipment used in these facilities.

As a result of the TaraTape and Better Packages acquisitions in 2015, the Company recorded additional restoration provisions associated with these leased facilities totalling $0.9 million.

In 2013, the Company began the process to relocate the Langley, British Columbia manufacturing facility to a new nearby location due to the expiration of the non-renewable lease in April 2014. As a result, in 2014, the Company recorded an additional restoration provision for the new location where the Company is obligated to restore the leased property to the same condition that existed at the lease commencement date. In addition, the Company reversed a portion of the outstanding restoration provision of the existing facility based on actual costs incurred. The severancereversal is included in earnings in cost of sales and reduced depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The termination benefits and other provisions relate primarily to the relocation of the Columbia, South Carolina manufacturing facility and the closure of the Hawkesbury, Ontario, Brantford, Ontario and Richmond, Kentucky manufacturing facilities.facility. The estimated costs pertain primarily to severancetermination benefits and other labor related costs. The accelerated closure of the Columbia, South Carolina facility as a result of flood damages had minimal impact on the timing of payouts associated with termination benefits. See Note 4 for more information.

On July 3, 2014, the Company was informed of a complaint filed on June 27, 2014 by its former Chief Financial Officer with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor (“OSHA”) alleging certain violations by the Company related to the terms of his employment and his termination. The Company aggressively contested the allegations and believes it demonstrated that the former Chief Financial Officer’s assertions are entirely without merit.

In February 2012, Multilayer Stretch Cling Film Holdings, Inc. (“Multilayer”) fileda letter dated July 16, 2015, OSHA informed the Company that the former Chief Financial Officer had withdrawn the OSHA complaint in order to file a complaint against the Company in US federal district court. The withdrawal occurred prior to any determination by OSHA regarding the UScomplaint.

On November 5, 2015, the former Chief Financial Officer filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for Western Tennessee, allegingthe Middle District of Florida. The lawsuit is premised on essentially the same facts and makes essentially the same allegations as asserted in his OSHA complaint; the lawsuit

Index to Financial Statements

seeks unspecified money damages and a trial by jury. The Company is not currently able to predict the probability of a favourable or unfavourable outcome, or the amount of any possible loss in the event of an unfavourable outcome. Consequently, no material provision or liability has been recorded for these allegations and claims as of December 31, 2015. As with the OSHA claim, the Company believes that the Former Chief Financial Officer’s assertion in the lawsuit are entirely without merit. However, upon termination and in accordance with the existing employment agreement between the Company and the former Chief Financial Officer, a termination benefit accrual of $0.4 million had infringed a patent issued to Multilayerbeen recorded as of December 31, 2014. Terms of such agreement were not met within the timeframe specified therein and the termination benefit accrual was consequently reversed during the year ended December 31, 2015.

The Company is engaged from time-to-time in various legal proceedings and claims that covers certain aspectshave arisen in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of all of the manufacture of stretch film. In May 2013,proceedings and claims against the Company agreedis subject to a settlementfuture resolution, including the uncertainties of the outstanding litigation. Under the confidential settlement agreement,Based on information currently known to the Company paid Multilayer an undisclosed amount in full settlement of all outstanding issues. The terms ofand after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the agreement do not restrict the saleprobable ultimate resolution of any ofsuch proceedings and claims, individually or in the Company’s products, as the Company’s current products doaggregate, will not utilize Multilayer’s patented invention. The Company does not expect that the settlement will have anya material adverse effect on the Company’s continuing operations. The amount is included infinancial condition of the statementCompany, taken as a whole, and accordingly, no amounts have been recorded as of consolidated earnings under the caption selling, general and administrative expenses.December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 20132015 and 2012:2014:

 

No reimbursements are expected to be received by the Company for any of the provided amounts; and

 

There were no contingent assets at any of the financial statement reporting dates covered by these consolidated financial statements.

During 2014, there was a reversal of a restoration provision as a result of relocating the reporting period, there were no reversalsLangley, British Columbia manufacturing facility to a new nearby location due to the expiration of provisions.

the non-renewable lease in April 2014.

48


15 -15—CAPITAL STOCK

Authorized

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value.

Class “A” preferred shares, issuable in series, rankingrank in priority to the common shares with respect to dividends and return of capital on dissolution. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix, before issuance, the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the shares of each series. No Class A preferred shares have been issued.

Common Shares

The Company’s common shares outstanding as of December 31, 20132015 and 2012,2014, were 60,776,64958,667,535 and 59,625,039,60,435,826, respectively.

Dividends

On August 14, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a semi-annual dividend policy.

On October 10, 2012 the Company paid a cash dividend of CDN$0.08 per common share to the shareholders of record at the close of business on September 21, 2012. The aggregate amount of this dividend payment was $4.8 million based on 59,101,050 shares of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding as of September 21, 2012.

On April 10, 2013 the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.08 per common share to the shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2013. The aggregate amount of this dividend payment was $4.8 million based on 59,983,184 shares of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding as of March 25, 2013.

On August 14, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change inchanged the semi-annual dividend policy to a quarterly dividend policy.

On September 30, 2013 the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.08 per common share to the shareholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2013. The aggregate amount of this dividend payment was $4.9 million based on 60,741,649 shares ofJuly 7, 2014 and August 12, 2015, the Company’s common shares issuedBoard of Directors changed the quarterly dividend policy by increasing the dividend from $0.08 to $0.12 per share and outstandingfrom $0.12 to $0.13 per share, respectively.

Index to Financial Statements

Cash dividends paid are as of September 16, 2013.follows:

On December 30, 2013 the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.08 per common share to the shareholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2013. The aggregate amount of this dividend payment was $4.9 million based on 60,776,649 shares of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding as of December 16, 2013.

Declared Date

  Paid date  Per common
share amount
   

Shareholder

record date

  Common shares
issued and
outstanding
   Aggregate
payment
 

March 6, 2013

  April 10, 2013  $0.08    March 25, 2013   59,983,184    $4.8 million  

August 14, 2013

  September 30, 2013  $0.08    September 16, 2013   60,741,649    $4.9 million  

November 12, 2013

  December 30, 2013  $0.08    December 16, 2013   60,776,649    $4.9 million  

February 6, 2014

  March 31, 2014  $0.08    March 19, 2014   60,776,649    $4.9 million  

May 7, 2014

  June 30, 2014  $0.08    June 17, 2014   60,951,976    $4.9 million  

August 5, 2014

  September 30, 2014  $0.12    September 15, 2014   60,423,976    $7.2 million  

November 4, 2014

  December 31, 2014  $0.12    December 15, 2014   60,436,476    $7.2 million  

March 9, 2015

  March 31, 2015  $0.12    March 19, 2015   60,355,638    $7.3 million  

May 11, 2015

  June 30, 2015  $0.12    June 15, 2015   59,621,238    $7.2 million  

August 12, 2015

  September 30, 2015  $0.13    September 15, 2015   59,502,185    $7.7 million  

November 11, 2015

  December 31, 2015  $0.13    December 15, 2015   58,667,535    $7.5 million  

Share repurchase

TheOn July 7, 2014, the Company did not initiateannounced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) effective on July 10, 2014. This NCIB expired on July 9, 2015. The Company renewed its NCIB effective July 10, 2015. On November 11, 2015, the TSX approved an amendment to the Company’s NCIB as a result of which the Company will be entitled to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,000,000 common shares. The previous maximum was 2,000,000 common shares. This renewed NCIB expires on July 9, 2016 and 2,479,900 shares remained available for repurchase under the NCIB as of December 31, 2015.

   December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Common shares repurchased

   2,487,188     597,500  

Average price per common share including commissions

   CDN$15.52     CDN$14.35  

Total purchase price including commissions

   $29,984     $7,822  

Carrying value of the common shares repurchased

   $14,973     $3,225  

Share repurchase premium(1)

   $15,011     $4,597  

(1)The excess of the purchase price paid over the carrying value of the common shares repurchased is recorded in deficit in the consolidated balance sheet and in the statement of consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity.

Stock options

Under the Company’s ESOP, stock options to acquire the Company’s common shares may be granted to the Company’s executives, directors and key employees. The total number of common shares reserved for issuance under the ESOP is equal to 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares from time to time. Stock options are equity-settled and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant and can be used only to purchase stock and may not be redeemed for cash. The ESOP provides that such stock options granted to key employees and executives will vest and may be exercisable 25% per year over four years. The stock options granted to directors, who are not officers of the Company, will vest and may be exercisable 25% on the grant date, and a further 25% will vest and may be exercisable per year over three years.

All stock options are granted at a price determined and approved by the Board of Directors, which cannot be less than the closing price of the common shares on the TSX for the day immediately preceding the effective date of the grant.

Index to Financial Statements

The changes in 2012number of stock options outstanding were as follows:

   2015  2014  2013 
   Weighted
average
exercise

price
   Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number of
options
 
   CDN$      CDN$      CDN$     

Balance, beginning of year

   7.01     2,360,000    5.52     2,264,177    2.60     2,657,037  

Granted

   —       —      12.51     492,500    12.19     830,000  

Exercised

   2.79     (712,500  3.60     (256,677  3.35     (1,151,610

Forfeited

   12.30     (30,000  8.38     (140,000  9.71     (71,250
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   8.78     1,617,500    7.01     2,360,000    5.52     2,264,177  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average fair value per stock option granted during 2014 and 2013 was $3.12 and $3.69, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the following weighted average assumptions:

   2014  2013 

Expected life

   5.6 years    5.6 years  

Expected volatility(1)

   38  43

Risk-free interest rate

   1.75  1.59

Expected dividends

   2.83  2.72

Stock price at grant date

   CDN$12.51    CDN$12.19  

Exercise price of awards

   CDN$12.51    CDN$12.19  

Foreign exchange rate USD to CDN

   1.1070    1.0358  

(1)Expected volatility was calculated by applying a weighted average of the daily closing price change on the TSX for a term commensurate with the expected life of each grant, with more weight placed on the more recent time periods.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of:

   Options outstanding   Options exercisable 
   Number   Weighted
average
contractual
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise price
   Number   Weighted
average
exercise price
 
           CDN$       CDN$ 

December 31, 2015

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$1.55 to $2.19

   536,250     4.00     1.65     536,250     1.65  

$12.04 to $14.34

   1,081,250     5.35     12.31     414,375     12.25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,617,500     4.90     8.78     950,625     6.27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$1.55 to $2.19

   1,190,000     4.37     1.81     1,043,750     1.84  

$12.04 to $14.34

   1,170,000     6.22     12.30     177,500     12.15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,360,000     5.29     7.01     1,221,250     3.33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Index to Financial Statements
   Options outstanding   Options exercisable 
   Number   Weighted
average
contractual
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number   Weighted
average
exercise
price
 
           CDN$       CDN$ 

December 31, 2013

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$1.55 to $1.90

   1,077,500     5.78     1.74     617,500     1.76  

$2.19 to $3.61

   406,677     2.18     2.83     352,927     2.93  

$12.04 to $14.34

   780,000     6.80     12.14     17,500     12.04  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,264,177     5.48     5.52     987,927     2.36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Performance Share Unit Plan

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the PSU Plan. The purpose of the PSU Plan is to provide participants with a proprietary interest in the Company to (a) increase the incentives of those participants who share primary responsibility for the management, growth and protection of the business of the Company, (b) furnish an incentive to such participants to continue their services for the Company and (c) provide a means through which the Company may attract potential employees. The PSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award PSUs to eligible persons. A PSU, as defined by the Company’s PSU Plan, represents the right of a participant, once such PSU is earned and has vested in accordance with the PSU Plan, to receive the number of common shares of the Company underlying the PSU. Furthermore, a participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or 2013.delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the grant date. PSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

   2015   2014 

PSUs granted

   363,600     152,500  

Weighted average fair value per PSU granted

   $13.64     $11.38  

PSUs forfeited

   18,060     —    

PSUs outstanding

   498,040     152,500  

Weighted average fair value per PSU outstanding

   $12.99     $11.38  

The weighted average fair value of PSUs granted was estimated based on a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the following weighted average assumptions:

   2015  2014 

Expected life

   3 years    3 years  

Expected volatility(1)

   35  38

Risk-free interest rate

   1.07  0.91

Expected dividends(2)

   0.00  0.00

Performance period starting price(3)

   CDN$17.86    CDN$12.74  

Stock price at grant date

   CDN$17.53    CDN$12.72  

1)Expected volatility was calculated based on the daily dividend adjusted closing price change on the TSX for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant.
(2)A participant will receive a cash payment from the Company upon PSU settlement that is equivalent to the number of shares issued or delivered to the participant multiplied by the amount of cash dividends per share declared by the Company between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the grant date. As such, there is no impact from expected future dividends in the Monte Carlo simulation model. As of December 31, 2015 the Company accrued $0.1 million (less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2014) in the consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities.
(3)The performance period starting price is measured as the five-day volume weighted average trading price for the common shares of the Company on the TSX on the grant date.

Index to Financial Statements

PSUs are expensed on a straight-line basis over their vesting period. The PSUs granted in 2015 and 2014 are earned over a three-year period with vesting at the third anniversary of the grant date.

The number of shares earned can range from 0 to 150% of the grant amount based on entity performance criteria, specifically the total shareholder return (“TSR”) ranking of the Company versus a specified peer group of companies. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s TSR ranking was such that if the awards granted in 2014 and 2015 were to be settled at December 31, 2015, the number of shares earned would be 150% of the grants awarded.

Deferred Share Unit Plan

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the DSU Plan. The purpose of the DSU Plan is to provide participants with a form of compensation which promotes greater alignment of the interests of the participants and the shareholders of the Company in creating long-term shareholder value. The DSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award DSUs to any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who is not an executive officer or employee of the Company. A DSU, as defined by the Company’s DSU Plan, represents the right of a participant to receive a common share of the Company. Under the DSU Plan, each director is entitled to receive DSUs as a result of a grant and/or in lieu of cash for semi-annual directors’ fees. DSUs are settled when the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. DSUs are net-settled to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.

DSUs received as a result of a grant are expensed immediately. The fair value of DSUs is based on the closing price for the common shares of the Company on the TSX on the date of the grant.

DSUs received in lieu of cash for directors’ fees are expensed as earned over the service period. The fair value of DSUs is based on the fair value of services rendered.

   2015   2014 

DSUs granted

   46,142     36,901  

Weighted average fair value per DSU granted

  $15.09    $12.04  

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for DSUs received in lieu of cash for directors’ fees not yet granted

  $134    $156  

DSUs outstanding

   66,583     36,901  

Weighted average fair value per DSU outstanding

  $13.61    $12.04  

Shares issued upon DSU settlement:

    

DSUs settled

   16,460     —    

Less: shares withheld for required minimum tax withholding

   10,063     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares issued

   6,397     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

On June 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2012 SAR Plan in lieu of granting stock options in 2012. The 2012 SAR Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and authorizes the Company to award SARs to eligible persons. A SAR, as defined by the Company’s plan,2012 SAR Plan, is a right to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the base price of the SAR and the market value of a common share of the Company on the date of exercise. These SARs can only be settled only in cash and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant. The award agreements provide that these SARs granted to employees and executives will vest and may be exercisable 25% per year over four years. The SARs granted to directors, who are not officers of the Company, will vest and may be exercisable 25% on the grant date, and a further 25% will vest and may be exercisable per year over three years.

49


Index to Financial Statements

Over the life of the awards, the total amount of expense recognized will equal the amount of the cash outflow, if any, as a result of exercises. At the end of each reporting period, the lifetime amount of expense recognized will equal the current period value of the SARs using the Black-Scholes pricing model, multiplied by the percentage vested. As a result, the amount of expense recognized can vary due to changes in the model variables from period to period until the SARs are exercised, expire, or are otherwise cancelled.

All SARs are granted at a price determined and approved by the Board of Directors, which is the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX on the trading day immediately preceding the day on which a SAR is granted.

On June 28, 2012, 1,240,905 SARs were granted at an exercise price of CDN$7.56.

   2015   2014 

SARs outstanding

   582,952     645,452  

Weighted average fair value per SARs

  $7.08    $8.51  

As of December 31, 2013, theThe weighted average fair value per SAR outstanding was estimated as $6.14 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected life

4.3 years

Expected volatility

37

Risk-free interest rate

1.77

Expected dividends

2.43

Stock price at grant date

CDN$7.56

Exercise price of awards

CDN$7.56

Stock price

CDN$14.03

Foreign exchange rate US to CDN

1.0640

Expected volatility was calculated by applying a weighted average of the daily closing price change on the TSX for a term commensurate with the expected life of each grant, with more weight placed on the more recent time periods.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, $3.8 million and $1.3 million of expense, respectively, is included under the caption selling, general and administrative expenses. The corresponding liability is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet under the caption accounts payable and accrued liabilities for amounts vested and expected to vest in the next twelve months, and other liabilities for amounts expected to vest greater than twelve months.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 41,250 and nil SARs were exercised, respectively, at an exercise price of CDN$7.56 and nil, respectively, resulting in cash payments of approximately $0.3 million and nil, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 30,000 and nil SARs were forfeited, respectively.

Stock options

Under the Company’s ESOP, options to acquire the Company’s common shares may be granted to the Company’s executives, directors and key employees. The total number of common shares reserved for issuance under the ESOP shall be equal to 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares from time to time. Options are equity-settled and expire no later than 10 years after the date of the grant and can only be used to purchase stock and may not be redeemed for cash. The plan provides that such options granted to key employees and executives will vest and may be exercisable 25% per year over four years. The options granted to directors, who are not officers of the Company, will vest and may be exercisable 25% on the grant date, and a further 25% will vest and may be exercisable per year over three years.

All options are granted at a price determined and approved by the Board of Directors, which cannot be less than the closing price of the common shares on the TSX for the day immediately preceding the effective date of the grant.

50


The changes in number of options outstanding were as follows:

   2013  2012  2011 
   Weighted      Weighted      Weighted     
   average      average      average     
   exercise   Number of  exercise   Number of  exercise   Number of 
   price   options  price   options  price   options 
   CDN$      CDN$      CDN$     

Balance, beginning of year

   2.60     2,657,037    3.28     3,774,026    4.44     3,355,769  

Granted

   12.19     830,000    —       —      1.66     875,000  

Exercised

   3.35     (1,151,610  3.10     (663,989  —       —��   

Forfeited

   9.71     (71,250  1.88     (52,500  3.16     (149,401

Expired

   —       —      9.27     (400,500  10.13     (307,342
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   5.52     2,264,177    2.60     2,657,037    3.28     3,774,026  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options exercisable at the end of the year

   2.36     987,927    3.03     1,676,305    4.20     2,247,563  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average stock price at the date of exercise was $11.54 and $7.39 in 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulting in cash proceeds to the Company of $3.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

The following tables summarize information about options outstanding and exercisable as of:

   Options outstanding   Options exercisable 
       Weighted             
       average   Weighted       Weighted 
       contractual   average       average 
   Number   life (years)   exercise price   Number   exercise price 
           CDN$       CDN$ 

December 31, 2013

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$1.55 to $1.90

   1,077,500     5.78     1.74     617,500     1.76  

$2.19 to $3.61

   406,677     2.18     2.83     352,927     2.93  

$12.04 to $14.34

   780,000     6.80     12.14     17,500     12.04  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,264,177     5.48     5.52     987,927     2.36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$0.55 to $0.83

   12,500     3.25     0.55     10,000     0.55  

$1.55 to $2.33

   1,482,500     5.15     1.83     550,000     1.88  

$3.61 to $5.42

   1,162,037     2.06     3.61     1,116,305     3.61  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,657,037     4.45     2.60     1,676,305     3.03  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

          

Range of exercise prices

          

$0.55 to $0.83

   40,000     3.25     0.55     27,500     0.55  

$1.55 to $2.33

   1,695,000     4.92     1.85     297,500     2.00  

$3.37 to $5.06

   1,638,526     1.93     3.36     1,522,063     3.36  

$7.50 to $11.25

   400,500     0.30     9.27     400,500     9.27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,774,026     3.10     3.28     2,247,563     4.20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

51


The Company uses the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation expense and other stock-based payments. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the contributed surplus account increased approximately $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, representing the stock-based compensation expense recorded for the period associated with stock options. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the contributed surplus account also increased approximately $4.7 million, nil and nil, respectively, representing the portion of US deferred tax assets recorded in relation to the excess tax benefit of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the contributed surplus account decreased approximately $1.7 million, $0.8 million and nil, respectively, representing the stock-based compensation expense credited to capital stock on options exercised.

The fair value of options granted was estimated, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the following weighted average assumptions:

 

  2013 2011   2015 2014 

Expected life

   5.6 years   6.0 years     2.4 years    3.3 years  

Expected volatility(1)

   43 66   35  33

Risk-free interest rate

   1.59 2.46   0.59  1.17

Expected dividends

   2.72 0.00   3.86  2.99

Share price

  CDN$12.19   CDN$1.66  

Exercise price

  CDN$12.19   CDN$1.66  

Stock price at grant date

   CDN$7.56    CDN$7.56  

Exercise price of awards

   CDN$7.56    CDN$7.56  

Stock price

   CDN$18.69    CDN$18.61  

Foreign exchange rate US to CDN

   1.3887    1.1601  

(1)Expected volatility was calculated by applying a weighted average of the daily closing price change on the TSX for a term commensurate with the expected life of each grant, with more weight placed on the more recent time periods.

   2015   2014 

Expense (income) recorded in earnings in selling, general and administrative expenses

   ($216   $3,699  

SARs exercised

   52,500     400,453  

Exercise price

   CDN$7.56     CDN$7.56  

Cash payments

   $462     $3,631  

SARs forfeited

   10,000     123,750  

   2015   2014 

Outstanding amounts vested and expected to vest in the next twelve

   $     $  

months, recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   4,014     7,232  

Outstanding amounts expected to vest in greater than twelve months, recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities

   —       539  

Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding vested awards, including awards exercised but not yet paid

   2,857     4,386  

Index to Financial Statements

Change in Contributed Surplus

The activity for the daily closing price change on the TSX for a term commensurate with the expected life of each grant, with more weight placed on the more recent time periods.

During the yearyears ended December 31, 2012,2015, 2014 and 2013 in the consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity under the caption contributed surplus is detailed as follows:

   2015   2014   2013 
   $   $   $ 

Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options

   (2,088   (732   —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit on outstanding stock options

   (1,502   2,535     4,675  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense credited to capital on options exercised

   (746   (289   (1,709
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

      

Stock options

   931     1,542     1,145  

Deferred share units

   665     602     —    

Performance share units

   1,763     338     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,359     2,482     1,145  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) settlement, net of required minimum tax withholding

   (218   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in contributed surplus

   (1,195   3,996     4,111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

16 -BUSINESS ACQUISITION

Better Packages

On April 7, 2015, a subsidiary of the Parent Company, Intertape Polymer Corp. (“IPC”), under a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Better Packages Agreement”) dated the same day, purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of BP Acquisition Corporation (“Better Packages”) (which wholly-owns a subsidiary, Better Packages, Inc.) (the “Better Packages Acquisition”), a supplier of water-activated tape dispensers.

IPC paid in cash, funded primarily from the Revolving Credit Facility, a purchase price of $15.9 million. There are no options were granted.additional contingent consideration arrangements in the Better Packages Agreement. In addition, IPC and the former shareholders of Better Packages each made customary representations and warranties and covenants in the Better Packages Agreement and the Better Packages Agreement contains customary indemnification provisions. The former shareholders of Better Packages have deposited in escrow $2.9 million related to these items as of December 31, 2015.

The net cash consideration paid on the closing date was as follows:

April 7,
2015
$

Consideration paid in cash

15,867

Less: cash balances acquired

534

15,333

The Better Packages Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The Better Packages Acquisition should further extend the Company’s product offering and global presence in the rapidly growing e-commerce market, resulting in the recognition of goodwill of $6.1 million. The Company does not expect any of the goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Index to Financial Statements

The fair value per option granted is:of net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill at the date of acquisition are as follows:

 

   2013   2011 
   $   $ 

Fair value

   3.69     1.03  
April 7,
2015
$

Current assets

Cash

534

Trade receivables(1)

1,310

Inventories

2,489

Other current assets

100

Property, plant and equipment

632

Intangible assets

Customer list

7,343

Trademark

1,700

Non-compete agreement

198

Other intangibles

21

Other assets

22

14,349

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

1,165

Deferred tax liability

3,483

Provisions

10

4,658

Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

9,691

April 7,
2015
$

Cash consideration transferred

15,768

Less: fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

9,691

Goodwill

6,077

16—ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(1)As of December 31, 2015 the Company has collected the fair value of the trade receivables of $1,310. The gross contractual amounts receivable were $1,324.

The Better Packages Acquisition’s impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings was as follows:

 

   December 31,  December 31,   December 31, 
   2013  2012   2011 
   $  $   $ 

Accumulated currency translation adjustments

   (770  3,208     1,206  

Cumulative changes in fair value of forward foreign exchange rate contracts (net of future income tax expense of nil in 2011)

   —      —       (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (770  3,208     1,193  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
April 7, 2015 through
December 31, 2015
$

Revenue

14,601

Net earnings

1,538

Had the Better Packages Acquisition been effective as of January 1, 2015 the impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings would have been as follows:

 

December 31, 2015
$

Revenue

18,193

Net earnings(1)

1,598

52

(1)The adjustments to arrive at net earnings included (i) the alignment of accounting policies to IFRS, (ii) the removal of acquisition costs incurred by the acquiree, (iii) the amortization of recorded intangibles and other acquisition method accounting adjustments and (iv) the effect of income tax expense using the effective tax rate of Better Packages post-closing.


Index to Financial Statements

The acquisition-related costs are excluded from the consideration transferred and are included in the Company’s consolidated earnings as follows:

December 31, 2015
$

Selling, general and administrative expenses

387

TaraTape

On November 2, 2015, IPC, under a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “TaraTape Agreement”) dated the same day, purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares and warrants of RJM Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a “TaraTape”) (the “TaraTape Acquisition”), a manufacturer of filament and pressure sensitive tapes.

IPC paid in cash, funded primarily from the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, a purchase price of $11.0 million. There are no additional contingent consideration arrangements in the TaraTape Agreement. In addition, IPC and the shareholder and warrantholders of TaraTape each made customary representations and warranties and covenants in the TaraTape Agreement and the TaraTape Agreement contains customary indemnification provisions. The former shareholder and warrantholders of TaraTape have deposited in escrow $0.6 million related to these items as of December 31, 2015.

The net cash consideration paid on the closing date was $11.0 million less the cash balance acquired of nil.

The TaraTape Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The TaraTape Acquisition should strengthen the Company’s market position, resulting in the recognition of goodwill of $1.4 million. The Company expects the goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Index to Financial Statements

The fair value of net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill at the date of acquisition are as follows:

November 2,
2015
$

Current assets

Trade receivables(1)

1,835

Inventories

3,183

Other current assets

185

Property, plant and equipment

5,100

Intangible assets

Customer list

2,095

Trademark

494

Deferred tax asset

280

Other assets

24

13,196

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

2,677

Provisions

918

3,595

Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

9,601

November 2,
2015
$

Cash consideration transferred

11,000

Less: fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

9,601

Goodwill

1,399

(1)As of December 31, 2015 the Company expects to collect the fair value of the trade receivables of $1,835. The gross contractual amounts receivable were $1,845.

The TaraTape Acquisition’s impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings was as follows:

November 2, 2015
through
December 31, 2015
$

Revenue

3,078

Net loss

(161

Had the TaraTape Acquisition been effective as of January 1, 2015, the impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings would have been as follows:

December 31, 2015
$

Revenue

19,419

Net loss(1)

(102

(1)The adjustments to arrive at net loss included (i) the alignment of accounting policies to IFRS, (ii) the removal of acquisition costs incurred by the acquiree, (iii) the amortization of recorded intangibles and other acquisition method accounting adjustments and (iv) the effect of income tax expense using the effective tax rate of TaraTape post-closing.

Index to Financial Statements

The acquisition-related costs are excluded from the consideration transferred and are included in the Company’s consolidated earnings as follows:

December 31, 2015
$

Selling, general and administrative expenses

502

17—17 -PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has several non-contributory defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans for substantially all its employees in both Canada and the US.

Defined contribution plans

In the US, the Company maintains a savings retirement plan (401(k) Plan) for the benefit of certain employees who have been employed for at least 90 days. Contribution to this plan is at the discretion of the Company. The Company also maintains 401(k) plans according to the terms of certain collective bargaining agreements.

The Company also contributes to multi-employer plans for employees covered by certain collective bargaining agreements.

In Canada, the Company maintains defined contribution pension plans for its salaried employees and contributes amounts equal to 4% of each participant’s eligible salary.

The amount expensed with respect to the defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012was $4.0 million in 2015, and 2011 was $3.6 million $3.7 millionfor both 2014 and $2.2 million, respectively.2013.

Defined benefit plans

The Company has, in the US, three defined benefit pension plans (hourly and salaried). Benefits for employees are based on compensation and years of service for salaried employees and fixed benefits per month for each year of service for hourly employees.

In Canada, certain non-union hourly employees of the Company are covered by a plan which provides a fixed benefit per month for each year of service. The

Effective September 30, 2011, the only other defined benefit plan associated with the former Brantford, Ontario manufacturing facility sponsored by the Company in Canada was wound-up effective September 30, 2011.wound-up. Pursuant to applicable legislation, benefits for this plan willhad to be settled within the five-year period following the wind-up effective date.

In the US, certain union hourly employees of During 2014, the Company are covered by plans which provide a fixed benefit per month for each year of service.purchased group annuity buy out policies to settle its obligation to plan participants. The Company amended onerecognized settlement losses in 2014 of $1.6 million resulting from the plans duringdifference between the year ended December 31, 2012, which immediately increaseddefined benefit obligations remeasured at settlement dates and the fixed benefit as well as incrementally overcost to settle the next three years.obligations. The Company also closed the plan to new entrants whereby employees hired on or after the amendment date will not be permitted to participatesettlement losses were included in the plan. Under Amended IAS 19 –Employee benefits, the Company is required to recognize past service costs associated with benefit plan changes of $0.7 million immediatelyearnings in cost of sales in the statement of consolidated earnings in 2012.sales.

In the US, the Company provides group health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees. In Canada, the Company provides group health care, dental and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees.

Index to Financial Statements

Supplementary executive retirement plans

The Company has Supplementary Executive Retirement Plans (“SERPs”) to provide supplemental pension benefits to certain key executives. The SERPs are not funded and provide for an annual pension benefit, from retirement or termination date, in the amounts ranging from $0.2 million to $0.6 million, annually.

Governance and oversight

The defined benefit plans sponsored by the Company are subject to the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and related legislation in the United StatesUS and of the Canadian Income Tax Act and provincial legislation in Ontario and Nova Scotia. In addition, all actuarial computations related to defined benefit plans are based on actuarial assumptions and methods determined in accordance with the generally recognized and accepted actuarial principles and practices prescribed by the Actuarial Standards Board, the American Academy of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

53


Minimum funding requirements are computed based on methodologies and assumptions dictated by regulation in the US and Canada. The Company’s practice is to fund at least the statutory minimum required amount for each defined benefit plan’s plan year.

The Company’s Investment Committee, comprisedcomposed of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, Vice President of Treasury and other members of management, makes investment decisions for the Company’s pension plans. The asset liability matching strategy of the pension plans and plan asset performance is reviewed quarterlysemi-annually in terms of risk and return profiles.profiles with external investment management advisors, actuaries and plan trustees. The Investment Committee, together with external investment management advisors, actuaries and plan trustees, has established a target mix of equity, fixed income, and alternative securities based on funded status level and other variables of each defined benefit plan.

The assets of the defined benefit plans are held separately from those of the Company in funds under the control of trustees.

Index to Financial Statements

Information relatingRelating to the various plansVarious Plans

 

   Pension Plans  Other plans 
   2013  2012 (1)  2013  2012 (1) 
   $  $  $  $ 

Defined benefit obligations

     

Balance, beginning of year

   92,356    82,451    4,677    4,227  

Current service cost

   1,335    1,230    18    16  

Past service costs

   —      682    —      —    

Interest cost

   3,465    3,469    171    181  

Benefits paid

   (3,413  (3,223  (60  (77

Actuarial losses from demographic assumptions

   1,075    768    86    49  

Actuarial (gains) losses from financial assumptions

   (10,521  4,480    (744  202  

Experience (gains) losses

   342    1,947    (640  8  

Foreign exchange rate adjustment

   (1,924  552    (233  71  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   82,715    92,356    3,275    4,677  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fair Value of plan assets

     

Balance, beginning of year

   57,745    49,848    —      —    

Interest income

   2,175    2,208    —      —    

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense)

   8,186    3,291    —      —    

Contributions by the employer

   4,311    5,565    —      —    

Benefits paid

   (3,413  (3,223  —      —    

Administration expenses

   (307  (398  —      —    

Foreign exchange rate adjustment

   (1,576  454    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   67,121    57,745    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funded status – deficit

   15,594    34,611    3,275    4,677  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

54


   Pension Plans   Other plans 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   $   $   $   $ 

Defined benefit obligations

        

Balance, beginning of year

   81,223     82,715     3,662     3,275  

Current service cost

   1,208     1,126     22     16  

Interest cost

   3,042     3,538     126     136  

Benefits paid

   (3,211   (3,488   (27   (58

Benefits paid upon settlement

   —       (15,743   —       —    

Actuarial (gains) losses from demographic assumptions

   (1,332   3,726     (30   87  

Actuarial (gains) losses from financial assumptions

   (2,652   10,311     (31   209  

Experience losses (gains)

   15     (1,277   22     185  

Settlement loss

   —       1,613     —       —    

Foreign exchange rate adjustment

   (2,121   (1,298   (379   (188
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   76,172     81,223     3,365     3,662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets

        

Balance, beginning of year

   53,172     67,121     —       —    

Interest income

   1,955     2,598     —       —    

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense)

   (1,458   2,538     —       —    

Contributions by the employer

   1,930     2,240     —       —    

Benefits paid

   (3,211   (3,488   —       —    

Benefits paid upon settlement

   —       (15,743   —       —    

Administration expenses

   (307   (675   —       —    

Foreign exchange rate adjustment

   (1,836   (1,419   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   50,245     53,172     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status – deficit

   25,927     28,051     3,365     3,662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The defined benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets at December 31, are composedbroken down by geographical locations as follows:

 

  2013 2012   2015 2014 
  US Canada Total US Canada Total   US Canada Total US Canada Total 
  $ $ $ $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ $ 

Defined benefit obligations

   59,027    26,963    85,990   65,268   31,765   97,033     66,728    12,809    79,537   70,070   14,815   84,885  

Fair Value of plan assets

   (40,673  (26,448  (67,121 (34,216 (23,529 (57,745

Fair value of plan assets

   (40,338  (9,907  (50,245 (42,509 (10,663 (53,172
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Deficit in plans

   18,354    515    18,869    31,052    8,236    39,288     26,390    2,902    29,292   27,561   4,152   31,713  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Index to Financial Statements

The defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 for pension plans can be analyzedas at December 31, broken down by funding status are as follows:

 

  December 31,   December 31, 
  2013   2012   2015   2014 
  $   $   $   $ 

Wholly unfunded

   9,706     10,732     10,952     11,751  

Wholly funded or partially funded

   73,009     81,624     65,220     69,472  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total obligations

   82,715     92,356     76,172     81,223  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reconciliation of Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Recognized in the Balance Sheet

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   $   $ 

Pension Plans

    

Present value of the defined benefit obligation

   82,715     92,356  

Fair value of the plan assets

   67,121     57,745  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deficit in plans

   15,594     34,611  

Asset ceiling

   2,676     —    

Amount recognized as a liability in respect of minimum funding requirements

   —       1,684  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities recognized

   18,270     36,295  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other plans

    

Present value of the defined benefit obligation and deficit in the plans

   3,275     4,677  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities recognized

   3,275     4,677  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total plans

    

Total pension and other-post retirement benefits recognized in balance sheets

   21,545     40,972  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

55


   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
   $   $ 

Pension Plans

    

Present value of the defined benefit obligation

   76,172     81,223  

Fair value of the plan assets

   50,245     53,172  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deficit in plans

   25,927     28,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities recognized

   25,927     28,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other plans

    

Present value of the defined benefit obligation and deficit in the plans

   3,365     3,662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities recognized

   3,365     3,662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total plans

    

Total pension and other post-retirement benefits recognized in balance sheets

   29,292     31,713  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The composition of plan assets based on the fair value as of December 31, was as follows:

 

  December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 
  2013   2012   2015   2014 
  $   $   $   $ 

Asset category

        

Cash

   5,675     3,394     860     1,789  

Equity instruments

   39,854     36,296     29,399     26,706  

Fixed income instruments

   19,383     16,228     16,900     22,491  

Real estate investment trusts

   2,209     1,827     3,053     2,186  

Other

   33     —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   67,121     57,745     50,245     53,172  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

As of December 31, 20132015 and 2012,2014, approximately 56%25% and 41%26% of equity and fixed income instruments were held in mutual funds, respectively. None of the benefit plan assets were invested in any of the Company’s own equity or financial instruments or in any property or other asset that was used by the Company.

Most equity, fixed income and real estate investment trusts have quoted prices, or net asset value, in active markets. Certain US government obligations and mutual fund positions are valued at the quoted price, or net asset value, for identical or similar securities reported in active markets.

Index to Financial Statements

Defined Benefit Expenses Recognized in Consolidated Earnings

 

  Pension Plans   Other plans   Pension Plans   Other plans 
  2013   2012 (1)   2011 (1)   2013   2012 (1)   2011 (1)   2015   2014   2013   2015   2014   2013 
  $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Current service cost

   1,335     1,230     992     18     16     46     1,208     1,126     1,335     22     16     18  

Past service cost

   —       682     —       —       —       —    

Administration expenses

   307     398     400     —       —       —       307     675     307     —       —       —    

Net interest expense

   1,355     1,261     1,036     171     181     199     1,087     1,031     1,355     126     136     171  

Settlement loss

   —       1,613     —       —       —       —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net costs recognized in the statement of consolidated earnings

   2,997     3,571     2,428     189     197     245     2,602     4,445     2,997     148     152     189  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

   Total Plans 
   2013   2012 (1)   2011 (1) 
   $   $   $ 

Current service cost

   1,353     1,246     1,038  

Past service cost

   —       682     —    

Administration expense

   307     398     400  

Net interest expense

   1,526     1,442     1,235  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs recognized in the statement of consolidated earnings

   3,186     3,768     2,673  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

56


   Total Plans 
   2015   2014   2013 
   $   $   $ 

Current service cost

   1,230     1,142     1,353  

Administration expense

   307     675     307  

Net interest expense

   1,213     1,167     1,526  

Settlement loss

   —       1,613     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net costs recognized in the statement of consolidated earnings

   2,750     4,597     3,186  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Remeasurement of Defined Benefit Liability in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

  Pension Plans Other plans   Pension Plans Other plans 
  2013 2012 (1) 2011 (1) 2013 2012 (1) 2011 (1)   2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 
  $ $ $ $ $ $   $ $ $ $ $ $ 

Actuarial losses from demographic assumptions

   (1,075 (768 (1,709  (86 (49  —    

Actuarial gains (losses) from demographic assumptions

   1,332   (3,726 (1,075  30   (87 (86

Actuarial gains (losses) from financial assumptions

   10,521   (4,480 (8,498  744   (202 (297   2,652   (10,311 10,521    31   (209 744  

Experience gains (losses)

   (342 (1,947 (2,345  640   (8 (24

Experience (losses) gains

   (15 1,277   (342  (22 (185 640  

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense)

   8,186   3,291   (3,387  —      —      —       (1,458 2,538   8,186    —      —      —    

Asset ceiling

   (2,676  —     1,461    —      —      —       —      —     (2,676  —      —      —    

Change in the amount recognized as a liability in respect of minimum funding requirements

   1,749   (1,194 477    —      —      —       —     2,497   1,749    —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

   16,363    (5,098  (14,001  1,298    (259  (321   2,511   (7,725 16,363    39   (481 1,298  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The Company expects to contribute $6.0$1.4 million to its defined benefit pension plans and $0.1 million to its health and welfare plans in 2014.2016.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at December 31, 20132015 and 2014 is 1314 years for US plans and 1520 years for CanadaCanadian plans (13 years and 17 years in 2012, respectively).for both periods.

Index to Financial Statements

The significant weighted average assumptions, which management considers the most likely, and which were used to measure its defined benefit obligations at December 31, are as follows:

 

   US plans  Canada plans 
   2013  2012  2013  2012 

Discount rate

     

Pension plans

   4.65  3.64  4.80  4.00

Other plans

   3.70  2.83  4.80  4.00

Mortality rate (in years)

     

Current pensioner—Male

   20    20    21    20  

Current pensioner—Female

   21    21    23    22  

Current member aged 45—Male

   21    21    23    21  

Current member aged 45—Female

   22    22    25    23  

57


   US plans  Canadian plans 
   2015  2014  2015  2014 

Discount rate

     

Pension plans

   4.03  3.74  4.25  4.15

Other plans

   3.28  3.15  4.25  4.15

Mortality rate (in years)

     

Current pensioner - Male

   21    22    22    22  

Current pensioner - Female

   23    24    24    24  

Current member aged 45 - Male

   22    23    23    23  

Current member aged 45 - Female

   24    25    25    25  

Significant actuarial assumptions for defined benefit obligation measurement purposes are discount rate and mortality rate. The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on reasonably possible changes of the assumptions, in isolation of one another, occurring at the end of the reporting period. This analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in the assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. An increase or decrease of 1% in these ratesthe discount rate or an increase or decrease of one year in mortality rate would haveresult in the following impacts onincrease (decrease) in the defined benefit obligation:

 

2013
$

Discount rate

Increase of 1%

(10,757

Decrease of 1%

13,475

Mortality rate

Life expectancy increased by one year

2,509

Life expectancy decreased by one year

(2,433
   2015   2014 
   $   $ 

Discount rate

    

Increase of 1%

   (9,883   (10,962

Decrease of 1%

   12,337     13,792  

Mortality rate

    

Life expectancy increased by one year

   2,546     2,477  

Life expectancy decreased by one year

   (2,494   (2,443

(1)On January 1, 2013 Amended IAS 19 –Employee Benefits became effective and required retrospective application to operating results for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Refer to Changes in Accounting Policies in Note 2.

18 - SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

The Company operates in various geographic locations and develops, manufactures and sells a variety of products to a diverse customer base. Most of the Company’s products are made from similar processes. A vast majority of the Company’s products, while brought to market through various distribution channels, generally have similar economic characteristics. The Company’s decisions about resources to be allocated are determined as a whole based on the Company’s operational, management and reporting structure. The chief operating decision maker assesses the Company’s performance as a single operating segment.

Index to Financial Statements

Geographic Information

The following tables present geographic information about revenue attributed to countries based on the location of external customers and about property, plant and equipment by country based on the location of the assets:

 

  2013   2012   2011   2015   2014   2013 
  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Revenue

            

Canada

   63,656     69,085     74,272     53,035     61,903     63,656  

United States

   643,053     635,727     626,551     671,187     670,997     643,053  

Other

   74,791     79,618     85,914     57,685     79,832     74,791  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total revenue

   781,500     784,430     786,737     781,907     812,732     781,500  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

  December 31,   December 31, 
  2013   2012   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
  $   $   $   $ 

Property, plant and equipment

        

Canada

   17,683     24,104     14,467     15,104  

United States

   151,457     150,735     171,154     162,799  

Other

   12,472     10,753     12,464     10,243  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

   181,612     185,592     198,085     188,146  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Intangible assets

    

Canada

   50     112  

United States

   12,518     1,469  

Other

   —       —    
  

 

   

 

 

Total intangible assets

   12,568     1,581  
  

 

   

 

 

Other assets

    

Canada

   71     84  

United States

   3,081     3,065  

Other

   25     9  
  

 

   

 

 

Total other assets

   3,177     3,158  
  

 

   

 

 

Goodwill

    

United States

   7,476     —    
  

 

   

 

 

Total goodwill

   7,476     —    
  

 

   

 

 

58


   December 31,   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   $   $ 

Intangible assets

    

Canada

   383     779  

United States

   1,212     1,197  

Other

   2     4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

   1,597     1,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other assets

    

Canada

   92     13  

United States

   3,405     3,581  

Other

   153     3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other assets

   3,650     3,597  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Index to Financial Statements

The following table presents revenue information based on revenues for the following product categories and their complementary packaging systems:

 

  2013   2012   2011   2015   2014   2013 
  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Revenue

            

Tape

   510,539     519,399     516,582     529,524     524,979     510,539  

Film

   149,293     145,780     150,138     128,361     158,398     149,293  

Woven coated fabrics

   114,438     112,280     117,049     117,881     121,431     114,438  

Other

   7,230     6,971     2,968     6,141     7,924     7,230  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   781,500     784,430     786,737     781,907     812,732     781,500  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

19—19 -RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s key personnel are members of the Board of Directors and five members of senior management in 2013 (six members in 20122015, 2014 and 2011).2013. Key personnel remuneration includes the following expenses:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
   $   $   $ 

Short-term employee benefits:

      

Salaries including bonuses and post-employment benefits

   4,235     4,402     3,553  

Short-term director benefits:

      

Director and committee fees and post-employment benefits

   645     741     575  

Stock-based payments for employees and directors

   3,977     1,607     679  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remuneration

   8,857     6,750     4,807  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2015   2014   2013 
   $   $   $ 

Short-term benefits including employee salaries and bonuses and director retainer and committee fees

   3,378     3,359     4,619  

Post-employment benefits

   311     300     286  

Stock-based compensation expense

   2,074     4,802     3,977  

Termination benefits (1)

   (405   405     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remuneration

   5,358     8,866     8,882  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Refer to Note 14 for more information regarding termination benefits.

In June 2014, the Company engaged with a relocation management company to facilitate the purchase of the then-newly appointed Chief Financial Officer’s home in Montreal, Québec, Canada to assist in the relocation to Sarasota, FL, U.S.A. The Company provided funding to the relocation management company to purchase the home for $0.9 million. The sale of the home was completed on April 15, 2015 and the Company was reimbursed for the purchase funding.

20—20 -COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments Under Operating Leases

On August 19, 2013, the Company entered into a 130-month operating lease on a corporate office located in Sarasota, Florida which will serve as the Company’s new US headquarters. Annual minimum lease payments for the facility will begin in January 2014 and will range from approximately $0.6 million to $0.7 million over the term of the lease.

59


On December 21, 2013, the Company entered into a five-year operating lease on a manufacturing facility located in Delta, British Columbia. Annual minimum lease payments for the facility will begin in March 2014 and will be approximately $0.4 million over the term of the lease. In conjunction with the lease, the company is subject to a restoration obligation of approximately $0.5 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2013,2015, the expense in respect of operating leases was $5.9 million ($5.2 million in 2014 and $4.6 million ($4.1 million in 2012 and $3.8 million in 2011)2013). As of December 31, 2013,2015, the Company had commitments aggregating to approximately $14.1$14.0 million through the year 20242032 for the rental of offices, warehouse space, manufacturing equipment, automobiles, computer hardware and other assets. Minimum lease payments for the next five years are $2.3 million in 2014, $2.1 million in 2015, $2.0expected to be $3.1 million in 2016, and$3.0 million in 2017, $1.8$2.5 million in 2018, $1.5 million in 2019, $1.2 million in 2020 and $3.9$2.7 million thereafter.

Contingent Loss

In 2009, the Company filed a complaint in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida against Inspired Technologies, Inc. (“ITI”) alleging that ITI had breached its obligations under a supply agreement with the Company and ITI filed a counterclaim against the Company alleging that the Company had breached its obligations under the agreements. On April 13, 2011, after two trials on the issues, the Court entered a Judgment against the Company in the amount of approximately $1.0 million. On May 19, 2011 the Company entered into a settlement agreement with ITI with respect to all outstanding litigation between the parties. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the Company paid approximately $1.0 million to ITI in full and complete settlement of all matters between them with respect to the litigation. The amount is included in the selling, general and administrative expenses caption on the accompanying statement of consolidated earnings.

In addition to the matter described above and Multilayer in Note 14, the Company is engaged from time-to-time in various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of all of the proceedings and claims against the Company is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information currently known to the Company and after consultation with outside legal counsel, management believes that the probable ultimate resolution of any such proceedings and claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole, and accordingly, no additional amounts have been recorded as of December 31, 2013.2015. Refer to Note 14 for more information regarding contingent liabilities.

Index to Financial Statements

Commitment Under Service Contract

On November 12, 2013, theThe Company entered into a ten-year electricity service contract at afor one of its manufacturing facility.facilities on November 12, 2013. The service date of the contract is expected to commencecommenced in the second quarter ofAugust 2014. The Company will then beis committed to monthly minimum usage requirements over the term of the contract. The Company will receivewas provided installation at no cost and is receiving economic development incentive credits and installation as well as maintenance of the required energy infrastructure at the manufacturing facility as part of the contract. The credits are expected to reduce the overall cost of electricity consumed by the facility over the term of the contract. Effective August 1, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment lowering the minimum usage requirements over the term of the contract. In addition, a new monthly facility charge will be incurred by the Company over the term of the contract. The Company estimates that service billings will total approximately $0.7$1.7 million in 2014, $3.0 million in 2015, $3.2 millionannually in 2016 through 2020 and 2017, $3.1$6.0 million in 2018 and $16.9 million thereafter.as the total billings expected over the remainder of the contract up to 2023.

Certain penalty clauses exist within the contract related to early cancellation after the service date of the contract, which is expected to be the second quarter of 2014.contract. The costs related to early cancellation penalties include termination fees based on anticipated service billings over the term of the contract and capital expense recovery charges. While the Company does not expect to cancel the contract prior to the end of its term, the penalties that would apply to early cancellation could total as much as $17.0 million.$5.4 million as of December 31, 2015. This amount declines annually until the expiration of the contract.

The Company has entered into agreements with various utility suppliers to fix certain energy costs, including natural gas and electricity, through December 2019 for minimum amounts of consumption at several of its manufacturing facilities. The Company estimates that utility billings will total approximately $5.2 million over the term of the contracts based on the contracted fixed terms and current market rate assumptions. The Company is also required by the agreements to pay any difference between the fixed price agreed to with the utility and the sales amount received by the utility for resale to a third party if the Company fails to meet the minimum consumption required by the agreements. In the event of early termination, the Company is required to pay the utility suppliers the difference between the contracted amount and the current market value of the energy, adjusted for present value, of any future agreed upon minimum usage. Neither party will be liable for failure to perform for reasons of “force majeure” as defined within the agreements.

Commitments to Suppliers

60The Company has entered into agreements with various raw material suppliers to purchase minimum quantities of certain raw materials at fixed rates through June 2017 totaling approximately $22.1 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company is also required by the agreements to pay any storage costs incurred by the applicable supplier in the event the Company delays shipment in excess of 30 days. In the event the Company defaults under the terms of an agreement, an arbitrator will determine fees and penalties due to the applicable supplier. Neither party will be liable for failure to perform for reasons of “force majeure” as defined in the agreements.


The Company obtains certain raw materials from suppliers under consignment agreements. The suppliers retain ownership of the raw materials until the earlier of when the materials are consumed in production or auto billings are triggered based upon maturity. The consignment agreements involve short-term commitments that typically mature within 30 to 60 days of inventory receipt and are typically renewed on an ongoing basis. The Company may be subject to fees in the event the Company requires storage in excess of 30 to 60 days. At December 31, 2015, the Company had on hand $13.0 million of raw material owned by its suppliers.

The Company currently knows of no event, trend or uncertainty that may affect the availability or benefits of these arrangements.

Index to Financial Statements

21—21 -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value and Classification of Financial Instruments

As of December 31, 20132015 and 2012,2014, the classification of financial instruments, excluding derivative financial instruments designated as part of an effective hedging relationship, as well as their carrying amounts and respective fair values are as follows:

 

  Carrying amount       Carrying amount     
  Loans and
receivables
   Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
   Fair value   Financial
assets at
amortized cost
   Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
   Fair value 
  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

December 31, 2013

      

December 31, 2015

      

Financial assets

            

Cash

   2,500     —       2,500     17,615     —       17,615  

Trade receivables

   78,543     —       78,543     78,517     —       78,517  

Other receivables(1)

   2,744     —       2,744  

Loan to an officer(3)

   —       —       —    

Supplier rebates and other receivables

   1,135     —       1,135  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   83,787     —       83,787     97,267     —       97,267  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Financial liabilities

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2)

   —       58,358     58,358  

Notes

   —       —       —    

Other long-term debt

   —       129,814     129,814  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1)

   —       64,484     64,484  

Long-term debt(2)

   —       132,865     132,865  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   —       188,172     188,172     —       197,349     197,349  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

December 31, 2012

      

December 31, 2014

      

Financial assets

            

Cash

   5,891     —       5,891     8,342     —       8,342  

Trade receivables

   75,860     —       75,860     81,239     —       81,239  

Other receivables(1)

   3,249     —       3,249  

Loan to an officer(3)

   55     —       55  

Supplier rebates and other receivables

   2,398     —       2,398  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   85,055     —       85,055     91,979     —       91,979  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Financial liabilities

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2)

   —       60,222     60,222  

Notes

   —       38,282     38,282  

Other long-term debt

   —       113,017     113,017  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1)

   —       54,890     54,890  

Long-term debt(2)

   —       98,042     98,042  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   —       211,521     211,521     —       152,932     152,932  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Consists primarily of supplier rebates receivable
(2)ExcludingExcludes employee benefits
(3)(2)Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheetsExcluded finance lease liabilities

The Company’scarrying amount and fair value of the interest rate swap agreement expired on September 22, 2011. The Company’s final forward foreign exchange rate contract expired on July 31, 2012 (aagreements was a liability, included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, amounting to $13,000$0.4 million as of December 31, 2011)2015 (nil as of December 31, 2014). See additional disclosures under interest rate risk below.

61


Index to Financial Statements

The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the estimated fair value of each class of financial instruments:

 

The fair value of cash, trade receivables, supplier rebates and other receivables, loans, accounts payable and accrued liabilities is comparable to their carrying amount, given their short maturity periods;periods.

 

The fair value of the Notes has been determined based on available quoted market prices;

The fair value of other long-term debt, mainly bearing interest at variable rates including primarily the Company’s ABL, is estimated using a discounted cash flows approach, which discounts the contractual cash flows using discount rates derived from observable market interest rates of similar variable rate loans with similar risk.risk and credit standing.

The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements using a valuation technique based on observable market data, including interest rates, as a listed market price is not available.

The Company ensures, to the extent possible, that its valuation techniques and assumptions incorporate all factors that market participants would consider in setting a price and that it is consistent with accepted economic methods for pricing financial instruments.

Hierarchy of financial instruments

The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level fair value measurement hierarchy as follows:

Level 1: The fair value is determined directly by reference to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2: The fair value is estimated using a valuation technique based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: The fair value is estimated using a valuation technique based on unobservable data.

As of December 31, 20132015 and 2012, the Notes were categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and other2014, long-term debt isand interest rate swaps are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Income and expenses relating to financial assets and financial liabilities are as follows:

 

  2013 2012   2011   2015   2014   2013 
  $ $   $   $   $   $ 

Interest income

           

Cash

   75   132     269  
  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Cash and deposits

   47     62     75  
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Bad debt expense (recovery)

           

Trade receivables

   (132  185     677     339     200     (132
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method

           

Long-term debt

   6,289    13,433     15,635     3,380     5,756     6,289  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Index to Financial Statements

Exchange Risk

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are expressed in US dollars while a portion of its business is conducted in other currencies. Changes in the exchange rates for such currencies into US dollars can increase or decrease revenues, operating profit, earnings and the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

62


The following table details the Company’s sensitivity to a 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar and the Euro, against the US dollar, and the related impact on earnings.finance costs - other expense, net. For a 10% weakening of the Canadian dollar and the Euro, against the US dollar, there would be an equal and opposite impact on earnings.finance costs - other expense, net. As of December 31, 20132015 and 20122014 everything else being equal, a 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar and Euro, against the US dollar, would result as follows:

 

   2013   2012 
   Canadian       Canadian     
   dollar   Euro   dollar   Euro 
   USD$   USD$   USD$   USD$ 

Impact on earnings from financial assets and financial liabilities

   328     41     282     37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2011, in accordance with the Company’s foreign exchange rate risk policy, the Company executed a series of 9 monthly forward foreign exchange rate contracts to purchase an aggregate CDN$10.0 million beginning in July 2011 through March 2012, at fixed exchange rates ranging from CDN$0.9692 to CDN$0.9766 to the US dollar and a series of five monthly forward foreign exchange rate contracts to purchase an aggregate CDN$10.0 million beginning in March 2012 through July 2012, at fixed exchange rates ranging from CDN$1.0564 to CDN$1.0568 to the US dollar. These forward foreign exchange rate contracts mitigated foreign exchange rate risk associated with a portion of anticipated monthly inventory purchases of the Company’s US self-sustaining foreign operations that were settled in Canadian dollars. The Company designated these forward foreign exchange rate contracts as cash flow hedges, effectively mitigating the cash flow risk associated with the settlement of the inventory purchases.

Execution and Settlement

During the year ended December 31, 2012, one of the Company’s US foreign operations (the “Subsidiary”) purchased an aggregate of CDN$50.5 million (USD$50.8 million) (CDN$76.9 million (USD$77.8 million) in 2011) of inventories. Included in this amount was approximately CDN$22.3 million (USD$22.4 million) (CDN$26.5 million (USD$26.8 million) in 2011) of inventory purchases previously designated as part of a hedging relationship using forward foreign exchange rate contracts (the “Contracts”). These Contracts, used to reduce the exposure related to the Subsidiary’s “anticipated” inventory purchases during the period of January through July 2012. All inventories purchased and subject to the hedging relationship pursuant to these Contracts were sold as of December 31, 2012.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the cumulative change in these settled Contracts’ fair value was recognized in the consolidated earnings under the caption cost of sales in the amount of $0.2 million, ($1.7 million in 2011). The cumulative change in the Contracts’ fair value was recognized in consolidated earnings as a result of the following:

The Contracts were settled; and

The hedging item (the Contracts) is recognized in consolidated earnings at the same period the hedged item (the inventories) is recognized in consolidated earnings.

Discontinuance of Hedging Relationships

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s management decided to discontinue hedge accounting for specific hedging relationships by terminating the designation of these relationships. The discontinued hedging relationships consisted of seven forward foreign exchange rate contracts (collectively the “Terminated Contracts”). These Terminated Contracts represent the Company’s hedged inventory purchases and related accounts payable during the months of March, June, July, August and September 2011. All inventory purchases covered under these contracts were sold and consequently were included in the determination of net earnings for the years ended December 31, 2011. Accordingly, included in the Company’s consolidated earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011 are $1.0 million under the caption cost of sales, representing the gain on these Terminated Contracts, which had been previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a result of applying hedge accounting and a loss of $0.3 million in 2011 under the caption other (income) expense, representing the change in fair value of these Terminated Contracts arising subsequent to the Company’s management decision to terminate the designation of these specific hedging relationships.

63


   2015   2014 
   Canadian
dollar
   Euro   Canadian
dollar
   Euro 
   USD$   USD$   USD$   USD$ 

Increase (decrease) to finance costs - other expense,net from financial assets and financial liabilities

   (258   52     (461   (21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s ABL, Real Estate Loan, term debt and equipment finance agreement advance fundings areCompany is exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to changesthe fluctuations in interest rates applicable on its variable rate Revolving Credit Facility and other floating rate debt. The Company’s overall risk management objective is to minimize the underlying interest rates.long-term cost of debt, taking into account short-term and long-term earnings and cash flow volatility. The Company does not currently hold any derivative financial instrumentsCompany’s risk strategy with respect to mitigate this risk.

In 2011,its exposure associated with floating rate debt is that the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Treasury monitor the Company’s ABLamount of floating rate debt, taking into account the current and term debt were exposedexpected interest rate environment, the Company’s leverage and sensitivity to a risk of change inearnings and cash flows due to changes in the underlying interest rates. ToThe Company’s risk management objective at this time is to mitigate the riskvariability in 30-day LIBOR-based cash flows from the first $100,000,000 through August 20, 2018 and the first $40,000,000 through November 18, 2019 of such variable rate debt due to changes in the ABL,benchmark interest rate.

To help accomplish this objective, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement,agreements designated as a cash flow hedge which expired on September 22, 2011.

hedges. The termterms of thisthe interest rate swap agreement wasagreements are as follows:

 

   Notional
amount
   Settlement   Fixed interest
rate paid
 
   $       % 

Matured in September 2011

   40,000,000     Monthly     3.35  

Effective Date

  

Maturity

  Notional amount   

Settlement

  

Fixed interest

rate paid

March 18, 2015

  November 18, 2019  $40,000,000    Monthly  1.610%

August 18, 2015

  August 20, 2018  $60,000,000    Monthly  1.197%

The interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of periodic payments excluding the notional principal amount upon which the payments are based. These payments were recorded as an adjustment of interest expense on the hedged debt instruments. The related amount payable to or receivable from counterparties is included as an adjustment to accrued interest.

Additionally, the Company elects to use the Hypothetical Derivative methodology to measure the ineffectiveness of its hedging relationships in a given reporting period to be recorded in earnings. Under the Hypothetical Derivative method, the actual interest rate swaps would be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, and accumulated OCI would be adjusted to a balance that reflects the lesser of either the

Index to Financial Statements

cumulative change in the fair value of the actual interest rate swaps or the cumulative change in the fair value of the hypothetical derivatives. The determination of the fair values of both the hypothetical derivative and the actual interest rate swaps will use discounted cash flows based on the relevant interest rate swap curves. The amount of ineffectiveness, if any, recorded in earnings in finance costs in other expense, net, would be equal to the excess of the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual interest rate swaps over the cumulative change in the fair value of the hypothetical derivatives. Amounts previously included as part of OCI are transferred to earnings in the period during which the hedged item impacts net earnings.

The change in fair value of the derivatives used for calculating hedge effectiveness was $0.4 million as of December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2013,2015 and 2014, the impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings offinance costs - interest expense from a 1.0% increase in interest rates, assuming all other variables remained equal, would be a decreasean increase of approximately $0.3 million and $1.0 million, (a decrease of $1.0 million in 2012).respectively.

Credit Risk

Credit risk results from the possibility that a loss may occur from the failure of another party to perform according to the terms of the contract. Generally, the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet for its financial assets exposed to credit risk, net of any applicable provisions for losses, represents the maximum amount exposed to credit risk.

Financial assets that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, trade receivables and supplier rebate receivables and other receivables, namely supplier rebates receivable, and derivative financial instruments.receivables.

Cash

Credit risk associated with cash is substantially mitigated by ensuring that these financial assets are primarily placed with major financial institutions that have been accorded investment grade ratings by a primary rating agency and qualify as credit worthy counterparties.institutions. The Company performs an ongoing review and evaluation of the possible changes in the status and creditworthiness of its counterparties.

Trade receivables

CreditAs of December 31, 2015, there were two individual customers with trade receivables that accounted for over 5% of the Company’s total trade receivables. These trade receivables were current as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, no single customer accounted for over 5% of the Company’s total trade receivables. The Company believes its credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the Company’s credit evaluation process, reasonably short collection terms and the creditworthiness of its customers and credit insurance. The Company regularly monitors its credit risk exposures and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures from resulting in actual losses. Allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained consistent with credit risk, historical trends, general economic conditions and other information and is taken into account in the consolidated financial statements.

64


Index to Financial Statements

The following table presents an analysis of the age of trade receivables and related balance as of:

 

  December 31,   December 31, 
  2013   2012   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 
  $   $   $   $ 

Current

   73,205     69,917     74,371     74,304  

Past due accounts not impaired

        

1 – 30 days past due

   4,408     5,502     3,321     6,530  

31 – 60 days past due

   180     19     709     230  

61 – 90 days past due

   155     227     52     85  

Over 91 days past due

   595     195  

Over 90 days past due

   64     90  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   5,338     5,943     4,146     6,935  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   656     2,392     128     396  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gross accounts receivable

   79,199     78,252     78,645     81,635  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The Company makes estimates and assumptions in the process of determining an adequate allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables outstanding longer than the agreed upon payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade receivables are past due, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, historical results and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-offwrites off trade receivables when they are determined to be uncollectible and any payments subsequently received on such trade receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily calculated on a specific-identification of trade receivable accounts.

The following table presents a continuity summary of the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the year ended December 31:

 

  2013 2012   2015   2014 
  $ $   $   $ 

Balance, beginning of year

   2,392   2,219     396     656  

Additions (recoveries)

   (163 163  

Additions

   286     169  

Recoveries

   428     —    

Write-offs

   (1,599 (4   (980   (425

Foreign exchange

   26   14     (2   (4
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance, end of year

   656    2,392     128     396  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

OtherSupplier rebates and other receivables

Credit risk associated with other receivables primarily relates to supplier rebates receivable. This riskand other receivables is limited considering the amount is not material, the Company’s large size and diversified counterparties and geography.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no single customer accounted for over 5% of the Company’s total receivables. The Company does not believe it is subject to any significant concentration of credit risk.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial liabilities and obligations as they become due. The Company is exposed to this risk mainly through its long-term debt and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company finances its operations through a combination of cash flows from operations and borrowings under its ABL.Revolving Credit Facility.

Liquidity risk management serves to maintain a sufficient amount of cash and to ensure that the Company has financing sources for a sufficient authorized amount. The Company establishes budgets, cash estimates and cash management policies to ensure it has the necessary funds to fulfil its obligations for the foreseeable future.

65


Index to Financial Statements

The following maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities is based on the remaining contractual maturities as of the balance sheet date. The amounts disclosed reflect the contractual undiscounted cash flows categorized by their earliest contractual maturity date on which the Company can be required to pay its obligation.

The maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities is as follows as of December 31:

 

  Other long-
term loans
   Finance
lease
liabilities
   Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities(1)
   Total 
  $   $   $   $ 

2015

        

Current maturity

   —       6,258     64,484     70,742  

2017

   58     6,054     —       6,112  

2018

   100     4,796     —       4,896  

2019

   133,560     986     —       134,546  

2020

   200     424     —       624  

2021 and thereafter

   700     3,037     —       3,737  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
      Finance   Accounts payable        134,618     21,555     64,484     220,657  
  Other long-   lease   and accrued       

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  term loans   liabilities   liabilities(1)   Total 

2014

        
  $   $   $   $ 

2013

        

Current maturity

   3,883     5,611     58,358     67,852     —       6,405     54,890     61,295  

2015

   2,580     5,307     —       7,887  

2016

   2,584     5,494     —       8,078     —       6,327     —       6,327  

2017

   90,346     5,310     —       95,656     106     6,141     —       6,247  

2018

   936     4,055     —       4,991     —       4,887     —       4,887  

2019 and thereafter

   4,958     3,506     —       8,464  

2019

   100,085     1,078     —       101,163  

2020 and thereafter

   —       2,657     —       2,657  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   105,287     29,283     58,358     192,928     100,191     27,495     54,890     182,576  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2012

        

Current maturity

   8,142     1,893     60,222     70,257  

2014

   2,342     1,926     —       4,268  

2015

   1,768     1,839     —       3,607  

2016

   1,772     1,769     —       3,541  

2017

   128,043     1,581     —       129,624  

2018 and thereafter

   1,250     3,891     —       5,141  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   143,317     12,899     60,222     216,438  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

(1)ExcludingExcludes employee benefits

As of December 31, 2013, theThe Company’s unused availability under the ABLRevolving Credit Facility and available cash on hand amounted to $50.3$182.3 million ($54.7as of December 31, 2015, and $206.2 million in 2012).2014.

Price Risk

The Company’s price risk arises from changes in its oil-derived raw material prices, which are significantly influenced by the fluctuating underlying crude oil markets. The Company’s objectives in managing its price risk are threefold: i) to protect its financial result for the period from significant fluctuations in raw material costs, ii) to anticipate, to the extent possible, and plan for significant changes in the raw material markets and iii) to ensure sufficient availability of raw material required to meet the Company’s manufacturing requirements. In order to manage its exposure to price risks, the Company closely monitors current and anticipated changes in market prices and develops pre-buying strategies and patterns, and seeks to adjust its selling prices when market conditions permit. Historical results indicate management’s ability to rapidly identify fluctuations in raw material prices and, to the extent possible, incorporate such fluctuations in the Company’s selling prices.

As of December 31, 2013,2015, all other parameters being equal, a hypothetical increase of 10% in the cost of raw materials, with no corresponding sales price adjustments, would result in a decreasean increase in earningscost of $29.1sales of $39.8 million (a decrease(an increase in earningscost of $43.7sales of $43.9 million in 2012)2014). A similar decrease of 10% will have the opposite impact.

66


Index to Financial Statements

Capital Management

The Company’s primary objectives when managingCompany manages its capital are to: i) provide adequate return to its shareholders, ii) minimize, to the extent possible, the risks associated with its shareholders’ investment in the Company, iii) safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and iv) provide financial capacitysufficient liquidity and flexibility to meet strategic objectives and growth.growth and provide adequate return to its shareholders, while taking into consideration financial leverage and financial risk.

The capital structure of the Company consists of cash, debt and shareholders’ equity. A summary of the Company’s capital structure is as follows as of December 31:

 

  2013   2012   2015   2014 
  $   $   $   $ 

Cash

   2,500     5,891     17,615     8,342  

Debt

   129,814     151,299     152,836     123,259  

Shareholders’ equity

   230,428     153,834     216,728     227,500  

The Company manages its capital structure in accordance with its expected business growth, operational objectives and underlying industry, market and economic conditions. Consequently, the Company will determine, from time to time, its capital requirements and will accordingly develop a plan to be presented and approved by its Board of Directors. The plan may include the repurchase of common shares, the issuance of shares, the payment of dividends and the issuance of new debt or the refinancing of existing debt.

In meeting its principal objective to provide adequate return to its shareholders, the Company undertakes measures to maintain and grow its adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings and free cash flows over the years. Such measures include the introduction of new products, penetration into new markets and market niches, the manufacturing rationalization plan and increasing operating efficiencies.

The Company monitors its capital by reviewing its credit ratings as determined by independent agencies and evaluating various financial metrics. These metrics, which are provided to and used by the Company’s key management personnel in their decision making process, consisted of the following for the twelve months ended December 31:

   2013  2012 
   $  $ 

Adjusted EBITDA

   

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381  

Add back:

   

Interest and other expense

   6,653    14,536  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (35,804  213  

Depreciation and amortization

   27,746    30,397  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

EBITDA

   65,952    65,527  

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   30,706    18,257  

Stock-based compensation expense

   4,937    1,832  

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   161    —    

Other item: Provision related to resolution of a contingent liability

   1,300    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   103,056    85,616  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest expense

   5,707    13,233  

Debt

   129,814    151,299  

Internal financial ratios

   

Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

   1.26    1.77  

Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense

   18.06    6.47  

67


   2013  2012 
   $  $ 

Adjusted net earnings

   

Net earnings

   67,357    20,381  

Add back:

   

Manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges

   30,706    18,257  

Stock-based compensation expense

   4,937    1,832  

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

   161    —    

Other item: Provision related to resolution of a contingent liability

   1,300    —    

Income tax effect of these items

   (1,132  (863
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted net earnings

   103,329    39,607  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flows

   

Cash flows from operating activities

   82,160    84,473  

Less purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets

   (46,818  (21,552
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Free cash flows

   35,342    62,921  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Debt represents the Company’s long-term and related current portion borrowings. The Company defines EBITDA as net earnings before: (i) interest and other (income) expense; (ii) income tax expense (benefit); (iii) refinancing expense, net of amortization; (iv) amortization of debt issue costs; (v) amortization of intangible assets; and (vi) depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before: (i) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (ii) stock-based compensation expense; (iii) impairment of goodwill; (iv) impairment of long-lived assets and other assets; (v) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; and (vi) other discrete items as shown in the table above. Interest expense is defined as the total interest expense incurred net of any interest income earned during the year. The Company defines adjusted net earnings as net earnings before: (i) manufacturing facility closures, restructuring and other related charges; (ii) stock-based compensation expense; (iii) impairment of goodwill; (iv) impairment of long-lived assets and other assets; (v) write-down on assets classified as held-for-sale; (vi) other discrete items as shown in the table above; and (vii) income tax effect of these items. The Company defines free cash flows as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets.

22—22 -POST REPORTING EVENTS

Adjusting Events

No adjusting events have occurred between the reporting date of these consolidated financial statements and the date of authorization.

Non-Adjusting Events

No adjusting or significant non-adjusting events have occurred between the reporting date of these consolidated financial statements and the date of authorization with the exception of the items discussed below.

On February 6, 2014,March 9, 2016, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.08$0.13 per common share payable on March 31, 20142016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2014.21, 2016. The estimated amount of this dividend payment is $4.9$7.6 million based on 60,776,64958,520,335 shares of the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding as of March 11, 2014.9, 2016.

68


No other significant non-adjusting events have occurred between the reporting date of these consolidated financial statements and the date of authorization.

 

6976