Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaging & Containers / CCL Industries Inc

CCL Industries Inc

ccl.b:ca · TSX Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker ccl.b:ca
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Employees 10,000+
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FY2015 Annual Report · CCL Industries Inc
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www.cclind.com

CCL IS A gLoBAL 

SpECIALIT y pACkA gIng  CompAny   

hEADqUARTERED  In   

ToR onTo, CAnADA

CCL’s three business segments are Label,  
Avery and Container. operating in 31 countries  

on six continents, CCL employs approximately  
13,000 people at over 119 facilities.

CCL Label

Avery

CCL Container

CCL Label is the world’s largest 

Avery provides world-leading software 

CCL Container, with plants in Canada, 

converter of pressure sensitive and 

solutions that help small businesses and 

United States and Mexico, is a leading 

extruded film materials for decorative, 

consumers design online or download 

manufacturer of sustainable, impact 

instructional and functional applications 

templates to digitally print labels, tags, 

extruded, aluminum aerosol containers 

for leading global customers in the 

dividers, badges and specialty card 

and bottles for premium brands in the 

consumer packaging, healthcare, 

26 

66

8 

products from avery.com. Products are 

North American home and personal 

28 

16 

56

automotive and consumer durable 

largely sold through distributors, mass 

care and food and beverage markets.

segments.

market and specialty retailers alongside 

complementary office supplies.

Sales by Sector

26% 

7% 

67% 

Sales by Geography

27% 

57% 

16% 

Label

Avery

Container

north 
Label
America

Europe
Avery

Emerging 
Container
markets

CCL Label  
represents  
of total CCL sales. 

67% 

Avery 
represents  

of total CCL sales. 26% 

CCL Container  
represents   

of total CCL sales. 7% 

CAUTION  ABOUT  FORWARD-LOOKING  INFORMATION  This  Annual  Report  contains  forward-looking  information  and  forward-looking  statements  as  defined  under  applicable  securities  laws  (hereinafter 
collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”) that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are predictive in nature or depend on future events 
or conditions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by, but not limited to, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” or similar expressions. Statements regarding the 
operations, business, financial condition, priorities, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of the Company, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this Annual 
Report contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated growth in sales, income and profitability of the Company’s segments; the Company’s improvement in market share; the Company’s capital 
spending levels and planned capital expenditures in 2016; the adequacy of the Company’s financial liquidity; the Company’s targeted return on equity, earnings per share, EBITDA growth rates and dividend payout; 
the Company’s effective tax rate; the Company’s ongoing business strategy; and the Company’s expectations regarding general business and economic conditions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties relating to future events and conditions including, but not limited to, the uncertainty 
of the recovery from the global financial crisis and its impact on the world economy and capital markets; the impact of competition; consumer confidence and spending preferences; general economic and 
geopolitical conditions; currency exchange rates; interest rates and credit availability; technological change; changes in government regulations; risks associated with operating and product hazards; and 
CCL’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements as the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking 
statements. Forward-looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about the following: global economic recovery 
and higher consumer spending; improved customer demand for the Company’s products; continued historical growth trends, market growth in specific segments and entering into new segments; the Company’s 
ability to provide a wide range of products to multinational customers on a global basis; the benefits of the Company’s focused strategies and operational approach; the Company’s ability to implement its 
acquisition strategy and successfully integrate acquired businesses; the achievement of the Company’s plans for improved efficiency and lower costs, including the ability to pass on aluminum cost increases to its 
customers; the availability of cash and credit; fluctuations of currency exchange rates; the Company’s continued relations with its customers; and general business and economic conditions. Should one or more 
risks materialize or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further details on key risks can be found 
throughout this report and particularly in Section 4: “Risks and Uncertainties.”  

Except as otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions or non-recurring or other special items announced or occurring after the statements are made may 
have on the business. Such statements do not, unless otherwise specified by the Company, reflect the impact of dispositions, sales of assets, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or 
transactions, asset write-downs or other charges announced or occurring after forward-looking statements are made. The financial impact of these transactions and non-recurring and other special items can be 
complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them and therefore cannot be described in a meaningful way in advance of knowing specific facts.

The forward-looking statements are provided as of the date of this Annual Report and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements to reflect new events or 
circumstances, except as required by law.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, a reference to “CCL” or “the Company” means CCL Industries Inc., its subsidiary companies and equity accounted investments.

2 0 1 5  L E T T E R   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S

Donald G. Lang

Executive Chairman

Geoffrey T. Martin

president and  

Chief Executive officer

CCL  deLivered  outst Anding  performAnCe  in  2015  with  good  org AniC   growth,  ACCretive 

ACquisitions  And  signifiCAnt  mArgin  exp Ansion  At  CCL  LAbeL ,  substAntiAL   profit  gAins  At 

Avery And  A reCord yeAr  At CCL ContAiner. sALes reAChed $3 biLLion for the first time in our 

history, $320 miLLion free CA sh fL ow*  exCeeded net  eArnings And  return  on equity peAked 

At 21.1% – ALL-time highs in every respeCt. our stoCk priCe moved from $126 A t the end of LA st 

yeAr to $224 A t the CL ose of 2015, driving mArket CApit ALizA tion in exCess of $7.5 biLLion. 

strong results in a fragile environment

Despite the fragile global economy, CCL delivered solid 4.5% organic revenue growth with strong profitability improvement across all 
end markets and major economic regions of the world in which the Company operates. Reported sales increased 18% and adjusted 
net earnings, excluding restructuring and other costs, approached $300 million. All three reporting segments contributed to a record 
year, with adjusted basic earnings per share* (“adjusted EPS”) increasing 32% from $6.53 in 2014 to $8.61 in 2015. Foreign currency 
translation  augmented  earnings  per  share  by  48  cents,  although  partially  offset,  especially  in  the  first  half  of  2015,  by  currency 
transaction  challenges  relating  to  the  stronger  U.S.  dollar  and  weaker  euro  in  certain  international  markets.  Restructuring  charges 
and other expenses were $6 million in 2015 compared to $9 million in 2014, predominantly actions taken this year to improve the 
performance of recently acquired businesses and accruals for plant closures, especially the Avery facility in Meridian, Mississippi (“MS“).

CCL Label

Segment sales exceeded $2 billion for the first time in 2015; operating as CCL Label in three consumer packaging markets, Home & 
Personal Care, Healthcare & Specialty, Food & Beverage and as CCL Design in the durable goods space with particular emphasis on 
Automotive & Electronics.

Our global network continues to build by acquisition, investment in greenfield sites and joint ventures, the latter typically in frontier 
geographies or gaining access to new technologies. In 2015, we commenced greenfield plant projects in Argentina, Mexico and South 
Korea while announcing a new venture to build a state-of-the-art in-mould label plant for injection moulded containers in the United 
States in partnership with Korsini-SAF from Turkey. This commitment to invest in facilities, new markets and advanced technologies 
gives  us  the  scale,  specialized  operations  and  capabilities  to  support  customers’  product  launches,  innovations  and  supply-chain 
initiatives around the world.

CCL Label outperformed in 2015, increasing sales 18% over 2014 with good 5.7% organic growth in a fragile global economy. Emerging 
Markets represented approximately 19% of Segment revenue in a much changed business climate in many countries. Nevertheless, 
double-digit organic growth rates actually strengthened in Latin America, continued at our joint venture in Russia but, as expected, 
moderated significantly in Asia with gains in low single digits. In the developed world, North America posted low single-digit organic 
growth while Europe delivered high single-digit gains where our faster growing Food & Beverage and CCL Design businesses have 

2015 Annual Report

1

2 0 1 5   LE T T E R   T o   S hA R Eh oL D E R S

higher  weighting.  Excluding  the  impact  of  currency  translation,  worldwide  sales  increased  11.9%  and  operating  income*  improved 
24.6% compared to 2014. All global market sectors and joint ventures performed at or above expectations. CCL Label’s 22.2% EBITDA* 
margin is a high water mark for the specialty packaging sector, improving 120 basis points over 2014, partly driven by better results 
from acquisitions completed since 2013.

Home & Personal Care operations were challenged by slow growth developed world end markets for these consumer staples, despite 
improving economic factors in the United States and recovering post-crisis demand in southern Europe; Emerging Markets were also 
mixed. Double-digit gains in Latin America were, in part, due to the rise of the U.S. dollar, especially in Brazil, inflating the cost of raw 
materials in local currencies driving price increases across the supply chain. However, progress in Mexico was largely volume-based 
including market share wins. Asia recovered from the dramatic slowdown in the second half of 2014 in China; posting high single-digit 
2015 organic growth along with markets in the Middle East. In difficult circumstances, the sector delivered organic growth globally 
broadly in line with results of key customers, augmented by the 2014 Sancoa acquisition, which strategically enhanced our position 
in North America. Underlying profit gains were posted everywhere except Europe, where the retail environment is more challenging 
for many customers. Signficantly improved results at the acquired Sancoa operations boosted North American profits where we also 
added capability and capacity investments for both tubes and labels.

The Healthcare & Specialty sector delivered moderate sales and profit improvement globally in 2015. The North American Healthcare 
business  had  another  strong  year,  especially  in  Canada,  but  this  was  somewhat  offset  by  slow  conditions  reported  by  large  agro-
chemical customers, tough comparisions in the promotional business with the prior year influenced by the 2014 World Cup, and sales 
declines in pattern coated products. Results included a $2.0 million one time pre-tax gain on a property sale in the United States. The 
Sennett acquisition, now our Security Products business unit, performed better than expected for its first CCL quarter. Europe was 
mixed with improvements in France, Netherlands and Italy largely offset by declines in Scandinavia and the U.K., the balance modestly 
positive. Emerging Markets profits increased despite currency challenges in Brazil and poor results in Australia, driven by a problematic 
consolidation of two plants, more than offset by China moving into solid profitability after a prolonged start-up. Healthcare & Specialty 
remains the highest operating margin sector for CCL Label.

The Food & Beverage business delivered outstanding results again in 2015, generating double-digit organic sales growth, significant 
profit  improvement  especially  in  Wine  &  Spirits,  particularly  in  North  America  where  the  increase  was  substantial.  Australia,  Chile, 
Mexico, Russia and the U.K. all grew double digits in this space with excellent profit improvement; only results at the new acquisition 
in Germany were a little disappointing. In the beer, juice, water and carbonated soft drinks markets, strong growth continued globally 
for our patented, clear pressure sensitive wash-off labels for glass and PET bottles using our proprietary adhesive coating technology. 
The Sleeve business posted double-digit gains in sales and profits, especially in North America and Emerging Markets, most notably in 
Brazil. Results in Europe were also good, aided in the first half of the year by a fire at a major facility of a key competitor. We relocated 
to  a  larger  facility  in  Turkey  and  started  a  new  plant  at  our  joint  venture  in  Russia.  Our  new  extruded  film  supply  plant  in  Leipzig, 
Germany, posted a profit. The new Closures business delivered sizable profit gains as the 2014 Bandfix acquisition performed ahead 
of expectations. Capacity in the sector overall tightened significantly. We expect Food & Beverage growth rates to moderate in 2016 
after two unusually strong years as we pause to invest in facility expansions and equipment to fuel growth capacity and bring new 
capabilities for the years ahead.

CCL Design sales passed $350 million this year with solid organic growth augmented by acquisitions, underlined by the Worldmark 
transaction in the fourth quarter. Worldmark‘s combined 2015 pre- and post-acquisition revenue exceeded $200 million to leading, 
global OEM customers in the electronic device and IT industry, as featured on the front cover of our annual report. The new business 
has substantial operations in China plus manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Hungary and the U.K. with prototyping design centres in 
Silicon Valley and Taiwan. Worldmark brings important new end markets for CCL Design plus strong materials science development 
capability. In robust automotive markets globally, especially at German OEMs, core sales were up high single digits, with the Munich 
facility, acquired in 2013, delivering excellent results. North America posted solid performance, and we relocated the acquired INTA 
business to new premises where sales grew rapidly but with a significant profit drag as we corrected many operational issues. We broke 
ground at a major new facility in Guanajuato, Mexico, in the second half of 2015 and expect the plant to start up in late 2016. While 
underlying profit growth in the base business was significant, operating margins in this sector remain lower than Segment average; 
improved operational execution could bring important future expansion opportunities. 

2

2015 Annual Report

Avery

Performance from our new consumer arm exceeded expectations for the second year running. We gained share in this important label 
category, growing sales significantly while adding comprehensively to the cost-out targets announced at the time of the acquisition. 
The combination delivered excellent results: $153 million operating income* on sales of $783 million, a margin of 19.5%. In 2015 Avery 
posted modest organic sales growth for the first time since 2000. Underlying profit gains exceeded 25%; including acquisitions and a 
currency tailwind, reported results increased almost 40%. Business in the United States benefited from the mix impact of higher margin 
Printable  Media  sales  growth  offsetting  declining  revenues  in  lower  margin,  back-to-school  commodity  binders  for  retail  channels. 
We  posted  solid  progress  in  Australia,  Canada,  Europe  and  Latin  America  despite  pricing  challenges  in  many  countries  with  local 
currency devaluations to the strong U.S. dollar. The pc/nametag acquisition exceeded expectations, outperforming significantly. This 
encouraged  us  very  late  in  the  year  to  acquire  our  second  direct  marketing  business,  Mabel‘s  Labels,  based  in  Hamilton,  Ontario, 
offering  personalized  identification  labels  designed  for  mothers  with  schoolchildren.  We  continue  to  focus  on  managing  cost, 
particularly around categories facing commercial challenges, announcing the closure of our binder manufacturing plant in Meridian, 
MS. Simultaneously we began to plan a new state-of-the-art binder facility in Mexico and a main U.S. distribution centre in Dallas, Texas, 
both to come on line in late 2017, delivering $8 million in future annualized savings. Avery generates the highest return on total capital* 
of CCL Industries‘ three reporting Segments detailed in our financial statements.

CCL Container

2015 was a record year for this business. Market demand for aerosols in the United States grew modestly, but favourable mix Segment 
wide and solid volume gains in Mexico drove 6% organic sales growth, doubling after positive currency translation, driving revenue to 
$226 million. Profits benefited from mix, lower commodity costs and a stronger U.S. dollar on export sales from Canada and Mexico 
more  than  offsetting  higher  raw  material  costs  in  local  currency  in  Mexico.  Operating  income*  reached  a  record  $26.6  million  and 
EBITDA* surpassed by nearly 5% the $40 million target set at the end of 2013 when announcing the planned closure of our plant in 
Penetanguishene, Ontario. Declines in the Canadian dollar the last three years restored profitability to this location with its entire output 
exported to the United States. Operating margins, however, remain below average for the Segment and customers still prefer to source 
locally. Exchange rates, cooperation from Canadian employees and customer understanding have created the opportunity to take 
time with a challenging consolidation. Preparing to absorb the transition, infrastructure investments completed at our U.S. operation in 
2015 will follow in Mexico in 2016 with the consolidation now concluding in 2017. In mid-2015, our new joint venture with Rheinfelden 
commenced aluminum slug manufacturing in North Carolina. The plant is expected to incur start-up losses through much of 2016 until 
new furnaces and converting equipment build production to an optimum level. We expect the venture to contribute to profits in 2017. 
The aluminum aerosol industry previously had only one credible source in NAFTA countries with imports the only alternative. The new 
venture will supply both CCL and the industry at large.

financial strength brings returns to shareholders

CCL delivered record $320 million free cash flow* in 2015, approximately 107% of adjusted net earnings*. Despite a sizable acquisition 
in the fourth quarter, net debt to annualized EBITDA was just under one times at year-end. Working capital results remain best-in-class 
in our sector. Net of disposals, we invested $155 million in equipment and facilities to improve productivity, expand capabilities and add 
to geographic reach, compared to $164 million in depreciation and amortization expense. We expect capital expenditures in the range 
of depreciation and amortization for the foreseeable future with $195 million planned for 2016. CCL‘s balance sheet retains significant 
capacity to raise returns to shareholders. While accretive acquisitions have always been our priority, the annualized dividend payment 
more than doubled over the decade to 2013, and doubled again from $1.00 in March 2014 to $2.00 per Class B share by March 2016, a 
33% increase over 2015 levels. Total shareholder return was 80% in 2015 and 716% measured over the past five years. 

With 96% of sales outside Canada, CCL provides domestic shareholders with considerable geographic risk diversification. The recent 
strength in the U.S. dollar, if sustained, could again provide an earnings translation tailwind in 2016. As we saw in the first half of 2015, 
this can also bring transaction challenges which might offset some or all of this benefit. 

Over the last 15 years CCL delivered shareholder value as a consolidator of small and medium-sized label businesses. In the past three 
years, we stepped up to handle larger transactions, the success of which is clear to see, but our balance sheet still holds considerable 
capacity as we go into 2016. While we expect to augment organic growth adding multiple tuck-in transactions year by year, we plan 
also to consider larger, transformative opportunities while keeping focus on the industry we understand.

2015 Annual Report

3

2 0 1 5   LE T T E R   T o   S hA R Eh oL D E R S

global Leadership, governance and sustainability

With 119 operations in 31 countries on 6 continents, CCL‘s management team reflects the diversity of the many places where we do 
business. Leadership brings deep industry experience, cultural understanding and entrepreneurial sense: a combination of energy 
and ideas for new directions from a younger generation tempered by wisdom from those around for three and even four decades as 
to where to invest and pitfalls to avoid. Our management philosophy is to “think global and act local” with authority and accountability 
decentralized  under  a  common  mission.  Acquisitions  and  joint  ventures  bring  us  people  with  know-how  in  new  geographies, 
technologies and end markets. Our corporate team‘s goals are to remain agile, minimalist, technically excellent and deeply focused on 
servicing the needs of all stakeholders. People will always be a key criteria for assessing acquisition opportunities. 

Early in 2015 Kathleen Keller-Hobson joined our Board adding further gender diversity, business and legal experience to our deliberations. 
CCL‘s Board of Directors continues to provide strong corporate governance acting in the interests of all shareholders while adding 
broad-based advice and counsel to management. 

CCL  is  committed  to  reducing  the  planetary  impact  of  our  products  and  services.  New  plants  are  built  to  exacting  environmental 
standards involving renewable sources for energy and materials, while a number of existing plants certified operations to ISO 14001 
and 16001 guidelines. Our CCL Design business develops products using low energy LED lighting systems. Many operations replaced 
wooden  pallets  and  corrugated  boxes  with  multi-trip  returnable  systems  in  collaborative  logistic  partnerships  with  suppliers  and 
customers. Businesses using papers in the label making process offer preferred products from Forest Stewardship Council certified 
suppliers. Patented, wash-off, clear film pressure sensitive labels facilitate multi-trip use of glass bottles reducing waste going to landfill. 
CCL‘s tubes use post-consumer plastic resins and our aerosol manufacturing process has no landfill waste. Triple S® sleeves decorate 
PET  beverage  containers  without  adhesive  or  heat,  allowing  easy  label  removal  in  bottle  recycling  systems.  We  developed  closed-
loop liner waste recycling programs and down gauged films for pressure sensitive labels. Finally, in partnership with our large global 
consumer product customers, we participated in the “call for action“ from business at the United Nations Climate Change summit in 
Paris last November where governments and world leaders finally agreed targets for change. 

2016 outlook

Collapsing oil prices, volatile stock markets and currency exchange rates added to the air of uncertainty as 2016 began. So far we 
have seen no impact on CCL‘s immediate prospects with signficantly broadened exposure to many new end markets and geographies 
these last three years. However, like others, we are not immune to world events and economic pressures, but we do believe we are now 
more resilient in the face of difficulties and better able to prosper in good times. Our immediate focus is to sustain recent, dramatic, 
transformational improvements, conscious that these achievements are a floor for investors that have most recently joined us. Our 
minds are therefore also to the future and the next phase of CCL‘s development.

Finally, we would like to thank our customers and suppliers for their partnership and support while recognizing the great contributions 
of our employees around the world – now topping 13,000 – for their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, hard work and committment that 
we believe has made CCL such a dynamic and developing company.

Donald G. Lang  

Executive Chairman 

Geoffrey T. Martin 

President and Chief Executive Officer

* non-IFRS measures. See section 5 of CCL’s management’s Discussion and Analysis for more detail.

4

2015 Annual Report

F i n a n c i a l   H i gHl i gHt s

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share and ratio data)

Sales 

EBITDA* 

% of sales 

Restructuring and other items – net loss 

Net earnings  

% of sales  

Per class B share
Basic earnings 
Diluted earnings 
Adjusted basic earnings* 
Dividends  

As at December 31

Total assets 
Net debt* 
Total equity 
Net debt to total book capitalization*  
Return on equity (before other expenses)*   
Number of employees  

* 

 A non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A.

2015  

2014 

  % Change

$  3,039,112  

 $  2,585,637  

$ 

 608,413 

$ 

 481,590  

17.5%

26.3% 

18.6% 

9,104  

216,566  

36.3% 

20.0% 

6,023 

295,078  

9.7% 

8.50  
 8.38  
8.61  
1.50  

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
 $ 

8.4% 

6.31  
 6.19  
6.53  
1.10 

$  3,582,305 
$ 
599,827  
 $  1,621,878  

 $  2,618,375  
 $ 
437,196  
$  1,216,219  

27.0% 
21.1% 

13,000 

26.4%  
20.1%  

 10,200  

34.7%
35.4%
31.9%
36.4%

36.8% 
37.2% 
33.4%

27.5%

2015 Annual Report

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) of CCL Industries Inc.  
(“CCL” or “the Company”) relates to the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. In preparing this MD&A, the Company 
has taken into account information available until February 25, 2016, unless otherwise noted. This MD&A should be read in 
conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2015, year-end consolidated financial statements, which form part of the  
CCL Industries Inc. 2015 Annual Report dated February 25, 2016. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and, unless otherwise noted, both the financial statements and this 
MD&A are expressed in Canadian dollars as the reporting currency. The major measurement currencies of CCL’s operations 
are the Canadian dollar, the Chilean peso, the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Argentinian peso, the Australian dollar, the Brazilian 
real, the Chinese renminbi, the Danish krone, the Egyptian pound, the Japanese yen, the Korean won, the Mexican peso, the 
Philippine peso, the Polish zloty, the Russian ruble, the South African rand, the Swiss franc, the Thai baht, the Turkish lira,  
the U.A.E. dirham, the U.K. pound sterling and the Vietnamese dong. All per Class B non-voting share (“Class B share”) amounts 
in this document are expressed on an undiluted basis, unless otherwise indicated. CCL’s Audit Committee and its Board of 
Directors (the “Board”) have reviewed this MD&A to ensure consistency with the approved strategy of the Company and the 
results of the Company.

i nDeX

  7  1. corporate overview

  7  A) The Company

  8  B) Customers and Markets

  8  C) Strategy and Financial Targets

 11  D) Recent Acquisitions and Dispositions

 12  E) Subsequent Events

 12  F) Consolidated Annual Financial Results

 15  g) Seasonality and Fourth Quarter Financial Results

 18  2. Business segment Review

 18  A) general

 21  B) Label Segment

 24  C) Avery Segment

25  D) Container Segment

 27  E) Joint Ventures

 28  3. Financing and Risk Management

 28  A) Liquidity and Capital Resources

 29  B) Cash Flow 

29  C) Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange Management and other Hedges

 30  D) Equity and Dividends

 31  E) Commitments and other Contractual obligations

 32   F) Controls and Procedures

  32  4. Risks and uncertainties

 38  5. accounting Policies and non-iFRs Measures

 38  A) Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures

 43  B) Accounting Policies and New Standards

 44  C) Critical Accounting Estimates

 44  D) Related Party Transactions

45  6. outlook

6

2015 Annual Report

F oRw A R D- L o oK I Ng   IN F oR M AT IoN

This MD&A contains forward-looking information 
and forward-looking statements as defined under 
applicable securities laws (hereinafter collectively 
referred to as “forward-looking statements”) that 
involve  a  number  of  risks  and  uncertainties. 
include  all 
Forward-looking  statements 
statements  that  are  predictive  in  nature  or 
depend on future events or conditions. Forward-
looking statements are typically identified by, but 
not  limited  to,  the  words  “believes,”  “expects,” 
“anticipates,”  “estimates,”  “intends,”  “plans” 
or  similar  expressions.  Statements  regarding 
the  operations,  business,  financial  condition, 
priorities,  ongoing  objectives,  strategies  and 
outlook of the Company, other than statements 
of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. 
Specifically, this MD&A contains forward-looking 
statements  regarding  the  anticipated  growth  in 
sales, income and profitability of the Company’s 
segments; the Company’s improvement in market 
share;  the  Company’s  capital  spending  levels 
and  planned  capital  expenditures  in  2016;  the 
adequacy of the Company’s financial liquidity; the 
Company’s targeted return on equity, earnings per 
share, EBITDA growth rates and dividend payout; 
the Company’s effective tax rate; the Company’s 
ongoing  business  strategy;  and  the  Company’s 
expectations  regarding  general  business  and 
economic conditions.

Forward-looking  statements  are  not  guarantees 
of future performance. They involve known and 
unknown  risks  and  uncertainties  relating  to 
future  events  and  conditions  including,  but  not 
limited to, the uncertainty of the recovery from 
the  global  financial  crisis  and  its  impact  on  the 
world economy and capital markets; the impact 
of  competition;  consumer  confidence  and 
spending  preferences;  general  economic  and 
geopolitical conditions; currency exchange rates; 
interest rates and credit availability; technological 
change; changes in government regulations; risks 
associated with operating and product hazards; 

 
and CCL’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements as the Company’s 
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements 
are also based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about 
the following: global economic recovery and higher consumer spending; improved customer demand for the Company’s 
products; continued historical growth trends, market growth in specific segments and entering into new segments; the 
Company’s ability to provide a wide range of products to multinational customers on a global basis; the benefits of the 
Company’s focused strategies and operational approach; the Company’s ability to implement its acquisition strategy and 
successfully integrate acquired businesses; the achievement of the Company’s plans for improved efficiency and lower costs, 
including the ability to pass on aluminum cost increases to its customers; the availability of cash and credit; fluctuations 
of currency exchange rates; the Company’s continued relations with its customers; and general business and economic 
conditions. Should one or more risks materialize or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual results could vary 
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further details on key risks can be found 
throughout this report and particularly in Section 4: “Risks and Uncertainties.”

Except as otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions or non-recurring 
or other special items announced or occurring after the statements are made may have on the business. Such statements do 
not, unless otherwise specified by the Company, reflect the impact of dispositions, sales of assets, monetizations, mergers, 
acquisitions, other business combinations or transactions, asset write-downs or other charges announced or occurring after 
forward-looking statements are made. The financial impact of these transactions and non-recurring and other special items 
can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them and therefore cannot be described in a meaningful way 
in advance of knowing specific facts.

The forward-looking statements are provided as of the date of this MD&A and the Company does not assume any obligation 
to update or revise the forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, a reference to “CCL” or “the Company” means CCL Industries Inc., its subsidiary 
companies and equity accounted investments.

1 .   c oR P oRat e  o VeRVi eW

a)  the company

CCL Industries Inc. is the world’s largest converter of pressure sensitive and extruded film materials for a wide range of 
decorative,  instructional and  functional  applications for large global customers in the consumer packaging, healthcare, 
automotive and consumer durables markets. Extruded plastic tubes, folded instructional leaflets, precision printed and die 
cut metal components with LED displays and other complementary products and services are sold in parallel to specific end-
use markets. Avery is the world’s largest supplier of labels, specialty converted media and software solutions to enable short 
run digital printing in businesses and homes alongside complementary office products sold through distributors and mass 
market retailers. CCL’s Container Segment is a leading producer of impact extruded aluminum aerosol cans and bottles for 
consumer packaged goods customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Founded in 1951, the Company has been publicly listed under its current name since 1980. CCL’s corporate offices are located 
in Toronto, Canada, and Framingham, Massachusetts, United States. The corporate offices provide executive and centralized 
services such as finance, accounting, internal audit, treasury, risk management, legal, tax, human resources, information 
technology and environmental, health and safety and oversight of operations. CCL employs approximately 13,000 people in 
119 production facilities located in North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, including equity 
investments in Russia operating five facilities, the Middle East operating five facilities, Chile operating one facility, Thailand 
operating one facility and the United States, operating one aluminum slug facility supporting the Container Segment. The 
Company also has a label and tube license holder operating two plants in Indonesia.

2015 Annual Report

7

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

B)  customers and Markets

The state of the global economy and geopolitical events can affect consumer demand and ultimately CCL’s customers’ plans 
to promote competitive activity in their categories by developing marketing and sales strategies including the introduction 
of  new  products.  These  factors  directly  influence  the  demand  for  CCL’s  products.  The  Company’s  growth  expectations 
generally mirror the trends of each of the markets and product lines in which CCL’s customers compete and the growth of 
the economy in each geographic region. CCL anticipates improving its market share generally in each market and category 
over time, which is consistent with its overall historical trend.

The label market is large and highly fragmented with many players but with no single competitor having the substantial 
operating breadth or global reach of CCL’s Label Segment. Avery has a dominant market-leading position for its products in 
North America, Europe and Australia. It also has a small developing presence in Latin America. The Container Segment operates 
only in North America including Mexico. There are three direct competitors in the Container business in the United States  
and one in Mexico. 

c)  strategy and Financial targets

CCL’s vision is to increase shareholder value through leading supply chain solutions and product innovations around the 
world. CCL builds on the strength of its people in marketing, manufacturing and product development; and nurtures strong 
relationships with its international, national, and regional customers and suppliers. The Company anticipates increasing its 
market share in most product categories by capitalizing on consumer insights and the growth of its customers, by following 
market developments such as globalization, new product innovation, branding and consumer trends.

A key attribute of CCL’s strategy is maintaining its focus and discipline. The Company aspires to be the market leader and 
the highest value-added  producer  in  each customer sector and region in which it chooses to compete. CCL’s primary 
objective is to invest in the growth of the Label Segment globally both organically and by acquisition. The Avery Segment 
has similar objectives aligned to applications in labels and specialty converted media that enable short run digital printing 
in businesses and homes. In 2015, the Label Segment augmented its Healthcare & Specialty operation in the United States 
with the acquisition of a specialty security printing business, and significantly expanded CCL Design with three acquisitions 
increasing its product depth and geographic presence in China, germany, Hungary, Mexico, the United States and the 
United Kingdom. The Avery Segment acquired two companies enhancing its printable media suite of software enabled 
digital print products for small business, home consumers as well as meeting planners in North America. 

CCL expects to continue improving the performance of the Container Segment, realizing further operational and financial 
advances subsequent to the completion of the restructuring plan in mid-2017. Furthermore, with the qualification of the 
Rheinfelden joint venture aluminum slug supply approved, the operation is proceeding to ramp up capacity and production 
with the expectation of reaching profitability in 2017. 

The Company’s strategic objective in the past decade has been the long-term growth of earnings through the building 
of a global business platform with investment in new plants and equipment, acquisitions and innovation in new product 
development.  This  approach  is  intended  to  allow  the  Company  to  increase  market  share  and  to  grow  internationally. 
The acquisition strategy includes seeking attractively priced targets within CCL’s core competencies and manufacturing 
capabilities  that  will  be  immediately  accretive  to  earnings.  In  addition,  such  acquisitions  should  generally  support  its 
strategic geographic expansion plans and/or provide new technologies, customer relationships and products to CCL’s 
portfolio.

The Company’s financial strategy is to be fiscally prudent and conservative. The Company’s reported resilient financial 
results,  ensuing  strong  cash  flow,  resulted  in  a  strong  balance  sheet.  During  good  and  difficult  economic  times,  the 
Company has maintained high levels of cash on hand and unused lines of credit to reduce its financial risk and to provide 
flexibility  when  acquisition  opportunities  are  available.  Just  prior  to  the  2015  year  end,  CCL  negotiated  an  amended 
syndicated  US$1.2  billion  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility,  which  at  December  31,  2015,  provided  US$720  million  of 
undrawn capacity. 

8

2015 Annual Report

CCL maintains a continuous focus on minimizing its investment in working capital in order to maximize cash flow in support 
of  the  growth  in  the  business.  In  addition,  capital  expenditures  are  approved  when  they  are  expected  to  be  accretive 
to  earnings  and  are  selectively  allocated  towards  the  most  attractive  growth  opportunities.  The  Company’s  financial 
discipline and prudent allocation of capital has ensured sufficient available liquidity and a secure financial foundation for 
the foreseeable future.

A key financial target is return on equity before goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items and tax adjustments 
(“RoE,” a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below). CCL continues 
to  execute  its  strategy  with  a  goal  of  achieving  a  comparable  RoE  level  to  its  leading  peers  in  specialty  packaging. 
Despite a substantial increase in the company’s equity base from retained earnings over the last five years, RoE increased 
dramatically compared to 2010 due to significant accretive earnings from acquisitions, as well as improved results in its 
legacy operations. 2015 RoE of 21.1% was a record for CCL: 

Return on equity 

2015 

21.1% 

2014 

20.1% 

2013 

15.8% 

2012 

11.4% 

2011 

10.7% 

2010 

9.5%

Another metric  used by the  investment  community as a comparative measure is return on total capital before goodwill 
impairment loss, restructuring and other items and tax adjustments (“RoTC,” a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance 
Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below). The chart below details performance since 2010. CCL targets 
delivering returns in excess of its cost of capital and has improved its performance consistently since 2010. RoTC of 15.4% 
for 2015 was also a record despite the late fourth quarter debt financed acquisition of worldmark Ltd. (“worldmark”): 

Return on total capital 

2015 

15.4% 

2014 

14.1% 

2013 

11.9% 

2012 

9.5% 

2011 

8.3% 

2010

6.7%

The long-term growth rate of adjusted basic earnings per Class B share is another important and related financial target. This 
measure excludes goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items, tax adjustments, gains on business dispositions 
and  non-cash  acquisition  accounting  adjustments  (a  non-IFRS  measure;  see  “Key  Performance  Indicators  and  Non-IFRS 
Measures” in Section 5A below). Management believes that taking into account both the relatively stable overall demand for 
consumer staple and healthcare products globally and the continuing benefits from the Company’s focused strategies and 
operational approach, a positive growth rate in adjusted basic earnings per share is realistic under reasonable economic 
circumstances.

CCL has achieved significant positive growth in its adjusted basic earnings per share since 2010:

EPS growth rate 

2015 

32% 

2014 

47% 

2013 

52% 

2012 

13% 

2011 

18% 

2010

23%

In 2015, adjusted basic earnings increased by 32% to $8.61 per Class B share. Improved earnings from acquired businesses 
over the past three years, in particular the new Avery Segment, contributed meaningfully to the significant increase in adjusted 
basic earnings per share. Excluding the impact of currency translation, adjusted basic earnings per share increased 22.8%. 
The Company believes continuing growth in earnings per share is achievable in the future as the global economy stabilizes; as 
operating efficiencies are solidified for the Container and Avery Segments post-restructuring and as CCL executes its global 
business strategies for the Label and Avery Segments. 

2015 Annual Report

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

The Company will continue to focus on generating cash and effectively utilizing the cash flow generated by operations and 
divestitures. Earnings before net finance cost, taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding goodwill impairment loss, 
earnings  in  equity  accounted  investments,  non-cash  acquisition  accounting  adjustments,  restructuring  and  other  items 
(“EBITDA,” a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) is considered 
a good indicator of cash flow and is used by many financial institutions and investment advisors to measure operating results 
and for business valuations. As a key indicator of cash flow, EBITDA demonstrates the Company’s ability to incur or service 
existing debt, to invest in capital additions and to take advantage of organic growth opportunities and acquisitions that are 
accretive to earnings per share. Historically, the Company has experienced positive growth in EBITDA, excluding discontinued 
operations:

EBITDA 

% of sales 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 

608.4 

$ 

481.6 

$ 

355.6 

$ 

254.6 

$ 

239.1 

$ 

219.8

20% 

19% 

19% 

19% 

19% 

18%

In 2015, EBITDA increased by approximately 19%, excluding the positive impact of foreign currency translation to an all-time 
best 20% of sales. CCL’s EBITDA margins remain at the top end of the range of the Company’s specialty packaging peers. The 
Company expects positive growth in EBITDA in the future as the Company carries out its global growth initiatives.

The framework supporting the above performance indicators is an appropriate level of financial leverage. Based on the 
dynamics within the specialty packaging industry and the risks that higher leverage may bring, CCL has a comfort level 
up to a target of approximately 4.0 times net debt to EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and  
Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below). As at December 31, 2015, net debt to EBITDA was 0.99 times compared to 0.91 times  
at  December  31,  2014,  despite  the  significant  acquisitions  made  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  This  current  level  of 
leverage and profitability, including the expectation of significant future deleveraging from operating cash flow, would imply 
that CCL’s debt would be in the investment-grade category. This leverage level is consistent with management’s conservative 
approach to financial risk and the Company’s ability to generate strong levels of free cash flow from operations (a non-IFRS 
measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below). This leverage level also allows 
the Company the flexibility to quickly execute its acquisition growth strategy, including larger targets, without significantly 
exposing its credit quality.

The Board also believes that the dividend payout ratio (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS 
Measures” in Section 5A below) is an important metric. CCL has paid dividends quarterly for over thirty years without an 
omission or reduction and has doubled the annualized rate since March 2014. The Board views this consistency and dividend 
growth as important factors in enhancing shareholder value. For 2015, as in 2014, the dividend payout ratio was 17% of 
adjusted earnings. This dividend payout ratio reflects the strong net earnings generated by newly acquired businesses in 
2014 and 2015, as well as the improved results for the legacy operations of the Company. After careful review of the current 
year results and considering the cash flow and income budgeted for 2016, the Board has declared a 33.3% increase in the 
annual dividend; twelve and a half cents per Class B share per quarter, from $0.375 to $0.50 per Class B share per quarter 
($2.00 per Class B share annualized).

The Company believes that all of the above targets are mutually compatible and consequently should drive meaningful 
shareholder value over time.

CCL’s  strategy  and  its  ability  to  grow  and  achieve  attractive  returns  for  its  shareholders  are  shaped  by  key  internal  and 
external factors that are common to the businesses it operates. The key performance driver is the Company’s continuous 
focus on customer satisfaction, supported by its reputation for quality manufacturing, competitive price, product innovation, 
dependability, ethical business practices and financial stability.

10 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D)  Recent acquisitions and Dispositions

CCL is a global company with significant diversification across the world economy including emerging markets, a broad 
customer base, with distinct product lines, and many different currencies. 

CCL continues to deploy its cash flow from operations into its core segments with both internal capital investments and 
strategic acquisitions. The following acquisitions were completed over the last two years:

•	 	In	February	2015,	INT	America	LLC	(“INTA”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	Michigan,	USA,	for	$2.9	million.	INTA	

expanded CCL Design North America’s product offering in the automotive durable labels sector.

•	 	In	 February	 2015,	 pc/nametag	 Inc.	 and	 Meetings	 Direct,	 LLC	 (“PCN”),	 privately	 owned	 companies	 with	 common	
shareholders, based in wisconsin, USA, for $37.6 million. PCN added to Avery North America’s printable media depth in 
the meetings and events planning industry.

•	 	In	July	2015,	Fritz	Brunnhoefer	GmbH	(“FritzB”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	Nurnburg,	Germany,	for	$7.6	million.	
This new business expanded CCL Design’s presence in the german industrial and aerospace durable goods markets. 

•	 	In	October	2015,	the	assets	of	privately	owned	Sennett	Security	Products	LLC	and	its	wholly	owned	subsidiary	Banknote	
Corporation of America Inc. (“BCA”) based in North Carolina, USA, for $45.7 million. This acquisition broadened the Label 
Segment’s technology base and product offering to include security labels, cards and document components.

•	 	In	November	2015,	the	global	operations	of	private	equity	owned	Worldmark	headquartered	in	East	Kilbride,	Scotland,	

for approximately $252.6 million. worldmark is a leading supplier of functional labels for the electronics sector. 

•	 	In	 December	 2015,	 Mabel’s	 Labels	 Inc.	 and	 Mabel’s	 Labels	 Retail	 Inc.	 (“Mabel’s”),	 privately	 owned	 companies	 with	
common shareholders based in ontario, Canada, for approximately $12.0 million. Mabel’s expanded the Avery Segment’s 
printable media platform into web-to-print personalized identification labels for children and families.

•	 	In	February	2014,	Sancoa	and	TubeDec	(“Sancoa”),	privately	owned	companies	with	a	common	controlling	shareholder	
based in New Jersey, USA, for $73.1 million. Sancoa produces labels and tubes and is an integral part of the North 
American Home & Personal Care business.

•	 	In	February	2014,	DekoPak	Ambalaj	SAN.	Ve	Tic.	A.S.	(“Dekopak”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	Istanbul,	Turkey,	
for $4.7 million. Dekopak is a leading producer of shrink sleeve labels for global and domestic customers in Turkey.

•	 	In	September	2014,	Bandfix	AG	(“Bandfix”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	Zurich,	Switzerland,	for	$17.9	million.	
Bandfix produces Specialty labels for European customers, complementing CCL’s Healthcare & Specialty business.

•	 	In	November	2014,	Label	Connections	Ltd.	(“LCL”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	St.	Neots,	England,	for	$2.8	million.	 
LCL is a leading supplier to the commercial graphic arts sector and was the first acquisition within the Avery Segment.

•	 	In	December	2014,	Druckerei	Nilles	GmbH	(“Nilles”),	a	privately	owned	company	based	in	Trittenheim,	Germany,	for	
$16.2 million. The Nilles wine label business was added to CCL’s Food & Beverage operations and the Nilles e-commerce 
platform became a new business unit within the Avery Segment.

Strategically, CCL has positioned itself as a growing specialty packaging company. The acquisitions completed over the past 
few years, in conjunction with the building of new plants in Argentina, Thailand, Philippines, Korea and Russia have positioned 
the Label Segment as the global leader for labels in the personal care, healthcare, food & beverage, durables and specialty 
categories. Furthermore with the addition of Avery, CCL is now the world’s largest supplier of labels, specialty converted media 
and software solutions to enable short run digital printing in businesses and homes alongside complementary office products. 

2015 Annual Report

11

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

e)  subsequent events

on January 21, 2016, CCL announced it had completed three transactions for the Label Segment. CCL acquired privately 
owned woelco Ag (“woelco”), a supplier of durable labels to the Industrial and Automotive customers near Stuttgart, germany, 
together with its subsidiaries in the United States and China, for approximately $27.0 million. 

CCL also acquired Label Art Ltd. and Label Art Digital Ltd., (“LAL”), privately owned companies with common shareholders, 
based in Dublin, Ireland, for approximately $15.0 million. LAL is a leading pressure sensitive label producer in Ireland with a 
focus on Healthcare & Specialty customers.

Finally, CCL invested $6.0 million in cash to increase its stake to 75% in the tube manufacturing joint venture in Bangkok, 
Thailand, with Taisei Kako Co. Ltd. of Japan. Results for this business will be consolidated with a minority interest adjustment 
on a go-forward basis. 

2015 

3,039.1 
2,179.7 
415.1 

444.3 
3.5 
(25.6) 
(6.0) 

416.2 
121.1 

295.1 

8.50 

0.11 

8.38 

8.61 

1.50 

3,582.3 

1,047.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014 

2,585.6 
1,891.5 
358.9 

335.2 
3.7 
(25.6) 
(9.1) 

304.2 
87.6 

216.6 

6.31 

0.22 

6.19 

6.53 

1.10 

2,618.4 

802.0 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2013

1,889.4
1,414.0
256.7

218.7
1.9
(25.6)
(45.2)

149.8
46.2

103.6

3.04

1.03

2.99

4.43

0.86

2,401.6

839.0

F)  consolidated annual Financial Results

selected Financial information

Results of Consolidated Operations

Sales  
Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

Earnings in equity accounted investments   
Net finance cost  
Restructuring and other items – net loss  

Earnings before income taxes 
Income taxes 

Net earnings 

Basic earnings per Class B share 

Restructuring and other items loss per Class B share 

Diluted earnings per Class B share 

Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share 

Dividends per Class B share 

Total assets 

Total non-current liabilities 

12

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
comments on consolidated Results

Sales  were  a  record  $3,039.1  million  in  2015,  an  increase  of  17.5%  compared  to  $2,585.6  million  recorded  in  2014.  This 
improvement in sales can be attributed to acquisition related growth of 5.7% augmented by organic growth of 4.5% and the 
positive 7.3% impact from foreign currency translation. 

Consistent with CCL’s 2014 year, approximately 4.0% of CCL’s 2015 sales to end use customers are denominated in Canadian 
dollars. Consequently, changes in foreign exchange rates can have a material impact on sales and profitability when translated 
into Canadian dollars for public reporting. The 2015 and 2014 results have been positively impacted by the weakening of the 
Canadian dollar. The appreciation of the U.S. dollar and the U.K. pound by 15.8%, and 7.4%, respectively, was slightly offset 
by a 3.3%, 2.9% and 17.5% depreciation of the euro, Mexican peso and Brazilian real, respectively, relative to the Canadian 
dollar in 2015 compared to average exchange rates in 2014. Partially offsetting this translation trend, some of CCL’s foreign 
operations were negatively impacted by their local currency depreciation to the U.S. dollar on transactions.

Earnings after cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative (“Sg&A”) expenses in 2015 were $444.3 million, up 
$109.1 million from $335.2 million in 2014; primarily reflecting the impact of eleven acquisitions made over the last two years 
and significant organic growth in legacy operations in the current year with the corresponding incremental profitability.

Sg&A expenses were $415.1 million for 2015, compared to $358.9 million reported in 2014. The increase in Sg&A expenses in  
2015 relates primarily to the significant acquisitions made over the last two years as well as higher corporate expenses. 
Corporate expenses for 2015 were $52.3 million, compared to $34.7 million for 2014. The increase in corporate expenses 
relative to those in 2014 relates predominantly to an increase in executive long-term compensation expenses and an increase 
in director equity compensation expense connected to their deferred share unit (“DSU”) plan and is directly a result of the gain 
in the Company’s share price in 2015. Late in the fourth quarter of 2015, the settlement method for the director DSU plan was 
amended from a cash-settled plan to an equity-settled plan, specifically with treasury shares. Therefore future remeasurement 
to fair value will no longer be recorded, thereby no impact to corporate expenses, pending shareholder approval at the 2016 
annual general meeting.

operating income (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) for 
2015 was $496.6 million, an increase of 34.3% compared to $369.9 million for 2014. Foreign currency translation positively 
impacted consolidated operating income by 7.6% for 2015 compared to 2014. The Label, Avery and Container Segments 
each improved operating income for 2015 by 30.7%, 39.8% and 48.6%, respectively compared to 2014. Further details on the 
business segments follow later in this report.

EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) in 2015 was 
$608.4 million, an improvement of 26.3% compared to $481.6 million recorded in 2014. Excluding the impact of currency 
translation, EBITDA increased by 18.9% over the prior year. 

Net finance cost was $25.6 million for 2015 and 2014 consisting of an increase in interest expense due to an increase in drawn 
debt offset by the increase in interest income due to higher cash balances for the year.

2015 Annual Report

13

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

For the full year 2015, restructuring cost and other items represented an expense of $6.0 million ($3.7 million after tax) as 
follows:

•	 	For	the	Avery	Segment,	$4.6	million	($3.0	million	after	tax),	the	majority	of	which	was	for	the	closure	of	the	Meridian,	

Mississippi, binder manufacturing plant and final European severance costs.

•	 	For	 the	 Label	 Segment,	 $1.4	 million	 ($0.7	 million	 after	 tax)	 of	 which	 $2.7	 million	 related	 to	 severance	 and	 other	
costs associated with the worldmark acquisition, $1.2 million of severance costs for the closure of a plant in France,  
$1.1  million  of  restructuring  expenses  related  to  the  Bandfix  acquisition  partially  offset  by  $3.6  million  of  forgone 
contingent consideration to be paid pertaining to the Dekopak acquisition.

The negative earnings impact of these restructuring and other items in 2015 was $0.11 per Class B share. 

For the full year 2014, restructuring cost and other items represented an expense of $9.1 million ($7.5 million after tax) as follows:

•	 	For	the	Avery	Segment,	$1.6	million	($1.3	million	after	tax)	representing	the	final	European	severance	costs	in	CCL’s	

reorganization plan and trailing transaction fees associated with the acquisition of the business.

•	 	For	the	Label	Segment,	$7.5	million	($6.2	million	after	tax)	primarily	costs	associated	with	the	closure	of	a	plant	in	France,	
severance expenses associated with the Designed & Engineered Solutions (“DES”) and Sancoa business acquisitions 
and transaction costs related to the six Label Segment acquisitions closed in 2014.

The negative earnings impact of these restructuring and other items in 2014 was $0.22 per Class B share. 

In 2015, the consolidated effective tax rate was 29.3%, compared to 29.2% in 2014, excluding earnings in equity accounted 
investments. The combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory tax rate was 25.3% for 2015 (2014 – 25.3%). The slight 
increase in the effective tax rate for 2015 can be attributed to a release of valuation allowances, primarily due to the renewed 
profitability in Canada, offset by an increase in withholding taxes and other discrete tax addbacks in higher taxed jurisdictions.

over 96% of CCL’s sales are from products sold to customers outside of Canada, and the income from these foreign operations 
is subject to varying rates of taxation. The Company’s effective tax rate varies from year to year as a result of the level of 
income in the various countries, recognition or reversal of tax losses, tax reassessments and income and expense items not 
subject to tax. The Company’s tax rate may increase in the future if the Company earns a higher percentage of its income in 
higher tax jurisdictions or if the Company is not able to tax-benefit its future tax losses in certain countries.

Net earnings for 2015 were $295.1 million, an increase of 36.2% compared to $216.6 million recorded in 2014 due to the items 
described above. 

Basic earnings per Class B share were $8.50 for 2015 versus the $6.31 recorded for 2014. Diluted earnings per Class B share 
were $8.38 for 2015 and $6.19 for 2014.

14 2015 Annual Report

Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in 
Section 5A below) was $8.61 for 2015, up 31.9% from $6.53 in 2014.

The movement in foreign currency exchange rates in 2015 versus 2014 had an estimated positive translation impact of $0.48 
on adjusted basic earnings per Class B share. This estimated foreign currency impact reflects the currency translation in all 
foreign operations and the translation of U.S. dollar-denominated transactions in the Canadian Container operation, where 
almost all sales and a significant portion of input costs are U.S. dollar-denominated. 

g)  seasonality and Fourth Quarter Financial Results

2015 

Sales 
  Label 
   Avery  
   Container 

Total sales 

Segment operating income 
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Operating income   
Corporate expenses 
Restructuring and other items  
Earnings in equity accounted investments   

Finance cost, net 

Earnings before income taxes 
Income taxes 

Net earnings 

Per Class B share 

Basic earnings 

Diluted earnings 

Adjusted basic earnings  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Qtr 1 

Qtr 2 

Qtr 3 

Qtr 4 

Year

486.1 
160.2 
59.6 

705.9 

81.8 
26.6 
8.7 

117.1 
13.4 
0.9 
(0.5) 

103.3 
6.3 

97.0 
28.9 

68.1 

1.97 

1.93 

1.99 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

468.9 
198.2 
54.4 

721.5 

71.9 
45.3 
5.4 

122.6 
13.0 
— 
(0.2) 

109.8 
6.2 

103.6 
30.3 

73.3 

2.12 

2.09 

2.12 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

522.2 
233.1 
57.6 

812.9 

81.6 
46.5 
6.2 

134.3 
12.4 
0.9 
(1.2) 

122.2 
6.3 

115.9 
34.1 

81.8 

2.36 

2.33 

2.34 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

553.1 
191.2 
54.5 

798.8 

81.9 
34.4 
6.3 

122.6 
13.5 
4.2 
(1.6) 

106.5 
6.8 

99.7 
27.8 

71.9 

2.05 

2.03 

2.16 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,030.3
782.7
226.1

3,039.1

317.2
152.8
26.6

496.6
52.3
6.0
(3.5)

441.8
25.6

416.2
121.1

295.1

8.50

8.38

8.61

2015 Annual Report

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

2014 

Sales
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Total sales 

Segment operating income
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Operating income 
Corporate expenses 
Restructuring and other items 
Earnings in equity accounted investments   

Finance cost, net 

Earnings before income taxes 
Income taxes 

Net earnings 

Per Class B share 

Basic earnings 

Diluted earnings 

Adjusted basic earnings  

Fourth Quarter Results

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Qtr 1 

Qtr 2 

Qtr 3 

Qtr 4 

Year

423.8 
132.9 
53.0 

609.7 

69.5 
13.1 
6.0 

88.6 
6.3 
0.9 
(0.1) 

81.5 
6.7 

74.8 
22.2 

52.6 

1.54 

1.51 

1.56 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

423.8 
174.2 
52.4 

650.4 

56.0 
28.4 
4.8 

89.2 
7.4 
1.1 
(1.0) 

81.7 
6.3 

75.4 
20.1 

55.3 

1.61 

1.58 

1.63 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

437.3 
204.7 
47.7 

689.7 

59.2 
44.9 
3.0 

107.1 
11.1 
— 
(0.5) 

96.5 
6.6 

89.9 
26.8 

63.1 

1.83 

1.79 

1.83 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

433.4 
154.6 
47.8 

635.8 

58.0 
22.9 
4.1 

85.0 
9.9 
7.1 
(2.1) 

70.1 
6.0 

64.1 
18.5 

45.6 

1.33 

1.31 

1.51 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,718.3
666.4
200.9

2,585.6

242.7
109.3
17.9

369.9
34.7
9.1
(3.7)

329.8
25.6

304.2
87.6

216.6

6.31

6.19

6.53

Sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 improved 25.6% to $798.8 million, compared to $635.8 million recorded in the 2014 fourth 
quarter. Excluding currency translation, sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 15.9% compared to the prior year 
period. This increase was due to 7.1% of organic growth and 8.8% impact from acquisitions. The Label, Avery and Container 
Segments posted sales increases of 27.6%, 23.7% and 14.0%, respectively. 

operating income (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) in the 
fourth quarter of 2015 was $122.6 million, an increase of 44.2% from $85.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. For the fourth 
quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, the Label, Avery and Container Segments recorded improvements 
in operating income of 41.2%, 50.2% and 53.7% respectively. The improvement in the Label Segment was driven by strong 
results in North America and emerging markets; enhanced by the acquired BCA and worldmark businesses. Results for the 
Container Segment benefited from solid organic growth particularly in Mexico and a sharp appreciation of the U.S. dollar 
as all production from the Canadian plant is sold in the United States. operating income at the Avery segment was a stellar  
$34.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $22.9 million in the prior year period. Avery generated a fourth 
quarter return on sales of 18.0% (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A  
below), due to significantly improved results for North America. Foreign currency translation contributed an improvement of 
9.8% to the consolidated operating income.

EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) for the fourth 
quarter of 2015 was $153.2 million, an increase of 37.2% compared to the $111.7 million for the 2014 comparable period. 

16 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate expenses were $13.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $9.9 million recorded in the prior-year 
period. The change is attributable to increased executive long term variable compensation expense and director equity 
compensation expense connected to their DSU plan which is directly a result of the gain in the Company’s share price in the 
fourth quarter of 2015. 

Net finance cost was $6.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $6.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. This 
increase was attributable to the additional interest expense associated with the $270.0 million drawn on the revolving credit 
facility to fund the acquisition of worldmark during the fourth quarter of 2015.

For the fourth quarter of 2015, restructuring cost and other items represented an expense of $4.2 million ($3.7 million after 
tax) entirely for the Label Segment. Severance costs of $2.8 million associated with the worldmark acquisition and severance 
costs of $1.4 million related to the closure of a plant in France. 

The negative earnings impact of these restructuring and other items for the 2015 fourth quarter was $0.11 per Class B share. 

For the fourth quarter of 2014, restructuring cost and other items represented a loss of $7.1 million ($6.1 million after tax) as 
follows:

•	 	For	the	Avery	Segment,	$1.5	million	($1.1	million	after	tax)	representing	the	final	European	severance	costs	in	CCL’s	

reorganization plan and trailing transaction fees associated with the acquisition of the business.

•	 	For	the	Label	Segment,	$5.6	million	($5.0	million	after	tax)	primarily	for	costs	associated	with	the	closure	of	a	plant	
in France, severance expenses associated with the DES business and transaction costs related to the Label Segment 
acquisitions closed in 2014.

The negative earnings impact of these restructuring and other items for the 2014 fourth quarter was $0.18 per Class B share. 

Tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $27.8 million compared to $18.5 million in the prior year period. The effective 
tax rates for these two periods are 28.4% and 29.8%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate, excluding earnings 
in equity accounted investments, resulted from a higher portion of the Company’s taxable income being earned in lower tax 
jurisdictions. 

The net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2015 were $71.9 million compared to net earnings of $45.6 million in last year’s fourth 
quarter. This increase reflects the items described above. 

Basic earnings per Class B share were $2.05 in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $1.33 in the fourth quarter of 2014. 
The movement in foreign currency exchange rates in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 had an estimated positive 
impact on the translation of CCL’s basic earnings of $0.12 per Class B share. 

Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in 
Section 5A below) were $2.16 for the fourth quarter of 2015, an improvement of 43.0% compared to $1.51 in the corresponding 
quarter of 2014.

summary of seasonality and Quarterly Results

Historically, the seasonality of the Label and Container Segments had evolved such that the first and second quarters were 
generally the strongest due to the number of work days and various customer-related activities. Also, there are many products 
that have a spring-summer bias in North America and Europe such as agricultural chemicals and certain beverage products, 
which generate additional sales volumes for CCL in the first half of the year. However, with the addition of Avery, the third 
quarter will be the strongest for CCL sales as Avery benefits from the “back-to-school” surge in North America. The final 
quarter of the year is negatively affected from a sales perspective in the Northern Hemisphere by Thanksgiving and globally 
by the Christmas and New Year holiday season shutdowns.

Sales and net earnings comparability between the quarters of 2015 and 2014, were primarily affected by regional economic 
variances, the impact of dramatic foreign currency changes relative to the Canadian dollar, the timing of acquisitions and 
the effect of restructuring, tax adjustments and other items.

2015 Annual Report

17

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

The Label Segment has generally experienced strong demand in its existing and newly acquired operations in the past few 
years. The Segment increased sales, excluding the impact of currency translation, in all four quarters of 2015, primarily driven 
by organic growth and acquisitions.

The Avery Segment quarterly results mirrored its expected seasonal pattern for 2015, posting robust results for the third 
quarter of the year reflecting the “back-to-school” intensity in North America. However, since the Avery acquisition in July of 
2013, management has implemented initiatives that have reduced the magnitude of the third quarter back-to-school spike 
attributable to ring binder sales volumes. Therefore operating results for the other three quarters of 2015 improved over 2014 
more significantly than the increase for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter 2014. 2015 annual return on 
sales in the Avery segment was a remarkable 19.5%. This seasonal pattern should continue in 2016.

The Container Segment’s quarterly results were true to its seasonal pattern, however, the year-over-year sharp depreciation in 
the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2015 bolstered the results for the Segment as all the production 
in the Canadian plant is sold to U.S. based customers. 

Net earnings in 2015 increased 36.2% compared to 2014. Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share (a non-IFRS measure; 
see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below), which excludes the impact of restructuring 
charges, was a record $8.61 for 2015, up 31.9% from $6.53 in 2014.

2 .   Bu s i n e s s  s e gMe n t   ReVi eW

a)  general

over the last decade, all divisions invested significant capital and management effort to develop world-class manufacturing 
operations,  with  spending  allocated  to  geographic  expansion,  cost-reduction  projects,  the  development  of  innovative 
products and processes, the maintenance and expansion of existing capacity and the continuous improvement in health and 
safety in the workplace, including environmental management. CCL also makes strategic acquisitions for global competitive 
advantage, servicing large customers, taking advantage of new geographic markets, finding adjacent and new product 
opportunities, adding new customer segments, building infrastructure and improving operating performance across the 
Company. Since 2009, average annual capital spending has been broadly in line with annual depreciation expense. The new 
Avery Segment is less capital intensive as a percentage of sales than CCL’s legacy business. Further discussion on capital 
spending is provided in the “Business Segment Review” sections below.

Although  each  Segment  is  a  leader  in  market  share  or  has  a  significant  position  in  the  markets  it  serves  in  each  of  its 
operating locales, it also operates generally in a mature and competitive environment. In recent years, consumer products 
and healthcare companies have experienced steady pressure to maintain or even reduce prices to their major retail and 
distribution channels, which has driven significant consolidation in CCL’s customer base. This has resulted in many customers 
seeking supply-chain efficiencies and cost savings in order to maintain profit margins. The global economic crisis experienced 
in 2008 and early 2009, the instability of the economic recovery that followed and its effect on the availability of capital 
accentuated this trend. Volatile commodity costs have also created challenges to manage pricing with customers. These 
dynamics have been an ongoing challenge for CCL and its competitors, requiring greater management and financial control 
and flexible cost structures. Unlike some of its competitors, CCL has the financial strength to invest in the equipment and 
innovation necessary to constantly strive to be the highest value-added producer in the markets that it serves. 

Avery  reaches  its  consumers,  including  small  businesses,  through  distribution  channels  that  include  mass-market 
merchandisers,  retail  superstores,  wholesalers,  e-tailers,  contract  stationers,  catalog  retailing  and  direct  to  consumer 
e-commerce. Merger activity and store closures in these distribution channels can lead to short-term volume declines as 
customer inventory positions are consolidated. Avery is the leading brand in its core markets, with the principal competition 
being lower priced private label products. Avery has experienced secular decline in its core mailing address label product 
as e-mail and internet-based digital communication has grown rapidly. In response, Avery has developed innovative new 
products targeted at applications such as shipping labels and product identification. Avery has successfully launched its 
proprietary direct to consumer e-commerce label design software platform “wePrintTM”. In 2014, the acquisitions of LCL and 
Nilles expanded Avery’s digital print capabilities to the commercial graphic arts sector and e-commerce platform to custom 
designed roll fed labels in new markets around the world. In 2015, the acquisitions of PCN and Mabel’s further expanded 
Avery digital print offering to the meetings and events planning industry and personalized identification labels for children 
and families. growth in these new printable media products and in new markets for existing products has slightly exceeded 
the decline in volume for mailing applications and reestablished a growth rate for the Segment ahead of CCL’s expectation. 
It is also CCL’s expectation that Avery will continue to open up new revenue streams in short run digital printing applications. 

18 2015 Annual Report

The cost of many of the key raw material inputs for CCL, such as plastic films and resins, paper, specialty chemicals and 
aluminum, are largely dependent on the supply and demand economics within the petrochemical, energy and base metals 
industries. The significant cost fluctuations for these inputs can have an impact on the Company’s profitability. CCL generally 
has  the  ability,  due  to  its  size  and  the  use  of  long-term  contracts  with  both  its  suppliers  and  its  customers,  to  mitigate 
volatility in costs from its suppliers and, where necessary, to pass on price movements to its customers. The success of the 
Company is dependent on each business managing the cost-and-price equation with suppliers and customers. The cost of 
aluminum represents the largest component of the Container Segment’s product cost. The significant volatility in aluminum 
costs over the past few years has made it especially challenging to manage pricing with its customers who are generally 
accustomed to more stable pricing in other product lines. Consequently, the Container Segment successfully introduced 
pricing mechanisms in its customer contracts that passes through the fluctuations in the cost of aluminum as the commodity 
price changes on the London Metals Exchange (“LME”). 

Most  of  CCL’s  facilities  are  in  locations  with  adequate  skilled  labour,  resulting  in  moderate  pressure  on  wage  rates  and 
employee benefits. CCL’s labour costs are competitive in each of its businesses. The Company uses a combination of annual 
and long-term incentive plans specifically designed for corporate, divisional and plant staff to focus key employees on the 
objectives of achieving annual business plans and creating shareholder value through growth, innovation, cost reductions 
and cash flow generation in the longer term.

A driver common to all Segments for maximizing operating profitability is the discipline of pricing contracts based on size 
and complexity, including consideration for fluctuations in raw materials and packaging costs, manufacturing run lengths and 
available capacity. This approach facilitates effective asset utilization and relatively higher levels of profitability. Performance is 
generally measured by product against estimates used to calculate pricing, including targets for scrap and output efficiency. 
An analysis of total utilization versus capacity available per production line or facility is also used to manage certain divisions 
of the business. In most of the Company’s operations, the measurement of each sales order shipped is based on actual 
selling prices and production costs to calculate the amount of actual profit margin earned and its return on sales relative to 
the established benchmarks. This process ensures that pricing policies and production performance are aligned in attaining 
profit margin targets by order, by plant and by division.

Performance measures used by the divisions that are critical to meeting their operating objectives and financial targets are 
return on sales, cash flow, days of working capital employed and return on investment. Measures used at the corporate level 
include operating income, return on sales, EBITDA, leverage ratio, return on equity, return on total capital, free cash flow and 
adjusted basic earnings per Class B share (all of which are non-IFRS measures; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS  
Measures” in Section 5A below). growth in adjusted earnings per per Class B share is a key metric that the Company monitors. 
It represents earnings per share before restructuring and other items since the timing and extent of restructuring and other 
items do not reflect or relate to the Company’s future ongoing operating performance. Performance measures are primarily 
evaluated  against  a  combination  of  prior  year,  budget,  industry  standards  and  other  internal  benchmarks  to  promote 
continuous improvement in each business and process.

Management believes it has both the financial and non-financial resources, internal controls and reporting systems and 
processes in place to execute its strategic plan, to manage its key performance drivers and to deliver targeted financial results 
over time. In addition, the Company’s internal audit function provides another discipline to ensure that its disclosure controls 
and procedures and internal control over financial reporting will be assessed on a regular basis against current corporate 
standards of effectiveness and compliance.

CCL is not particularly dependent upon specialized manufacturing equipment. Most of the manufacturing equipment employed 
by the divisions can be sourced from many different suppliers. CCL, however, has the resources to invest in large-scale  
projects  to  build  infrastructure  in  current  and  new  markets  because  of  its  financial  strength  relative  to  that  of  many  of 
its competitors. Most of CCL’s direct competitors in the Label Segment are much smaller and may not have the financial 
resources to stay current in maintaining state-of-the-art facilities. Certain new manufacturing lines take many months for 
suppliers to construct, and any delays in delivery and commissioning can have an impact on customer expectations and the 
Company’s profitability. The Company also uses strategic partnerships as a method of obtaining proprietary technology in 
order to support growth plans and to expand its product offerings. CCL’s major competitive advantage is based on its strong 
customer service, process technology, the know-how of its people, market leading brand awareness and loyalty, and the 
ability to develop proprietary technologies and manufacturing techniques. 

2015 Annual Report

19

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

The expertise of CCL’s employees is a key element in achieving the Company’s business plans. This know-how is broadly 
distributed throughout the Company and its 119 facilities throughout the world; therefore, the Company is generally not at risk 
of losing its competency through the loss of any particular employee or group of employees. Employee skills are constantly 
being developed through on-the-job training and external technical education, and are enhanced by CCL’s entrepreneurial 
culture of considering creative alternative applications and processes for the Company’s manufactured products. 

The nature of the research carried out by the Label and Container Segments can be characterized as application or process 
development. As a leader in specialty packaging, the Company spends meaningful resources on assisting customers to 
develop new and innovative products. while customers regularly come to CCL with concepts and request assistance to develop  
products, the Company also takes its own new ideas to the market. Company and customer information is protected through 
the use of confidentiality agreements and by limiting access to CCL’s manufacturing facilities. The Company values the 
importance of protecting its customers’ brands and products from fraudulent use and consequently is selective in choosing 
appropriate customer and supplier relationships.

Avery  has  a  strong  commitment  to  understanding  its  ultimate  end  users,  actively  seeking  product  feedback  and  using 
consumer focus groups to drive product development initiatives. Furthermore, it leverages the Label Segment’s applications 
and technology to deliver product innovation that aligns with consumer printable media trends. 

The Company continues to invest time and capital to upgrade and expand its information technology systems. This investment 
is critical to keeping pace with customer requirements and in gaining or maintaining a competitive edge. Software packages 
are, in general, off-the-shelf systems customized to meet the needs of individual business locations. The Label Segment 
communicates  with  many  customers  and  suppliers  electronically,  particularly  with  regard  to  supply-chain  management 
solutions and when transferring and confirming design formats and colours. A core attribute of Avery’s printable media 
products is the customized software to enable short run digital printing in businesses and homes. Avery recognizes that it is 
critical to relentlessly innovate in its software solutions to maintain its market leading position with consumers. Avery launched 
“wePrintTM”  expanding  its  direct  to  consumer  software  solutions,  and  acquired  Nilles’,  PCN’s  and  Mabel’s  e-commerce 
platforms to leverage acquired digital print software into the pre-existing Avery suite.

within the Avery Segment, most products are sold under the market leading “Avery” brand, and with equal prominence in 
German	speaking	countries,	the	“Zweckform”	brand	name.	The	Company	recognizes	that	in	order	to	maintain	the	pre-eminent	
positions	for	Avery	and	Zweckform,	it	must	continually	invest	in	promoting	these	brands.	The	Company	also	acquired	two	
important, distinct, ‘direct to consumer’ brands in 2015 with “pc/nametag” and “Mabel’s Labels”. Unique consumer insights 
result in successful easy-to-use products supported by the largest end user website in CCL’s industry, advertising, promotions 
and other brand development activities in a variety of communication mediums. Product quality, innovation and performance 
are recognized attributes to the success of these brands. 

The  Company  has  deployed  many  initiatives  to  reduce  the  carbon  footprint  of  its  products  and  services.  These  include 
collaborative logistic partnerships with the Company’s customers and suppliers to reduce the usage of wooden pallets and 
corrugated boxes. CCL continues to develop unique products that help its customers reduce their carbon footprint such as 
CCL’s Super Stretch Sleeves that decorate PET beverage containers without adhesive or energy and CCL’s patented “wash off” 
labels for reusable bottles, which lowers the impact of glass going to landfill. The Company’s greenfield sites are designed 
and constructed to specific standards to reduce CCL’s carbon footprint and some plants have adopted the use of solar power 
to run their facilities. 

20 2015 Annual Report

In addition to CCL’s dedication to preserving the environment, the Company recognizes it must be a socially responsible 
organization. CCL is committed to fair labour practices, maintaining a safe workplace and giving back to its employees and 
the communities in which it operates. The Company’s confidential ethics hotline allows employees to safely voice concerns 
and CCL’s Employee Assistance Program provides reassuring advice and support for anxieties outside the workplace. 

Business segment Results

Segment sales 
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Total sales  

Operating income* 
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Segment operating income 

2015 

2014

$ 

2,030.3 
782.7 
226.1 

$ 

3,039.1 

$ 

$ 

317.2 
152.8 
26.6 

496.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,718.3
 666.4
200.9

2,585.6

242.7
109.3
17.9

369.9

*  This is a non-IFRS measure. Refer to “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below. 

comments on Business segments 

The above summary includes the results of acquisitions on reported sales and operating income from the date of acquisition.

operating income in 2015 was $496.6 million, an improvement of 34.3% compared to $369.9 million in 2014. The increase 
in operating income was attributable to the improvements in all of CCL’s Segments, Label, Avery and Container in 2015 
compared to 2014. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, operating income increased by 26.7% over the prior 
year. Return on sales (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) 
increased to 16.3% in 2015 compared to 14.3% in 2014, primarily reflecting stellar results achieved in the Avery and Label 
Segments for 2015. 

B)  label segment

overview

The Label Segment is the leading global producer of innovative label solutions for consumer product marketing companies 
in the personal care, food & beverage, household chemical and promotional segments of the industry, and also supplies 
regulated labels to major pharmaceutical, healthcare and industrial chemical customers plus long life labels to automotive, 
electronics and other durable goods companies. The Segment’s product lines include pressure sensitive, shrink sleeve, stretch 
sleeve, in-mould, precision printed and die cut metal and plastic components, expanded content labels, pharmaceutical 
instructional leaflets and plastic tubes. It currently operates 105 production facilities located in Canada, the United States 
(including Puerto Rico), Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, germany, Ireland, 
Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, 
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The five plants in Russia, five plants in the Middle East, one 
plant in Chile and a plant in Thailand are connected to the equity investments in CCL-Kontur, Pacman-CCL, Acrus-CCL and 
CCL-Taisei respectively, and are included in the above locations.

This  Segment  operates  within  a  sector  of  the  packaging  industry  made  up  of  a  very  large  number  of  competitors  that 
manufacture a vast array of decorative, product information and identification labels. There are some label categories that do  
not fall within the Segment’s target market. The Company believes that the Label Segment is the largest consolidated operator 
in most of its defined global label market sectors. Competition largely comes from single-plant businesses, often owned by 
private operators who compete in local markets with CCL. There are also a few multi-plant competitors in certain regions of 
the world and specialists in a single market segment globally. However, there is no major competitor that has the product 
breadth, global reach and scale of CCL Label. 

2015 Annual Report

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

CCL Label’s mission is to be the global supply-chain leader of innovative premium package and promotional label solutions for 
the world’s largest consumer product, healthcare and durable goods companies. It aspires to do this from regional facilities 
that focus  on  specific customer  groups,  products  and manufacturing technologies in order to maximize management’s 
expertise and manufacturing efficiencies to enhance customer satisfaction. The Label Segment is expected to continue to 
grow and expand its global reach through acquisitions, joint ventures and greenfield start-ups as well as expand its product 
offerings in segments of the label industry that it has not yet entered.

The Company has completed several label acquisitions over the past few years that have positioned the Label Segment as a 
global leader within its multinational customer base in the personal care, healthcare, household, food, beverage, automotive, 
durable goods and specialty label categories.

The Segment considers customers’ demand levels, particularly in North America and western Europe, to be reasonably 
mature and, as such, will continue to focus its expansion plans on innovative and higher growth product lines within those 
geographies with a view to improving overall profitability. In Asia, Latin America and other emerging markets, a higher level 
of economic growth is still expected over the coming years, despite the slower conditions experienced in the second half of 
2014 and all of 2015. This should provide opportunities for the Segment to improve market share and increase profitability 
in these regions.

The Segment produces labels predominantly from polyolefin films and paper partly sourced from extruding, coating and 
laminating companies, using raw materials primarily from the petrochemical and paper industries. CCL Label also extrudes 
films and coats and laminates pressure sensitive materials and is generally able to mitigate the cost volatility of third party 
sourced materials due to a combination of purchasing leverage, agreements with suppliers and its ability to pass on these 
cost increases to customers. In the label industry, price changes regularly occur as specifications are constantly changed by 
the marketers and, as a result, the selling price for these labels is updated, reflecting current market costs and new shapes 
and designs.

CCL Design now represents a significant fourth component of the Label Segment. Recent acquisitions of INTA, FritzB, woelco 
and most notably worldmark significantly expanded CCL Design, solidifying its global footprint and technological capabilities.

There is a close alignment in label demand to consumer staples other than CCL Design, which is completely aligned to 
the automotive, electronics and durable goods industry. Management believes the Company will attain the sales volumes, 
geographic distribution and reach, mirroring those of its customers over the next few years through its focused strategy and 
by capitalizing on following customer trends.

CCL  Label’s  global  customers  are  requiring  more  of  their  suppliers,  expecting  a  full  range  of  product  offerings  in  more 
geographic regions; further integration into their supply-chain at a global level and protection of their brands, particularly 
in markets where counterfeiting is rife. These requirements put many of CCL’s competitors at a disadvantage, as do the 
investment hurdles in converting equipment and technologies to deliver products, services and innovations. Trusted and 
reliable suppliers are important considerations for global consumer product companies, major pharmaceutical companies 
and oEMs in the durable goods business. This is even more important in an uncertain economic environment when many 
smaller competitors encounter difficulties and customers want to ensure their suppliers are financially viable.

label segment Financial Performance

Sales 
Operating income 
Return on sales 

2015 

% Growth 

$ 
$ 

2,030.3 
317.2 
15.6% 

18.2% 
30.7% 

$ 
$ 

2014

1,718.3
242.7 
14.1%

Sales in the Label Segment for 2015 increased to $2,030.3 million, compared to $1,718.3 million in 2014. Foreign currency 
translation had a favourable impact of 6.3%. The Label Segment increased 5.7% from strong organic growth and 6.2% due to 
the positive benefit of seven acquisitions since the beginning of the 2014 year. 

22 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales in 2015 for North America increased low single digits compared to 2014, excluding the impact of currency translation and 
the acquisitions of Sancoa, INTA and BCA. The stronger U.S. dollar significantly augmented Canadian dollar reported revenues 
but profit margins were negatively impacted as raw materials are largely imported from the United States. Healthcare &   
Specialty results were mixed with significant improvement in Healthcare, partially offset by a soft Ag-Chem market reported 
by many global customers and slow promotional sales compared to a world Cup influenced prior year. Profitability was aided 
$2.0 million pre-tax by a fourth quarter gain on sale of a property in Memphis. The Home & Personal care business increased, 
benefiting from foreign currency translation and a full twelve months of Sancoa’s sales, offsetting a slow consumer market 
for these staples. Sales in the Food and Beverage sector improved on market share wins in both the Sleeve and wine & Spirit 
operations. Sales for CCL Design, increased only modestly despite continued strong demand in the automotive market but 
operating margins improved significantly year-over-year due to cost reduction and productivity initiatives. overall profitability, 
excluding the acquisitions, was up significantly due to strong performance in Healthcare & Specialty, good results in Home & 
Personal Care benefitting from strong improvement at Sancoa, a return to profitability in the Sleeve operation and substantial 
gains in the wine & Spirits sector. Including the results of the aforementioned acquisitions, return on sales improved notably 
in North America.

European sales were up high single digits for 2015, excluding currency translation and the impact of acquisitions in the 
region compared to 2014. Solid results for the Home & Personal Care businesses in the UK, germany and Poland were more 
than offset by share loss and operational challenges of adjusting to customers moving production from locations in France. 
Healthcare & Specialty sales, excluding foreign currency translation, were up modestly compared to 2014 and profitability 
improved with good performances in France, Italy and the Netherlands partly offset by declines in the UK and Scandinavia. 
Results in Food & Beverage in local currencies, excluding the Dekopak acquisition, were again strong on continued good 
performance in the Sleeve business, new applications for pressure sensitive Beverage labels plus excellent results in the new 
Closures sector with solid contribution from Bandfix. Results in wine & Spirits improved in the UK but the Nilles performance 
in germany was a little disappointing. Sales and profitability improved significantly at the CCL Design business due to market 
share gains and the global success of german automobile oEM customers. Profitability improved significantly and especially 
comparatively as the prior year was impacted by a large german customer’s insolvency that resulted in a receivable write-off 
of $1.7 million. overall, European operating income, excluding acquisitions and currency translation, increased maintaining a 
comparable return on sales. The newly acquired businesses: FritzB and the European portion of worldmark met management 
expectations for the year but did not contribute meaningfully to results.

Sales in Latin America increased double digits for 2015 compared to 2014 excluding the impact of currency translation. Sales 
improved in both Mexico and Brazil in all lines of business driven by market share gains and price increases attempting to 
recover the impact of local currency declines and its impact on imported raw material costs, especially in Brazil. operating 
income increased significantly in absolute terms and as a percent of sales, despite a lag in recovering the full impact of rising 
input costs, the economic recession in Brazil and start-up costs for CCL Design in Mexico and the new Home & Personal Care 
plant in Argentina. Results for the Latin American portion of worldmark met management expectations for the year but did 
not contribute meaningfully to results.

Asia Pacific sales excluding currency translation and the Asian portion of the worldmark acquisition, increased low-single 
digits for 2015 compared to 2014. For the year, operations in China delivered solid sales growth in all lines of business due 
to market share wins on slower but still solid domestic demand. operating income improved significantly on productivity 
gains and the Tianjin Healthcare operation swinging to an operating profit in 2015 compared to an operating loss in 2014.  
ASEAN profitability expanded on a very significant increase in Thailand aided by rich mix and foreign exchange gains on 
customer contracts priced in euros. Results in Vietnam improved significantly while start-up costs were incurred in Korea and 
the Philippines. Australian results improved in wine & Spirits but poor performance in Healthcare, driven by a problematic 
facility consolidation, more than offset these gains. Sales in South Africa declined on currency related challenges and an 
unusually strong prior year that included a large Beverage product launch. overall profitability in the Asia Pacific region 
increased,  inclusive  of  the  start-up  expenses  for  the  Korean  and  Philippines  operation.  Results  for  the  Asian  portion  of 
worldmark met management expectations for the year and will have a significant impact on the importance weighting of 
the region going forward.

operating income for the Label Segment improved 30.7% to $317.2 million for 2015 compared to $242.7 million for 2014. 
Foreign currency translation had a positive effect of 6.1% on 2015 operating income compared to 2014. operating income as a 
percentage of sales was 15.6% in 2015 compared to the 14.1% return generated in the prior year. The exceptional return on sales 
stemmed from the significant margin improvements at the DES and the Sancoa acquisitions as well as strong performance 
from the Food & Beverage business. 

2015 Annual Report 23

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

The Label Segment invested $145.9 million in capital spending in 2015 compared to $106.7 million last year partly offset by the 
sale of properties in New Jersey and Tennessee and some equipment disposals. The most significant capital investments for 
2015 were related to the Home & Personal Care and CCL Design businesses in North America and the Food & Beverage sector 
globally. Capital expenditures in the Label Segment are expected to continue in line with depreciation in order to increase its 
capabilities, expand geographically and replace or upgrade existing plants and equipment. Depreciation and amortization 
for the Label Segment was $132.8 million in 2015 compared to $118.6 million in 2014.

c)  avery segment

Avery is the world’s largest supplier of labels, specialty converted media and software solutions to enable short run digital 
printing in businesses and homes alongside complementary office products sold through distributors and mass market 
retailers. The products are split into two primary lines, (1) Printable Media including address labels, shipping labels, marketing 
and product identification labels, indexes and dividers, business cards, name badges and specialty media labels supported 
by customized software solutions, and (2) BoPwI including binders, sheet protectors and writing instruments. The majority 
of products in the Printable Media category are used by businesses and individual consumers consistently throughout a year; 
however, in the BoPwI category, North American consumers engage in the back-to-school surge during the third quarter.

Most products are sold under the market-leading “Avery” brand and, with equal prominence in german-speaking countries, 
under	the	“Zweckform”	brand	name	that	is	better	known	by	consumers	in	this	part	of	Europe	as	well	as	the	direct	to	consumer	
“pc/nametag”, and from 2016, “Mabel’s Labels” brands.

Avery operates ten manufacturing and four distribution facilities. Sales for Avery are principally generated in North America, 
Europe and Australia with a market leading position. There is a small developing presence in Latin America. Avery markets 
its products to consumers and small businesses through many channels that include the mass-market merchandisers, retail 
superstores, wholesalers, “e-tailers” and contract stationers. The business reaches consumers through marketing activities 
including avery.com, pcnametag.com and mabelslabels.com.

Subsequent  to  CCL’s  acquisition  on  July  1,  2013,  Avery  implemented  a  comprehensive  restructuring  plan  to  right  size 
operations and the management organization. In addition to headcount reductions throughout the acquired business, the 
Company reduced its North American supply chain infrastructure closing the two facilities in Massachusetts. operations from 
these two facilities were reallocated to the remaining footprint in the United States and Mexico, and a new state-of-the-art 
manufacturing and distribution facility in whitby, ontario. The final steps associated with this restructuring initiative and the 
closure of the Meridian, Mississippi, manufacturing and distribution centre were announced in the third quarter of 2015. The 
label production from this facility will consolidate into the existing facility in Tijuana, Mexico, by mid-2016 and the binder 
manufacturing will transition to a new Mexican plant concluding after the 2017 back-to-school season. The majority of the 
aforementioned restructuring charges were taken in 2013 and 2014, but final charges of $4.6 million were recorded in 2015, 
with the expectation of reducing annual costs for Avery by approximately $8.0 million from 2018 onward.

Although Avery remains the clear market leader in its industry, over the last decade it has experienced secular declines in its 
core mailing address label and other product lines vulnerable to the rise of internet-based digital communication and data 
storage mediums. In 2015, Avery posted a modest organic growth rate for the first time since 2000 under either CCL or prior 
ownership. growth in new printable media products and new markets for existing products exceeded the decline in products 
challenged by secular decline. 

avery segment Financial Performance

Sales 
Operating income  
Return on sales 

$ 
$ 

2015 

782.7 
152.8 
19.5% 

% Growth 

17.5% 
39.8% 

$ 
$ 

2014

666.4
109.3
16.4%

Sales in the Avery Segment for 2015 were $782.7 million, an increase of 17.5% compared to the $666.4 million posted in 2014. 
Foreign currency translation had a favourable influence of 10.4%, the LCL, Nilles and PCN acquisition added 6.2% and organic 
growth added 0.9% for 2015. 

north american sales were up low single digits for 2015, excluding currency translation and the impact of acquisitions in 
the region compared to 2014. Printable Media products outperformed expectations with innovations and new distribution 
channels offsetting projected declines in the BoPwI category, particularly in the back-to-school oriented low margin ring 
binders. overall profitability improved dramatically across all categories due to new product and marketing initiatives, price 
increases, cost cutting and productivity programs implemented in 2013 and 2014. The newly acquired PCN recorded sales 
and profits above management expectations for 2015. Mabel’s acquired on the last day of the fiscal year will begin posting 
operating results in 2016. Return on sales in this region remains above the Segment average.

24 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
international sales are mostly generated from products in the Printable Media category, representing approximately 21.5% 
of the Avery Segment sales for 2015. Sales, excluding acquisitions and currency translation, declined mid-single digits with 
soft consumer markets in all geographies. A weaker euro and Australian dollar to the Canadian dollar also had a significant 
impact on absolute sales for 2015 compared to 2014 and the stronger U.S. dollar presented pricing and margin challenges 
with materials imported from the United States in certain countries. Profitability improved modestly compared to 2014 due 
to cost reduction programs and productivity initiatives. The acquired operations of LCL were consolidated with existing UK 
operations; results for the acquired Nilles digital print business did not materially impact results. 

operating income for 2015 increased 39.8% to $152.8 million compared to $109.3 million in 2014. Return on sales was an 
outstanding 19.5% for 2015 compared to 16.4% for 2014, reflecting the financial benefits achieved following the restructuring 
initiatives since the July 2013 acquisition.

The Avery Segment invested $13.8 million in capital spending for 2015 compared to $25.0 million for 2014. The expenditures 
in 2015 were primarily for equipment additions in North America to reduce supply chain cost within the BoPwI category and 
equipment to support digital print capabilities for Printable Media, significantly offset by the sale of the property in Chicopee, 
Massachusetts. In 2014, expenditures were primarily for equipment upgrades and the purchase of the key manufacturing 
facility in germany. Depreciation and amortization for the Avery Segment was $15.1 million for 2015 compared to $12.9 million 
for 2014. Capital expenditures for the Avery segment in 2016 will largely be in support of the aforementioned restructuring 
initiative to build a new binder manufacturing facility in Mexico.

D)  container segment

overview

The Container Segment is a leading manufacturer of aluminum specialty containers for the consumer products industry in 
North America, including Mexico. The key product line is recyclable aluminum aerosol cans for the personal care, home care 
and cosmetic industries, plus shaped aluminum bottles for the beverage market. The Segment functions in a competitive 
environment, which includes imports and the ability of customers, in some cases, to shift a product to competing alternative 
technology. 

In North America, there are three direct competitors in the United States and one in Mexico in the impact-extruded aluminum 
container business. CCL believes that it is approximately the same size as its key United States competitor in the aerosol 
market and has about 50% market share. other competition comes from South American, Asian and European imports; 
however, currency exchange rates and logistical issues, such as delivery lead times and costs, significantly impact their 
competitiveness.

The Container Segment currently operates from five plants, two each in the United States and Mexico and one in Canada. The 
Canadian operation for the last number of years has exported its entire output into the United States while posting operating 
losses since the economic downturn in 2009 through 2013. Therefore, during the fourth quarter of 2013, the decision was 
made to close the Canadian operation and redistribute the sales volume to the existing Container operations. The immediate 
plan for this Segment is to focus on improving overall profitability in the United States and growing CCL’s presence in Mexico, 
while redeploying the equipment from the Canadian operation through mid-2017.

In December 2014, CCL contributed a 50% equity investment in Rheinfelden Americas, LLC (“Rheinfelden”), a newly established 
joint venture with Rheinfelden Semis gmbH, a leading german producer of aluminum slugs. This new facility in North Carolina 
will provide an alternate source of aluminum slugs in North America.

Product innovation remains a strategic focus for the Segment, investing significant resources in the development of innovatively 
shaped and highly decorated containers for existing and new customer applications. As the demand for these new, higher-
value products has grown, the Segment has adapted existing production equipment and acquired new technology in order 
to meet expected overall market requirements and to maximize manufacturing efficiencies. 

Aluminum represents a significant variable cost for this Segment. Aluminum is a commodity that is supplied by a limited 
number of global producers and is traded in the market by financial investors and speculators. Aluminum prices and the 
associated “premiums” charged over and above for its supply have been extremely volatile in the past few years and continue 
to have the largest impact on manufacturing costs for the Container Segment requiring disciplined focus on managing selling 
prices to CCL’s customers.

2015 Annual Report 25

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

Aluminum trades as a commodity on the LME and the Container Segment uses pricing mechanisms in its customer contracts 
that pass through the fluctuations in the cost of aluminum to its customers. In specific situations, the Container Segment will 
hedge some of its anticipated future aluminum purchases using futures contracts on the LME if they are matched to specific 
fixed-price customer contracts. The Segment hedged 14.2% of its 2015 volume but has only hedged 12.6% and 4.9% of its 
expected 2016 and 2017 requirements, respectively, and all, including matured 2015 hedges, were matched to fixed-price 
customer contracts. Existing hedges are priced in the US$1,630 to US$1,810 range per metric ton. The unrealized loss on the 
aluminum futures contracts as at December 31, 2015, was $1.1 million. Pricing for aluminum in 2015 ranged from US$1,420 to 
US$1,920 per metric ton, compared to US$1,640 to US$2,120 per metric ton in 2014. 

Management believes that the aluminum container business can continue to improve levels of profitability in the coming years 
with increased demand, continued pricing discipline and by driving greater operational efficiencies with a newly reorganized 
manufacturing footprint in the United States and Mexico. The aluminum container continues to be generally perceived as 
more esthetically pleasing by customers and consumers compared to tin plate containers. The biggest risk for the Segment’s 
business base relates to customers shifting their products into containers of other materials such as steel, glass or plastic, 
leading to a loss in market share. However, certain products and delivery systems can only be provided in an aluminum 
container. The relative cost of steel versus aluminum containers sometimes impacts the marketers’ choice of container and 
may cause volume gains or losses if customers decide to change from one product form to another. Aluminum costs remain 
the key factor in determining the level of growth in the market.

The  success  of  new  products  promoted  heavily  in  the  market  will  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Segment’s  sales  and 
profitability. Beverage products packaged in CCL’s shaped re-sealable aluminum bottles, for example, are directly impacted 
by the success or failure of these new products in the market. Another growth opportunity is the possibility of acquiring 
market share from competitors in existing product lines.

container segment Financial Performance

Sales 
Operating income  
Return on sales 

$ 
$ 

2015 

226.1 
26.6 
11.8% 

% Growth 

12.5% 
48.6% 

$ 
$ 

2014

200.9
17.9
8.9%

For 2015, the Container Segment posted sales of $226.1 million compared to $200.9 million in 2014. The 12.5% increase 
in sales can be attributed to organic growth of 6.2% and a 6.3% positive impact of currency translation. Volume declines 
principally in the Canadian operation were offset by price and mix improvements in the U.S. operation. Volumes in Mexico 
improved, and strong export demand priced in U.S. dollars and currency related domestic price increases more than offset 
the impact of a weaker peso on imported aluminum. Prior year results for the Mexican operation were negatively impacted 
by start-up costs associated with the first production line moved from the Canadian plant. The Segment also benefitted from 
significantly lower aluminum costs and “mid-west premiums” year-over-year on spot sales to customers without contractual 
pricing agreements. As a result operating income improved 48.6%, and return on sales improved to 11.8% for 2015 compared 
to return on sales of 8.9% for 2014.

At current exchange rates the planned closure of the Canadian operation and redistribution of its manufacturing equipment 
to existing operations in the U.S. and Mexico has been postponed until the second half of 2017; consequently, there were 
no equipment relocation expenses incurred in 2015 compared to $0.5 million in 2014. The Company has budgeted a further  
$3.5  million  of  move  costs  to  be  incurred  over  the  balance  of  the  relocation  initiative.  when  announcing,  in  late  2013, 
the closure of the Canadian facility and redistribution of the business to the remaining plants, management had expected 
annualized operating improvements totalling $10.0 million. These savings have now been realized through exchange rate 
benefits and other operational improvements.

The Container Segment invested $12.5 million of capital in 2015 compared to $20.1 million last year. The majority of the 2015 
expenditures were for the previously announced facility expansion and installation of new manufacturing equipment at the 
U.S. operation to enable the efficient redistribution of part of the Canadian plant’s equipment. Depreciation and amortization 
in 2015 and 2014 were $15.2 million and $14.1 million, respectively. 

26 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
e)  Joint Ventures

For the years ended December 31 

Sales (at 100%) 
  Label joint ventures 

Earnings (losses) in equity accounted investments 
  Label joint ventures 
  Rheinfelden 

2015 

106.7 

106.7 

9.1 
(2.4) 

6.7 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014 

84.6 

84.6 

7.3 
— 

7.3 

+/-

26.1%

26.1%

24.7%
n.m.

 (8.2)%

The following investments affected the financial comparisons for the year ended December 31, 2015:

•	 	In	July	2015,	the	Company	signed	a	binding	agreement	with	Korsini-SAF	to	create	a	North	American	“in-mould”	label	
joint venture. The partners will invest approximately $20.0 million between them, in a combination of debt and equity, 
each owning 50% of the new company. The initial capital investment was completed in January of 2016, while trading 
is not expected to commence until early 2017.

•	 	In	January	2014,	the	Company	acquired	an	additional	12.5%	equity	interest	in	Acrus-CCL,	the	Chilean	wine	label	joint	

venture, for US $1.2 million increasing its total ownership to 62.5% of the equity.

•	 	In	December	2014,	CCL	contributed	a	50%	equity	investment	in	Rheinfelden,	a	newly	established	joint	venture	with	
Rheinfelden Semis gmbH, a leading german producer of aluminum slugs. The initial equity investment of $4.5 million 
by both parties along with $13.5 million in debt financing will be used to create an alternate source of aluminum slugs 
in North America.

Results from the joint ventures in CCL-Kontur, Russia; Pacman-CCL, Middle East; Acrus-CCL, Chile; CCL-Taisei, Thailand; and 
Rheinfelden Americas, United States, are not proportionately consolidated into the Label or Container Segment but instead 
are accounted for as equity investments. CCL’s share of the joint ventures net income is disclosed in “Earnings in Equity 
Accounted Investments” in the consolidated income statement. 

Sales increased significantly at CCL-Kontur, while profit almost doubled net of translation for 2015 compared to 2014 as share 
gains partly derived from interest rate increases following the ruble’s depreciation negatively affected the liquidity of many 
local competitors. Results included start-up losses at the new shrink sleeve manufacturing facility financed entirely by bank 
debt. Pacman-CCL posted significantly improved profitability and contributed meaningfully to overall earnings for 2015.   
For 2015, Acrus-CCL posted significant sales gains and more than doubled profitability compared to 2014. The construction 
of CCL-Taisei’s new tube plant is complete and nominal trading commenced during the second half of 2015; however start-up 
losses partially offset profitability improvements at the other label joint ventures. Rheinfelden Americas, the aluminum slug 
joint venture incurred expected start-up losses for the year, which are expected to continue for much of 2016 with profitability 
targeted  for  2017.  with  qualification  of  the  new  plant’s  output  in  late  2015,  a  second  round  of  debt  financing  has  been 
authorized to acquire capital equipment for production optimization. Earnings in equity accounted investments amounted 
to $3.5 million for 2015 compared to $3.7 million for 2014.

2015 Annual Report 27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

3 .   Fi n a n c i n g  a nD   Ri sK   Ma n ag eMe n t

a)  liquidity and capital Resources

The Company’s leverage ratio is as follows:

For the years ended December 31 

Current debt 
Long-term debt 
Total debt(1) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Net debt(1) 
EBITDA 
Net debt to EBITDA(1) 

$ 

 $  
$  

2015 

167.1 
838.4 

1,005.5 
(405.7) 

599.8 
608.4 

0.99 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2014

59.1 
600.0 

659.1
(221.9)

437.2
481.6

0.91

(1)  Total debt, net debt and net debt to EBITDA are non-IFRS measures. See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below.

In December of 2015, the Company signed an amended five-year US$1.2 billion revolving credit facility with a syndicate 
of banks. outstanding debt on the previous revolving and non-revolving syndicated credit facilities were rolled into this 
amended facility. This amended facility incurs interest at the applicable domestic rate plus an interest rate margin linked to 
the Company’s net debt to EBITDA. 

The Company’s debt structure at December 31, 2015, was comprised of three private debt placements completed in 1998, 
2006 and 2008 for a total of US$239.0 million (C$330.8 million) and outstanding debt totalling $653.9 million under the 
amended revolving facility. 

on March 7, 2016, US$110.0 million of private placement debt comes to maturity; consequently, the current portion of long-
term debt has increased compared to December 31, 2014. outstanding contingent letters of credit totalled $3.6 million; 
accordingly there was US$720.4 million of unused availability on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015. In addition, 
the  Company  had  uncommitted  and  unused  lines  of  credit  of  approximately  US$5.0  million  at  December  31,  2015.  The 
Company’s uncommitted lines of credit do not have a commitment expiration date and may be cancelled at any time by the 
Company or the banks. The Company may elect to repay the aforementioned private placement debt coming due in early 
2016 with unused lines of credit or cash on its balance sheet. 

Net debt (a non-IFRS financial measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) was 
$599.8 million at December 31, 2015, $162.6 million higher than the net debt of $437.2 million at December 31, 2014. The 
increase in net debt was primarily attributable to the additional debt drawn to acquire worldmark and the translation impact 
on foreign currency denominated debt partially offset by the increase in cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt to EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) 
increased slightly to 0.99 times as at December 31, 2015, compared to 0.91 times at the end of 2014 due to the increase in 
net debt relative to the increase in EBITDA. However, the measure remains very strong just below 1.0 times. 

The Company’s overall average finance rate was 3.1% as at December 31, 2015, compared to 3.6% as at December 31, 2014. 
The decrease in the average finance rate was caused by the Company’s increase in drawn debt under the syndicated credit 
facility, which incurs interest at lower variable rates. The Company is unable to repay, without prohibitive penalties, its fixed 
rate private placements, which incur an average finance rate of 6.2%. 

Interest  coverage  (a  non-IFRS  measure;  see  “Key  Performance  Indicators  and  Non-IFRS  Measures”  in  Section  5A  below) 
continues at a high level and was 17.4 times and 13.1 times in 2015 and 2014, respectively, indicative of improved earnings for 
CCL and the low cost of financing under the revolving credit facility.

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities 
when they are due. The Company believes its liquidity will be satisfactory for the foreseeable future due to its significant 
cash balances, its expected positive operating cash flow and the availability of its unused revolving credit line. The Company 
anticipates funding all of its future commitments from the above sources but may raise further funds by entering into new 
debt financing arrangements or issuing further equity to satisfy its future additional obligations or investment opportunities.

28 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B)  cash Flow 

summary of cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities  
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 
Cash used for investing activities 
Effect of exchange rates on cash 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year 

2015 

475.3 
190.8 
(511.3) 
29.0 

183.8 

405.7 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014

403.5 
(138.2)
(255.2)
2.7 

12.8 

221.9 

$ 

$ 

$ 

In 2015, cash provided by operating activities was $475.3 million, compared to $403.5 million in 2014. Free cash flow from 
operations (a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) reached 
$320.7 million for 2015 compared to $264.1 million in the prior year. The increase in operating cash flow and free cash flow 
from operations was primarily attributable to an increase in net earnings, continued improvement in non-cash working capital 
items partially offset by an increase in income taxes paid.

The Company maintains a rigorous focus on its investment in non-cash working capital. Days of working capital employed  
(a non-IFRS measure; see “Key Performance Indicators and Non-IFRS Measures” in Section 5A below) were 9 days at December 31,  
2015, and December 31, 2014. 

Cash provided by financing activities in 2015 was $190.8 million, consisting of net debt borrowings of $224.8 million, primarily 
used to finance the worldmark acquisition and proceeds from the issuance of shares of $18.3 million due to the exercise of 
stock options partially offset by dividend payments of $52.3 million. In 2014, financing activities consumed $138.2 million 
primarily for the repayment of syndicated debts.

Cash used for investing activities in 2015 of $511.3 million was primarily for the acquisitions totalling $356.7 million and net 
capital expenditures of $154.6 million (see below). Consequently, cash and cash equivalents increased by $183.8 million in 
2015 to $405.7 million. 

Capital spending in 2015 amounted to $172.2 million and proceeds from capital dispositions were $17.6 million, resulting in net 
capital expenditures of $154.6 million, compared to $139.3 million in 2014. Net capital spending was slightly less than annual 
depreciation and amortization expense. The Company is continuing to seek investment opportunities to expand its business 
geographically, add capacity in its facilities and improve its competitiveness. As in previous years, capital spending will be 
monitored closely and adjusted based on the level of cash flow generated. Depreciation and amortization in 2015 amounted 
to $164.1 million, compared to $146.4 million in 2014.

c) 

interest Rate, Foreign exchange Management and other Hedges

The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate, foreign exchange and aluminum cost 
risks. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

As CCL operates internationally, less than 5% of its 2015 sales to end-use customers are denominated in Canadian dollars, and 
the Company has exposure to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company partially manages these 
exposures by contracting primarily in Canadian dollars, euros, U.K. pounds and U.S. dollars. Additionally, each subsidiary’s 
sales and expenses are primarily denominated in its local currency, further minimizing the foreign exchange impact on the 
operating results. The Company does not use financial instruments to hedge its U.S. dollar foreign exchange risk. Container 
Segment  U.S.  dollar-denominated  sales  to  the  United  States  from  its  Canadian  operation  are  now  largely  balanced  by   
U.S. dollar denominated purchases at the Label and Avery Segment operations located in Canada. 

The Company also has exposure to market risks related to interest rate fluctuations on its debt. To mitigate this risk, the 
Company maintains a combination of fixed and floating rate debt.

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements (“IRSAs”) to allocate notional debt between fixed and floating rates. The 
Company believes that a balance of fixed and floating rate debt can reduce overall interest expense and is in line with its 
investment in short-term assets such as working capital, and long-term assets such as property, plant and equipment.

2015 Annual Report 29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had an IRSA in place converting US$80.0 million of floating rate debt (hedging a 
portion of the non-revolving syndicated credit facility) into fixed rate debt as the majority of the Company’s debt is floating 
rate debt. This IRSA expires in September 2016.

The Company is potentially exposed to credit risk arising from derivative financial instruments if a counterparty fails to meet 
its obligations. CCL’s counterparties are large international financial institutions and, to date, no such counterparty has failed 
to meet its financial obligations to the Company. As at December 31, 2015, the Company’s exposure to credit risk arising from 
derivative financial instruments was nil. The effect of interest on these swap agreements was to increase net finance cost by 
$0.8 million in 2015 (2014 – increase by $0.7 million).

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had US$447.0 million, EUR 61.6 million and gBP134.0 million drawn under the private 
debt  placement  and  revolving  credit  facility,  which  are  hedging  a  portion  of  its  US$-based,  euro-based  and gBP-based 
investments and cash flows.

The only other material hedges in which the Company is involved are the aluminum futures contracts discussed in Section 2D:  
“Container Segment.”

D)  equity and Dividends

summary of changes in equity

For the years ended December 31 

Net earnings  
Dividends 
Settlement of exercised stock options  
Shares released from trust, net of purchase of shares for trust   
Contributed surplus on expensing of stock options and stock-based compensation plans 
Defined benefit plan actuarial losses, net of tax 
Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income 

Increase in equity 

Equity 
Shares issued at December 31 – Class A (000s) 
 – Class B (000s) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 

295.1 
(52.1) 
22.3 
6.5 
24.3 
1.2 
108.4 

405.7 

1,621.9 
2,368 
32,729 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014

216.6
(37.7)
10.7
0.2
14.3
(9.1)
3.1

 198.1

1,216.2
2,368
32,325

In 2015, the Company declared dividends of $52.1 million, compared to $37.7 million declared in the prior year. As previously 
discussed, the dividend payout ratio in 2015 was 17% (2014 – 17%) of adjusted earnings and below the Company’s targeted 
payout rate of approximately 25% of adjusted earnings. After careful review of the current year’s results and considering the 
cash flow and income budgeted for 2016, the CCL Board of Directors has declared a 33.3% increase in the dividend; twelve 
and a half cents per Class B share per quarter, from $0.375 to $0.50 per Class B share ($2.00 per Class B share annualized).

If cash flow periodically exceeds attractive acquisition opportunities available, CCL may also repurchase its shares provided 
that the repurchase is accretive to earnings per share, is at a valuation equal to or lower than valuations for acquisition 
opportunities, and will not materially increase financial leverage beyond targeted levels. The Company did not repurchase 
any of its shares for cancellation in 2015.

30 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e)  commitments and other contractual obligations

The Company’s obligations relating to debt, leases and other liabilities at the end of 2015 were as follows:

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2015

Payments Due by Period

  Carrying 
  Amount 

  Carrying  
  Amount 

 Contractual 
 Cash Flows 

0–6 
  Months  

6–12 
  Months 

1–2 
 Years 

2–5 
Years 

  More than 
5 Years

Non-derivative financial liabilities   
  Secured bank loans 
$ 
  Unsecured bank loans 
  Unsecured senior notes 
  Finance lease liabilities 
  Unsecured  syndicated bank  

  credit facility 

  Other long-term obligations 
  Interest on unsecured senior  notes 
  Interest on unsecured syndicated  

  bank credit facility 

  Interest on other long-term debt   
  Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial liabilities 
   Outflow – CF hedges 
   Interest on derivatives 
Accrued post-employment  
  benefit liabilities 
Operating leases 

2.4 
10.8 
276.8 
5.7 

362.6 
0.8 
* 

— 
— 
519.4 

0.8 
* 

* 

  — 

$ 

1.3  $ 
11.4 
330.5 
8.0 

1.3 
11.4 
330.8 
8.0 

$ 

0.5 
  0.1 
152.2 
1.5 

$ 

0.5 
10.5 
— 
1.4 

$ 

653.9 
0.4 
* 

— 
— 
711.0 

1.4 
* 

* 
— 

653.9 
0.4 
27.0* 

46.8* 
1.6 
711.0 

1.1 
0.4* 

— 
0.2 
— 

4.9 
0.6 
711.0 

1.1 
0.2 

— 
0.2 
6.8 

5.3 
0.5 
— 

— 
0.2 

44.7* 
95.1 

1.5 
  10.8 

1.5 
10.8 

0.3 
0.2 
— 
2.6 

— 
— 
12.2 

10.6 
0.3 
— 

— 
— 

5.2 
17.8 

$ 

$ 

— 
0.5 
178.6 
2.3 

653.9 
— 
8.0 

26.0 
0.2 
— 

— 
— 

—
0.1
—
0.2

—
—
—

—
—
—

—
—

15.7 
  32.7 

20.8
23.0

Total contractual cash obligations  $ 1,179.3 

$ 1,717.9 

 $ 1,933.5  

$  884.6 

$ 

37.7 

$ 

 49.2 

$  917.9 

$      44.1

* 

  Accrued long-term employee benefit and post-employment benefit liability of $2.1 million, accrued interest of $7.3 million on unsecured senior notes and 
unsecured syndicated bank credit facility and accrued interest of nil on derivatives are reported in trade and other payables in 2015 (2014 – $2.6 million, 
$6.5 million and nil, respectively).

Pension obligations

our Company sponsors a number of defined benefit plans in countries that give rise to accrued post-employment benefit 
obligations. The accrued benefit obligation for these plans at the end of 2015 was $200.8 million (2014 – $180.8 million) and 
the fair value of the plan assets was $67.2 million (2014 – $63.0 million), for a net deficit of $133.6 million (2014 – $117.8 million).  
Contributions  to  defined  benefit  plans  during  2015  were  $5.2  million  (2014  –  $4.0  million).  The  Company  expects  to 
contribute  $19.7  million  to  the  pension  plans  in  2016,  inclusive  of  defined  contribution  plans.  These  estimated  funding 
requirements will be adjusted annually, based on various market factors such as interest rates, expected returns and staffing 
assumptions, including compensation and mortality. The Company’s contributions are funded through cash flows generated 
from operations. Management anticipates that future cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund expected future 
contributions. Details of the Company’s pension plans and related obligations are set out in note 19, Employee Benefits, of 
the consolidated financial statements.

other obligations and commitments

The company has provided various loan guarantees for its joint ventures and associates totaling $40.8 million. There are no 
other material “off-balance sheet” financing obligations except for typical long-term operating lease agreements. The nature 
of these commitments is described in note 25 of the consolidated financial statements. There are no defined benefit plans 
funded with CCL stock.

2015 Annual Report 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

F)  controls and Procedures 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and 
reported to senior management, including the President and Chief Executive officer (“CEo”) and the Senior Vice President 
and Chief Financial officer (“CFo”), on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. 
CCL’s Disclosure Committee reviews all external reports and documents of CCL before publication to enhance the Company’s 
disclosure controls and procedures.

As at December 31, 2015, based on the continued evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures, the CEo and the 
CFo have concluded that CCL’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certificate of 
Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed 
in reports and documents that CCL files or submits under Canadian securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized 
and reported within the time periods specified.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  IFRS.  Management  is 
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. NI 52-109 requires CEos and 
CFos to certify that they are responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting for the 
issuer, that internal control has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting 
and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, that the internal control over financial reporting is 
effective, and that the issuer has disclosed any changes in its internal control during its most recent interim period that has 
materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.

Based on the evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of CCL’s internal control over financial reporting, the CEo 
and the CFo concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2015.

There were no material changes in internal control over financial reporting in the financial year ended December 31, 2015.

4 .   Ri sK s  a nD  u n c eR ta i n t i e s

The Company is subject to the usual commercial risks and uncertainties from operating as a Canadian public company and 
as a supplier of goods and services to the non-durable consumer packaging and consumer durables industries on a global 
basis. A number of these potential risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial 
condition and results of operations of the Company are as follows:

uncertainty Resulting from a sustained global economic crisis

The Company is dependent on the global economy and overall consumer confidence, disposable income and purchasing 
trends. A global economic downturn or period of economic uncertainty can erode consumer confidence and may materially 
reduce consumer spending. Any decline in consumer spending may negatively affect the demand for customers’ products. 
This decline directly influences the demand for the Company’s packaging components used in its customers’ products, and 
may negatively affect the Company’s consolidated earnings. The global economic conditions have affected interest rates 
and credit availability, which may have a negative impact on earnings due to higher interest costs or the inability to secure 
additional indebtedness to fund operations or refinance maturing obligations as they come due. In addition, the sustained 
global economic crisis may have an unpredictable adverse impact on the Company’s suppliers of manufacturing equipment 
and raw materials, which in turn may have a negative impact on the availability of manufacturing equipment and the cost of 
raw materials. Although the Company has a strong statement of financial position, diverse businesses and a broad geographic 
presence, it may not be able to manage a reduction in its earnings and cash flow that may arise from lower sales, increased 
cost of raw materials and decreased profits if the global economic environment deteriorates for an extended period. 

32 2015 Annual Report

Potential Risks Relating to significant operations in Foreign countries

The Company operates plants in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Sales to customers 
located outside of Canada in 2015 were 96% of the Company’s total sales, a level similar to that in 2014. Non-Canadian 
operating results are translated into Canadian dollars at the average exchange rate for the period covered. The Company 
has significant operating bases in both the United States and Europe. In 2015, 53% and 27% of total sales were to customers 
in United States and Europe, respectively. The Company’s operating results and cash flows could be negatively impacted 
by slower or declining growth rates in these key markets. The sales from business units in Latin America, Asia, South Africa 
and Australia in 2015 were 16% of the Company’s total sales. In addition, the Company has equity accounted investments 
in Chile, Russia, Thailand, the United States and the Middle East. There are risks associated with operating a decentralized 
organization in 119 facilities in countries around the world with a variety of different cultures and values. operations outside 
of Canada, the United States and Europe are perceived generally to have greater political and economic risks and include 
CCL’s operations in Latin America, Asia, Russia and the Middle East. These risks include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in 
currency exchange rates, inflation, unexpected changes in foreign law and regulations, government nationalization of certain 
industries, currency controls, potential adverse tax consequences and locally accepted business practices and standards that 
may not be similar to accepted business practices and standards in North America and Europe. Although the Company has 
controls and procedures intended to mitigate these risks, these risks cannot be entirely eliminated and may have a material 
adverse effect on the consolidated financial results of the Company.

competitive environment

The Company faces competition from other suppliers in all the markets in which it operates. There can be no assurance that 
the Company will be able to compete successfully against its current or future competitors or that such competition will not 
have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This competitive 
environment may preclude the Company from passing on higher material, labour and energy costs to its customers. Any 
significant increase in in-house manufacturing by customers of the Company could adversely affect the business, financial 
condition  and  results  of  operations  of  the  Company.  In  addition,  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  results  may  be 
negatively impacted by competitors developing new products or processes that are of superior quality, fit CCL’s customers’ 
needs better, or have lower costs; or by consolidation within CCL’s competitors or further pricing pressure on the industry 
by the large retail chains. 

Restructuring of the container segment

The Container Segment has commenced a restructuring plan that encompasses the closure of its Canadian operations and 
redistribution of its operations to the Segment’s other locations in the United States and Mexico. The success or failure of 
this restructuring initiative could have a material impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Foreign exchange exposure and Hedging activities

Sales of the Company’s products to customers outside Canada account for approximately 96% of the revenue of the Company. 
Because the prices for such products are quoted in foreign currencies, any increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative 
to such currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar and the euro, reduces the amount of Canadian dollar revenues and operating 
income reported by the Company in its consolidated financial statements. The Company also buys inputs for its products 
in world markets in several currencies. Exchange rate fluctuations are beyond the Company’s control and there can be no 
assurance that such fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on the reported results of the Company. The use of 
derivatives to provide hedges of certain exposures, such as interest rate swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and 
aluminum futures contracts could impact negatively on the Company’s operations.

Retention of Key Personnel and experienced Workforce 

Management believes that an important competitive advantage of the Company has been, and will continue to be, the know-
how and expertise possessed by its personnel at all levels of the Company. while the machinery and equipment used by the 
Company are generally available to competitors of the Company, the experience and training of the Company’s workforce 
allows the Company to obtain a level of efficiency and a level of flexibility that management believes to be high relative to 
levels in the industries in which it competes. To date, the Company has been successful in recruiting, training and retaining 
its personnel over the long-term, and while management believes that the know-how of the Company is widely distributed 
throughout the Company, the loss of the services of certain of its experienced personnel could have a material adverse effect 
on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

2015 Annual Report 33

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

The operations of the Company are dependent on the abilities, experience and efforts of its senior management team. To date, 
the Company has been successful in recruiting and retaining competent senior management. Loss of certain members of the 
executive team of the Company could have a disruptive effect on the implementation of the Company’s business strategy and 
the efficient running of day-to-day operations. This could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition 
and results of operations of the Company.

acquired Businesses

As  part  of  its  growth  strategy,  the  Company  continues  to  pursue  acquisition  opportunities  where  such  transactions  are 
economically  and  strategically  justified.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  Company  will  be  able  to  identify 
attractive acquisition opportunities in the future or have the required resources to complete desired acquisitions, or that 
it  will  succeed  in  effectively  managing  the  integration  of  acquired  businesses.  The  failure  to  implement  the  acquisition 
strategy, to successfully integrate acquired businesses or joint ventures into the Company’s structure, or to control operating 
performance and achieve synergies may have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of 
operations of the Company. 

In addition, there may be liabilities that the Company has failed or was unable to discover in its due diligence prior to the 
consummation of the acquisition. In particular, to the extent that prior owners of acquired businesses failed to comply with 
or otherwise violated applicable laws, including environmental laws, the Company, as a successor owner, may be financially 
responsible for these violations. A discovery of any material liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the business, 
financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

integration and Restructuring of Worldmark

The Company acquired the global operations of worldmark on November 6, 2015, and immediately commenced detailed 
investigations and analysis of the restructuring that will be required at worldmark. worldmark has 1,900 employees, six 
manufacturing plants in China, one in each of Hungary, Mexico and Scotland and strategically located design and prototyping 
centres  around  the  world.  The  size,  geographic  scope  and  complexity  of  worldmark’s  operations  exceeds  the  typical 
acquisition of CCL and therefore integration and restructuring initiative is more complex and time consuming. The initial 
assessment has resulted in a restructuring charge of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The restructuring and 
integration initiative will continue for the next twelve months. A failure to integrate and restructure the acquired business in a 
timely and effective manner could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations 
of the Company. 

long-term growth strategy

The Company has experienced significant and steady growth since the global economic downturn of 2009. The Company’s 
organic growth initiatives coupled with its international acquisitions over the last number of years can place a strain on a 
number of aspects of its operating platform including: human infrastructure, operational capacity and information systems. 
The  Company’s  ability  to  continually  adapt  and  augment  all  aspects  of  its  operational  platform  is  critical  to  realizing  its 
long-term growth strategy. Another key aspect to CCL’s growth strategy includes increased development of the Company’s 
presence in emerging markets that could create exposure to unstable political conditions, economic volatility and social 
challenges. If the Company cannot adjust to its anticipated growth, results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

exposure to income tax Reassessments

The  Company  operates  in  many  countries  throughout  the  world.  Each  country  has  its  own  income  tax  regulations  and 
many of these countries have additional income and other taxes applied at state, provincial and local levels. The Company’s 
international investments are complex and subject to interpretation in each jurisdiction from a legal and tax perspective. 
The Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by local authorities and the Company’s positions in these tax filings may be 
challenged. The Company may not be successful in defending these positions and could be involved in lengthy and costly 
litigation during this process and could be subject to additional income taxes, interest and penalties. This outcome could 
have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

34 2015 Annual Report

Realization of Deferred tax assets 

The Company needs to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods in certain foreign and domestic tax jurisdictions, 
to realize the tax benefit. If there is a significant change in time period within which the underlying temporary difference or 
loss carryforwards become taxable or deductible, the Company may have to revise its valuation allowance against deferred 
tax assets. This could result in an increase in the effective tax rate and could have a material adverse effect on future results. 
Changes in statutory tax rate may change the deferred tax asset or liability, with either a positive or negative impact on the 
effective tax rate. The computation and assessment of the ability to realize of the deferred tax asset balance is complex and 
requires significant judgement. New legislation or change in underlying assumptions may have a material adverse effect on 
the business, financial condition and results of the Company.

Fluctuations in operating Results 

while the Company’s operating results over the past several years have indicated a general upward trend in sales and net 
earnings, operating results within particular product forms, within particular facilities of the Company and within particular 
geographic markets have undergone fluctuations in the past and, in management’s view, are likely to do so in the future. 
operating results may fluctuate in the future as a result of many factors in addition to the global economic conditions, 
and they include the volume of orders received relative to the manufacturing capacity of the Company, the level of price 
competition (from competing suppliers both in domestic and in other lower-cost jurisdictions), variations in the level and 
timing of orders, the cost of raw materials and energy, the ability to develop innovative solutions and the mix of revenue 
derived in each of the Company’s businesses. operating results may also be impacted by the inability to achieve planned 
volumes through normal growth and successful renegotiation of current contracts with customers and by the inability to 
deliver expected benefits from cost reduction programs derived from the restructuring of certain business units. Any of 
these factors or a combination of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company.

insurance coverage

Management believes that insurance coverage of the Company’s facilities addresses all material insurable risks, provides 
coverage that is similar to that which would be maintained by a prudent owner/operator of similar facilities and is subject 
to deductibles, limits and exclusions that are customary or reasonable given the cost of procuring insurance and current 
operating conditions. However, there can be no assurance that such insurance will continue to be offered on an economically 
feasible basis or at current premium levels, that the Company will be able to pass through any increased premium costs or that 
all events that could give rise to a loss or liability are insurable, or that the amounts of insurance will at all times be sufficient 
to cover each and every loss or claim that may occur involving the assets or operations of the Company. 

Dependence on customers

The Company has a modest dependence on certain customers. The Company’s two largest customers combined accounted 
for  approximately  14%  of  consolidated  revenue  for  fiscal  2015.  The  five  largest  customers  of  the  Company  represented 
approximately 26% of the total revenue for 2015 and the largest 25 customers represented approximately 51% of the total 
revenue. Several hundred customers make up the remainder of total revenue. Although the Company has strong partnership 
relationships with its customers, there can be no assurance that the Company will maintain its relationship with any particular 
customer or continue to provide services to any particular customer at current levels. A loss of any significant customer, or 
a decrease in the sales to any such customer, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company. Consolidation within the consumer products marketer base and office retail superstores 
could have a negative impact on the Company’s business, depending on the nature and scope of any such consolidation.

environmental, Health and safety Requirements and other considerations

The Company is subject to numerous federal, provincial, state and municipal statutes, regulations, by-laws, guidelines and 
policies, as well as permits and other approvals related to the protection of the environment and workers’ health and safety. 
The  Company  maintains  active  health  and  safety  and  environmental  programs  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  injuries  to 
employees and pollution incidents at its manufacturing sites. The Company also carries out a program of environmental 
compliance audits, including independent third-party pollution liability assessment for acquisitions, to assess the adequacy 
of compliance at the operating level and to establish provisions, as required, for environmental site remediation plans. The 
Company has environmental insurance for most of its operating sites, with certain exclusions for historical matters. 

2015 Annual Report 35

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

Despite these programs and insurance coverage, further proceedings or inquiries from regulators on employee health and 
safety requirements, particularly in Canada, the United States and the European Economic Community (collectively, the 
“EHS Requirements”), could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of 
the Company. In addition, changes to existing EHS Requirements, the adoption of new EHS Requirements in the future, or 
changes to the enforcement of EHS Requirements, as well as the discovery of additional or unknown conditions at facilities 
owned, operated or used by the Company, could require expenditures that might materially affect the business, financial 
condition and results of operations of the Company, to the extent not covered by indemnity, insurance or covenant not to 
sue. Furthermore, while the Company has generally benefited from increased regulations on its customers’ products, the 
demand for the services or products of the Company may be adversely affected by the amendment or repeal of laws or by 
changes to the enforcement policies of the regulatory agencies concerning such laws.

operating and Product Hazards

The Company’s revenues are dependent on the continued operation of its facilities and its customers. The operation of 
manufacturing plants involves many risks, including the failure or substandard performance of equipment, natural disasters, 
suspension of operations and new governmental statutes, regulations, guidelines and policies. The operations of the Company 
and its customers are also subject to various hazards incidental to the production, use, handling, processing, storage and 
transportation of certain hazardous materials. These hazards can cause personal injury, severe damage to and destruction 
of property and equipment and environmental damage. Furthermore, the Company may become subject to claims with 
respect to workplace exposure, workers’ compensation and other matters. The Company’s pharmaceutical and specialty 
food product operations are subject to stringent federal, state, provincial and local health, food and drug regulations and 
controls, and may be impacted by consumer product liability claims and the possible unavailability and/or expense of liability 
insurance. The Company prints information on its labels and containers that, if incorrect, could give rise to product liability 
claims. A determination by applicable regulatory authorities that any of the Company’s facilities are not in compliance with 
any such regulations or controls in any material respect may have a material adverse effect on the Company. A successful 
product liability claim (or a series of claims) against the Company in excess of its insurance coverage could have a material 
adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance as 
to the actual amount of these liabilities or the timing thereof. The occurrence of material operational problems, including, 
but not limited to, the above events, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of 
operations of the Company. 

Decline in address Mailing labels

Since the advent of email, traditional mail volumes have declined and more significantly over the past decade. Address labels 
used for traditional mail has historically been a core product for the Avery business. There is a direct correlation of address 
label sales volumes to the quantity of mail in circulation in each of the markets in which Avery operates. Accordingly, a further 
dramatic decline in traditional mail volume, without the introduction of offsetting new consumer printable media applications 
in Avery, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

new Product Developments 

The packaging and printable media industries are continually evolving based on the ingenuity of the Company’s competitors, 
consumer  preferences  and  new  product  identification  and  information  technologies.  To  the  extent  that  any  such  new 
developments result in the decrease in the use of any of the Company’s products, a material adverse effect on the business, 
financial condition and results of operations of the Company could occur. 

labour Relations

while labour relations between the Company and its employees have been stable in the recent past and there have been 
no material disruptions in operations as a result of labour disputes, the maintenance of a productive and efficient labour 
environment cannot be assured. Accordingly, a strike, lockout or deterioration of labour relationships could have a material 
adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

36 2015 Annual Report

legal Proceedings

Any alleged failure by the Company to comply with applicable laws and regulations in the countries of operation may lead 
to the imposition of fines and penalties or the denial, revocation or delay in the renewal of permits and licenses issued by 
governmental authorities. In addition, governmental authorities, as well as third parties, may claim that the Company is liable 
for environmental damages. A significant judgment against the Company, the loss of a significant permit or other approval 
or the imposition of a significant fine or penalty could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company. Moreover, the Company may from time to time be notified of claims that it may be 
infringing patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights owned by other third parties. Any litigation could result in 
substantial costs and diversion of resources, and could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition 
and results of operations of the Company. In the future, third parties may assert infringement claims against the Company or 
its customers. In the event of an infringement claim, the Company may be required to spend a significant amount of money 
to develop a non-infringing alternative or to obtain licenses. The Company may not be successful in developing such an 
alternative or obtaining a license on reasonable terms, if at all. In addition, any such litigation could be lengthy and costly and 
could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

The Company may also be subject to claims arising from its failure to manufacture a product to the specifications of its 
customers or from personal injury arising from a consumer’s use of a product or component manufactured by the Company. 
while the Company will seek indemnity from its customers for claims made against the Company by consumers, and while 
the Company maintains what management believes to be appropriate levels of insurance to respond to such claims, there 
can be no assurance that the Company will be fully indemnified by its customers nor that insurance coverage will continue 
to be available or, if available, adequate to cover all costs arising from such claims. In addition, the Company could become 
subject to claims relating to its prior businesses, including environmental and tax matters. There can be no assurance that 
insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all costs arising from such claims.

Defined Benefit Post-employment Plans

The Company is the sponsor of a number of defined benefit plans in ten countries that give rise to accrued post-employment 
benefit obligations. Although the Company believes that its current financial resources combined with its expected future 
cash flows from operations and returns on post-employment plan assets will be sufficient to satisfy the obligations under 
these plans in future years, the cash outflow and higher expenses associated with these plans may be higher than expected 
and may have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of the Company.

Material Disruption of information technology systems 

The Company is increasingly dependent on information technology systems to manufacture its products, process transactions, 
respond to customer questions, manage inventory, purchase, sell and ship goods on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient 
operations as well as maintain its e-commerce websites. Any material disruption or slowdown of the systems, including a 
disruption or slowdown caused by CCL’s failure to successfully upgrade its systems, system failures, viruses or other causes, 
could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. If changes 
in technology cause the Company’s information systems to become obsolete, or if CCL’s information systems are inadequate 
to handle the Company’s growth, CCL could incur losses and costs due to interruption of its operations.

CCL maintains information within its IT networks and on the cloud proprietary to operating its business as well as confidential 
personal employee and customer information. The secure maintenance of this information is critical to the operations and 
reputation of the Company. CCL invests in hardware and software to prevent the risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. Any 
such unauthorized breach of the Company’s IT infrastructure could compromise the data maintained causing a significant 
disruption in operations or meaningful harm to CCL’s reputation resulting in a material adverse effect on financial results.

impairment in the carrying Value of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had over $1.0 billion of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets on its statement 
of financial position, the value of which is reviewed for impairment at least annually. The assessment of the value of goodwill 
and intangible assets depends on a number of key factors requiring estimates and assumptions about earnings growth, 
operating margins, discount rates, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and market capitalization. There can 
be no assurance that future reviews of goodwill and intangible assets will not result in an impairment charge. Although it does 
not affect cash flow, an impairment charge does have the effect of reducing the Company’s earnings, total assets and equity.

2015 Annual Report 37

M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

share Price Volatility

Changes in CCL’s stock price may affect the Company’s access to, or cost of financing from capital markets and may affect 
stock-based compensation arrangements. CCL’s stock price has appreciated significantly over the last five years, and is 
influenced by the financial results of the Company, changes in the overall stock market, demand for equity securities, relative 
peer group performance, market expectation of future financial performance and competitive dynamics among many other 
things. There is no assurance that CCL’s share price will not be volatile in the future.

increase in interest Rates

At December 31, 2015, approximately 55% of CCL’s outstanding debt was subject to variable interest rates. Increases in 
short-term interest rates would directly impact the amount of interest the Company pays. Significant increases in short-term 
interest rates will increase borrowing costs and could have a material adverse impact on the financial results of the Company.

5.   ac c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s  a nD  n o n-iF R s   Me a s uRe s

a)  Key Performance indicators and non-iFRs Measures

CCL measures the success of the business using a number of key performance indicators, many of which are in accordance 
with IFRS as described throughout this report. The following performance indicators are not measurements in accordance with 
IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to or replacement of net earnings or any other measure of performance 
under IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures 
presented by other issuers. In fact, these additional measures are used to provide added insight into CCL’s results and are 
concepts often seen in external analysts’ research reports, financial covenants in banking agreements and note agreements, 
purchase and sales contracts on acquisitions and divestitures of the business, and in discussions and reports to and from the 
Company’s shareholders and the investment community. These non-IFRS measures will be found throughout this report and 
are referenced alphabetically in the definition section below.

adjusted Basic earnings per class B share – An important non-IFRS measure to assist in understanding the ongoing earnings 
performance of the Company excluding items of a one-time or non-recurring nature. It is not considered a substitute for basic 
net earnings per Class B share, but it does provide additional insight into the ongoing financial results of the Company. This 
non-IFRS measure is defined as basic net earnings per Class B share excluding gains on dispositions, goodwill impairment loss, 
restructuring and other items and tax adjustments. 

Earnings per Class B Share 

Basic earnings 
Net loss from restructuring and other items 

Adjusted basic earnings  

Fourth Quarter 

 Year-to-Date

2015 

2.05 
0.11 

2.16  

$ 

$ 

2014 

 1.33 
 0.18 

1.51 

$  

$ 

2015 

8.50 
0.11 

8.61 

$  

$ 

2014

6.31
0.22

 6.53

$ 

$ 

Days of Working capital employed – A measure indicating the relative liquidity and asset intensity of the Company’s working 
capital. It is calculated by multiplying the net working capital by the number of days in the quarter and then dividing by the 
quarterly sales. Net working capital includes trade and other receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses, trade and other 
payables, and income taxes recoverable and payable.

38 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
leverage Ratio  (or  “net  debt  to  EBITDA”)  is  a  measure  that  indicates  the  financial  leverage  of  the  Company.  It  indicates  
the Company’s ability to service its existing debt. Leverage ratio is calculated as net debt (see calculation below) divided  
by EBITDA.

Leverage Ratio 

For the years ended December 31 

Current debt 
Long-term debt 

Total debt 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Net debt 
EBITDA 

Net debt to EBITDA 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2015 

167.1 
838.4 

1,005.5 
(405.7) 

599.8 
608.4 

0.99 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2014

59.1
600.0

659.1
(221.9)

437.2
481.6

0.91

net Debt – A measure indicating the financial indebtedness of the Company assuming that all cash on hand is used to repay 
a portion of the outstanding debt. It is defined as current debt including cash advances, plus long-term debt, less cash and 
cash equivalents.

operating  income  –  A  measure  indicating  the  profitability  of  the  Company’s  business  units  defined  as  income  before 
corporate expenses, net finance costs, goodwill impairment loss, earnings in equity accounted investments, restructuring 
and other items and tax.

See the definition of EBITDA above for a reconciliation of operating income measures to IFRS measures reported in the 
consolidated income statements for the periods ended as indicated.

Restructuring and other items and tax adjustments – A measure of significant non-recurring items that are included in net 
earnings. The impact of restructuring and other items and tax adjustments on a per share basis is measured by dividing the 
after-tax income of the restructuring and other items and tax adjustments by the average number of shares outstanding in 
the relevant period. Management will continue to disclose the impact of these items on the Company’s results because the 
timing and extent of such items do not reflect or relate to the Company’s ongoing operating performance. Management 
evaluates the operating income of its Segments before the effect of these items.

Return on equity before goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items and tax adjustments (“Roe”) – A measure 
that provides insight into the effective use of shareholder capital in generating ongoing net earnings. RoE is calculated by 
dividing annual net earnings before goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items, and tax adjustments by the 
average of the beginning and the end-of-year equity.

The following table reconciles net earnings used in calculating the RoE measure to IFRS measures reported in the consolidated 
statements of financial position and in the consolidated income statements for the periods ended as indicated.

Return on Equity 

Net earnings 
Restructuring and other items, (net of tax)   

Adjusted net earnings 

Average equity 

Return on equity 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 

295.1 
3.7 

298.8 

1,419.0 

21.1% 

Year-to-Date

2014

216.6
7.5

224.1

1,117.2

20.1%

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 Annual Report 41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

Return on total capital before goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items and tax adjustments (“Rotc”) –   
A measure of the returns the Company is achieving on capital employed. RoTC is calculated by dividing annual net income 
before goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items, and tax adjustments by the average of the beginning and 
the end-of-year equity and net debt.

The  following  table  reconciles  net  earnings  used  in  calculating  the  RoTC  measure  to  IFRS  measures  reported  in  the 
consolidated statements of financial position and in the consolidated income statements for the periods ended as indicated.

Return on Total Capital 

Net earnings 
Restructuring and other items (net of tax)   

Adjusted net earnings 

Average total capital 

Return on total capital 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 

295.1 
3.7 

298.8 

1,937.6 

15.4% 

Year-to-Date

2014

216.6
7.5

224.1

1,587.3

14.1%

$ 

$ 

$ 

Return on sales – A measure indicating relative profitability of sales to customers. It is defined as operating income (see 
definition above) divided by sales, expressed as a percentage.

The following table reconciles the return on sales measure to IFRS measures reported in the consolidated statements of 
earnings in the industry segmented information as per note 4 of the Company’s annual financial statements for the periods 
ended as indicated.

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  Three Months Ended  
December 31 

Twelve Months Ended 
December 31

2015 

553.1 
191.2 
54.5 

798.8 

81.9 
34.4 
6.3 

$ 

$ 

$ 

122.6 

$ 

  14.8% 
18.0% 
11.6% 

15.3% 

2014 

433.4 
154.6 
47.8 

635.8 

58.0 
22.9 
4.1 

85.0 

13.4% 
14.8% 
8.6% 

13.4% 

2015 

2014 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,030.3 
782.7 
226.1 

3,039.1 

317.2 
152.8 
26.6 

496.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,718.3
666.4
200.9

2,585.6

242.7
109.3
17.9

369.9

15.6% 
19.5% 
11.8% 

16.3% 

14.1%
16.4%
8.9%

14.3%

Return on Sales 

Sales
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Total sales 

Operating income 
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Total operating income  

Return on sales 
  Label 
  Avery 
  Container 

Total return on sales 

42 2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
total Debt – A measure indicating the financial indebtedness of the Company. It is defined as current debt, including bank 
advances, plus long-term debt.

The following table reconciles total debt used in the total debt measure to IFRS measures reported in the consolidated 
statement of financial position as at the periods ended as indicated.

Total Debt 

At December 31 

Current debt, including bank advances 
Plus: Long-term debt 

Total debt 

B)  accounting Policies and new standards

accounting Policies

2015 

167.1 
838.4 

1,005.5 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2014

59.1
600.0

659.1

The above analysis and discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operation are based on its consolidated 
financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. 

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set out in note 3 of the consolidated financial statements. 

Recently issued new accounting standards, not yet effective

In July 2014, the complete IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued by the IASB. IFRS 9 introduces new requirements 
for the classification and measurement of financial assets. Under IFRS 9, financial assets are classified and measured based 
on the business model in which they are held and the characteristics of their contractual cash flows. The standard introduces 
additional changes relating to financial liabilities. It also amends the impairment model by introducing a new ‘expected credit 
loss’ model for calculating impairment. IFRS 9 also includes a new general hedge accounting standard that aligns hedge 
accounting more closely with risk management. This new standard does not fundamentally change the types of hedging 
relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness; however, it will provide for more hedging strategies 
that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the effectiveness 
of a hedging relationship. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018; however, early 
adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) was issued and provides guidance on the timing 
and amount of revenue that should be recognized. It also requires more informative and relevant disclosures. The standard 
provides a single, principles-based five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. This standard is effective 
for annual periods beginning January 1, 2017; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the 
impact of IFRS 15 on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements as part of its major initiative to 
improve presentation and disclosure in financial reports. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after January 1, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company intends to adopt these amendments in its financial 
statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IAS 1 on 
its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, IFRS 16, Leases was issued by the IASB. This standard introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires 
a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of 
low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease 
liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. This standard substantially carries forward the lessor accounting 
requirements of IAS 17, while requiring enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors. other areas of the lease accounting 
model have been impacted, including the definition of a lease. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on 
or after January 1, 2019. The Company intends to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on 
January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial statements.

2015 Annual Report 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M a n a g eMe n t ’ s   D i s c u s s i o n  a nD  an a ly s i s 

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (Tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

c)  critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of sales and expenses during the year and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. In particular, estimates are used when determining 
the amounts recorded for depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, outstanding 
self-insurance claims, pension and other post-employment benefits, income and other taxes, provisions, certain fair value 
measures including those related to the valuation of business combinations, share-based payments and financial instruments 
and also in the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets.

goodwill and indefinite 

44 2015 Annual Report

6.   o u t lo oK 

CCL posted its second consecutive record year in 2015; revenue increased 17.5%, exceeding $3.0 billion for the first time and 
adjusted basic earnings per share improved 31.9% to $8.61. The Company was also very successful with its acquisition growth 
plan completing six acquisitions for gross proceeds of approximately $357 million. The Label segment posted sales that 
crested $2.0 billion for first time and robust 30.7% improvement in operating income. Acquisitions of INTA, FritzB, woelco and, 
most notably, worldmark significantly expanded CCL Design, solidifying its global footprint and technological capabilities. 
Avery’s financial results once again exceeded management’s expectations, including modest organic growth for the first time 
since 2000 which contributed to the robust 19.5% return on sales. Avery acquired further strategic ‘web-to-print’ businesses 
with PCN and Mabel’s providing additional avenues for growth. Finally, the Container Segment, although still committed to 
its restructuring initiative, slowed the pace of the transition to reduce the potential for operational disruptions and posted 
record absolute profitability and an 11.8% return on sales, its highest in a decade. 

The 2015 year started with renewed European financial challenges, a decline in consumer consumption in emerging markets 
and a rapidly declining oil price that continued into early 2016. The U.S. economy continued to add jobs, the automotive and 
housing markets did not deteriorate and the American consumer showed signs of renewed optimism in the second half of 
2015 and into 2016. Financial results in emerging markets in Asia and most notably Latin America were surprisingly good for 
CCL in 2015 despite currency challenges and volatile domestic demand; expectations for 2016 remain unchanged. 

CCL in the coming year will continue to execute its global growth strategy for its Label Segment pursuing expansion plans 
in new and existing markets with its core customers where the opportunity meets the Company’s long-term profitability 
objectives. The Company is confident this strategy will continue to generate strong cash flows that will support additional 
investment opportunities and allow CCL to further expand its geographic and market segment reach. with the acquisition of 
worldmark and woelco in early 2016, CCL Design is a now a global durable label enterprise with influential presence in Asia 
with prominence in the automotive, electronics and industrial label markets. CCL Design will undergo further restructuring 
to optimize worldmark’s international infrastructure within CCL to enhance financial returns.

At Avery, the final restructuring initiative was completed with the announced closure of the Meridian, Mississippi, manufacturing 
facility for a charge of $4.6 million. Construction of a new binder manufacturing facility will commence in earnest in early 
2016; however the final transition to the new facility will be completed after the 2017 back-to-school season ends. CCL remains 
committed to this initiative that should drive additional cost reductions and efficiency gains totalling $8.0 million annually. 
New product initiatives, consumer digital print momentum and cross selling initiatives from Avery’s four acquisitions over 
the past two years provide incremental opportunities for growth in the Segment. It is management’s expectation that Avery 
will continue to find complementary acquisitions that add new territories, expand channels to market and complement the 
product offerings in the core digital print domain. 

The 2016 year will continue as a year of transition for the Container Segment. Attention will be given to prepare for the 
redistribution of capacity from the Canadian operation to the U.S. and Mexico. Furthermore, with continued investment in 
Rheinfelden in 2016, the Segment plans on developing by 2017 a sustainable and profitable secondary source of aluminum 
slugs for its North American manufacturing requirements.

The  Company remains  focused  on vigilantly managing working capital and prioritizing capital to higher-growth organic 
opportunities or unique acquisitions that are expected to enhance shareholder value. The Company has significant cash on 
hand of $405.7 million and unused credit lines of US$720.4 million. The Company expects capital expenditures for 2016 to 
be approximately $195.0 million, in line with depreciation expense.

orders in the first weeks of 2016 have continued solid. Further deterioration of oil prices, financial markets and exchange rate 
instability creates only fragile confidence in 2016 global gDP growth. Continued focus will be given to monitoring volatile 
foreign currency markets; notwithstanding the current depreciation of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar should act as a 
tailwind to translated results. 

2015 Annual Report 45

 
i nDePe nDe n t  a uDi t oR s ’  R eP oR t

to the shareholders of ccl industries inc.

we have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of CCL Industries Inc. (“the Company”), which 
comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the consolidated 
income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, 
and notes, comprising 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, 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.

auditors’ Responsibility

our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. we conducted 
our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. 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 our 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, we 
consider 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, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. 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 is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of the Company as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and of its consolidated financial performance 
and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

chartered Professional accountants, licensed Public accountants

February 24, 2016

Toronto, Canada

46 2015 Annual Report

co n s o l iD at eD   s tat eMe n t s   oF  Fi n a n c i a l  P o s i t i o n

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

As at December 31 

Assets
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Trade and other receivables 
  Inventories 
  Prepaid expenses 
  Income taxes recoverable 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Goodwill 
  Intangible assets 
  Deferred tax assets 
  Equity accounted investments 
  Other assets 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities
Current liabilities
  Trade and other payables 
  Current portion of long-term debt 
  Income taxes payable 
  Derivative instruments 

Total current liabilities  

Non-current liabilities 
  Long-term debt 
  Deferred tax liabilities 
  Employee benefits 
  Provisions and other long-term  liabilities 
  Derivative instruments  

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Equity 
  Share capital 
  Contributed surplus 
  Retained earnings 
  Accumulated other comprehensive  income  

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company 
Acquisitions  
Commitments  
Subsequent events  

2015 

2014

$ 

405,692  
524,621 
260,600 
20,562 
18,389  

1,229,864  

1,085,506 
876,838 
285,340 
 12,293 
61,502 
30,962 

2,352,441 

$ 

221,873
380,965
192,286
14,949
11,810

821,883

925,512
563,730
226,567
4,183
54,652
21,848

1,796,492

$  3,582,305 

$  2,618,375

$ 

710,999  
167,103  
33,652  
1,095  

912,849 

838,416  
59,860 
135,216  
13,833  
253  

1,047,578 

1,960,427 

276,882  
50,584  
1,182,686 
 111,726  

1,621,878  

$ 

519,440
59,058
21,419
280

600,197

600,011
43,453
138,594
19,413
488

801,959

1,402,156

248,087
26,241
938,526
3,365

1,216,219

Note 

6 
7 
8 

10 
11,12 
11 
14 
9 

13 
17 

  23 

17 
14 
19 

23 

15 

28 

5  
25
  30

Total liabilities and equity 

$  3,582,305 

$  2,618,375

See accompanying explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

Donald g. lang
Director

geoffrey t. Martin
Director 

2015 Annual Report 47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
co n s o l iD at eD   i n c oMe   s tat eMe n t s 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share information)

Years ended December 31 

Sales 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Restructuring and other items 
Earnings in equity accounted investments   

Finance cost 
Finance income 

Net finance cost 

Earnings before income tax 
Income tax expense 

Net earnings  

Attributable to: 
  Shareholders of the Company 

Net earnings  

Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per Class B share 

Diluted earnings per Class B share 

See accompanying explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Note 

2015 

2014

$  3,039,112 
2,179,694 

$  2,585,637
1,891,506

859,418 
415,086 
6,023 
(3,477) 

441,786 

28,172 
(2,535) 

25,637 

416,149 
121,071 

295,078 

295,078 

295,078 

8.50 

8.38 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

694,131
358,962 
9,104
(3,686)

329,751

26,705
(1,152)

25,553

304,198
87,632

216,566

216,566

216,566

6.31

6.19

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

29 

18 
18 

21 

16 

16 

48

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
co n s o l iD at eD   s tat eMe n t s   oF   c oM P ReHe n s iVe   i n c oMe

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

Years ended December 31 

Net earnings 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income:
  Foreign currency translation adjustment for foreign operations, net of tax expense  
  of $11,244 for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – tax expense of $4,802)   

  Net losses on hedges of net investment in foreign operations, net of tax recovery  

  of $13,307 for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – tax recovery of $6,103) 

  Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax recovery  
  of $784 for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – tax recovery of $14) 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the income statement, net of tax  
  recovery of $547 for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – tax recovery of $152) 
Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit post-employment plans, net of tax expense  
  of $535 for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – tax recovery of $2,336) 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 

Total comprehensive income 

Attributable to: 
  Shareholders of the Company 

Total comprehensive income 

See accompanying explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements.

2015 

2014

$ 

295,078 

$ 

216,566

209,278 

45,278

(100,576) 

(42,685)

(1,446) 

1,105 

1,161 

109,522 

404,600 

404,600 

404,600 

$ 

$ 

$ 

33

450

(9,049)

(5,973)

210,593

210,593

210,593

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 Annual Report 49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
co n s o l iD at eD   s tat eMe n t s   oF   cHa n g e s   i n   e Qu i t y

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

Class A    
Shares    

(note 15) 

Class B 
Shares 
(note 15) 

Shares    
Held 
in Trust 

Total 
 Share 
Capital 

  Contributed 
Surplus 

Retained 
Earnings 

  Accumulated 
Other  
 Comprehensive   
  Income (Loss) 

Total  
Equity

Balances, January 1, 2014 $ 

4,504  $  246,843  $ 

(14,158)  $  237,189  $ 

11,919  $  768,738 

$ 

289  $ 1,018,135

Net earnings – 2014 
Dividends declared 
  Class A 
  Class B 
Defined benefit plan actuarial  

losses, net of tax 

Stock-based compensation  
  plan 
Shares redeemed  
  from trust 
Shares purchased and held  

in trust 

Stock option expense 
Stock options exercised 
Income tax effect related  
  to stock options 
Other comprehensive  

income 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
10,678 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

434 

(214) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

5,228 

434 

— 

(214) 
— 
10,678 

— 

— 

— 
3,071 
(1,886) 

7,909 

— 

216,566 

(2,486) 
(35,243) 

(9,049) 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

3,076 

216,566

(2,486)
(35,243)

(9,049)

5,228

434

(214)
3,071
8,792

7,909

3,076

Balances,  
  December 31, 2014 

$ 

4,504  $  257,521  $ 

(13,938)  $  248,087  $ 

26,241  $  938,526 

—  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

—  $  295,078 

$ 

$ 

3,365  $ 1,216,219

—  $  295,078

—  $ 

$ 

— 
— 

Net earnings – 2015 
Dividends declared 
  Class A 
  Class B 
Defined benefit plan  
  actuarial gains, net of tax  
— 
Stock-based compensation plan  — 
Shares redeemed from trust 
— 
Shares purchased and  
  held in trust 
Stock option expense 
Stock options exercised 
Income tax effect related to  
  stock options 
Other comprehensive  

— 
— 
— 

— 

income 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
22,286 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
7,091 

(582) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
7,091 

(582) 
— 
22,286 

— 

— 

— 
— 

(3,433) 
(48,646) 

— 
22,738 
(7,091) 

— 
4,153 
(3,970) 

8,513 

1,161 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

(3,433)
(48,646)

1,161
22,738
—

(582)
4,153
18,316

8,513

— 

— 

  108,361 

  108,361

Balances,  
  December 31, 2015 

$ 

4,504  $  279,807  $ 

(7,429)  $  276,882  $  50,584  $ 1,182,686  $  111,726  $ 1,621,878

See accompanying explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements.

50

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
co n s o l iD at eD   s tat eMe n t s   oF   c a sH  Fl o W s

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

Years ended December 31 

Cash provided by (used for) 

Operating activities 
Net earnings 
Adjustments for: 
  Depreciation and amortization 
  Earnings in equity accounted investments, net of dividends received 
  Net finance costs 
  Current income tax expense 
  Deferred tax expense    
  Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 
  Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 

  Change in inventories  
  Change in trade and other receivables 
  Change in prepaid expenses 
  Change in trade and other payables  
  Change in income taxes receivable and payable 
  Change in employee benefits 
  Change in other assets and liabilities 

Net interest paid 
Income taxes paid 

Cash provided by operating activities 

Financing activities 
  Proceeds on issuance of long-term debt 
  Repayment of long-term debt 
  Proceeds from issuance of shares 
  Repayment of executive share purchase plan loans 
  Dividends paid 

Cash (used for) provided by financing activities 

Investing activities 
  Additions to property, plant and equipment 
  Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
  Business acquisitions (note 5) 

Cash used for investing activities 

  Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
  Translation adjustments on cash and cash equivalents   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

See accompanying explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements.

2015 

2014

$ 

295,078 

$ 

216,566

164,081 
(618) 
25,637 
121,677 
(606) 
8,425 
(2,863) 

610,811 
(38,268) 
(83,103) 
(225) 
129,445 
(6,608) 
(3,378) 
2,827 

611,501 
(23,909) 
(112,332) 

475,260 

324,610 
(99,845) 
18,316 
— 
(52,296) 

190,785 

(172,214) 
17,595 
(356,703) 

(511,322) 

154,723 
221,873 
29,096 

146,421
(1,498)
25,553
78,810
8,822
8,726
(1,122)

482,278
2,934
5,758
(847)
15,446
(1,534)
29,526
(19,363)

514,198
(24,163)
(86,505)

403,530

138,663
(249,903)
8,792
2,186
(37,943)

(138,205)

(153,657)
14,312
(115,876)

(255,221)

10,104
209,095
2,674

$ 

405,692 

$ 

221,873

2015 Annual Report

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

1 .    R eP oR t i n g   e n t i t y

CCL Industries Inc. (the “Company”) is a public company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and is incorporated and 
domiciled in Canada. These consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014 comprise the results of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Company’s interest in joint ventures and 
associates. The Company has manufacturing facilities around the world and is primarily involved in the manufacture of labels, 
containers and consumer printable media products.

2 .    B a s i s   oF  P ReP aRat i o n

(a)   statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”) and its interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors on February 25, 2016.

(b)  Basis of measurement 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following items in 
the statements of financial position:

•	 derivative	instruments	are	measured	at	fair	value;	

•	 financial	instruments	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss	are	measured	at	fair	value;	

•	 liabilities	for	cash-settled	share-based	payment	arrangements	are	measured	at	fair	value;	and

•	 	assets	related	to	the	defined	benefit	plans	are	measured	at	fair	value	and	liabilities	related	to	the	defined	benefit	plans	

are calculated by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

(c)  Functional and presentation currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. 
All financial information presented in Canadian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise noted.

(d)  use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the year and the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. 
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Judgment is used mainly in determining whether a balance or transaction should be recognized in the consolidated financial 
statements. Estimates and assumptions are used mainly in determining the measurement of recognized transactions and 
balances.

In the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, management makes various judgments, apart from those 
involving estimations, that can significantly affect the amounts it recognizes in the financial statements. 

Judgments, estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors 
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

The Company has applied judgment in its assessment of the classification of financial instruments, the recognition of tax 
losses and provisions, the determination of cash-generating units (“CgUs”), the identification of the indicators of impairment 
for property and equipment and intangible assets, the level of componentization of property and equipment and the allocation 
of purchase price adjustments on business combinations. 

Estimates  are  used  when  determining  the  amounts  recorded  for  depreciation  and  amortization  of  property,  plant  and 
equipment and intangible assets, outstanding self-insurance claims, pension and other post-employment benefits, income 
and other taxes, provisions, certain fair value measures including those related to the valuation of business combinations, 
share-based payments and financial instruments and also in the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets.

52

2015 Annual Report

3 .    si g n iFi c a n t   ac c o u n t i n g  P o l i c i e s

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all comparative information presented in these 
consolidated financial statements. 

(a)  Basis of consolidation

(i)  Business combinations

The  Company  measures  goodwill  as  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  transferred  including  the  recognized  amount  of 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the net recognized amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. when the excess is negative, a bargain purchase 
gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss. The Company elects to measure, on a transaction-by-transaction basis,   
non-controlling interest either at its fair value or at its proportionate share of the recognized amount of the identifiable net 
assets at the acquisition date. Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that 
the Company incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. 

(ii)  subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed, when necessary, 
to align them with the policies adopted by the Company.

(iii)  associates and joint arrangements

The Company’s interests in equity-accounted investees comprise of interests in associates and joint ventures.

Associates are those entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial 
and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Company holds between 20% and 50% of the 
voting power of another entity. 

The Company classifies its interest in joint arrangements as either joint operations (if the Company has rights to the assets, 
and has obligations for the liabilities, relating to an arrangement) or joint ventures (if the Company has the rights only to the 
net assets of an arrangement). when making this assessment, the Company considers the structure of the arrangements, the 
legal form of any separate vehicles, the contractual terms of the arrangements and other facts and circumstances.

Investments  in  associates  and  joint  ventures  are  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  and  are  recognized  initially  at 
cost. The Company’s investments include goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. 
The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s share of the income and expenses and equity movements of 
equity accounted investees, after adjustments to align the accounting policies with those of the Company, from the date 
that significant influence commences until the date that it ceases. when the Company’s share of losses exceeds its interest 
in an equity accounted investee, the carrying amount of that interest (including any long-term investments) is reduced to nil 
and the recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Company has an obligation or has made 
payments on behalf of the investee.

(iv)  transactions eliminated on consolidation

Inter-company balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, 
are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized gains arising from transactions with equity 
accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Company’s interest in the investee. Unrealized 
losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

2015 Annual Report 53

no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(b)  Foreign currency

(i)  Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of the Company’s entities using 
exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the 
reporting date are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or 
loss on monetary items is the difference between amortized cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the period, 
adjusted for effective interest and payments during the period, and the amortized cost in foreign currency translated at 
the  exchange  rate  at  the  end  of  the  period.  Non-monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  that 
are  measured  at  fair  value  are  translated  to  the  functional  currency  at  the  exchange  rate  at  the  date  that  the  fair  value 
was determined. Foreign currency differences arising on translation are recognized in the income statement, except for 
differences arising on the translation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation, 
or qualifying cash flow hedges, which are recognized directly in other comprehensive income (see note 3(b)(iii) below). 
Foreign currency-denominated non-monetary items, measured at historical cost, have been translated at the rate of exchange 
at the transaction date.

(ii)  Foreign operations

The financial statements of each of the Company’s subsidiaries are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates. 

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are 
translated into Canadian dollars using exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations 
are translated into Canadian dollars using the average exchange rates for the period.

Foreign  currency  differences  are  recognized  directly  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  presented  within  the  foreign 
currency translation adjustment.

when a foreign operation is disposed of, the amount in other comprehensive income related to the foreign operation is fully 
transferred to the income statement. A disposal occurs when the entire interest in the foreign operation is disposed of, or in 
the case of a partial disposal, the partial disposal results in the loss of control of a subsidiary or the loss of significant influence. 
For any partial disposal of the Company’s interest in a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the Company re-attributes 
the proportionate share of the relevant amounts in other comprehensive income to non-controlling interests. For any other 
partial disposal of a foreign operation, the Company reclassifies to the income statement only the proportionate share of the 
relevant amount in other comprehensive income.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the 
settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of a net investment in 
a foreign operation and are recognized directly in other comprehensive income and presented within the foreign currency 
translation adjustment.

(iii)  Hedge of net investment in a foreign operation

The Company applies hedge accounting to the foreign currency exposure arising between the functional currency of the 
foreign operation and the parent entity’s functional currency (Canadian dollars), regardless of whether the net investment is 
held directly or through an intermediate parent.

Foreign currency differences arising on the translation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in a 
foreign operation are recognized directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the 
extent that the hedge is ineffective, such differences are recognized in the income statement. when the hedged part of a net 
investment is disposed of or partially disposed of, the associated cumulative amount in equity is transferred to the income 
statement as an adjustment to the income statement on disposal in accordance with the policy described in note 3(b)(ii) above.

(c)  Financial instruments 

(i)  non-derivative financial instruments

Non-derivative  financial  instruments  comprise  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  trade  and  other  receivables,  trade  and  other 
payables and long-term debt.

54

2015 Annual Report

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value, plus any directly attributable transaction costs, for 
instruments not at fair value through profit or loss. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are 
measured as described below.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate fair 
values due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only 
when, the Company has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset 
and settle the liability simultaneously.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such 
assets are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. 

Loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables. The carrying value of trade and other receivables is net of an 
allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based upon the aging of the receivables, the Company’s knowledge of the 
financial condition of its customers, historical experience and the current business environment.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and short-term investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

An instrument is classified at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial 
recognition.  Financial  instruments  are  designated  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  if  the  Company  manages  such 
investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with the Company’s documented 
risk management or investment strategy. Upon initial recognition, the attributable transaction costs are recognized in the 
income statement when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and 
changes therein are recognized in the income statement.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale, are not classified 
in any of the previous categories and are included in other assets.

These items are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently carried at fair value with changes 
recognized in other comprehensive income. when an investment is derecognized the accumulated gain or loss recognized 
in other comprehensive income is transferred to the income statement.

Non-derivative financial liabilities

The Company initially recognizes debt securities issued and subordinated liabilities on the date that they are originated. All 
other financial liabilities (including liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss) are recognized initially on the trade 
date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Company derecognizes a 
financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire. 

Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition these financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Fair value, which 
is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, 
discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases the market rate of interest is determined by 
reference to similar lease agreements.

2015 Annual Report 55

no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(ii)  Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its foreign currency and interest rate risk exposure and price 
risk exposure related to the purchase of raw materials. 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, a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a 
derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through the income statement.

on initial designation of the hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument(s) and 
hedged item(s), including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with 
the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Company makes an assessment, 
both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected 
to be “highly effective” in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the respective hedged items during the 
period for which the hedge is designated, and whether the actual results of each hedge are within a range of 80% to 125%. 
For a cash flow hedge of a forecast transaction, the transaction should be highly probable to occur and should present an 
exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect reported net income. 

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value; attributable transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are accounted for as described 
below.

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not 
available, then fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current 
forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds).

The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on broker quotes. Those quotes are tested for reasonableness by discounting 
estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract and using market interest rates for a similar 
instrument at the measurement date.

Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument and include adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the group 
entity and counterparty when appropriate.

Cash flow hedges

when a derivative is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular 
risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss, the 
effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income and presented 
in the hedging reserve in equity. The amount recognized in other comprehensive income is removed and included in profit 
or loss in the same period that the hedged cash flows affect profit or loss under the same line item in the statement of 
comprehensive income as the hedged item. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized 
immediately in the income statement.

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or 
the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously 
recognized in other comprehensive income and presented in unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges in equity remains 
there until the forecast transaction affects profit or loss. when the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognized 
in other comprehensive income is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when the asset is recognized. If the forecast 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in 
profit or loss. In other cases, the amount recognized in other comprehensive income is transferred to the income statement 
in the same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.

Fair value hedges

Fair value hedges are hedges of the fair value of recognized assets, liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments. Changes 
in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement together with 
any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to the hedged risk.

Separable embedded derivatives

Changes in the fair value of separable embedded derivatives are recognized immediately in the income statement.

56

2015 Annual Report

(d)  Property, plant and equipment

(i)  Recognition and measurement

Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment 
losses.

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets 
includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working 
condition for their intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they 
are located. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalized as part of that 
equipment. 

The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognized as a result of a business combination is based on the amount for 
which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length 
transaction.

Borrowing costs related to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are capitalized as part of the cost 
of the assets. 

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.

gains  and  losses  on  disposal  of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  determined  by  comparing  the  proceeds 
from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognized within selling, general and 
administrative expenses in the income statement.

The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item 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. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant 
and equipment are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

(ii)  Depreciation 

Depreciation is calculated based on the cost of the asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value. 

Depreciation is recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of 
property, plant and equipment, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic 
benefits embodied in the asset. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless 
it is reasonably certain that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows: 

•	 buildings		

Up	to	40	years	

•	 machinery	and	equipment		

Up	to	15	years	

•	 fixtures	and	fittings		

Up	to	10	years	

•	 minor	components		

Up	to	5	years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate. 

(e)  intangible assets

(i)  goodwill

goodwill  arises  on  the  acquisition  of  subsidiaries  and  is  tested  for  impairment  annually  or  more  frequently  if  events  or 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For measurement of goodwill at initial recognition, 
see note 3(a)(i).

Subsequent measurement

goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In respect of equity accounted investments, the carrying 
amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment.

2015 Annual Report 57

	
	
	
	
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(ii)  other intangible assets

Intangible  assets  consist  of  patents,  trademarks,  brands,  software  and  the  value  of  acquired  customer  contracts  and 
relationships. Impairment losses for intangible assets where the carrying value is not recoverable are measured based on fair 
value. Fair value is calculated by using discounted cash flows. 

The fair value of brands and customer relationships acquired in a business combination are determined using the multi-period 
excess earnings method, whereby the subject asset is valued after deducting a fair return on all other assets that are part of 
creating the related cash flows.

Amortization is recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, 
other than indefinite life intangible assets, such as brands and goodwill, from the date that they are available for use. The 
estimated useful lives for the current and comparative years are as follows: 

•	 patents	and	trademarks	

Up	to	10	years

•	 software	

Up	to	5	years

•	 customer	relationships		

Up	to	15	years

•	 brands	

(f)  leases

Indefinite	useful	life

Leases for which the Company assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. 
Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of 
the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting 
policy applicable to that asset.

Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance cost and the reduction of the 
outstanding liability. The finance cost 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.

Assets under operating leases are not recognized in the Company’s statement of financial position.

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

(g)  inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in, first-
out principle and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other 
costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in 
progress, cost includes an appropriate share of production overheads based on normal operating capacity. 

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion 
and selling.

The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on the estimated selling price in the 
ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin based on the 
effort required to complete and sell the inventories.

Estimates regarding obsolete and slow-moving inventory are also computed.

(h)  impairment

(i)  Financial assets, including receivables

A financial asset not carried at fair value through the income statement is assessed at each reporting date to determine 
whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence 
indicates that one or more events have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset that have a negative effect on the 
estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably.

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2015 Annual Report

	
	
	
	
The Company considers evidence of impairment for loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities at 
both a specific asset and collective level. All individually significant loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment 
securities  are  assessed  for  specific  impairment.  All  individually  significant  loans  and  receivables  and  held-to-maturity 
investment securities found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been 
incurred but not yet identified. 

In assessing collective impairment, the Company uses historical trends of the probability of default, timing of recoveries and 
the amount of 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. 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its 
carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate 
and reflected in an allowance account against accounts receivable. Losses are recognized in the income statement. when a 
subsequent event causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through 
profit or loss.

An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its fair value and is recognized 
by transferring the cumulative loss that has been recognized in other comprehensive income, and presented in unrealized 
gains or losses on available-for-sale financial assets in equity, to profit or loss. The cumulative loss that is removed from other 
comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost, net of any principal 
repayment and amortization, and the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognized in profit or loss. 

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was 
recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost and for available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, 
the reversal is recognized in the income statement. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal 
is recognized directly in other comprehensive income.

(ii)  non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting 
date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the impairment would be 
recognized in the income statement. 

Impairments are recorded when the recoverable amount of assets is less than their carrying amount. The recoverable amount 
is the higher of an asset’s or a cash-generating unit’s fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. In assessing value in 
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of impairment testing, 
assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows 
from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. For the purposes 
of goodwill impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the CgU, or the group of CgUs, 
that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. This allocation is subject to an operating segment ceiling 
test and reflects the lowest level at which that goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. An impairment loss is 
recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its CgU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are 
recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses, other than those relating to goodwill, are evaluated for potential reversals 
when events or changes in circumstances warrant such consideration. 

The carrying values of finite-life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Additionally, the carrying values of goodwill and indefinite life 
intangibles are tested annually for impairment. 

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior 
years are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the losses have decreased or no longer exist. An impairment 
loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss 
is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

goodwill that forms part of the carrying amount of an equity accounted investment is not recognized separately and therefore 
is not tested for impairment separately. Instead, the entire amount of the equity accounted investment is tested for impairment 
as a single asset when there is objective evidence that the equity accounted investment may be impaired.

2015 Annual Report 59

no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(i)  employee benefits

(i)  Defined contribution plans

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate 
entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. obligations for contributions to defined 
contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in the income statement in the period that the 
service is rendered by the employee.

(ii)  Defined benefit plans

A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan. The Company’s net obligation 
in respect of defined benefit post-employment plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future 
benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to 
determine its present value using a discount rate comparable to high-quality corporate bonds. Any unrecognized past service 
costs and the fair value of any plan assets are deducted. The calculation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the 
projected unit credit method. when the calculation results in a benefit to the Company, the recognized asset is limited to the 
total of any unrecognized past service costs and the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future 
refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. An economic benefit is available to the Company if it 
is realizable during the life of the plan, or on settlement of the plan liabilities.

when the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is 
recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the 
extent that the benefits vest immediately, the expense is recognized immediately in the income statement.

The Company recognizes all actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans directly in other comprehensive 
income immediately and reports them in retained earnings.

The Company determines the net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability for the period by applying the discount 
rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit 
liability, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability during the period as a result of the contributions 
and benefit balances. Net interest expense and other expenses related to the defined benefit plans are recognized in profit 
or loss. Previously, interest income on plan assets were based on their long-term expected return. 

(iii)  termination benefits

Termination benefits are recognized as an expense when the Company is demonstrably committed, without realistic possibility 
of  withdrawal,  to  a  formal  detailed  plan  to  either  terminate  employment  before  the  normal  retirement  date  or  provide 
termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary 
redundancies are recognized as an expense if the Company has made an offer of voluntary redundancy, it is probable that 
the  offer  will  be  accepted  and  the  number  of  acceptances  can  be  estimated  reliably.  If  benefits  are  payable  more  than  
12 months after the reporting period, then they are discounted to their present value. 

(iv)  short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are recognized as the related service 
is provided.

(v)  share-based payment transactions

For equity-settled share-based plans, the grant date fair value of options granted to employees is recognized as an employee 
expense,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  equity,  over  the  period  that  the  employees  become  unconditionally  entitled 
to the options. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options for which 
the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met. The fair value of employee stock options is 
measured using the Black-Scholes model. Measurement inputs include share price on measurement date, exercise price of 
the instrument, expected volatility, weighted average expected life of the instrument, expected dividends, and the risk-free 
interest rate. Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the transactions are not taken into account in 
determining fair value.

For equity settled share-based deferred share unit (“DSU”) plans, the grant date fair value of deferred share units is recognized 
as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The grant date fair value is not subsequently remeasured. 
The value of DSUs received in lieu of dividends is also recognized as a personnel cost in the income statement. 

60

2015 Annual Report

For cash settled share-based DSU plans, the fair value of the amount payable for deferred share units is recognized as an 
expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities when they are issued. The fair value of a DSU is measured using the 
average of the high and low trading prices of the Class B shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date 
of issue and is remeasured, using a similar five-day average, at the financial statement date and at the settlement date. Any 
changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized as personnel expense in the income statement. The value of DSUs 
received in lieu of dividends is also recognized as a personnel cost in the income statement. 

(j)  Provisions

A provision is 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. Provisions 
are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of 
the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as a finance cost. 

(k)  Revenue

Revenue from sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade 
discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognized and related costs transferred to cost of sales when the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs 
and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, 
and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. generally, this would be at the time the goods are shipped. At that 
time, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the customer is fixed and ultimate collection is reasonably 
assured. A provision for sales returns and allowances is recognized when the underlying products are sold. The provision is 
based on an evaluation of products currently under quality assurance review as well as historical sales returns experience.

(l)  Finance income and costs

Finance  income  comprises  interest  income  on  invested  funds  including  available-for-sale  financial  assets,  gains  on  the 
disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, 
and gains on hedging instruments that are recognized in the income statement. Interest income is recognized as it accrues 
in the income statement, using the effective interest method. 

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairment losses recognized on financial assets, and losses on hedging 
instruments that are recognized in the income statement. All borrowing costs are recognized in the income statement using 
the effective interest method, except for those amounts capitalized as part of the cost of qualifying property, plant and 
equipment.

(m)  taxation 

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized in the income statement except 
to the extent that it relates to items recognized either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In such cases, the 
tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

(i)  current tax

Current tax expense is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible. Current 
tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period and 
includes any adjustments to taxes payable in respect of previous years. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in 
tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. Provisions are established 
where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

(ii)   Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated statement of financial position. Deferred tax is calculated using tax 
rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period and which are expected 
to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.

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no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(iii)  Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized 
for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the reversal of the 
temporary difference can be controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in 
the foreseeable future.

(iv)  Deferred tax assets

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 profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed 
at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. 

Deferred tax is not recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill or in respect of 
temporary differences that arise on initial recognition of assets and liabilities acquired other than in a business combination 
and that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.

(n)  share capital

All shares are recorded as equity. when share capital is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes 
directly attributable costs, net of any tax effect, is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as 
treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity. when repurchased shares are sold or reissued subsequently, 
the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred 
to retained earnings.

(o)  earnings per share

The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) data for its Class B shares. Basic EPS is calculated by 
dividing the profit or loss attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding 
during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to shareholders and the weighted 
average number of shares outstanding for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares, which primarily comprise share options 
granted to employees.

(p)  segment reporting

A segment is a distinguishable component of the Company that is engaged either in providing related products (business 
segment) or in providing products within a particular economic environment (geographical segment) and that is subject 
to risks and returns that are different from those of other segments. Segment information is presented in respect of the 
Company’s business and geographical segments. The Company’s primary format for segment reporting is based on business 
segments. The business segments are determined based on the Company’s management and internal reporting structure.

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated 
on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly other investments and related revenue, loans and borrowings and 
related expenses, corporate assets (primarily the Company’s headquarters) and head office expenses.

Segment  capital  expenditure  is  the  total  cost  incurred  during  the  period  to  acquire  property,  plant  and  equipment  and 
intangible assets, other than goodwill.

(q)  new standards and interpretations not yet effective

In July 2014, the complete IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued by the IASB. IFRS 9 introduces new requirements 
for the classification and measurement of financial assets. Under IFRS 9, financial assets are classified and measured based 
on the business model in which they are held and the characteristics of their contractual cash flows. The standard introduces 
additional changes relating to financial liabilities. It also amends the impairment model by introducing a new ‘expected 
credit loss’ model for calculating impairment. IFRS 9 also includes a new general hedge accounting standard that aligns 
hedge accounting  more  closely with  risk  management. This new standard does not fundamentally change the types of 
hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness; however, it will provide for more hedging 
strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the 
effectiveness of a hedging relationship. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018; 
however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial 
statements.

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2015 Annual Report

In May 2014, IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) was issued and provides guidance on the timing and 
amount of revenue that should be recognized and also requires more informative and relevant disclosures. The standard 
provides a single, principles-based five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. This standard is effective 
for annual periods beginning January 1, 2017; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the 
impact of IFRS 15 on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements as part of its major initiative to 
improve presentation and disclosure in financial reports. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after January 1, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company intends to adopt these amendments in its financial 
statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IAS 1 on 
its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, IFRS 16, Leases was issued by the IASB. This standard introduces a single lessee accounting model and 
requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying 
asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset 
and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. This standard substantially carries forward the lessor 
accounting requirements of IAS 17, while requiring enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors. other areas of the lease 
accounting model have been impacted, including the definition of a lease. The new standard is effective for annual periods 
beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019.  The  Company  intends  to  adopt  IFRS  16  in  its  financial  statements  for  the  annual 
period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial 
statements.

4 .   se gMe n t  ReP oR t i n g

Business segments

The Company has three reportable segments, as described below, which are the Company’s main business units. The business 
units offer different products and services, and are managed separately as they require different technology and marketing 
strategies. For each of the business units, the Company’s chief executive officer and the chief operating decision maker review 
internal management reports regularly. 

The Company’s reportable segments are:

•	 	Label	 –	 Includes	 the	 production	 of	 pressure	 sensitive	 and	 extruded	 film	 materials	 for	 a	 wide	 range	 of	 decorative,	
instructional and functional applications for large global customers in the consumer packaging, healthcare, automotive 
and consumer durables markets. Extruded and laminated plastic tubes, folded instructional leaflets, precision printed 
and die cut metal components with LED displays and other complementary products and services are sold in parallel 
to specific end-user markets.

•	 	Avery	–	Includes	the	manufacturing	and	selling	of	various	consumer	products,	including	labels,	binders,	dividers,	sheet	

protectors and writing instruments in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

•	 	Container	–	Includes	the	manufacturing	of	specialty	containers	for	the	consumer	products	industry	in	North	America,	
including Mexico. The key product line is recyclable aluminum aerosol cans and bottles for the personal care, home 
care and cosmetic industries, plus shaped aluminum bottles for the beverage market.

2015 Annual Report 63

no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

Label 
Avery 
Container 

Corporate expenses 
Restructuring and other items 
Earnings in equity accounted investments   
Finance cost 
Finance income 
Income tax expense 

Net earnings 

2015 

Sales 

2014 

$  2,030,322 
782,686 
226,104 

$  1,718,347 
666,413 
200,877 

$ 

2015 

317,252 
152,753 
26,593 

Operating Income

$ 

2014

242,723
109,274
17,888

$  3,039,112 

$  2,585,637 

$ 

496,598 

$ 

369,885

(52,266) 
(6,023) 
3,477 
(28,172) 
2,535 
(121,071) 

(34,716)
(9,104)
3,686
(26,705)
1,152
(87,632)

$ 

295,078 

$ 

216,566

Total Assets 

Total Liabilities

Depreciation 
and Amortization 

Capital Expenditures

2015 

2014 

  2015 

2014 

2015  

2014 

2015 

2014

Label 
Avery 
Container 
Equity accounted 
investments  

Corporate 

615,893 
173,688 

61,502 
446,053 

$  2,285,169  $  1,668,565 $ 

490,337 
162,460 

596,902  $  436,527  $  132,796  $  118,679  $  145,974  $  106,739
24,957
230,293   
20,077
50,929   

189,567   
54,701   

13,765   
12,475   

15,123   
15,191   

12,882   
14,064   

54,652 
242,361 

—   
  1,082,303   

—   
721,361   

—   
971   

—   
796   

—   
—   

—
1,884

Total 

$  3,582,305  $  2,618,375 $  1,960,427  $ 1,402,156  $  164,081  $  146,421  $  172,214  $  153,657

geographical segments

The Label, Avery and Container segments are managed on a worldwide basis but operate in the following geographical areas:

•	 Canada;

•	 United	States	and	Puerto	Rico;

•	 Mexico,	Brazil	and	Argentina;

•	 Europe;

•	 Asia,	Australia	and	Africa.

Canada 
United States and Puerto Rico 
Mexico, Brazil and Argentina 
Europe 
Asia, Australia and Africa 

Consolidated 

$ 

2015 

176,502 
1,567,008 
220,140 
809,576 
265,886 

$ 

Sales 

2014 

174,964 
1,266,140 
193,995 
727,248 
223,290 

Property, Plant and  
 Equipment and Goodwill

$ 

2015 

130,594 
787,173 
183,296 
537,574 
323,707 

$ 

2014

103,399
581,383
180,542
473,029
150,889

$  3,039,112 

$  2,585,637 

$  1,962,344 

$  1,489,242

The geographical segment is determined by the location of the Company’s country of operation.

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2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.   acQu i s i t i o n s 

In February 2015, the Company acquired pc/nametag Inc. and Meetings Direct, LLC (collectively referred to as “PCN”); two 
(a) 
privately owned companies with common shareholders. PCN is an important addition to the Avery Segment adding depth to 
its meeting supplies and promotional materials product offerings. The purchase price was $37.6 million net of cash acquired 
and inclusive of a $2.5 million promissory note due February 2016. 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the consideration to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed:

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

Cash consideration 
Promissory note 

Total consideration 

Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Other current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Other long-term assets   
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax 

Net assets acquired 

$ 

$ 

$  

 $ 

35.1 
2.5

37.6

1.8
2.1
0.3
5.3
0.2
20.0
16.4
(2.2)
(6.3)

37.6 

The fair value of intangible asset has been measured on a provisional basis pending completion of the valuation. 

goodwill is comprised of the excess fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Factors 
that make up the amount of goodwill recognized include expected synergies from combining operations, the expertise of 
the assembled workforce and cost saving opportunities in the delivery of certain shared administrative and other services. 
The total amount of goodwill is $20.0 million of which $5.0 million is deductible for tax purposes.

(b)  In  February  2015,  the  Company  acquired  INT  America  LLC  (“INTA”);  a  private  company  based  in  Detroit,  Michigan, 
expanding CCL Design’s presence in the North American automotive durables market. The purchase price was $2.9 million 
after a reduction of $1.9 million for post-closing adjustments. 

In  July  2015,  the  Company  acquired  Fritz  Brunnhoefer gmbH  (“FritzB”)  based  in  Nurnberg, germany,  for  a  net  cash 
(c) 
purchase price of $7.6 million, inclusive of the cost of a manufacturing facility. The acquisition builds on the Company’s 
developing presence in the german durable goods market. The total amount of goodwill is $2.6 million and is not deductible 
for tax purposes. 

(d)  In october 2015, the Company acquired assets of Sennett Security Products LLC and the equity of its subsidiary, Banknote 
Corporation  of  America  Inc.  (collectively  referred  to  as  “BCA”),  based  in  greensboro,  North  Carolina  for  approximately   
$45.7 million. The acquisition expands CCL Label’s offerings to include security labels and other high security cards and 
document components.

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no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

 The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the consideration to the fair value of the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed:

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

Cash consideration 

Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill and intangible assets 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax 

Net assets acquired 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

45.7

3.0
4.4
10.9
30.1
(0.8)
(1.9)

45.7 

The determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions as 
the Company continues to collect information. The Company will continue to review information prior to finalizing the fair 
value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The actual fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may 
differ from the amounts noted above. 

goodwill is comprised of the excess fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Factors 
that make up the amount of goodwill recognized include expected synergies from the acquisition, the expertise and the 
knowledge of the assembled workforce and cost saving opportunities in the delivery of certain shared administrative and other 
services. The total amount of goodwill and intangible assets amounted to $30.1 million of which approximately $11.7 million  
of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

In November 2015, the Company acquired worldmark Ltd. (“worldmark”), headquartered in Scotland, for approximately 
(e) 
$252.6 million, net of cash received. worldmark has six manufacturing facilities in China, one each in Mexico, Hungary and 
Scotland and sales offices and prototyping design centres around the world. The worldmark acquisition enhances CCL Label’s 
presence in the electronic device and IT sector.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the consideration to the fair value of the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed:

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

Cash consideration 

Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Other current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill and intangible assets 
Trade and other payables 

Net assets acquired 

$ 

$  

 $ 

252.6

52.7
19.8
6.1
40.4
191.7
(58.1)

252.6 

The determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions as 
the Company continues to collect information. The Company will continue to review information prior to finalizing the fair 
value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The actual fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may 
differ from the amounts noted above.

goodwill is comprised of the excess fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Factors 
that make up the amount of goodwill recognized include expected synergies from the acquisition, the expertise and the 
knowledge of the assembled workforce and cost saving opportunities in the delivery of certain shared administrative and 
other services. goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

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2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(f)   In December 2015, the Company acquired Mabel’s Labels, Inc. and Mabel’s Labels Retail, Inc. (collectively referred to as 
“Mabel’s”), two privately held companies with common shareholders, based in Hamilton, ontario, Canada. The purchase price, 
subject to customary closing conditions, was approximately $12.0 million. Mabel’s expands the Avery Segment’s printable 
media platform into web-to-print personalized identifiable labels for families with children. The new business will continue to 
trade as Mabel’s Label’s, Inc. and report within CCL’s Avery Segment. Total goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  combined  sales  and  earnings  that  PCN,  INTA,  FritzB,  BCA,  worldmark  and  Mabel’s 
contributed to the Company since their respective acquisition dates:

(In millions of Canadian dollars)

Sales 

Net earnings 

(g)   Pro forma information

$ 

$ 

91.5

6.1

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information below has been prepared following the accounting policies of 
the Company as if the acquisitions took place January 1, 2015.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not 
necessarily indicative of results of operations and financial position that would have been achieved  had the pro forma events 
taken place on the dates indicated, or the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the consolidated 
company. Future results may vary significantly from the pro forma  results presented. 

The  historical  consolidated  financial  information  has  been  adjusted  in  preparing  the  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated 
financial information to give effect to events that are: (i) directly attributable to the acquisition; (ii) factually supportable; and 
(iii) with respect to revenues and earnings, expected to have a continuing impact on the results of the Company. As such, the 
impact from acquisition-related expenses is not included in the  accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated financial 
information. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not reflect any cost savings (or associated costs 
to achieve such savings) from  operating efficiencies, synergies or other restructuring that could result from the acquisition. 

The following table summarizes the sales and earnings of the Company combined with PCN, INTA, FritzB, BCA, worldmark 
and Mabel’s as though the acquisitions took place on January 1, 2015:

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 

Sales 

Net earnings 

6.   c a sH   a nD   c a sH   e Qu iV a l e n t s

Bank balances 
Restricted cash 
Short-term investments  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Year ended 
December 31, 2015

$ 

$ 

3,262.6

320.7

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

356,596 
1,141 
47,955 

$  

193,261
— 
28,612

$ 

405,692 

$ 

221,873

2015 Annual Report 67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

7.   t RaDe   a nD   otHeR  Re c e iV aBl e s

Trade receivables  
Other receivables 

Trade and other receivables 

8 .   inVe n toRi e s

Raw material 
Work in progress 
Finished goods 

Total inventories 

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

$ 

494,080 
30,541 

524,621  

$ 

$ 

364,195 
16,770

380,965

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

115,535  
23,157 
121,908 

$ 

83,299 
15,045
93,942

$ 

260,600 

$ 

192,286 

The total amount of inventories recognized as an expense in 2015 was $2,179.7 million (2014 – $1,891.5 million), including 
depreciation of $151.9 million (2014 – $136.6 million). 

9.   e Qu i t y   ac c o u n t eD   i nVe s tMe n t s 

Summary financial information for equity accounted investments, including joint ventures and associates, not adjusted for 
the percentage ownership held by the Company is as follows:

At December 31, 2015
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Carrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures 

At December 31, 2014
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

Carrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures 

Associates 

Joint Ventures 

Total

$  

$  

$  

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,805 
9,900 

12,705 

21,326 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,888 
6,158 

10,046 

40,176 

Associates 

Joint Ventures 

2,289 
(10,559) 

(8,270)  

20,785  

$ 

$ 

$ 

5,029 
4,049 

9,078 

33,867 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,693
16,058

22,751

61,502

Total

7,318
(6,510)

808

54,652

68

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 0.   PR oPeR t y,  Pl a n t   a nD   e Qu iP Me n t 

Cost  
Balance at January 1, 2014 
Acquisitions through business combinations  
Other additions 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

$ 

Land and  
Buildings 

375,840 
21,882 
39,952 
(23,297) 
7,937 

Machinery  
and  
Equipment 

Fixtures, 
Fittings  
and Other 

Total 

$ 

$  1,184,338 
21,019 
109,919 
(11,875) 
46,509 

21,777 
736 
3,786 
(1,123) 
(1,446) 

$  1,581,955
43,637
153,657
(36,295)
53,000

Balance at December 31, 2014 

$ 

422,314 

$  1,349,910 

$ 

23,730 

$  1,795,954

Acquisitions through business combinations 
Other additions 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2015 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses 
Balance at January 1, 2014 
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

15,283 
14,033 
(10,942) 
46,055 

45,057 
156,464 
(22,850) 
158,727 

486,743 

$  1,687,308 

98,979 
16,839 
(10,949) 
2,333 

$ 

613,201 
117,382 
(11,172) 
29,918 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

231 
1,717 
(481) 
1,456 

60,571
172,214
(34,273)
206,238

26,653 

$  2,200,704

13,774 
2,422 
(984) 
(1,301) 

$ 

725,954
136,643
(23,105)
30,950

Balance at December 31, 2014 

$ 

107,202 

$ 

749,329 

$ 

13,911 

$ 

870,442

Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

18,568 
(841) 
16,013 

130,704 
(18,355) 
96,130 

Balance at December 31, 2015 

$ 

140,942 

$ 

957,808 

Carrying amounts 
At December 31, 2014 
At December 31, 2015 

$ 
$ 

315,112 
345,801 

$ 
$ 

600,581 
729,500 

2,644 
(345) 
238 

151,916
(19,541)
112,381

16,448 

$  1,115,198

9,819 
10,205 

$ 
925,512
$  1,085,506

$ 

$ 
$ 

2015 Annual Report 69

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

1 1 .  in ta n g iBl e   a s s e t s 

Customer 
Relationships 

  Patents and  
  Trademarks 

Software 

Brands 

 Total 

Goodwill

Cost  
Balance at  
  January 1, 2014 
Acquisitions through  
  business combinations 
Additions 
Effect of movements in  
  exchange rates 

Balance at  
  December 31, 2014 

Acquisitions through  
  business combinations 
Additions 
Effect of movements in  
  exchange rates 

Balance at  
  December 31, 2015 

$ 

110,455 

$ 

13,129 

$  10,777 

$  140,810 

$ 

275,171 

$ 

494,231

12,756 
1,196 

7,784 

105 
274 

(5,491) 

— 
6 

365 

— 
— 

10,093 

12,861 
1,476 

12,751 

57,974
—

11,525

$ 

132,191 

$ 

8,017 

$  11,148 

$  150,903 

$ 

302,259 

$  

563,730

31,380 
— 

15,058 

— 
236 

1,383 

— 
103 

758 

— 
— 

31,380 
339 

245,235
—

26,757 

43,956 

67,873

$ 

178,629 

$ 

9,636 

$  12,009 

$  177,660 

$ 

377,934 

$ 

876,838

Amortization and impairment losses   
Balance at  
$ 
  January 1, 2014 
Amortization for the year   
Effect of movements  
in exchange rates 

50,485 
9,104 

(298) 

$ 

6,618 
555 

$  10,499 
119 

$ 

(1,723) 

333 

Balance at  
  December 31, 2014 

$ 

59,291 

$ 

5,450 

$  10,951 

$ 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

$ 

67,602 
9,778 

$ 

(1,688) 

$ 

75,692 

$ 

12,165 

4,737 

92,594 

226,567 
285,340 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

563,730
876,838

232 

1,231 

130 

733 

6,913 

$  11,814 

$ 

2,567 
2,723 

$ 
$ 

197 
195 

$  150,903 
$  177,660 

Amortization for the year   
Effect of movements  
in exchange rates  

Balance at  
  December 31, 2015 

Carrying amounts   
At December 31, 2014 
At December 31, 2015 

$ 

$ 
$ 

11,803 

2,773 

73,867 

72,900 
104,762 

$ 

$ 
$ 

70

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 2 .  go oDWi l l   a nD   i nDeFi n i t e - l iFe   i n ta n g iBl e   a s s e t s

impairment testing for cash-generating units containing goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets are allocated to the Company’s operating 
segments, which represent the lowest level within the Company at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management 
purposes.

The aggregate carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each unit are as follows:

Goodwill 
  Label  
  Avery 
  Container 

Indefinite-life intangible assets – brands 
  Avery 

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

$ 

$ 

747,629 
116,423 
12,786 

$ 

472,902 
78,071
12,757

876,838 

$ 

 563,730

177,660 

$  

150,903

Impairment  testing  for  goodwill  and  indefinite-life  intangible  assets  was  done  by  a  comparison  of  the  asset’s  carrying 
amount to its estimated value in use, determined by discounting the CgUs future cash flows. Key assumptions used in the 
determination of the value in use include a growth rate of 2%–5%, and a pre-tax discount rate of 15%–20%. Discount rates 
reflect current market assumptions and risks related to the CgUs and are based upon the weighted average cost of capital. 
The Company’s historical growth rates are used as a basis in determining the growth rate applied for impairment testing.

The Company completed its impairment test as at September 30, 2015. 

The estimated value in use of Label, Avery and Container assets exceeded their carrying values. As a result, no goodwill and 
indefinite-life intangible assets impairment was recorded.

1 3 .  t RaDe   a nD   otHeR  P ayaBl e s

Trade payables 
Other payables 

1 4 .   D eFeR ReD   ta X

(a)  unrecognized deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following items:

Deductible temporary differences 
Tax losses 
Income tax credits 

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

$ 

379,600  
331,399  

$ 

 269,229 
250,211

710,999 

$ 

 519,440

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

$  

9,778  
39,337  
436  

 8,708 
20,111
680

$  

49,551  

$ 

29,499

2015 Annual Report

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

The unrecognized deferred tax assets on tax losses of $12,087 will expire between 2016 and 2026, $4,598 will expire beyond 
2026 and $22,652 may be carried forward indefinitely. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax 
legislation. The increase in the unrecognized deferred tax assets relating to tax losses are due to current year acquisitions. 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable income 
will be available against which the Company can utilize the benefits therefrom. Income tax credits of $436 expire in 2016 
and 2017.

In  2015,  $4,938  (2014  –  nil)  of  previously  unrecognized  deferred  tax  assets  in  respect  of  tax  losses  were  recognized  as 
management considered it probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilized. 

(b)  Recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Assets 

Liabilities 

  Net (Assets)/Liabilities

 December 31,  

2015 

 December 31,  
2014 

 December 31,  

2015 

 December 31,  
2014 

 December 31,  

2015 

 December 31, 
2014

$  

Property, plant  
  and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Derivatives 
Inventory reserves 
Employee benefit plans   
Share-based payments 
Provisions 
Other items 
Tax loss carry-forwards  

Balance before offset 

Offset of tax 

1,977  
271 
49 
8,546 
49,770 
21,049 
15,833 
— 
6,219 

103,714 

(91,421) 

$  

971  
50 
142 
6,760 
41,899 
15,513 
12,370 
— 
2,556 

80,261 

(76,078) 

$  

73,638  
77,593 
24 
— 
— 
— 
— 
 26 
— 

151,281 

(91,421) 

$  

62,202  
55,704 
1,392 
— 
— 
— 
— 
233 
— 

119,531 

(76,078) 

$  

71,661  
77,322 
(25) 
(8,546) 
(49,770) 
(21,049) 
(15,833) 
26 
(6,219) 

47,567 

— 

$  

61,231
55,654
1,250
(6,760)
(41,899)
(15,513)
(12,370)
233
(2,556)

39,270

—

Balance after offset 

$  

12,293  

$  

4,183  

$  

59,860  

$  

43,453 

$ 

47,567  

$  

39,270

Balance 
December 31, 2014 
Liability/(Asset) 

Recognized 
in Income  
Statement 

Acquisitions 

Translation 
and Others 

Recognized  
in Other 
    Comprehensive  
Income/Equity 

 Balance  
December 31, 2015 
Liability/(Asset)

$  

$  

Property, plant  
  and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Derivatives 
Inventory reserves 
Employee benefit plans   
Share-based payments 
Provisions 
Other items 
Tax loss carry-forwards  

61,231  
55,654 
1,250 
(6,760) 
(41,899) 
(15,513) 
(12,370) 
233 
(2,556) 

 $  

1,086  
5,686 
1,043 
(1,017) 
(1,928) 
(97) 
(1,780) 
(221) 
(3,378) 

 $  

(40) 
8,232 
— 
(36) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

$ 

9,384 
7,750 
(18) 
(733) 
(6,478) 
3,074 
(1,683) 
14 
(285) 

— 
— 
(2,300) 
— 
535 
(8,513) 
— 
— 
— 

$  

71,661 
77,322
(25)
(8,546)
(49,770)
(21,049)
(15,833)
26
(6,219)

 $  

39,270  

$  

(606)  

$  

8,156  

$  

11,025  

$  

(10,278)  

 $  

47,567 

72

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance 
December 31, 2013 
Liability/(Asset) 

Recognized 
in Income  
Statement 

Acquisitions 

Translation 
and Others 

Recognized 
in Other 
Comprehensive  
Income/Equity 

Balance 
December 31, 2014 
Liability/(Asset)

$ 

  $ 

Property, plant and  
  equipment 
Intangible assets 
Derivatives 
Inventory reserves 
Employee benefit plans   
Share-based payments 
Provisions 
Other items 
Tax loss carry-forwards  

 55,092 
50,049 
2,684 
(5,045) 
(35,660) 
(6,018) 
(14,417) 
(404) 
(7,735) 

$  

 $  

 $  

 (137) 
4,196 
(274) 
(1,554) 
(1,707) 
(1,344) 
3,742 
593 
5,307 

2,165  
— 
— 
175 
(478) 
— 
(881) 
44 
— 

4,111  
1,409 
3 
(336) 
(1,718) 
(242) 
(814) 
— 
(128) 

$ 

 —  
— 
(1,163) 
— 
(2,336) 
(7,909) 
— 
— 
— 

 61,231 
55,654
1,250
(6,760)
(41,899)
(15,513)
(12,370)
233
(2,556)

 $  

 38,546 

$ 

 8,822  

$  

1,025  

$ 

2,285  

$  

(11,408)  

 $  

 39,270 

The aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures for which 
deferred tax liabilities were not recognized as at December 31, 2015, is $732 million (2014 – $689 million).

The aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures for which 
deferred tax assets were not recognized as at December 31, 2015, is $16 million (2014 – $16 million).

1 5.  s HaRe   c aPi ta l  

Shares issued 

Balance, January 1, 2014  
Stock options exercised   

Balance, December 31, 2014 
Stock options exercised   

Class A 
Shares (000s)  

2,368 
— 

2,368 
— 

$  

$  

Balance, December 31, 2015 

2,368 

$ 

Amount 

4,504 
— 

4,504 
—  

4,504 

Class B 
Shares (000s)  

32,021 
304 

32,325 
404 

$  

$  

Amount  

246,843 
10,678 

257,521 
22,286 

$  

$  

Total 

251,347
10,678

262,025
22,286

32,729 

$  

279,807 

$  

284,311 

At December 31, 2015, the authorized share capital comprised an unlimited number of Class A voting shares and an unlimited 
number of Class B non-voting shares. The Class A and Class B shares have no par value. All issued shares are fully paid. Both 
Class A and Class B shares are classified as equity.

(i)  class a

The holders of Class A shares receive dividends set at $0.05 per share per annum less than Class B shares, are entitled to one 
vote per share at meetings of the Company and their shares are convertible at any time into Class B shares. 

(ii)  class B

Class B shares rank equally in all material respects with Class A shares, except as follows:

(a)  The holders of Class B shares are entitled to receive material and attend, but not to vote at, regular shareholder meetings.

(b)   Holders of Class B shares are entitled to voting privileges when consideration for the Class A shares, under a takeover bid 

when voting control has been acquired, exceeds 115% of the market price of the Class B shares.

(c)   Holders of Class B shares are entitled to receive, or have set aside for payment, dividends declared by the Board of 

Directors from time to time, set at $0.05 per share per annum greater than Class A  shares.

2015 Annual Report 73

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

Dividends

The annual dividends per share were as follows:

Class A share  
Class B share 

shares held in trust

2015 

1.45 
1.50 

$ 
$ 

2014

1.05
1.10

 $ 
$ 

During 2013, the Company granted awards totalling 190,300 Class B shares of the Company. Shares to be used to satisfy 
this obligation were purchased in the open market and are restricted in nature. These share awards are dependent on the 
Company’s performance and continuing employment. The grant date fair value of these stock awards were amortized over 
the vesting period and recognized as compensation expense. In 2015, 94,468 shares were distributed to employees.

1 6.  eaRn i n g s  PeR   sHaRe 

Basic earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015, was based on profit attributable to Class A  
shares of $20.0 million (2014 – $14.8 million) and Class B shares of $275.1 million (2014 – $201.8 million) and a weighted 
average number of Class A shares outstanding of 2,367,525 (2014 – 2,367,525) and Class B shares outstanding of 32,348,527 
(2014 – 31,997,181).

Weighted average number of shares

Issued and outstanding shares at January 1  
Effect of stock options exercised 
Effect of reciprocal shares purchased   
Effect of reciprocal shares vested 

Class A  
Shares 

2,367,525 
— 
— 
— 

2015 

Class B  
Shares 

  32,132,729 
181,464 
(1,092) 
35,426 

Class A  
Shares  

2,367,525 
— 
— 
— 

2014 

Class B 
Shares 

  31,819,938
169,931
(559)
7,871

Weighted average number of shares at December 31 

2,367,525 

  32,348,527 

2,367,525 

  31,997,181

Diluted earnings per share

The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015, was based on profit attributable to Class A  
shares of $19.7 million (2014 – $14.5 million) and Class B shares of $275.4 million (2014 – $202.0 million) and a weighted 
average number of Class A shares outstanding of 2,367,525 (2014 – 2,367,525) and Class B shares outstanding of 32,842,319 
(2014 – 32,648,658).

Weighted average number of shares (diluted)

Weighted average number of shares (basic)  
Effect of deferred share units on issue  
Effect of reciprocal shareholdings 
Effect of share options on issue 

Weighted average number of shares (diluted)  

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31, 
2014

  34,716,052 
94,700 
154,251 
244,841 

  34,364,706
103,047
193,781
354,649

  35,209,844 

  35,016,183

The average market value of the Company’s shares for purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of share options was based 
on quoted market prices for the year that the options were outstanding.

74

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 7.  l oa n s   a nD  BoR R oWi n g s

Current liabilities 
Current portion of unsecured senior notes (i) 
Current portion of unsecured syndicated bank credit facility (ii) 
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 
Current portion of other loans (iii) 

Short-term operating credit lines available (iv) 

Short-term operating credit lines used 

Non-current liabilities   
Unsecured syndicated bank credit facility (ii) 
Unsecured senior notes (i) 
Finance lease liabilities   
Other loans (iii) 

(i)  senior notes

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31, 
2014

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

152,225 
— 
2,905 
11,973 

167,103 

29,097 

10,336 

653,905 
178,226 
5,089 
1,196 

$ 

$  

$  

$ 

$  

—
46,405
1,600
11,053

59,058

26,249

8,770

316,172
276,832
4,100
2,907

$ 

838,416 

$  

600,011

The  Company  has  three  private  debt  placements  completed  in  1998,  2006  and  2008  for  a  total  of  US$239.0  million   
($330.8 million) with interest rates ranging from 5.57% to 7.09%. US$110.0 million matures on March 7, 2016, US$51.0 million 
matures on July 8, 2018, and US$78.0 million matures on September 26, 2018.

(ii)  syndicated bank credit facility

In  December  2015,  the  Company  amended  its  syndicated  bank  credit  facility.  The  amendment  increased  the  revolving 
commitment to US$1.2 billion from $300 million, removed the $400.0 million non-revolving commitment with its scheduled 
repayments and rolled its borrowings into the amended facility. The maturity date was extended to December 23, 2020. Prior 
to the amendment, the non-revolving facility had scheduled quarterly repayments of US$10.0 million until maturity.

As at December 31, 2015, US$128.0 million (LIBoR plus 1.0%), €61.6 million (EURIBoR plus 1.0%), £134.0 million (gBP LIBoR 
plus 1.0%) and $3.6 million of contingent letters of credit were drawn on the amended syndicated bank credit facility. A 
further US$80.0 million (LIBoR plus 1.0%) was also drawn under the syndicated bank credit facility; however, the interest 
rate, excluding the 1% spread, on this US$80.0 million was hedged, using a floating to fixed interest rate swap, for a fixed 
rate of 1.047%. 

As at December 31, 2014, except for contingent letters of credit of $3.6 million, no additional amounts were drawn under the 
revolving portion of the previous version of the syndicated bank credit facility, and US$158.0 million (LIBoR plus 1.0%) and 
€61.6 million (EURIBoR plus 1.0%) were drawn under the term portion of the previous version of the syndicated bank credit 
facility. In addition, US$80.0 million was also drawn under the non-revolving facility of this syndicated bank credit facility and 
hedged using a floating to fixed interest rate swap. 

The unused portion of the syndicated bank credit facility was US$720.4 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 
$296.4 million). 

(iii)  other loans

other loans include term bank loans at various rates and repayment terms.

(iv)  operating credit lines

Interest rates charged on the credit lines are based on rates varying with London Interbank offered Rate (“LIBoR”), the prime 
rate and similar market rates for other currencies.

As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of financial and non-financial assets pledged as collateral, against $6.7 million 
of long-term debt, amounted to $19.4 million.

2015 Annual Report 75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

1 8 .   F i n a n c e   i n c oMe   a nD   c o s t

Recognized in income statement

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortized cost 
Fees and interest recognized on other financial instruments 

Finance cost 

Interest income on cash and cash equivalents 
Interest income on loans and receivables and other financial instruments 

Finance income 

$  

$ 

2015 

25,325  
2,847 

28,172 

2,535 
— 

2,535 

2014

23,960
2,745

26,705

944
208

1,152

Net finance cost recognized in income statement 

$  

25,637  

$  

25,553 

The above financial income and expense includes the following in respect  
  of assets (liabilities) not at fair value through profit or loss:
Total finance income on financial assets 

Total finance expense on financial liabilities 

1 9.  e M Ploy e e  Be n eFi t s

Present value of wholly unfunded defined benefit obligations   
Present value of partially funded defined benefit obligations 

Total present value of obligations 
Fair value of plan assets  

Recognized liability for defined benefit obligations 
Liability for long-service leave and jubilee plans 
Liability for long-term incentive plan  
Cash-settled share-based payment liability   

Total employee benefits  
Total employee benefits reported in other payables 

$ 

$  

2,535 

28,172  

$ 

$ 

1,152

26,705 

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31, 
2014

$ 

114,548 
86,263 

200,811 
(67,247) 

133,564 
3,795 
17,964 
— 

155,323 
20,107 

$ 

98,504
82,290

180,794
(63,005)

117,789
3,276
6,942
13,211

141,218
2,624

Total employee benefits reported in non-current liabilities 

$ 

135,216 

$ 

138,594

(i)   Defined contribution post-employment plans

The  Company  sponsors  defined  contribution  post-employment  plans  in  Canada,  the  U.S.,  Thailand  and  the  U.K.  A  post-
employment plan is classified as a defined contribution plan if the Company pays fixed contributions into a fund at a separate 
entity and the Company has no further obligation to pay any further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to 
pay all employee benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. The expense for company-sponsored 
defined contribution post-employment plans was $17.2 million in 2015 (2014 – $14.6 million) of which $0.1 million (2014 –  
$0.1 million) was for key management personnel. Company contributions into defined contribution state plans are included 
in the “Compulsory social security contributions” of note 20.

(ii)   Defined benefit post-employment plans

The Company also has defined benefit post-employment plans in various countries of the world. Although some of these 
plans have elements common to defined contribution plans, the Company has accounted for these as defined benefit plans 
as they are not fully funded at a separate entity.

76

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partially funded defined benefit obligations

The Company’s defined benefit post-employment plans are not fully funded. The obligation of these plans, net of any assets 
is recorded in Non-Current Liabilities on the Statement of Financial Position in Employee Benefits or, for payments expected 
to be made within the next twelve months, in Trade and other Payables in Current Liabilities. Fluctuations in the pension 
liabilities resulting from actuarial gains or losses due to changes in risk factors are recorded in other Comprehensive Income. 
The primary partially funded plans are in Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Details of these plans are as follows:

(a)   In Canada, the Company has a registered partially funded defined benefit pension plan for seven retired executives 
and one active employee of CCL. The Company makes all required contributions to the plans. Benefits are based on 
employee earnings. An actuary is involved in measuring the obligation of the plan and in calculating the expense and any 
contributions required. The plan is closed to new members. The primary risk factors for this plan are longevity of plan 
beneficiaries and discount rate volatility. The Company has determined that any surplus in the plan after all obligations 
have been covered is fully available to the Company.

(b)   In the U.K., the Company has a registered partially funded defined benefit pension plan that has no active members and 
is closed to new members. Benefits are based on final salary. All members of the plan are either deferred or retired and 
benefits are provided to spouses or dependents in the event of a member’s death before or after retirement. The Company 
is required to make payments of gBP650 in deficit funding contributions annually. An actuary is involved in measuring 
the obligation of the plan and in calculating the expense and any contributions required. The primary risk factors for this 
plan are longevity of plan beneficiaries and discount rate volatility for the value of the obligation, and market risk on the 
assets. The Company has determined that any surplus in the plan after all obligations have been covered is fully available 
to the Company.

(c)   In Switzerland, CCL provides a mandatory legislated contribution-based cash balance plan for employees that is accounted 
for as a post-employment defined benefit plan. Benefits from the plan are paid out at retirement, disability or death. If 
an employee terminates from the Company prior to retirement, the vested benefit equal to the accumulated savings 
account balance is transferred to the pension plan of the new employer. The plan is governed by a foundation board that 
is legally responsible for the operation of the plan and includes employer and employee representation, in equal numbers. 
A legally required minimum level of retirement benefit is based on age-related savings contributions, an insured salary 
defined by law and a required rate of return set annually by the Swiss government. Contributions from both employers 
and employees are compulsory and vary according to age and salary. The primary risk factors for this plan are longevity of 
plan beneficiaries, discount rate volatility for the value of the obligation and market risk on the assets. Under Swiss pension 
law, any surplus assets technically belong to the pension plan and any reduction in contributions is at the discretion of 
the Board.

The most recent actuarial valuation for funding purposes for the executive defined benefit pension plan in Canada was as 
of January 1, 2015. The next required actuarial evaluation will be as of January 1, 2018. The most recent actuarial valuation 
of the U.K. defined benefit pension plan for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2014. The next required valuation is as of 
January 1, 2017.

Wholly unfunded defined benefit obligations

For defined benefit post-employment plans that have no assets, the Company simply funds the plans as benefits are paid. 
The primary wholly unfunded plans are in Canada, the U.S. and germany. Details of these plans are as follows:

(a)   In Canada, the Company maintains non-registered, wholly unfunded supplemental retirement arrangements for one active 
Canadian executive, eight retired Canadian executives and two retired U.S. executives or their widows. The Company 
makes all required contributions to the plans. Benefits are based on employee earnings. An actuary is involved in measuring 
the obligation of the plans and in calculating the expense and any contributions required. The plans are closed to new 
members. The primary risk factors for these plans are longevity of plan beneficiaries and discount rate volatility.

(b)   In the U.S., the Company has a post-employment wholly unfunded deferred compensation plan for designated executives 
(NQP). Liabilities are based strictly on the contributions made to the plan, an established rate of return and are not subject 
to actuarial adjustments. It allows executives to elect to defer specified portions of salary, cash bonuses and long-term 
incentive plan payments. The Company contributes a matching portion of the executive’s NQP deferred amount to a 
maximum of 8% of the executive’s base salary plus bonus. The Company may also contribute a discretionary annual 
company contribution based on a percentage of base salary and annual bonus. Contributions to the NQP for one of the 
executives vest immediately. For the other executives, immediate vesting of discretionary Company contributions and 
interest occurs on death, disability or change of control with normal vesting occurring at age 60 with 10 years’ service. 
The Company match portion and interest vests in the same manner as Company contributions in the 401k plan. Elective 
deferrals by the executive vest immediately.

2015 Annual Report

77

no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(c)   In germany, the Company has several wholly unfunded defined benefit plans. There are three salary-based annuity plans 
that are closed to new membership, but currently have 11 active members. All contributions and benefits are funded by 
the Company. The primary risk factors for these plans are longevity of plan beneficiaries and discount rate volatility. There 
are also three cash balance plans for current employees. Two of those plans, making up approximately forty percent 
of the total liability of the german plans, require the Company to match a specific portion of employee contributions. 
Upon retirement, lump sum payments are made unless an employee requests an annuity. The third cash balance plan 
has employer and employee contributions and pays out in three instalments upon retirement. The primary risk factors for 
these three plans is discount rate volatility. 

(d)   The Company has wholly unfunded post-employment defined benefit plans in Austria, France, Italy, Mexico and Thailand. 
Benefits are paid out in lump sums upon retirement, disability or death. There are no employee contributions in these 
plans. Benefits are based on salary and length of service with the Company.

The following table shows reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for the defined benefit post-
employment plans, including the defined benefit pension plans, supplemental retirement plans and other post-employment 
defined benefit plans.

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

Total

$  

$  

82,290 
1,430 
2,235 
853 
(9,138) 
(2,403) 
— 
10,996 

98,504 
2,928 
3,467 
1,467 
(2,760) 
(30) 
(243) 
11,215 

$ 

 86,263 

$  

114,548 

$  

$  

$ 

$ 

63,005 
1,587 
(737) 
853 
2,543 
(9,138) 
9,134 

67,247 

 (19,016) 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

— 
— 
— 
146 
2,614 
(2,760) 
— 

— 

 (114,548) 

 (19,016) 

$  

(114,548) 

$  

$ 

$ 

$  

$  

$  

180,794
4,358
5,702
2,320
(11,898)
(2,433)
(243)
22,211

200,811

63,005 
1,587
(737)
999
5,157
(11,898)
9,134

67,247 

(133,564)

(133,564)

2015 

Accrued benefit obligation:
  Balance, beginning of year 
  Current service cost 
  Interest cost 
  Employee contributions 
  Benefits paid 
  Actuarial gains 
  Effect of curtailment 
  Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance, end of year 

Plan assets: 
  Fair value, beginning of year 
  Expected return on plan assets 
  Actuarial losses 
  Employee contributions 
  Employer contributions 
  Benefits paid 
  Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Fair value, end of year 

Funded status, net deficit of plans 

Accrued benefit liability  

78

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 

Accrued benefit obligation:
  Balance, beginning of year 
  Opening balance from acquisitions   
  Current service cost 
  Interest cost 
  Employee contributions 
  Benefits paid 
  Actuarial loss 
  Reinstatements and transfers 
  Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance, end of year 

Plan assets: 
  Fair value, beginning of year 
  Opening balance from acquisitions   
  Expected return on plan assets 
  Actuarial gains 
  Employee contributions 
  Employer contributions 
  Benefits paid 
  Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Fair value, end of year 

Funded status, net deficit of plans 

Accrued benefit liability  

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

Total

$  

$ 

37,553 
31,877 
474 
2,381 
378 
(1,313) 
10,372 
— 
568 

85,638 
2,450 
2,625 
3,948 
1,163 
(2,278) 
2,966 
(21) 
2,013 

$  

82,290 

$  

98,504 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 25,058 
32,665 
1,871 
1,953 
378 
1,905 
(1,313) 
488 

63,005 

 (19,285) 

 (19,285) 

$ 

$ 

$  

$  

— 
— 
— 
— 
137 
2,141 
(2,278) 
— 

— 

(98,504) 

(98,504) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$  

$  

$  

123,191
34,327
3,099
6,329
1,541
(3,591)
13,338
(21)
2,581

180,794

 25,058
32,665
1,871
1,953
515
4,046
(3,591)
488

 63,005

(117,789)

(117,789)

2015 Annual Report 79

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

Net defined benefit plan expense 

$  

2,078 

$  

6,395 

$  

The Company’s net defined benefit plan expense is as follows:

2015 

Current service cost 
Net interest cost on net defined benefit liability 

Net defined benefit plan expense 

Net defined benefit plan expense recorded in: 
  Cost of sales 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses 
  Finance cost 

2014 

Current service cost 
Net interest cost on net defined benefit liability 

Net defined benefit plan expense 

Net defined benefit plan expense recorded in: 
  Cost of sales 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses 
  Finance cost 

Net defined benefit plan expense 

Actuarial gains/(losses) recognized directly in equity are as follows:

Cumulative amount at January 1 
Recognized during the year in other comprehensive income 

Cumulative amount at December 31   

Experience gains/(losses) on plan liabilities  
Experience gains/(losses) on plan assets 

Plan assets consist of the following:

2015 

Equity securities 
Debt securities 
Real estate 
Other 

Total 

2014 

Equity securities 
Debt securities 
Real estate 
Other 

Total 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

$ 

$  

$  

$ 

$  

$  

1,430 
 648 

2,078 

907 
 1,171 
— 

2,928 
 3,467 

$  

6,395 

$ 

 8,473

$  

2,138 
 4,198 
 59 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

$  

$  

$  

$  

474 
 510 

984 

272 
 712 
— 

984 

$  

 $ 

 $ 

2,625 
 3,948 

 $  

6,573 

$  

$ 

 1,579  
 4,942 
 52 

$ 

6,573  

$  

Total

4,358
4,115

3,045
 5,369
 59

8,473

Total

3,099 
4,458

7,557

1,851 
5,654
52

7,557

$  

$  

$  

2015 

(23,254) 
 1,696 

(21,558) 

 2,667 
 (737) 

$  

$  

$  

2014

(11,869) 
(11,385)

(23,254) 

(860)
1,953

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

49% 
33% 
9% 
9% 

100% 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

47% 
34% 
5% 
14% 

100% 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

Total

49%
33%
9%
9%

100%

Total

47%
34%
5%
14%

100%

No plan assets are directly invested in the Company’s own shares or directly in any property occupied by, or other assets 
used by, the Company.

80

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The actual returns on plans assets are as follows:

2015 
2014 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

$  
$  

850 
3,824 

— 
— 

$ 
$ 

Total

 850
 3,824

The weighted average economic assumptions used to determine post-employment benefit obligations are as follows:

December 31, 2015 
Discount rate 
Expected rate of compensation increase 

December 31, 2014 
Discount rate 
Expected rate of compensation increase 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

Total

2.47% 
2.16% 

2.55% 
2.19% 

2.31% 
2.57% 

2.44% 
2.59% 

2.39%
2.44%

2.50%
2.45%

The weighted average economic assumptions used to determine post-employment plan expenses are as follows:

December 31, 2015 
Discount rate 
Expected rate of compensation increase 

December 31, 2014 
Discount rate 
Expected rate of compensation increase 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded 

Total

2.55% 
2.19% 

4.58% 
3.00% 

2.44% 
2.59% 

2.95% 
2.51% 

2.50%
2.45%

3.48%
2.68%

The sensitivity analysis on the defined benefit obligation is as follows, and is prepared by altering one assumption at a time 
and keeping the other assumptions unchanged. The resulting defined benefit obligation is then compared to the defined 
benefit obligation in the disclosures:

Discount rate (increase 1%) 
Discount rate (decrease 1%) 
Longevity (+1 year) 
Inflation (+0.25%) 
Inflation (-0.25%) 
Salary (increase 1%) 
Salary (decrease 1%) 
Duration (years) 

  Partially Funded 

 Wholly Unfunded

(16,347) 
17,593 
3,360 
1,322 
(1,322) 
2,356 
(2,274) 
19 

(7,577)
7,895
869
45
(295)
1,333
(1,150)
11

The Company expects to contribute $2.5 million to the partially funded defined benefit plans and pay $2.1 million in benefits 
for the wholly unfunded plans in 2016.

(iii)   long-term incentive, long-service leave, jubilee and other plans

The  Company  has  long-term  incentive  plans  with  cash  and  share-based  payments,  long-service  leave  plans  and  jubilee 
plans in various countries around the world. As at December 31, 2015, $18.0 million (2014 – nil) of the total obligation of  
$21.8 million (2014 – $23.4 million) is classified as current, and reported in other payables. During 2015, $3.2 million in share-
based payments were settled for cash (2014 – nil) and $18.4 million was transferred to contributed surplus (note 22). The 
expense for these plans was $21.0 million in 2015 (2014 – $15.9 million).

2015 Annual Report 81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

2 0.   P eR s o n n e l   eX Pe n s e s

Wages and salaries 
Compulsory social security contributions 
Contributions to company-sponsored defined contribution plans 
Expenses related to defined benefit plans 
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 

2 1 .  in c oMe   ta X   eX Pe n s e

Current tax expense 
Current tax on earnings before earnings in equity accounted investments for the year 

Deferred tax expense (benefit) (note 14) 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Impact of tax rate changes  
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses and deductible temporary differences 

Total income tax expense  

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates 

The income tax expense on the Company’s earnings differs from the amount determined  
  by the Company’s statutory rates as follows: 
Net earnings for the year 
Add: income tax expense 
Deduct: earnings in equity accounted investments 

Earnings before income tax and equity accounted investments  

Income tax using the Company’s domestic combined Canadian federal and  
  provincial income tax rates 
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 
Impact of tax rate changes 
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses and deductible temporary differences 
Losses and deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset was recognized 
Non-deductible expenses and other items 

Income tax recovery recognized directly in other comprehensive income   
Derivatives and foreign currency translation adjustments 
Actuarial gains and losses 

Total income tax recovery recognized directly in other comprehensive income 

$ 

2015 

602,840 
61,535 
17,193 
8,473 
8,425 

$ 

2014

511,884
55,188
14,574
7,557
8,726

$ 

698,466 

$ 

597,929

2015 

2014

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

121,677 

14,964 
108 
(15,678) 

(606) 

121,071 

2015 

25.27%  

295,078 
121,071 
3,477 

412,672 

104,282 
25,350 
108 
 (15,678) 
950 
 6,059 

121,071 

(2,300) 
535 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1,765)  

$ 

78,810

13,519
—
(4,697)

8,822

87,632

2014

25.27%

216,566
87,632
3,686

300,512

75,939
16,234
—
(4,697)
2,046
(1,890)

87,632

(1,163)
(2,336)

(3,499)

The  Company  is  subject  to  income  taxes  in  numerous  jurisdictions.  Significant  judgment  is  required  in  determining  the 
worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination 
is uncertain. The Company recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes  
will be due. If the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will  
impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

82

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 2 .  s HaRe -B a s eD  P ayMe n t s

At December 31, 2015, the Company had three share-based compensation plans, which are described below:

(i)  employee stock option plan

Under the employee stock option plan, the Company may grant options to employees, officers and inside directors of the 
Company. The Company does not grant options to outside directors. The exercise price of each option equals the market price 
of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and an option’s maximum term is 10 years. Current options vest 25% one year 
from the grant date and 25% each subsequent year. The term of these options is five years from the grant date. In general, 
the grants are conditional upon continued employment. No market conditions affect vesting. granted options are not entitled 
to dividends and may not be transferred or assigned by the option holder. 

For options and share awards granted for stock-based compensation, $8.4 million (2014 – $8.7 million) has been recognized 
in the financial statements as an expense with a corresponding offset to contributed surplus. The fair value of options granted 
has been estimated using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life 
Expected volatility 
Expected dividends 

2015 

 0.73% 

2014

1.62%

4.5 years  

4.5 years

25%  

$ 

1.50 

$ 

25%

1.00 

A summary of the status of the Company’s Employee Stock option Plan as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and changes 
during the years ended on those dates, is presented below:

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at end of year 

Options exercisable at end of year 

2015 

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price  

$ 

$ 

$ 

 56.00 
 137.39 
 45.34 
— 

92.96 

79.75 

Shares 
(000s)  

755 
195 
(404) 
— 

546 

120 

2014 

Weighted  
Average 
Exercise Price 

37.44
87.17
28.94
87.17

56.00

36.53

Shares 
(000s)  

829 
235 
 (304) 
(5) 

755 

216 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise in 2015 was $171.66 (2014 – $104.07). 

The following table summarizes information about the employee stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Range of 
Exercisable Prices 

$35.65–$56.00 
$56.01–$88.00 
$88.01–$137.39 

$35.65–$137.39 

Options Outstanding  

Options Exercisable

Options 
Outstanding 
(000s)  

Weighted  
Average  
Remaining  
  Contractual Life  

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise Price  

Options 
Exercisable  
(000s)  

Weighted  
Average 
Exercise Price 

173 
185 
188 

546 

1.9 years 
3.1 years 
4.2 years 

$  

50.86 
87.17 
137.39 

56 
45 
19 

$  

53.71
87.17
137.39

3.1 years 

$  

92.96 

120 

$  

79.75

2015 Annual Report 83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(ii)  Deferred share units 

The Company maintains a deferred share unit plan. Under this plan, non-employee members of the Company’s Board of 
Directors may elect to receive DSUs, in lieu of cash remuneration, for director fees that would otherwise be payable to such 
directors or any portion thereof until DSU holdings of three times the base retainer have been achieved. The number of units 
received is equivalent to the fees earned and is based on the fair market value of a Class B non-voting share of the Company’s 
capital stock on the date of issue of the DSU. when dividends are paid on Class B non-voting shares of the Company, the 
equivalent value per DSU is calculated and the holder receives additional DSUs in lieu of actual cash dividends based on the 
fair market value of a Class B non-voting share of the Company. DSUs cannot be redeemed or paid out until such time as the 
director ceases to be a director. A DSU entitles the holder to receive, on a deferred payment basis, the number of Class B 
non-voting shares of the Company equating to the number of his or her DSUs on the redemption date. 

Prior to November 2015, the Company accounted for DSUs as cash-settled share-based payment transactions. In November 2015,  
the  DSU  plan  was  amended  from  a  cash-settled  plan  to  an  equity-settled  plan,  with  settlement  in  treasury  shares.  As  a 
result, the Company accounts for the amended DSU plan as equity-settled share-based payment transactions. At the date of 
modification, the Company reclassified the liability of $18.4 million to contributed surplus.

The Company had 85,882 DSUs outstanding as at December 31, 2015. The amount recognized as an expense in 2015 totalled 
$8.7 million (2014 – $5.3 million).

(iii)  Restricted share units

The Company has shares held in trust to be used to satisfy future employee benefits related to its long-term incentive plan 
as outlined in note 15. 

2 3 .   F i n a n c i a l   i n s tR uMe n t s

(a)  cash flow hedges

The Company is party to an interest rate swap agreement (“IRSA”), the hedging item, in order to redistribute the Company’s 
exposure to fixed and floating interest rates with a view to reducing interest rates over the long term. The hedged item was 
US$80.0 million of the syndicated bank credit facility. Fair value of this IRSA is recorded in derivative instruments on the 
consolidated statements of financial position. Change in fair value of the IRSA and the change in fair value of the debt are 
recorded in other comprehensive income. No ineffectiveness was recognized in the consolidated income statement as this 
has been and continues to be a fully effective hedge. This swap matures in September 2016.

Notional Principal 
Amount 

Paid 
(USD) 

Interest Rate 

Received 
 (USD) 

2015 
(CAD) 

Fair Value 
December 31 

2014 
(CAD)  

Maturity 

Effective Date

USD80.0 million 

1.047%  3-month LIBOR  $  

(253.0) 

$  

(488.1) 

September 13, 2016  September 13, 2013

The Company has in place numerous aluminum derivative contracts (hedging item) that are used to fix the price the Company 
is required to pay for its anticipated aluminum manufacturing requirements (hedged item). Aluminum is the major raw material 
used in the Container Segment. The Company uses these contracts along with fixed price customer contracts to minimize 
the impact of aluminum price fluctuations. The Company does not enter into these contracts for speculative purposes. 

The changes in value of the aluminum derivative contracts are recorded in other comprehensive income. Any ineffective 
portion is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. For 2015 and 2014, no ineffectiveness was recognized. 
Payments made or proceeds received upon the settlement of these contracts are recorded in cost of goods sold.

Prices  for  aluminum  fluctuate  in  response  to  changes  in  supply  and  demand,  market  uncertainty  and  a  variety  of  other 
factors beyond the Company’s control. A US$100/MT increase (decrease) in the price of aluminum would have resulted in a 
$0.6 million (2014 – $0.2 million) decrease (increase) in other comprehensive income and no impact on the earnings from 
operations (2014 – nil) of the Company. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, 
remain constant.

84

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)  Hedges of net investment in self-sustaining operations

US$239.0 million (2014 – US$239.0 million) of unsecured senior notes and US$208.0 million (2014 – US$238.0 million) of 
the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility (hedging items) have been used to hedge the Company’s exposure to its net 
investment in self-sustaining U.S. dollar-denominated operations with a view to reducing foreign exchange fluctuations. The 
foreign exchange effect of the unsecured senior notes, the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility and the net investment 
in U.S. dollar-denominated subsidiaries is reported in other comprehensive income. These have been and continue to be 100% 
fully effective hedges as the notional amounts of the hedging items equal the portion of the net investment balance being 
hedged. No ineffectiveness has been recognized in the income statement.

€61.6 million (2014 – €61.6 million) of the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility (hedging item) have been used to hedge 
the  Company’s  exposure  to  its  net  investment  in  self-sustaining  euro-denominated  operations  with  a  view  to  reducing 
foreign exchange fluctuations. The foreign exchange effect of both the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility and the net 
investment in euro-denominated subsidiaries is reported in other comprehensive income. This has been and continues to 
be a 100% fully effective hedge as the notional amount of the hedging item equals the portion of the net investment balance 
being hedged. No ineffectiveness has been recognized in the income statement.

£134.0 million (2014 – nil) of the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility (hedging item) have been used to hedge the 
Company’s  exposure  to  its  net  investment  in  self-sustaining  UK  pound  sterling-denominated  operations  with  a  view  to 
reducing foreign exchange fluctuations. The foreign exchange effect of both the unsecured syndicated bank credit facility 
and the net investment in UK pound sterling-denominated subsidiaries is reported in other comprehensive income. This has 
been and continues to be a 100% fully effective hedge as the notional amount of the hedging item equals the portion of the 
net investment balance being hedged. No ineffectiveness has been recognized in the income statement.

(c)  credit risk

exposure to credit risk

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at 
the reporting date was:

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Available-for-sale financial assets 

impairment losses

The aging of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Under 31 days 
Between 31 and 90 days  
Greater than 90 days 

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

405,692 
524,621 
21,016 

$  

221,873
380,965
16,463

$ 

951,329 

$  

 619,301

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

299,639 
187,463 
22,125 

$  

216,820
138,918
20,862

$  

509,227 

$  

376,600

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no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Balance at January 1 
Increase (decrease) during the year 

Balance at December 31   

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

$ 

$ 

12,405 
2,742 

$  

13,809
(1,404) 

15,147 

$ 

12,405

Based  on  historical  default  rates,  the  Company  believes  that  no  impairment  allowance  is  necessary  in  respect  of  trade 
receivables not past due.

(d)  liquidity risk

exposure to liquidity risk

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the 
impact of netting agreements:

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2015

Payments Due by Period

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 

  Carrying 
  Amount 

  Carrying  
  Amount 

 Contractual 
 Cash Flows 

0–6 
  Months  

6–12 
  Months 

1–2 
 Years 

2–5 
Years 

  More than 
5 Years

$ 

Non-derivative financial liabilities
  Secured bank loans 
  Unsecured bank loans 
  Unsecured senior notes 
  Finance lease liabilities 
  Unsecured syndicated  
  bank credit facility 

  Other long-term obligations 
  Interest on unsecured  

  senior notes 

  Interest on unsecured  
  syndicated bank  
  credit facility 
  Interest on other  
long-term debt 

  Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial liabilities 
  Outflow – CF hedges 
  Interest on derivatives 
Accrued post-employment  
  benefit liabilities 
Operating leases 

Total contractual  
  cash obligations 

2.4 
10.8 
276.8 
5.7 

362.6 
0.8 

$ 

1.3 
11.4 
330.5 
8.0 

653.9 
0.4 

$ 

1.3 
11.4 
330.8 
8.0 

653.9 
0.4 

* 

* 

27.0* 

— 
0.2 

— 

— 

— 

46.8* 

4.9 

— 
519.4 

— 
711.0 

1.6 
711.0 

0.6 
711.0 

0.8 
* 

* 
— 

1.4 
* 

* 
— 

1.1 
0.4* 

44.7* 
95.1 

1.1 
0.2 

1.5 
10.8 

$ 

$ 

0.5 
 0.1 
152.2 
1.5 

$ 

0.5 
10.5 
— 
1.4 

$  — 
0.5 
178.6 
2.3 

 $  —
0.1
—
0.2

0.3 
0.2 
— 
2.6 

— 
— 

653.9 
— 

12.2 

8.0 

10.6 

26.0 

0.3 
— 

— 
— 

5.2 
17.8 

0.2 
— 

— 
— 

15.7 
32.7 

—
—

—

—

—
—

—
—

20.8
23.0

— 
0.2 

6.8 

5.3 

0.5 
— 

— 
0.2 

1.5 
10.8 

$  1,179.3 

$  1,717.9 

$  1,933.5 

$  884.6 

$ 

37.7 

$ 

 49.2 

$  917.9 

$ 

44.1

* 

 Accrued  long-term  employee  benefit  and  post-employment  benefit  liability  of  $2.1  million,  accrued  interest  of  $7.3  million  on  unsecured  senior 
notes and unsecured syndicated bank credit facility and accrued interest of nil on derivatives are reported in trade and other payables in 2015 (2014:  
$2.6 million, $6.5 million and nil, respectively).

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2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables indicate the periods in which the cash flows associated with derivatives that are cash flow hedges are 
expected to impact the income statement: 

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 

December 31, 2014 
  Carrying 
  Amount 

  Carrying 
  Amount 

 Contractual 
 Cash Flows 

0–6 
  Months  

6–12 
  Months 

1–2 
 Years 

2–5 
Years 

  More than 
5 Years

December 31, 2015

Payments Due by Period

Assets 
Liabilities 

Total 

$ 

$ 

— 
0.3 

$   — 
1.1 

$ 

$ 

0.4 
1.9 

$ 

0.2 
1.5 

0.2 
0.4 

$  — 
— 

$   — 
— 

$  —
—

(0.3) 

$ 

(1.1) 

$ 

(1.5) 

$ 

(1.3) 

$ 

(0.2) 

$  — 

$  — 

$  —

(e)  currency risk

exposure to currency risk

The Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows based on notional amounts:

  December 31,  
2015 

 December 31,  

2014

U.S. 
Dollar 

122,366 
165,973 
239,684 
447,000 

U.K. 
Pound  

17,676 
40,236 
33,670 
134,046 

Euro    

63,918 
68,588 
92,028 
64,795 

U.S.  
Dollar  

70,578 
148,000 
227,816 
476,642 

U.K. 
Pound 

7,429 
11,946 
9,418 
— 

Euro

44,679
66,549
76,717
67,323

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 
Long-term debt 

sensitivity analysis

A five percent weakening of the Canadian dollar, as indicated below, against the following currencies at December 31 would 
have increased (decreased) equity and income by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, 
in particular interest rates, remain constant. 

Euro  
U.S. dollar 
U.K. pound  

2015 

8,906  
20,380  
5,836 

Equity 

2014 

5,868 
11,289 
6,765 

Income Statement

2014

812
337
(47)

2015 

346  
948  
(4) 

A five percent strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the above currencies at December 31 would have had the equal 
but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

(f) 

interest rate risk

An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates on the floating rate debt and cash as at the reporting date would decrease 
net income by $2.0 million (2014 – $2.0 million decrease) and have no impact on other comprehensive income. This analysis 
assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. 

2015 Annual Report 87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

(g)  Fair values versus carrying amounts

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the statement of financial 
position, are as follows:

Assets carried at fair value: 
Available-for-sale financial assets 

Assets carried at amortized cost:
Loans and receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Liabilities carried at fair value: 
Contingent consideration 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Liabilities carried at amortized cost: 
Trade and other payables 
Unsecured syndicated bank credit facility 
Unsecured senior notes   
Other loans 
Finance lease liabilities   

  December 31,  
2015 

  December 31,  
2014

Carrying  
Amount  

Fair 
Value 

Carrying  
Amount 

Fair 
Value

$ 

21,016 

$ 

21,016 

$ 

16,463 

$  

16,463

524,621 
405,692 

524,621 
405,692 

380,965 
221,873 

380,965
221,873

$  

930,313 

$  

930,313 

$ 

602,838 

$  

602,838

— 
1,348 

1,348 

$ 

— 
1,348 

1,348 

$ 

5,305 
768 

6,073 

$  

$  

710,999 
653,905 
330,451 
13,169 
7,994 

710,999 
653,884 
355,170 
13,169 
7,994 

519,440 
362,576 
276,832 
13,960 
5,700 

5,305
768

6,073

519,440
362,578
307,415
13,960
5,700

$  1,716,518 

$  1,741,216 

$  1,178,508 

$  1,209,093

The basis for determining fair values is disclosed in note 3.

The interest rates used to discount estimated cash flows for the unsecured senior notes are based on the government yield 
curve at the reporting date plus an adequate credit spread.

88

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(h)  Fair value hierarchy

The table below summarizes level of hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities. It does not include fair value information 
for financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying value is a reasonable approximation 
of fair value. 

The different levels have been defined as follows:

•	 Level	1:	quoted	prices	(unadjusted)	in	active	markets	for	identical	assets	or	liabilities;

•	 	Level	2:	inputs	other	than	quoted	prices	included	within	Level	1	that	are	observable	for	the	asset	or	liability,	either	directly	

(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices);

•	 Level	3:	inputs	for	the	asset	or	liability	that	are	not	based	on	observable	market	data	(unobservable	inputs).

December 31, 2015 
Available-for-sale financial assets 

Derivative financial liabilities 
Unsecured senior notes   

December 31, 2014 
Available-for-sale financial assets 

Derivative financial liabilities 
Contingent consideration 
Unsecured senior notes   

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total

$ 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

$  

$  

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$  

$  

21,016 

1,348 
— 

1,348 

16,463 

768 
— 
— 

768 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$  

— 

— 
355,170 

$ 

$ 

21,016

1,348
355,170

355,170 

$ 

356,518

— 

— 
5,305 
307,415 

$ 

$ 

16,463

768
5,305
307,415

$  

312,720 

$ 

313,488

2 4 .   F i n a n c i a l  Ri sK  Ma n ag eMe n t

The Company has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

•	 credit	risk;

•	 liquidity	risk;	and

•	 market	risk.

This note presents information about the Company’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Company’s objectives, policies 
and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Company’s management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures 
are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set 
appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are 
reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s activities. The Company, through its training 
and management standards and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which 
all employees understand their roles and obligations.

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no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Company’s receivables from customers and investment securities.

The Company has established a credit policy under which each new customer is analyzed individually for creditworthiness 
before the Company’s payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. The Company’s review includes external ratings, 
where available, and in some cases bank references. Purchase limits are established for each customer, which represent the 
maximum open amount without requiring approval from senior management; these limits are reviewed quarterly. Customers 
that fail to meet the Company’s benchmark creditworthiness may transact with the Company only on a prepayment basis.

The Company is potentially exposed to credit risk arising from derivative financial instruments if a counterparty fails to meet 
its obligations. These counterparties are large international financial institutions and, to date, no such counterparty has failed 
to meet its financial obligations to the Company. As at December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any exposure to credit 
risk arising from derivative financial instruments.

liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company 
manages liquidity by monitoring expected cash flows and ensuring the availability of credit to ensure, as far as possible, 
that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due. The financial obligations of the Company 
include trade and other payables, long-term debts and other long-term items. The contractual maturity of trade payables is 
six months or less. Long-term debts have varying maturities extending to 2020.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, will 
affect the Company’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management 
is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimizing the return.

The Company uses derivatives to manage market risks. generally the Company seeks to apply hedge accounting in order to 
manage volatility in profit or loss. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

(i)  currency risk

The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates. The 
Company partially manages these exposures by contracting primarily in Canadian dollars, euros, U.K. pounds and U.S. dollars. 
Additionally, each subsidiary’s sales and expenses are primarily denominated in its local currency, further minimizing the 
foreign exchange impact on the operating results. 

In other cases, borrowings are done by non-Canadian dollar-based subsidiaries in their own functional currencies such that 
the principal and interest are denominated in a currency that matches the cash flows generated by those subsidiaries. These 
provide natural hedges that do not require the application of hedge accounting.

(ii)  interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to market risks related to interest rate fluctuations on its debt. To mitigate this risk, the Company 
maintains a combination of fixed and floating rate debt.

(iii)  commodity price risk

Aluminum is the major raw material used in the Container Segment. Prices for aluminum fluctuate in response to changes 
in  supply  and  demand,  market  uncertainty  and  a  variety  of  other  factors  beyond  the  Company’s  control.  The  Company 
uses customer specific aluminum derivative instruments (hedging items) along with fixed price contracts (hedged items) to 
minimize the impact of aluminum price fluctuations. 

Aluminum derivative contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges and changes in value are recorded on the statement 
of financial position in other comprehensive income. Any ineffective portion is recorded in selling, general and administrative 
expenses. Payments made or proceeds received upon the settlement of these contracts are recorded in cost of goods sold.

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2015 Annual Report

capital management

The Company’s objective is to maintain a strong capital base throughout the economic cycle so as to maintain investor, creditor 
and market confidence and to sustain the future development of the business. This capital structure supports the Company’s 
objective to provide an attractive financial return to its shareholders equal to that of its leading specialty packaging peers.

The Company defines capital as total equity and measures the return on capital (or return on equity) by dividing annual 
net earnings before goodwill impairment loss and restructuring and other items by the average of the beginning and the 
end-of-year shareholders’ equity. In 2015, the return on capital was 21.1% (2014 – 20.1%) and was well within the range of the 
Company’s leading specialty packaging peers.

Management and the Board maintain a balance between the expected higher return on capital that might be possible with a 
higher level of financial debt and the advantages and security afforded by a lower level of financial leverage. The Company 
believes that an optimum level of net debt (defined as current debt, including bank advances, plus long-term debt, less cash 
and cash equivalents) to total book capitalization (defined as net debt plus equity) is a maximum of 45%. This ratio was 27% 
at December 31, 2015 (2014 – 26%) and therefore the Company has further capacity to invest in the business with additional 
debt without exceeding the optimum level. In comparison, the weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing borrowings 
(excluding liabilities with imputed interest) was 3.1% (2014 – 3.6%).

The Company has provided a growing level of dividends to its shareholders over the last few years, generally related to its 
growth in earnings. Dividends are declared bearing in mind the Company’s current earnings, cash flow and financial leverage.

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year.

The Company is subject to certain covenants on its unsecured senior notes and its unsecured syndicated bank credit facility. 
This includes a covenant requiring a minimum consolidated net worth. The Company monitors the ratios on a quarterly basis 
and at December 31, 2015, was in compliance with all its covenants.

2 5.  coM Mi tMe n t s

Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 
More than five years 

$  

2015 

21,586 
50,572 
22,934 

$ 

$ 

95,092 

$ 

2014

17,090
41,728
24,690

83,508

The Company enters into operating leases in the ordinary course of business, primarily for real property and equipment. 
Payments and other terms for these leases vary per agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2015, $18.8 million was 
recognized as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2014 – $16.3 million). 

2 6.   R e l at eD  P aR t i e s

Beneficial ownership

The  directors  and  officers  of  CCL  Industries  Inc.  as  a  group  beneficially  own,  control,  or  direct,  directly  or  indirectly, 
approximately  2,244,030  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  Class  A  voting  shares,  representing  94.8%  of  the  issued  and 
outstanding Class A voting shares.

loan guarantee

The Company has provided various loan guarantees for its joint ventures and associates totalling $40.8 million.

2 7.   K e y  Ma n ag eMe n t  PeR s o n n e l   c oM Pe n sat i o n

Short-term employee compensation and benefits 
Share-based compensation 
Post-employment benefits 

$ 

2015 

13,032  
4,561  
612  

$  

2014

 10,403
 3,640
601

$ 

18,205  

$ 

14,644

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no t e s   t o   tHe  co n s o l iD at eD   F i n a n c i a l  s tat eMe n t s

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share information)

2 8 .  a c c uMu l at eD   otHeR   c oM P ReHe n s iVe   i n c oMe

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains, net of tax recovery of $4,896  
  (2014 – tax recovery of $2,833) 
Losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax recovery of $374  
  (2014 – tax recovery of $137) 

2 9.   R e s tR u c t uRi n g   a nD   otHeR   i t eMs

Label Segment restructuring 
Avery Segment restructuring 
Contingent consideration 
Acquisition costs  

Total restructuring and other items 

2015 

2014

$ 

 112,584 

$  

3,882

(858) 

(517)

$ 

111,726  

$  

3,365

$ 

$ 

2015 

 5,025  
4,632  
(3,634) 
— 

$ 

6,023  

$  

2014

 6,343
1,447 
—
1,314

9,104 

In 2015, the Label Segment recorded $5.0 million ($4.4 million, net of tax) in restructuring costs primarily related to severance 
and closure costs for the recent worldmark and 2014 Bandfix Ag acquisitions, as well as severance costs associated with the 
closing of a plant in France.

In 2015, the Avery Segment recorded $4.6 million ($3.0 million, net of tax) in restructuring costs for the previously announced 
closure of the Avery Meridian, Mississippi, binder manufacturing facility and for final European severance costs. 

In 2015, the Company reversed $3.6 million, with no tax impact, of accrued contingent consideration related to the 2014 
acquisition of DekoPak Ambalaj San. Ve Tic. A.S. 

In 2014, the Avery Segment recorded $1.4 million ($1.1 million, net of tax) in restructuring costs primarily related to severance 
costs for European operations.

In 2014, the Label Segment recorded $6.3 million ($5.4 million, net of tax) in restructuring costs primarily related to severance 
costs associated with the closure of a facility in France as well as severance costs associated with the 2013 acquisition of the 
Designed & Engineered Solutions and the 2014 Sancoa businesses.

3 0.  s uB s e Qu e n t   eVe n t s

In January 2016, CCL acquired woelco Ag, a supplier of durable labeling systems for Industrial & Automotive customers 
based near Stuttgart with subsidiary operations in both the United States and China for approximately $27.0 million net cash 
purchase consideration. 

In  January  2016,  CCL  acquired  Label  Art  Ltd.  and  Label  Art  Digital  Ltd.,  two  privately  owned  companies  with  common 
shareholders, based in Dublin, Ireland. Label Art is a leading pressure sensitive label producer in Ireland with a focus on 
Healthcare & Specialty customers in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The agreed purchase consideration in acquired debt 
and cash is approximately $15.0 million, subject to customary closing adjustments.

CCL invested $6.0 million in cash to increase its stake to 75% in the tube manufacturing joint venture in Bangkok, Thailand, 
with Taisei Kako Co. Ltd. of Japan. 

The Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.50 per Class B non-voting share and $0.4875 per Class A voting share, 
which will be payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2016, to be paid on March 31, 2016.

92

2015 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
siX  ye aR   F i n a n c i a l  s uM MaR y 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share and ratio data)

Sales and Net Earnings 
Sales 
Depreciation and  
  amortization 
Finance cost/ 
  Interest expense  
Net earnings 
Basic net earnings  
  per Class B share 

25,637 
295,0781 

$ 

$ 

8.501 

Financial Position
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Working capital6 
Total assets 
Net debt 
Shareholders’ equity 
Net debt to equity ratio   
Net debt to total  
  book capitalization 

$  1,229,864 
912,849 
317,015 
3,582,305 
599,827 
$  1,621,878 
0.37 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010

$  3,039,112 

$  2,585,637 

$  1,889,426 

$  1,308,551  

$  1,268,477  

$ 

 1,192,318

164,081 

146,421 

120,155 

102,564  

100,177  

95,406 

25,553 
216,5662 

6.312 

25,648 
103,5883 

3.043 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

821,883 
600,197 
221,686 
2,618,375 
437,196 
$  1,216,219 
0.36 

$ 

770,193 
544,549 
225,644 
2,401,648 
502,951 
$  1,018,135 
0.49 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 20,919  
97,490  

2.91  

476,909  
322,155  
154,754  
 1,602,359  
 140,061  
887,187  
0.16 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

 $ 

21,384  
84,1264  

2.544  

426,559  
256,243  
 170,316  
 1,613,481  
 213,270 
816,880  
0.26 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

 $ 

25,285
71,0935

2.175 

440,836
317,985
122,851  
1,627,974 
 248,702 
769,327  
0.32

27.0% 

26.4% 

33.1% 

13.6% 

20.7% 

24.4%

2,368  
32,729 

34,716 

2,368 
32,325 

34,365 

2,368 
32,021 

34,150 

 2,369  
 31,451  

 2,374  
 31,315  

2,374
30,912 

33,484  

 33,111  

 32,830  

$ 

475,260 

$ 

403,530 

$ 

333,738 

$ 

 199,322  

 $ 

171,376  

 $ 

168,399  

172,214 
356,703 
52,296 

153,657 
115,876 
37,943 

116,097 
528,319 
29,408 

 93,555  
 11,591  
 32,088  

 81,447  
 25,156  
 23,343  

85,794  
 1,246
 20,730  

$ 

1.50 

$ 

1.10 

$ 

0.86 

$ 

0.78  

 $ 

0.70  

 $ 

0.66

1  After pre-tax restructuring and other items – net loss of $6.0 million. 
2  After pre-tax restructuring and other items – net loss of $9.1 million.
3  After pre-tax restructuring and other items – net loss of $45.2 million.
4   After pre-tax restructuring and other items – net loss of $0.8 million.
5   After pre-tax restructuring and other items – net loss of $0.2 million.
6   Current assets minus liabilities.

2015 Annual Report 93

Number of Shares (000s) 
Class A – Dec. 31 
Class B – Dec. 31 
Weighted average  
  for the year 

Cash Flow
Cash provided by 
  operating activities 
Additions to plant, 
  property and  
  equipment 
Business acquisitions 
Dividends 
Dividends per  
  Class B share 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 0 1 5   B u s i n e s s  le aDeR sHiP

north america

europe

asia Pacific

John Pedroli
President, 
CCL Industries North America

günther Birkner
President, 
Food and Beverage worldwide

Jim anzai
Vice President and  
Managing Director, Asia

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Hohenems, Austria

Singapore

Peter Fleissner
group Vice President, 
CCL Design worldwide

Da gang li
Vice President and  
Managing Director, China

Solingen, germany

Shanghai, PR China

Ben Rubino
President,  
Home and Personal Care 
worldwide

Lumberton, New Jersey, USA

Jim sellors
President, 
Avery North America

Brea, California, USA

tommy nielsen
group Vice President, 
Healthcare and Specialty 
CCL Label Europe

Randers, Denmark

Kittipong Kulratanasinsuk
Managing Director, Thailand 

Bangkok, Thailand

John o’Brien
Managing Director, Australia

Adelaide, Australia

latin america 

luis Jocionis
Vice President and  
Managing Director, South 
America

Sao Paolo, Brazil

Ben lilienthal
Vice President and  
Managing Director, 
CCL and Avery Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico

eric Frantz
Vice President operations, 
Home and Personal Care  
North America

Mark cooper
Vice President and  
Managing Director, 
Avery Europe and Asia Pacific

Hermitage, Pennsylvania, USA

Maidenhead, U.K.

Bill goldsmith
Vice President and  
general Manager, 
CCL Design North America

Derek cumming
Vice President and  
general Manager, 
CCL Design, Electronics

Schererville, Indiana, USA

East Kilbride, Scotland

al green
Vice President 
Technology Development, 

Werner ehrmann
Vice President, 
Technology Development

Clinton, South Carolina, USA

Holzkirchen, germany

Jamie Robinson
Vice President and  
Managing Director, 
Home and Personal Care 
Europe

Castleford, U.K.

thomas summer
Vice President and Managing 
Director, Sleeves Central & 
Eastern Europe

Hohenems, Austria

andy iseli
Vice President and  
general Manager, 
CCL Tube

Los Angeles, California, USA

guy Kiraly
Vice President and  
general Manager, 
Container North America

Hermitage, Pennsylvania, USA

allison Phillips
Vice President and 
general Manager, 
Avery North America  
Printable Media

Brea, California, USA

lee Pretsell
Vice President and  
general Manager, 
Healthcare and Specialty 
North America

Toronto, ontario, Canada

94

2015 Annual Report

2 0 1 5  c c l  o F Fi c eR s

Donald g. lang
Executive Chairman

geoffrey t. Martin
President and  
Chief Executive officer

Kamal Kotecha
Vice President, Taxation

Mark Mcclendon
Vice President and 
general Counsel

susan V. snelgrove
Vice President, Risk and 
Environmental Management

lalitha Vaidyanathan
Senior Vice President,  
Finance-IT-Human Resources, 
CCL Industries

sean P. Washchuk
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial officer

anne Brayley
Vice President, Internal Audit

nick Vecchiarelli
Vice President, Corporate 
Accounting

Monika Vodermaier
Vice President, Corporate 
Finance Europe and Asia

2 0 1 5   B o aR D   oF  D iRe c t oR s

Paul J. Block
Director since 1997

Chairman and CEo, 
Proteus Capital Associates 
New York, U.S.A.

edward e. guillet
Director since 2008

Independent Human  
Resources Consultant 
California, U.S.A.

alan D. Horn
Director since 2008

President and CEo, 
Rogers Telecommunications 
Limited and Chairman, Rogers 
Communications Inc. 
ontario, Canada

Kathleen l. Keller-Hobson
Director since 2015

Corporate Director 
ontario, Canada

Donald g. lang
Director since 1991

Executive Chairman, 
CCL Industries Inc. 
ontario, Canada

stuart W. lang
Director since 1991

Head Football Coach  
for guelph University 
ontario, Canada

geoffrey t. Martin
Director since 2005

President and CEo, 
CCL Industries Inc. 
Massachusetts, U.S.A.

thomas c. Peddie
Director since 2003

Executive Vice President  
and CFo, 
Corus Entertainment Inc. 
ontario, Canada

Mandy shapansky
Director since 2014

Corporate Director 
ontario, Canada

2015 Annual Report 95

2 0 1 5  s HaReHo lDeR

 inF oR Mat i o n

auditors

KPMg LLP

legal counsel

McMillan LLP

transfer agent 
CST Trust Company
P.o. Box 700
Postal Station B
Montreal, QC H3B 3K3
Email: 
AnswerLine: 

Fax:   
website: 

inquiries@canstockta.com
(416) 682-3860 or
(800) 387-0825
(888) 249-6189
www.canstockta.com

Financial information

Institutional  investors,  analysts  and  registered  representatives 
requiring additional information may contact:

Sean washchuk
Senior Vice President and CFo
(416) 756-8526

Additional copies of this report can be obtained from:
CCL Industries Inc.
Investor Relations Department
105 gordon Baker Road
Suite 500
Toronto, oN M2H 3P8
Tel:    
Fax:   
Email: 
website:   

(416) 756-8500
(416) 756-8555
ccl@cclind.com
www.cclind.com

annual and special Meeting of shareholders

The Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders  
will be held on:
May 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
CCL Industries Inc.
105 gordon Baker Road
Suite 500
Toronto, oN M2H 3P8

class B share information

Stock Symbol CCL.B

listed tsX 

Opening price 2015  
Closing price 2015 
Number of trades 
Trading volume (shares) 
Trading value 
Annual dividends declared 

shares outstanding at December 31, 2015

Class A voting shares 
Class B non-voting shares 

$126.63
$224.37
180,945
22,449,141
$3,877,549,597
$1.50

2,367,525

32,729,096

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96

2015 Annual Report

This report is printed on recyclable, acid-free and chlorine free paper. 
Printed in Canada. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CCL Label China

Celebrating 10 Years of Continuous Growth

In 2005, CCL began its adventure in China building a green field production facility in 
Guangzhou. 2015 therefore marks our 10th anniversary in the second most important 
economy in the world.

Since our start 10 years ago CCL Label developed into a strong business, now with 
360 employees working in three plants (Guangzhou, Hefei and Tianjin) covering all 
the  important  economic  geographies  of  this  large  country.  Carefully  designed 
strategies  and  a  talented,  long  term  focused,  core  leadership  team  play  important 
roles in our success. In the Chinese label industry, CCL is now recognized as one of 
the  best  employers  and  market  players  in  terms  of  innovation,  product  quality  & 
service partnering with both global and fast growing Chinese brand owners in the 
consumer products industry.

In  late  2015  CCL  acquired  Worldmark  for  our  CCL  Design  business  bringing  six 
additional  plants  in  China  and  a  focus  on  one  of  the  country’s  most  important 
industries: Electronics. The acquisition has made us the largest player in the Chinese 
label industry and increased our employment base to more than 1,700 people.

Despite  the  slower  rate  of  growth  many  customers  reported  in  China  this  past 
year, CCL continues to believe the country represents one of the better opportunities 
for economic development in the global label industry. We are proud of everything 
our  team  has  achieved  in  such  a  short  space  of  time  and  look  forward  to  their 
increasing contributions.

CCL China management team 
Henry Li, Gary Shan, Ying Lin, Dagang Li, Maggie Ma, Jason Li, Rex Qian
Min Chen, Echo Yu, Jeff Li, Huan Yang, Rika Zhang, Pauline Wen, Anson Huo

OVER 1,700 EMPLOYEES IN 
9 PLANTS IN CHINA
CCL Label: Guangzhou, Hefei, and 
Tianjin, CCL Design: Suzhou (3 plants), 
Chongqing, Tianjin, Shenzen and 
Taiwan (Design Center)

 
CCL Industries Inc.
105 gordon Baker Road, Suite 500
Toronto, on  m2h 3p8, Canada
Tel +1 (416) 756 8500

161 Worcester Road
Framingham, mA 01701, USA
Tel +1 (508) 872 4511

www.cclind.com