Transcontinental Inc. announces its results for Fiscal 2016


MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 6, 2016) -

Fiscal 2016 Highlights

  • Revenues increased 0.9%.
  • Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased 3.0%.
  • Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased 5.1%.
  • Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation per share decreased 43.8%
  • Maintained a solid financial position, with a net indebtedness ratio of 0.8x.
  • Signed a five-year agreement to print the Toronto Star, which took effect in July 2016.
  • Acquired Robbie Manufacturing, a flexible packaging supplier located in Lenexa, Kansas.
  • Acquired Flexstar Packaging, a first flexible packaging acquisition in Canada.
  • Amendment to the normal course issuer bid (NCIB) of the Corporation to increase the maximum number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares that it may repurchase from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 shares. Under its current NCIB, as of November 30, 2016, the Corporation has repurchased 701,590 of its Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at a weighted-average price of $17.42, for a total cash consideration of $12.2 million.

Transcontinental Inc. (TSX:TCL.A)(TSX:TCL.B) announces its results for fiscal 2016, which ended October 31, 2016.

"I am very proud of our 2016 results", said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. "We successfully continued the transformation of TC Transcontinental while recording the highest adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation in the organization's 40 years of history. Our employees can be proud of their work and performance."

"The printing division had another excellent year. The start of printing of the Toronto Star demonstrates the renewed interest in our unique newspaper printing outsourcing model. In addition, we continued to expand our business relationships with retailers and implement measures to enable the optimal use of our network. In the Media Sector, the difficult market realities that are still prevailing led us to significantly reduce our cost structure. Furthermore, we disposed of certain assets that were no longer in line with our priorities. As for the packaging division, I am pleased with the sustained pace of our progress. On an annualized basis, this division's revenues more than doubled and now stand at about 15% of consolidated revenues. The acquisitions of Robbie Manufacturing and Flexstar Packaging were carefully carried out according to our strategic criteria. We are convinced that the initiatives deployed in the packaging division to strengthen our sales force will contribute to the realization of several business opportunities with our already well-established sales funnel."

"Lastly, with our solid financial position and our significant cash flow, we are well positioned to achieve our growth ambitions in the flexible packaging industry."

Financial Highlights

(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts) Q4-2016 Q4-2015 % 2016 2015 %
Revenues 555.6 540.1 2.9 2,019.5 2,002.2 0.9
Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA)
133.9

114.3

17.1


390.1

378.7

3.0

Adjusted operating earnings (Adjusted EBIT) 107.4 87.8 22.3 283.4 276.7 2.4
Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 76.6 60.6 26.4 196.3 186.7 5.1
Per share 0.99 0.78 26.9 2.53 2.39 5.9
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 57.7 100.2 (42.4 ) 146.3 262.6 (44.3 )
Per share 0.75 1.28 (41.4 ) 1.89 3.36 (43.8 )
Please refer to the table "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS financial measures" in this press release.

Preamble

The Corporation revised its organizational structure to combine its services offered to retailers within the printing division. As a result, door- to-door distribution and premedia services have been transferred under the responsibility of the Printing & Packaging Sector. Accordingly, the comparative data for our operating sectors have been restated to reflect these changes.

2016 Fourth Quarter Results

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2016 went from $540.1 million to $555.6 million, an increase of 2.9%. The contribution from acquisitions in the packaging division and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar more than offset the loss of revenues related to disposals and closures in the Media Sector and the decrease in revenues from existing operations. In the printing division, flyer printing volume remained stable and proved once again that this marketing tool is considered essential by retailers to drive traffic to the store. The printing of the Toronto Star, which started in July 2016, as well as door-to-door distribution activities and premedia services, for their part, partially offset the negative impact of the decline in advertising spending in several segments and the completion of the contract to print Canada's census form. In the packaging division, revenues from existing operations increased slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. In the Media Sector, the decline in advertising revenues continued to have a negative effect on the results of local newspapers.

Adjusted operating earnings went from $87.8 million to $107.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, an increase of 22.3%. The acquisitions, the favourable exchange rate effect and higher organic growth offset the above-mentioned decline in revenues from existing operations. The increase in adjusted operating earnings from existing operations is attributable to ongoing cost reduction initiatives in the printing division and the Media Sector and the decrease of $7.4 million in stock-based compensation expense as a result of the change in the share price in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to the corresponding quarter in 2015. In the packaging division, adjusted operating earnings from existing operations remained stable. Despite the favourable impact of the stock-based compensation expense, adjusted operating earnings would have increased 12.7%.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased 26.4%, from $60.6 million, or $0.78 per share, to $76.6 million, or $0.99 per share. This increase is mostly attributable to an improvement in adjusted operating earnings, partly offset by an increase in adjusted income taxes. Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $100.2 million, or $1.28 per share, to $57.7 million, or $0.75 per share. This decrease is mostly explained by the adjustment to deferred tax assets in the United States and the reversal of financial expenses resulting from notices of assessments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Fiscal 2016 Results

In 2016, TC Transcontinental's revenues grew 0.9%, from $2,002.2 million to $2,019.5 million. The contribution from acquisitions in the packaging division and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar more than offset the loss of revenues related to disposals and closures in the Media Sector and the decrease in revenues from existing operations. In the printing division, aside from the loss of a U.S. customer in 2015, flyer printing volume remained stable and proved once again that this marketing tool is considered essential by retailers to drive traffic to the store. Previously announced new contracts, in particular the contract to print the Toronto Star, which started in July 2016, and the contract to print Canada's census form, which ended in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset the negative impact of the decline in advertising spending in several segments. In the packaging division, the decrease is due to an adjustment to the demand from Transcontinental Capri's main customer and the loss of a customer as a result of its sale. In the Media Sector, the decline in advertising revenues continued to have a negative effect on the results of local newspapers.

Adjusted operating earnings went from $276.7 million to $283.4 million, an increase of 2.4%. The acquisitions and the favourable exchange rate effect more than offset the decrease in adjusted operating earnings from existing operations. The lower organic growth is due to the above-mentioned decline in revenues and the investments made to increase capacity and support the growth strategy of the packaging division. Cost reduction initiatives in the printing division and the Media Sector and the decrease of $8.0 million in stock-based compensation expense as a result of the change in the share price in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year partially offset the decrease in existing operations.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased 5.1%, from $186.7 million, or $2.39 per share, to $196.3 million, or $2.53 per share. This improvement is mainly attributable to higher adjusted operating earnings and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in financial expenses net of the reversal resulting from notices of assessment. Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $262.6 million, or $3.36 per share, to $146.3 million, or $1.89 per share. This decrease is mostly due to several favourable adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015, including a $51.7 million revaluation of tax assets in the United States. Moreover, the gain on the sale of the consumer magazine publishing activities and the reversal of financial expenses resulting from notices of assessment also contributed to the variation compared to the prior year. Lastly, a higher impairment expense and greater restructuring and other costs (revenues) also explain this decrease.

For more detailed financial information, please see Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended October 31st, 2016 as well as the financial statements in the "Investors" section of our website at www.tc.tc

Outlook for 2017

We expect stable revenues within the printing division from our offering to retailers, which includes flyer printing, door-to-door distribution and premedia services. In addition, we will continue to develop the in-store marketing product offering. The contract to print the Toronto Star will also have a positive impact on the first six months of the year, and we are also pursuing our initiatives to secure new contracts in this area. However, these positive items should be offset by a decrease in volume from certain newspaper publishers as a result of reduced circulation. Furthermore, our magazine and commercial product printing activities will be affected by a reduction in print advertising in fiscal 2017. Lastly, the non-recurring contract to print the Census of Canada, which has been completed since the second quarter of 2016, will also have an adverse effect in early 2017. With respect to adjusted operating earnings, we will continue our operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives to offset in large part the expected decrease in volume within this division.

In our packaging division, the acquisitions of Robbie Manufacturing and Flexstar Packaging will have a positive impact in 2017. We will maintain our disciplined acquisition approach in this promising market in order to invest in quality assets that meet our strategic criteria. In addition, our manufacturing capacity, combined with our North American salesforce, should drive sustained organic growth. We will also continue the integration of our acquisitions which should generate additional synergies.

In the Media Sector, the impact of the transformation of the advertising market should continue to affect our newspaper publishing activities, partly offset by our cost reduction initiatives. In addition, we will continue to accelerate the shift to digital of our existing operations while focusing on our key competencies in this market.

Our significant cash flows and excellent financial health should enable us to continue investing in order to pursue our growth during fiscal 2017.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Financial information has been prepared in conformity with IFRS. However, certain measures used in this press release do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and could be calculated differently by other companies. We believe that many readers analyze our results based on certain non-IFRS financial measures because such measures are normalized for evaluating the Corporation's operating performance. Management uses such non-IFRS financial information to evaluate the performance of its operations and managers. These measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following table reconciles IFRS financial measures to non-IFRS financial measures.

Three months ended October 31 For years ended October 31
(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2016 2015
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation $ 57.7 $ 100.2 $ 146.3 $ 262.6
Non-controlling interests - (0.1 ) - (0.4 )
Net earnings from discontinued operations - 3.6 - (25.6 )
Income taxes 19.8 (34.2 ) 51.1 15.6
Share of net earnings in interests in joint ventures, net of related taxes (0.1 ) - (0.5 ) (0.3 )
Net financial expenses 3.9 (7.6 ) 15.9 6.2
Impairment of assets 23.2 25.6 53.6 27.2
Restructuring and other costs (revenues) 2.9 0.3 17.0 (8.6 )
Adjusted operating earnings $ 107.4 $ 87.8 $ 283.4 $ 276.7
Depreciation and amortization 26.5 26.5 106.7 102.0
Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization $ 133.9 $ 114.3 $ 390.1 $ 378.7
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation $ 57.7 $ 100.2 $ 146.3 $ 262.6
Adjustment to deferred income tax assets - (51.7 ) - (51.7 )
Reversal of financial expenses resulting from notices of assessment - (11.9 ) - (11.9 )
Net earnings from discontinued operations - 3.6 - (25.6 )
Impairment of assets (after tax) 17.2 20.8 39.6 22.0
Restructuring and other costs (revenues), net of related taxes 1.7 (0.4 ) 10.4 (8.7 )
Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation $ 76.6 $ 60.6 $ 196.3 $ 186.7
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 77.2 78.1 77.6 78.1
Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation per share $ 0.99 $ 0.78 $ 2.53 $ 2.39
As at As at
October October
31, 2016 31, 2015
Long-term debt $ 347.9 $ 347.7
Current portion of long-term debt 0.2 36.4
Cash (16.7 ) (38.6 )
Net indebtedness $ 331.4 $ 345.5
Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization (last 12 months) $ 390.1 $ 378.7
Net indebtedness ratio 0.8 x 0.9 x

Dividend

The Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.185 per share on Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Shares. This dividend is payable on January 19, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 4, 2017.

Conference Call

Upon releasing its fiscal 2016 results, the Corporation will hold a conference call for the financial community today at 4:15 p.m. The dial-in numbers are 1 647 788-4922 or 1 877 223-4471. Media may hear the call in listen-in only mode or tune in to the simultaneous audio broadcast on the Corporation's website, which will then be archived for 30 days. For media requests or interviews, please contact Nathalie St-Jean, Senior Advisor, Communications of TC Transcontinental, at 514-954-3581.

Profile

Canada's largest printer with operations in print, flexible packaging, publishing and digital media, TC Transcontinental's mission is to create products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach and retain their target customers.

Respect, teamwork, performance and innovation are strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. The Corporation's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business and philanthropic activities in a responsible manner.

Transcontinental Inc. (TSX:TCL.A)(TSX:TCL.B), known as TC Transcontinental, has close to 8,000 employees in Canada and the United States, and revenues of C$2.0 billion in 2016. Website www.tc.tc

Forward-looking Statements

Our public communications often contain oral or written forward-looking statements which are based on the expectations of management and inherently subject to a certain number of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are derived from both general and specific assumptions. The Corporation cautions against undue reliance on such statements since actual results or events may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in them. Forward-looking statements may include observations concerning the Corporation's objectives, strategy, anticipated financial results and business outlook. The Corporation's future performance may also be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's will or control. These factors include, but are not limited to, the economic situation in the world and particularly in Canada and the United States, structural changes in the industries in which the Corporation operates, the exchange rate, availability of capital, energy costs, competition, the Corporation's capacity to engage in strategic transactions and integrate acquisitions into its activities, the regulatory environment, the safety of its packaging products used in the food industry, innovation of its offering and concentration of its sales in certain segments. The main risks, uncertainties and factors that could influence actual results are described in Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the fiscal year ended on October 31st, 2016 and in the latest Annual Information Form.

Unless otherwise indicated by the Corporation, forward-looking statements do not take into account the potential impact of nonrecurring or other unusual items, nor of divestitures, business combinations, mergers or acquisitions which may be announced after the date of December 6, 2016.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

The forward-looking statements in this release are based on current expectations and information available as at December 6, 2016. Such forward-looking information may also be found in other documents filed with Canadian securities regulators or in other communications. The Corporation's management disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these statements unless otherwise required by the securities authorities.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)
2016 2015
Revenues $ 2,019.5 $ 2,002.2
Operating expenses 1,629.4 1,623.5
Restructuring and other costs (revenues) 17.0 (8.6 )
Impairment of assets 53.6 27.2
Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization 319.5 360.1
Depreciation and amortization 106.7 102.0
Operating earnings 212.8 258.1
Net financial expenses 15.9 6.2
Earnings before share of net earnings in interests in joint ventures and income taxes 196.9 251.9
Share of net earnings in interests in joint ventures, net of related taxes 0.5 0.3
Income taxes 51.1 15.6
Net earnings from continuing operations 146.3 236.6
Net earnings from discontinued operations - 25.6
Net earnings 146.3 262.2
Non-controlling interests - (0.4 )
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation $ 146.3 $ 262.6
Net earnings per share - basic
Continuing operations $ 1.89 $ 3.03
Discontinued operations - 0.33
$ 1.89 $ 3.36
Net earnings per share - diluted
Continuing operations $ 1.88 $ 3.02
Discontinued operations - 0.33
$ 1.88 $ 3.35
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in millions) 77.6 78.1
Weighted average number of shares - diluted (in millions) 77.8 78.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
2016 2015
Net earnings $ 146.3 $ 262.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Items that will be reclassified to net earnings
Net change related to cash flow hedges
Net change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 0.9 (6.4 )
Reclassification of the net change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prior periods, recognized in net earnings during the period 6.5 1.6
Related income taxes 2.0 (1.1 )
5.4 (3.7 )
Cumulative translation differences
Net unrealized exchange gains on the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations 13.9 22.6
Net change in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations 0.6 -
Related income taxes 0.1 -
14.4 22.6
Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings
Changes in actuarial gains and losses in respect of defined benefit plans
Actuarial losses in respect of defined benefit plans (49.9 ) (9.1 )
Related income taxes (13.4 ) (2.5 )
(36.5 ) (6.6 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) (1) (16.7 ) 12.3
Comprehensive income $ 129.6 $ 274.5
Attributable to:
Shareholders of the Corporation $ 129.6 $ 274.9
Non-controlling interests - (0.4 )
$ 129.6 $ 274.5
(1) Other comprehensive income (loss) is attributable to continuing operations.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Attributable to shareholders of the Corporation


Share
capital


Contributed
surplus


Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income



Total

Non-
controlling
interests



Total equity
Balance as at October 31, 2015 $ 368.2 $ 3.2 $ 625.5 $ 19.4 $ 1,016.3 $ - $ 1,016.3
Net earnings - - 146.3 - 146.3 - 146.3
Other comprehensive loss - - - (16.7 ) (16.7 ) - (16.7 )
Shareholders' contributions and distributions to shareholders
Share redemptions (6.8 ) - (14.7 ) - (21.5 ) - (21.5 )
Exercise of stock options 0.5 (0.1 ) - - 0.4 - 0.4
Dividends - - (56.2 ) - (56.2 ) - (56.2 )
Stock-option based compensation - 0.1 - - 0.1 - 0.1
Balance as at October 31, 2016 $ 361.9 $ 3.2 $ 700.9 $ 2.7 $ 1,068.7 $ - $ 1,068.7
Balance as at October 31, 2014 $ 366.0 $ 3.4 $ 415.6 $ 7.1 $ 792.1 $ 1.0 $ 793.1
Net earnings - - 262.6 - 262.6 (0.4 ) 262.2
Other comprehensive income - - - 12.3 12.3 - 12.3
Shareholders' contributions and distributions to shareholders
Share redemptions (0.3 ) - (0.4 ) - (0.7 ) - (0.7 )
Exercise of stock options 2.5 (0.4 ) - - 2.1 - 2.1
Dividends - - (52.3 ) - (52.3 ) - (52.3 )
Stock-option based compensation - 0.2 - - 0.2 - 0.2
Business disposal - - - - - (0.6 ) (0.6 )
Balance as at October 31, 2015 $ 368.2 $ 3.2 $ 625.5 $ 19.4 $ 1,016.3 $ - $ 1,016.3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
As at As at
October 31, October 31,
2016 2015 (1)
Current assets
Cash $ 16.7 $ 38.6
Accounts receivable 401.9 393.0
Income taxes receivable 5.8 15.2
Inventories 119.6 116.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15.9 16.2
559.9 579.3
Property, plant and equipment 566.0 567.5
Intangible assets 217.0 257.5
Goodwill 509.7 459.5
Investments in joint ventures 2.9 2.5
Deferred taxes 171.3 181.6
Other assets 35.4 50.1
$ 2,062.2 $ 2,098.0
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 326.4 $ 339.7
Provisions 9.8 10.2
Income taxes payable 3.5 20.7
Deferred revenues and deposits 55.4 51.4
Current portion of long-term debt 0.2 36.4
395.3 458.4
Long-term debt 347.9 347.7
Deferred taxes 43.4 64.4
Provisions 2.9 5.7
Other liabilities 204.0 205.5
993.5 1,081.7
Equity
Share capital 361.9 368.2
Contributed surplus 3.2 3.2
Retained earnings 700.9 625.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income 2.7 19.4
1,068.7 1,016.3
$ 2,062.2 $ 2,098.0
(1) Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
2016 2015 (1)
Operating activities
Net earnings $ 146.3 $ 262.2
Less: Net earnings from discontinued operations - 25.6
Net earnings from continuing operations 146.3 236.6
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations and cash flows from operating activities:
Reversal of the provision for multi-employer pension plans - (22.6 )
Impairment of assets 53.6 27.2
Depreciation and amortization 132.7 128.8
Financial expenses on long-term debt 17.7 19.2
Reversal of interest on previous tax assessments - (11.9 )
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets 1.3 (6.7 )
Income taxes 51.1 15.6
Net foreign exchange differences and other (6.7 ) (7.4 )
Cash flows generated by operating activities before changes in non-cash operating items and income taxes paid 396.0 378.8
Changes in non-cash operating items (48.3 ) (27.3 )
Income taxes paid (74.4 ) (62.9 )
Cash flows from continuing operating activities 273.3 288.6
Investing activities
Business combinations (86.3 ) (100.4 )
Business disposals 4.2 2.2
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment (58.5 ) (64.4 )
Disposals of property, plant and equipment 7.1 21.6
Increase in intangible assets (18.2 ) (22.5 )
Cash flows from investments in continuing operations (151.7 ) (163.5 )
Financing activities
Reimbursement of long-term debt (34.4 ) (77.2 )
Net decrease in credit facility (24.0 ) (31.1 )
Financial expenses on long-term debt (16.2 ) (19.3 )
Interest received related to previous tax reassessments 7.9 -
Exercise of stock options 0.4 2.1
Dividends (56.2 ) (52.3 )
Share redemptions (21.5 ) (0.7 )
Cash flows from the financing of continuing operations (144.0 ) (178.5 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash denominated in foreign currencies 0.5 4.1
Net change in cash from continuing operations (21.9 ) (49.3 )
Net change in cash from discontinued operations - 52.7
Cash at beginning of year 38.6 35.2
Cash at end of year $ 16.7 $ 38.6
Non-cash investing activities
Net change in capital asset acquisitions financed by accounts payable $ 1.5 $ (0.8 )
(1) Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.

Contact Information:

Media
Nathalie St-Jean, Senior Advisor, Communications
TC Transcontinental
514-954-3581
nathalie.st-jean@tc.tc
www.tc.tc

Financial Community
Shirley Chenny, Advisor, Investor Relations
TC Transcontinental
514-954-4166
shirley.chenny@tc.tc
www.tc.tc