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Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

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FY2020 Annual Report · Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
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BUILDING
ON OUR 
LEADERSHIP

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Financial Results

millions of dollars 

Revenues(1) 

Gross profit(1) 

EBITDA from operations(2) 

Adjusted EBITDA(2) 

Adjusted operating cash flow before transaction and other costs(2)

Adjusted operating cash flow(2)

Net earnings

Dividends declared 

(dollar per basic and diluted share except dividends paid and shares outstanding) 

EBITDA from operations(2)

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

Adjusted operating cash flow before transaction and other costs(2)(3)(4) 

Adjusted operating cash flow(2)(3)(4) 

Net earnings

Dividends paid

Weighted average shares outstanding (millions) 

2020

2,394.3

1,105.7

518.4

495.9

386.5

361.4

 86.8 

 126.4

2020

2.73

2.61

2.04

1.91

 0.43 

0.72

 189.7

2019

2,852.9

1,213.0

562.1

524.5

406.2

376.3

 142.6 

 125.9

2019

3.21

3.00

2.32

2.15

 0.82 

0.72

 174.9 

(1)  Revenue and gross profit has been presented excluding realized gains and losses on commodity derivative instruments and the comparative figures have been restated. These gains and losses are 
included in other income (loss) in the audited consolidated financial statements. For purposes of determining margin per litre, gross profit has been adjusted to include realized gains and losses on 
commodity derivative instruments. See “Non-IFRS Financial Measures”.

(2)  EBITDA from operations, Adjusted EBITDA and AOCF are non-IFRS measures. Refer to “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for further details and the Fourth Quarter Management Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) 

for reconciliations.

(3)  Transaction and other costs for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are related to acquisition activity and the integration of acquisitions. See “Transaction and Other Costs” for 

further details.

(4)  The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 189.7 million and 174.9 million respectively. The weighted average number of shares assumes 

the conversion of the preferred shares into common shares in 2020. There were no other dilutive instruments with respect to AOCF per share and AOCF before transaction and other costs per share for 
the three and twelve ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Financial Position

millions of dollars 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Net capital expenditures(1) 

Senior secured debt(2) 

Total debt(2)(3) 

Total debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio(3)(4) 

2020

3,826.3

2,546.2

168.8

635.2

1,850.6

 3.5x 

2019

3,638.0

2,599.0

166.0

731.4

1,956.1

 3.7x 

(1) Includes investment in finance leases amounting to $65.0 million in 2020 and $37.2 million in 2019. Excludes property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisition.
(2) Senior secured debt is stated before deferred issue costs.
(3) See “Non- IFRS Financial Measures” in Superior’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for additional details.
(4) See “Non- IFRS Financial Measures” in Superior’s MD&A for definition of Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Leverage Ratio.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 

4 

President’s Message

 Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
Management’s Report

53 

Independent Auditor’s Report

58  Consolidated Financial Statements

62 

 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

116  Corporate Information

117  Businesses and Shareholder Information

2 

Superior Plus Corp. President’s Message

Our Response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated headlines and nearly every aspect of daily life in 2020. It triggered 
significant economic disruption and public health concerns worldwide. At Superior Plus, we adapted our 
business practices with the health and safety of our employees, our customers and local communities as 
our first priority. In response to COVID-19 and in-line with recommendations from local health authorities, 
enhanced operating procedures and protocols were instituted to maintain our sites and facilities to even 
higher levels of cleanliness. Propane distribution and the production and distribution of our specialty 
chemicals products were declared critical and essential infrastructure and products by all the provinces, 
states and territories we operate in. All of Superior’s facilities and locations continued to operate with 
modified operating procedures to ensure the safety of our employees, customers, suppliers and the 
communities we operate in. Superior has not experienced any operational disruptions to its facilities or  
other assets as a result of COVID-19.

In response to the anticipated impacts of COVID-19 and as part of our ongoing cost-savings initiatives, 
we took immediate action to protect our business and financial strength in an effort to position Superior 
to emerge from this situation even stronger. In 2020, we reduced our planned capital expenditures by 
approximately $30 million and reduced our operational expenses by $30 million. 

Superior’s Energy Distribution employees have done an exceptional job ensuring our customers’ homes and 
business are heated and they have the fuel to keep their businesses, organizations and vehicles operating. 
Our Specialty Chemicals employees continue to work with modified operating procedures and provide the 
chemicals to make essential products, including those that are used to combat the impact from COVID-19.

Annual Report 2020  Superior Plus Corp. 

1

 
 
President’s Message

Luc Desjardins 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer

Dear fellow shareholders,

Resiliency and a focus on the future were key to our 

given personal protective equipment in an effort to keep 

success in the past year. In the first quarter of 2020, 

our employees and customers safe. Our investment 

we faced one of the warmest winters on record, 

in technology and digital tools over the past five years 

which negatively impacted our sales volumes in our 

enabled our IT systems to effectively support the business. 

energy distribution business. In March, we faced the 

challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am 

For our shareholders, we were able to deliver good 

tremendously proud of our employees and their ability 

results despite the headwinds we faced, and we have 

to adapt to the rapidly changing environment. Through 

positioned the company well for future growth after the 

their hard work and dedication, we were able to service 

pandemic. In July, we closed a preferred share issuance 

our energy and chemicals customers, and support the 

with Brookfield Asset Management, and we used the 

communities where we operate. 

proceeds to reduce our debt and leverage. With a stronger 

balance sheet, we were able make accretive propane 

I often say a company or organization must focus on three 

acquisitions in the second half of the year. In January 

key stakeholders; the customer, the employees and the 

2021, we announced the sale of the Specialty Chemicals 

shareholders. As our businesses and operations were 

business to Birch Hill Equity Partners. The sale of Specialty 

deemed critical and essential infrastructure in Canada, the 

Chemicals is an important step in becoming a pure-

U.S. and Chile, we were able to continue to provide our 

play energy distribution company and provides us with 

products and services to our customers. The safety of our 

capital to accelerate our propane distribution acquisition 

employees and our customers are our top priority, so we 

strategy. ERCO has been a good business for Superior for 

moved quickly to adapt our operating procedures and our 

the past 15 years, providing Superior with sustainable cash 

workplaces as required by public health measures. Our 

flows. The ERCO management team has been instrumental 

employees, who had to work remotely, quickly adapted 

in improving our Health, Safety and Environmental 

to the situation and were able to support our field and 

practices as well as important to the development of our 

plant operations. Our drivers, service technicians and 

Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures.

plant employees changed their processes and were 

2 

Superior Plus Corp. President’s Message

Financials and 2020 Review

Superior’s EBITDA from operations in 2020 of $518 million 

was 8% lower than prior year primarily as a result of 

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the warmer 

weather experienced in the first quarter. Superior’s 

Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 of $496 million was 5% lower 

than the prior year due to the decrease in EBITDA from 

operations, partially offset by a decrease in realized losses 

on foreign exchange hedging contracts and corporate 

costs. Superior finished the year with Total Debt to 

Adjusted EBITDA leverage of 3.5x, compared to 3.7x at 

December 31, 2019 due to lower debt levels. Superior 

remains well within its bank and note indenture covenants, 

and we are starting 2021 with a strong balance sheet. 

In 2020, we spent over $285 million on retail propane 

acquisitions, which was our most significant year for 

acquisitions, excluding NGL and Canwest. We made two 

retail propane acquisitions in California, further building 

out our footprint in one of the largest markets by state. 

We also acquired Champagne and Rymes in the U.S. 

Northeast, which should generate significant synergy 

opportunities as these acquisitions are adjacent to our 

existing footprint. Our acquisition pipeline is as robust 

as ever, and we plan to continue our growth through 

acquisition strategy on both coasts of the U.S., as well as 

Canada, bolstered by our strong balance sheet.

The Canadian team reduced operating 
expenses by over $10 million due to  
lower volumes and we expect 40% to 50% 
of those cost savings are sustainable  
going forward.1

Our U.S. Propane Distribution team has done an excellent 

job with acquiring and integrating businesses, as well as 

improving the base operations. Our deal sourcing team 

has done an incredible job identifying opportunities 

and developing relationships with prospective sellers, 

so Superior typically gets the first call when an owner 

decides to sell. In the past five years, our integration 

team has integrated over 50 companies into the Superior 

businesses, so their experience and knowledge enable 

us to quickly integrate and extract synergies from our 

acquisitions. The operations team has done an excellent 

job adapting to the Superior Way operating philosophy 

and have further enhanced the operating platform for 

the U.S. business, which is primarily residential. The U.S. 

propane team continues to reduce costs through the 

implementation and execution of the Superior Way on 

top of the realized synergies from acquisitions. We are 

exiting 2020 with US$24 million in run-rate synergies from 

the NGL acquisition, which is a 20% increase from our 

initial expectations. 

Our Canadian Propane Distribution team did a tremendous 

job right-sizing the business in the face of significant 

challenges in the commercial segments due to COVID-19. 

The Canadian team reduced operating expenses by over 

$10 million due to lower volumes and we expect 40% to 

50% of those cost savings are sustainable going forward.1 

We also have acquisition opportunities in the Canadian 

landscape, primarily in Central and Atlantic Canada. We will 

continue to look for opportunities to improve this business 

as we continue to face challenges in Western Canada, but 

we are well-positioned to execute once demand comes 

back in the West. Our Canadian Propane Distribution team 

has done an excellent job developing our digital platform 

and I believe the best is yet to come from our digital 

offering, and how we leverage technology to service our 

customers and improve our delivery efficiency. 

1. See Forward-Looking Information on page 7

Annual Report 2020  Superior Plus Corp. 

3

 
 
We will continue to provide industry-
leading customer service and build on our 
strong relationships with our customers. 
We will continue to develop our talent 
and provide our employees with the tools 
they need to succeed. 

Looking forward to 2021 and beyond

In 2021, our focus will be on continuing to service our 

customers through the pandemic. We are hopeful the 

case counts will decline in the latter half of the year and 

we will see a return to activity at pre-pandemic levels, 

which should benefit our commercial volumes. We will 

continue on our acquisition strategy primarily in the U.S., 

making accretive acquisitions and generating at least 25% 

synergy improvement on the businesses we acquire. 

2020 was a challenging year for Superior and the world, 

but I think the company is in the best position we have 

On our digital strategy, we successfully installed 75,000 

been, since I started in 2011, to execute on our strategy 

tank sensors in the U.S. We now have 50% of our delivered 

and continue to grow and generate returns for our 

volumes on tank sensors in Canada, and 50% to 60% of 

shareholders. We will continue to provide industry-leading 

our delivered volumes in the U.S. Tank sensors enable us 

customer service and build on our strong relationships with 

to accurately predict when to deliver to our customers, 

our customers. We will continue to develop our talent and 

which increases our fill rate and reduces the amount of 

provide our employees with the tools they need to succeed. 

deliveries. Reducing the amount of deliveries and miles 

driven helps to reduce costs and also reduces our carbon 

I was impressed to hear that since the pandemic began, 

footprint. From the customer’s perspective, they have 

both our Net Promote Score from our customers and 

piece of mind that they aren’t going to run out of propane 

our Employee Engagement Scores from our employees 

to heat their home or business, and they have access to 

have improved. I am so thankful for our customers 

their fuel levels, usage and expected delivery on their 

that choose Superior as their fuel distributor, and I am 

computer, tablet or mobile phone. 

forever grateful to our over 4,000 employees that pushed 

through in the face of adversity to deliver on our promise 

Our Specialty Chemicals business also faced challenges 

to service our customers. 

related to the economic impact from COVID-19. Specialty 

Chemicals EBITDA from operations decreased due to 

I hope 2021 is a more positive year for all. On behalf of the 

lower results in all lines of the business. The sodium 

entire organization, I would like to thank our shareholders 

chlorate business experienced lower sales volumes due 

and other stakeholders for your continued support and 

to curtailments from customer plants due to COVID-19 

confidence in Superior. 

and unrelated to COVID-19. The challenges in the caustic 

soda and hydrochloric acid markets continued in 2020. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive 

The caustic soda markets continue to be challenged due 

Management, 

to over-supply and lower prices. The hydrochloric acid 

markets continue to see lower prices related to reduced 

demand to the U.S. oil and gas sector. The reduced activity 

in the U.S. oil and gas sector also impacted our sodium 

chlorite business. Our expansion projects at the two 

lowest cost plants in Buckingham, Quebec and Valdosta, 

Luc Desjardins

Georgia continued in 2020, and we expect to commence 

President and Chief Executive Officer 

expanded production in Buckingham in early 2021.

March 8, 2021

4 

Superior Plus Corp. President’s Message

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 2020 Annual and Fourth Quarter Results

February	18,	2021

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) contains information about the performance 
and	financial	position	of	Superior	Plus	Corp.	(Superior)	as	at	and	for	the	three	and	twelve	months	
ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019,	as	well	as	forward-looking	information	about	future	
periods.	The	information	in	this	MD&A	is	current	to	February	18,	2021,	and	should	be	read	in	
conjunction	with	Superior’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	and	notes	thereto	as	at	
and	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

The	accompanying	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	of	Superior	were	prepared	by	and	are	the	responsibility	of	Superior’s	

management.	Superior’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	as	at	and	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019	

were	prepared	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	(IFRS)	as	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	

Standards	Board	(IASB).

All	financial	amounts	in	this	MD&A	are	expressed	in millions	of	Canadian	dollars	except	where	otherwise	noted.	All	tables	are	for	

the	year	ended	December 31	of	the	period	indicated,	unless	otherwise	stated.	This	MD&A	includes	forward-looking	statements	and	

assumptions.	See	“Forward-Looking	Information”	for	more	details.

Overview of Superior

Superior	is	a	diversified	business	corporation.	Superior	holds	99.9%	of	Superior	Plus	LP	(Superior	LP),	a	limited	partnership	formed	

between	Superior	General	Partner	Inc.	(Superior	GP)	as	general	partner	and	Superior	as	limited	partner.	Superior	owns	100%	of	

the	shares	of	Superior	GP	and	Superior	GP	holds	0.1%	of	Superior	LP.	The	cash	flow	of	Superior	is	solely	dependent	on	the	results	

of	Superior	LP	and	is	derived	from	the	allocation	of	Superior	LP’s	income	to	Superior	by	means	of	partnership	allocations.

Superior,	through	its	ownership	of	Superior	LP	and	Superior	GP,	has	three	operating	segments:	U.S.	Propane	Distribution,	

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals.	The	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	distributes	propane	gas	and	liquid	

fuels	primarily	in	the	Eastern	United	States,	as	well	as	the	Midwest	and	California.	The	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	segment	

includes	the	Canadian	retail	propane	distribution	business	and	the	wholesale	natural	gas	liquid	marketing	businesses	with	

operations	located	in	Canada	and	California.	Specialty	Chemicals	is	a	leading	supplier	of	sodium	chlorate	and	technology	to	the	

pulp	and	paper	industry	and	a	regional	supplier	of	chlor-alkali	products	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	and	Western	Canada.

Current Economic Conditions

During	the	first	quarter,	the	rapid	outbreak	of	the	novel	strain	of	the	coronavirus,	specifically	identified	as	the	COVID-19	pandemic,	

caused	governments	worldwide	to	enact	emergency	measures	and	restrictions	to	combat	the	spread	of	the	virus.	These	measures	

and	restrictions,	which	include	the	implementation	of	travel	bans,	mandated	and	voluntary	business	closures,	self-imposed	and	

mandatory	quarantine	periods,	isolation	orders	and	social	distancing,	have	caused	material	disruption	to	businesses	globally	resulting	

in	an	economic	slowdown.	Governments	and	central	banks	have	reacted	with	significant	monetary	and	fiscal	interventions	designed	

to	stabilize	economic	conditions.	Superior	monitors	applicable	government	relief	programs	to	determine	if	Superior	qualifies	to	

participate	in	them.	During	the	year,	Superior	applied	for	the	Canadian	Emergency	Wage	Subsidy	(“CEWS”)	program	wherein	Superior	

was	allowed	to	recover	a	portion	of	eligible	employee	costs	incurred	earlier	in	the	year.	The	Government	of	Canada	continues	to	make	

amendments	to	the	CEWS	program	and	Superior	may	be	eligible	for	and	make	applications	for	future claims.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  5

	
	
COVID-19	has	also	resulted	in	a	significant	decrease	of	global	demand	for	crude	oil.	In	addition	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19,	

production	levels	during	March	and	April	by	OPEC+	countries,	contributed	to	excess	global	supply	and	caused	the	price	of	oil	to	

be	exceptionally	volatile.	Propane	is	a	derivative	of	natural	gas	processing	and	oil	refining,	so	continued	volatility	in	the	price	of	oil	

could	lead	to	disruptions	in	the	supply	of	propane	if	the	production	of	oil	and	natural	gas	is	further	curtailed.	In	addition	to	the	risk	

on	the	supply	of	propane,	demand	for	Superior’s	products	from	our	customers	in	the	oil	and	gas	industry	have	been	impacted	as	

the	combined	impact	of	COVID-19	and	volatile	oil	prices	has	had	a	significantly	negative	impact	on	the	energy	industry.	Despite	the	

impact	COVID-19	has	had	on	natural	gas	processing	and	oil	refining,	U.S.	propane	inventories	remain	above	the	three-year	average.

The	future	impact	of	these	events	on	liquidity,	volatility,	credit	availability	and	market	and	financial	conditions	generally,	could	

change	at	any	time.	The	duration	and	ultimate	impact	on	the	economy	are	unknown	at	this	time,	and,	as	a	result,	it	is	difficult	to	

estimate	the	longer-term	impact	on	our	operations	and	the	markets	for	our	products.	At	the	current	time,	we	expect	an	impact	to	

our	business	as	it	relates	to	our	customers	that	operate	in	industries	governments	have	classified	as	non-essential	and	customers	

required	to	operate	at	reduced	capacities.	During	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	the	impact	of	these	events	caused	a	

decrease	in	sales	volumes	and	sales	prices	for	our	Specialty	Chemicals	segment	and	sales	volumes	for	our	Canadian	Propane	

Distribution	operating	segment	and	to	a	lesser	extent	our	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	operating	segment.	Management	took	steps	to	

reduce	capital	and	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs	to	minimize	the	impact	these	events	have	had	on	our	business.	The	

significant	negative	impact	of	COVID-19	on	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	business	was	partially	offset	

by	the	CEWS	benefit.

Superior’s	operating	segments	provide	essential	services	in	all	provinces,	states	and	territories	in	which	Superior	operates.	In	

response	to	COVID-19,	and	in	line	with	recommendations	from	local	health	authorities,	enhanced	operating	procedures	and	

protocols	were	instituted	to	protect	our	employees	and	customers	and	to	maintain	our	sites	and	facilities	to	even	higher	levels	

of cleanliness.

Management	is	continuing	to	monitor	these	situations	and	may	be	required	to	take	further	actions	that	may	materially	

alter operations.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Throughout	the	MD&A,	Superior	has	used	the	following	terms	that	are	not	defined	under	International	Financial	Reporting	

Standards	(IFRS),	but	are	used	by	management	to	evaluate	the	performance	of	Superior	and	its	businesses:	adjusted	operating	

cash	flow	(AOCF)	before	and	after	transaction	and	other	costs,	earnings	before	interest,	taxes,	depreciation	and	amortization	

(EBITDA)	from	operations,	Adjusted	EBITDA,	Operating	Costs,	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA,	Leverage	Ratio	and	Adjusted	Gross	

Profit.	These	measures	may	also	be	used	by	investors,	financial	institutions	and	credit	rating	agencies	to	assess	Superior’s	

performance	and	ability	to	service	debt.	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	do	not	have	standardized	meaning	prescribed	by	GAAP	

and	are	therefore	unlikely	to	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	companies.	Securities	regulations	require	

that	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	are	clearly	defined,	qualified	and	reconciled	to	their	most	comparable	GAAP	financial	measures.	

Except	as	otherwise	indicated,	these	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	are	calculated	and	disclosed	on	a	consistent	basis	from	period	to	

period.	Specific	items	may	only	be	relevant	in	certain	periods.

The	intent	of	using	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	is	to	provide	additional	useful	information	to	investors	and	analysts;	the	measures	

do	not	have	standardized	meaning	under	IFRS.	The	measures	should	not,	therefore,	be	considered	in	isolation	or	used	in	substitute	

for	measures	of	performance	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	Other	issuers	may	calculate	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	

differently.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	for	more	information	about	these	measures.

6  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Forward-Looking Information

Certain	information	included	herein	is	forward-looking	information	within	the	meaning	of	applicable	Canadian	securities	laws.	

Forward-looking	information	may	include	statements	regarding	the	objectives,	business	strategies	to	achieve	those	objectives,	

expected	financial	results	(including	those	in	the	area	of	risk	management),	economic	or	market	conditions,	and	the	outlook	of	or	

involving	Superior,	Superior	LP	and	its	businesses.	Such	information	is	typically	identified	by	words	such	as	“anticipate”,	“believe”,	

“continue”,	“estimate”,	“expect”,	“plan”,	“forecast”,	“future”,	“outlook”,	“guidance”,	“may”,	“project”,	“should”,	“strategy”,	“target”,	“will”	or	

similar	expressions	suggesting	future	outcomes.

Forward-looking	information	in	this	document	includes:	future	financial	position,	consolidated	and	business	segment	outlooks,	

expected	Adjusted	EBITDA,	the	duration	and	anticipated	impact	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	and	the	expected	economic	recession,	

estimates	of	the	impact	COVID-19	may	have	on	our	operations,	the	markets	for	our	products	and	our	financial	results,	expected	

total	debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	ratio,	anticipated	impact	from	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar,	business	strategy	and	objectives,	

development	plans	and	programs,	organic	growth,	weather,	economic	activity	in	Western	Canada,	product	pricing	and	sourcing,	

wholesale	propane	market	fundamentals,	exchange	rates,	expected	synergies	from	acquisitions,	expected	seasonality	of	demand,	

and	future	economic	conditions.

Forward-looking	information	is	provided	for	the	purpose	of	providing	information	about	management’s	expectations	and	plans	

about	the	future	and	may	not	be	appropriate	for	other	purposes.	Forward-looking	information	herein	is	based	on	various	

assumptions	and	expectations	that	Superior	believes	are	reasonable	in	the	circumstances.	No	assurance	can	be	given	that	these	

assumptions	and	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.	Those	assumptions	and	expectations	are	based	on	information	currently	

available	to	Superior,	including	information	obtained	from	third	party	industry	analysts	and	other	third-party	sources,	and	the	

historic	performance	of	Superior’s	businesses.	Such	assumptions	include	anticipated	financial	performance,	current	business	

and	economic	trends,	the	amount	of	future	dividends	paid	by	Superior,	business	prospects,	utilization	of	tax	basis,	regulatory	

developments,	currency,	exchange	and	interest	rates,	future	commodity	prices	relating	to	the	oil	and	gas	industry,	future	oil	

rig	activity	levels,	trading	data,	cost	estimates,	our	ability	to	obtain	financing	on	acceptable	terms,	expected	life	of	facilities	and	

statements	regarding	net	working	capital	and	capital	expenditure	requirements	of	Superior	or	Superior	LP,	the	assumptions	

set	forth	under	the	“Financial	Outlook”	sections	in	this	MD&A.	The	forward-looking	information	is	also	subject	to	the	risks	and	

uncertainties	set	forth	below.

By	its	very	nature,	forward-looking	information	involves	numerous	assumptions,	risks	and	uncertainties,	both	general	and	specific.	

Should	one	or	more	of	these	risks	and	uncertainties	materialize	or	should	underlying	assumptions	prove	incorrect,	as	many	

important	factors	are	beyond	our	control,	Superior’s	or	Superior	LP’s	actual	performance	and	financial	results	may	vary	materially	

from	those	estimates	and	intentions	contemplated,	expressed	or	implied	in	the	forward-looking	information.	These	risks	and	

uncertainties	include	incorrect	assessments	of	value	when	making	acquisitions,	increases	in	debt	service	charges,	the	loss	of	key	

personnel,	the	anticipated	impact	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	and	the	economic	recession,	fluctuations	in	foreign	currency	and	

exchange	rates,	inadequate	insurance	coverage,	liability	for	cash	taxes,	counterparty	risk,	compliance	with	environmental	laws	and	

regulations,	reduced	customer	demand,	operational	risks	involving	our	facilities,	force	majeure,	labour	relations	matters,	our	ability	

to	access	external	sources	of	debt	and	equity	capital,	and	the	risks	identified	in	(i)	this	MD&A	under	“Risk	Factors”	and	(ii)	Superior’s	

most	recent	Annual	Information	Form.	The	preceding	list	of	assumptions,	risks	and	uncertainties	is	not	exhaustive.

When	relying	on	Superior’s	forward-looking	information	to	make	decisions	with	respect	to	Superior,	investors	and	others	should	

carefully	consider	the	preceding	factors,	other	uncertainties	and	potential	events.	Any	forward-looking	information	is	provided	as	

of	the	date	of	this	document	and,	except	as	required	by	law,	neither	Superior	nor	Superior	LP	undertakes	to	update	or	revise	such	

information	to	reflect	new	information,	subsequent	or	otherwise.	For	the	reasons	set	forth	above,	investors	should	not	place	undue	

reliance	on	forward-looking	information.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  7

	
	
Financial Overview

Summary of AOCF

(millions	of	dollars	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenue

Gross	profit

EBITDA	from	operations	(1)

Corporate	administrative	costs

Realized gains (losses) on foreign currency hedging contracts

Adjusted	EBITDA	(1)

Interest	expense

Cash	income	tax	expense

AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	(1)

Transaction and other costs (2)

AOCF	(1)

AOCF	per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	(1)(2)(3)

AOCF	per	share	(1)(2)(3)

Dividends	declared	per	common	share

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2,394.3

1,105.7

2019

2,852.9

1,213.0

518.4

(20.5)

(2.0)

495.9

(98.3)

(11.1)

386.5

(25.1)

361.4

$2.04

$1.91

$0.72

562.1

(25.5)

(12.1)

524.5

(105.2)

(13.1)

406.2

(29.9)

376.3

$2.32

$2.15

$0.72

(1)		 EBITDA	from	operations,	Adjusted	EBITDA,	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs,	and	AOCF	are	Non-IFRS	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

(2)   Transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019	are	related	to	acquisition	activity,	restructuring	and	the	integration	of	acquisitions.	 

See	“Transaction	and	Other	Costs”	for	further	details.

(3)	 The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	189.7 million	(December 31,	2019	was	174.9 million).	The	weighted	average	
number	of	shares	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	per	share	and	AOCF	
before	transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

Comparable GAAP Financial Information

(millions	of	dollars	except	per	share	amounts)

Net	earnings

Net	earnings	attributable	to	common	shareholders

Net	earnings	for	the	year	attributable	to	non-controlling	interest

Net	earnings	per	share,	attributable	to	common	shareholders:

 Basic

 Diluted

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities	per	share	(1)

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

86.8

75.1

11.7

$0.43

$0.43

360.2

$1.90

2019

142.6

142.6

–

$0.82

$0.82

423.2

$2.42

(1)	 The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	189.7 million	(December 31,	2019	was	174.9 million).	The	weighted	average	
number	of	shares	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	and	AOCF	before	
transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

8  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Segmented Information

(millions of dollars)

EBITDA	from	operations	(1)

U.S.	Propane	Distribution

Canadian	Propane	Distribution

Specialty	Chemicals

Total

(1)	 EBITDA	from	operations	is	a	Non-IFRS	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

AOCF Reconciled to Cash Flows from Operating Activities (1)

(millions of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities

Non-cash	interest	expense,	and	other

Changes	in	non-cash	operating	working	capital

Income	taxes	paid

Interest	paid

Cash	income	tax	expense

Finance	expense	recognized	in	net	earnings

AOCF (1)

(1)	 AOCF	is	a	Non-IFRS	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Issuance of Preferred Shares

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2019

206.9

195.0

116.5

518.4

209.4

200.8

151.9

562.1

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

360.2

8.1

0.1

11.6

99.0

(11.1)

(106.5)

361.4

2019

423.2

9.1

(43.7)

8.4

106.7

(13.1)

(114.3)

376.3

On	July	13,	2020,	Superior	issued	260,000	Preferred	Shares	(the	“Preferred	Shares”)	by	its	wholly	owned	subsidiary	Superior	Plus	US	

Holdings	for	gross	proceeds	of	US$260 million	(CDN	$353.8 million)	to	an	affiliate	of	Brookfield	Asset	Management	Inc.,	on	a	private	

placement	basis.	The	gross	proceeds	from	the	Preferred	Shares	were	recorded	as	a	non-controlling	interest	within	equity	and	the	

issuance	costs	of	US$13.4 million	(CDN$18.1 million)	were	allocated	to	Superior’s	deficit,	see	Shareholders’	Capital	for	further	details.

Divestiture

On	February	18,	2021,	Superior	entered	into	a	definitive	agreement	to	sell	its	Specialty	Chemicals	business	for	total	consideration	

of	$725.0 million	(the	“Transaction”).	Under	the	terms	of	the	Transaction,	Superior	will	receive	$600 million	in	cash	proceeds	and	

$125 million	in	the	form	of	a	6%	unsecured	Note (“Vendor	Note”).	The	principal	amount	of	the	Vendor	Note and	accrued	and	

unpaid	interest	are	due	5	½	years	from	the	date	the	Transaction	closes.	The	purchase	price	is	subject	to	adjustment	based	on	the	

average	EBITDA	of	the	business	for	the	three	consecutive	twelve-month	periods	following	the	closing	date.	If	the	average	EBITDA,	

adjusted	to	remove	the	impact	of	IFRS	16,	is	higher	than	$115M	the	purchase	price	will	be	increased	by	multiplying	the	difference	

by	4.5	and	the	seller	will	issue	an	additional	Note to	Superior,	up	to	a	maximum	of	$100 million	which	includes	accumulated	

interest.	The	Note will	bear	interest	at	the	same	rate	as	the	Vendor	Note and	interest	will	accrue	from	the	closing	date.	If	the	

average	EBITDA,	adjusted	to	remove	the	impact	of	IFRS	16,	is	lower	than	$100M,	the	purchase	price	will	be	decreased	by	multiplying	

the	difference	by	4.5	and	a	Note will	be	issued	to	the	seller	up	to	a	maximum	of	$100 million	which	includes	accumulated	interest.	

The	Note will	bear	interest	at	the	same	rate	as	the	Vendor	Note and	interest	will	accrue	from	the	closing	date.	As	at	December 31,	

2020,	the	Specialty	Chemicals	segment	did	not	meet	the	definition	of	assets	held	for	sale	and	discontinued	operations.	Subsequent	

to	December 31,	2020	and	until	the	transaction	closes,	the	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	Specialty	Chemical	segment	will	be	shown	

as	held	for	sale	on	the	balance	sheet	and	the	segment’s	net	earnings	(loss),	including	comparative	figures,	will	be	shown	as	a	

discontinued	operation	on	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Net	Earnings	(Loss).

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  9

	
	
Acquisitions

On	January	9,	2020,	Superior	acquired	all	the	issued	and	outstanding	shares	of	Western,	a	Southern	California	retail	propane	

distribution	company	for	total	consideration	of	US$22.7 million	(CDN$29.8 million).	The	acquisition	was	funded	by	drawing	on	

Superior’s	credit	facility	and	deferring	US$4.0 million	(CDN$5.2 million)	in	payments	over	the	next	five	years.

On	August	3,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	tradename,	

Champagne’s	Energy	(“Champagne”),	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	US$27.2 million	(CDN$36.4 million).	The	purchase	

price	was	paid	primarily	with	cash	from	Superior’s	credit	facility.	Champagne	is	a	retail	distributor	delivering	propane	and	distillates	

to	residential	and	commercial	customers	in	Maine.

On	September	1,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	and	heating	oil	distribution	company,	operating	under	

the	tradename,	Rymes	Propane	and	Oil	(“Rymes”),	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	US$150.6 million	(CDN$196.7 million).	

The	purchase	price	was	paid	primarily	with	cash	from	Superior’s	credit	facility.	Rymes	is	a	retail	distributor	delivering	propane	and	

distillates	to	residential	and	commercial	customers	in	New	Hampshire,	Maine,	Massachusetts	and	Vermont.

On	October	15,	2020,	Superior	acquired	all	of	the	equity	interests	of	a	Southern	California	propane	distribution	company,	

operating	under	the	tradename,	Central	Coast	Propane	(“Central	Coast”),	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	US$12.9 million	

(CDN$17.1 million).	The	purchase	price	was	paid	primarily	with	cash	from	Superior’s	credit	facility.

On	October	27,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	tradename,	Petro	

SE	Propane	(“Southern	Propane	and	Mountain	Gas”),	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	US$6.1 million	(CDN$8.0 million).	The	

purchase	price	was	paid	primarily	with	cash	from	Superior’s	credit	facility.	Petro	is	a	retail	distributor	delivering	propane	in	North	

Carolina,	South	Carolina,	Georgia	and	Tennessee.

On	January	26,	2021	Superior	announced	the	acquisition	of	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	and	distillate	distribution	company,	

operating	in	Massachusetts	under	the	tradename	Holden	Oil	(“Holden”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	US$17.8 million.

On	February	1,	2021	Superior	acquired	a	100%	equity	interest	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	in	Quebec	under	

the	tradename	Miller	Propane	(“Miller”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	CDN	$7.5 million.

On	February	11,	2021,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	an	Ontario	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	

tradename	Highlands	Propane	(“Highlands”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	CDN	$13.9 million.

10  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Consolidated Statement of Net Earnings

(millions	of	dollars	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenue

Cost	of	sales	(includes	products	and	services)

Gross	profit

Expenses

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs	(“SD&A”)

Finance	expense

Gains	on	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings

Earnings	before	income	taxes

Income	tax	expense

Net	earnings	for	the	year

Net earnings for the year attributable to:

 Superior

 Non-controlling	interest

Net earnings per share, attributable to Superior:

 Basic

 Diluted

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2019

2,394.3

2,852.9

(1,288.6)

(1,639.9)

1,105.7

1,213.0

(890.2)

(106.5)

49.7

(948.3)

(114.3)

17.2

(947.0)

(1,045.4)

158.7

(71.9)

167.6

(25.0)

86.8

142.6

75.1

11.7

$0.43

$0.43

142.6

–

$0.82

$0.82

Annual Financial Results Compared to the Prior Year

Adjusted	EBITDA	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$495.9 million,	a	decrease	of	$28.6 million	or	5%	compared	to	the	

prior	year	Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$524.5 million.	The	decrease	is	primarily	due	to	lower	EBITDA	from	operations	and	was	partially	

offset	by	lower	corporate	costs	and	lower	realized	losses	on	foreign	currency	hedging	contracts.	EBITDA	from	operations	

decreased	$43.7 million	or	8%	compared	to	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	lower	Specialty	Chemicals	EBITDA	from	operations	and	

to	a	lesser	extent,	lower	Canadian	Propane	and	U.S.	Propane	EBITDA	from	operations.	Specialty	Chemicals	EBITDA	from	operations	

was	$116.5 million,	a	decrease	of	$35.4 million	or	23%	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	lower	average	hydrochloric	acid	

and	caustic	soda	sales	prices	compared	to	the	prior	year,	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit.	Canadian	Propane	

EBITDA	from	operations	was	$195.0 million,	a	decrease	of	$5.8 million	or	3%	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	partially	offset	

by	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit	and	higher	unit	margins.	U.S.	Propane	EBITDA	from	operations	was	$206.9 million,	a	decrease	of	

$2.5 million	or	1%	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes,	and	lower	other	services	gross	profit,	partially	offset	by	higher	unit	margins,	

lower	realized	losses	on	foreign	currency	hedging	contracts	of	$2.0 million	and	a	decrease	of	$10.1 million	in	the	prior	year	due	

to	the	higher	average	hedge	rate	for	notional	amounts	hedged.	Corporate	administrative	costs	were	$20.5 million	a	decrease	of	

$5.0 million	or	20%	primarily	due	to	lower	incentive	plan	costs	due	to	fluctuations	in	the	share	price.

AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$386.5 million,	a	decrease	of	$19.7 million	

or	5%	from	the	prior	year	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	of	$406.2 million.	The	decrease	from	the	prior	year	is	primarily	

due	to	lower	Adjusted	EBITDA	discussed	above,	partially	offset	by	lower	interest	expense	and	cash	taxes.	Interest	expense	

decreased	by	$6.9 million	or	7%	primarily	due	to	lower	average	debt	balances	and	lower	variable	interest	rates.	Cash	income	tax	

expense	decreased	by	$2.0 million	as	a	result	of	changes	to	U.S.	tax	legislation	in	2020	partially	offset	by	higher	provincial	taxes	

incurred	to	utilize	expiring	Canadian	federal	tax	credits.	AOCF	per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	assuming	conversion	
of	preferred	shares	was	$2.04	per	share,	a	decrease	of	$0.28	per	share	or	12%	from	the	prior	year-to-date	results	of	$2.32	per	

share	primarily	due	to	the	lower	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	discussed	above	and	the	increase	in	weighted	average	

shares	outstanding.	Weighted	average	shares	outstanding	were	higher	than	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	issuance	of	

Preferred	Shares	that	are	reflected	on	an	as	converted	basis	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	shares	issued	under	the	Dividend	

Reinvestment	and	Optional	Share	Purchase	Plan	(“DRIP”).

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  11

	
	
 
 
AOCF	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$361.4 million,	a	decrease	of	$14.9 million	or	4%	from	the	prior	year	AOCF	of	

$376.3 million	due	to	the	decreased	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	discussed	above.	AOCF	per	share	for	year	ended	

December 31,	2020	was	$1.91	per	share	assuming	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares,	a	decrease	of	$0.24	per	share	or	11%	

from	the	prior	year	quarter	results	of	$2.15	per	share.	Transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	were	

$25.1 million,	$4.8 million	lower	than	the	prior	year.	Costs	incurred	in	the	current	year	related	primarily	to	acquisitions	completed	

in	the	current	year	and	integration	of	prior	acquisitions	compared	to	the	Specialty	Chemicals	strategic	review,	the	integration	of	

acquisitions	and	acquisition-related	costs	incurred	in	the	prior	comparable	year.

Revenue	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$2,394.3 million,	a	decrease	of	$458.6 million	or	16%	due	to	lower	revenue	

in	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segments.	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	revenue	for	the	

year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$925.0 million,	a	decrease	of	$234.9 million	or	20%	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	lower	sales	

volumes	and	lower	wholesale	propane	prices.	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	revenue	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	was	

$899.4 million,	a	decrease	of	$124.7 million	or	12%	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	lower	wholesale	propane	and	distillate	prices	

and	lower	sales	volumes,	partially	offset	by	incremental	volumes	from	acquisitions	and	the	impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	

on	U.S.	denominated	sales.	Specialty	Chemicals	revenue	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$587.4 million	a	decrease	of	

$93.9 million	or	14%	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	lower	chlor-alkali	average	sales	prices.	Consolidated	gross	profit	was	

$1,105.7 million,	a	decrease	of	$107.3 million	or	9%	from	$1,213.0 million	primarily	due	to	lower	Canadian	Propane	and	Specialty	

Chemicals	gross	profit	partially	offset	by	higher	U.S.	Propane	gross	profit.	Gross	profit	decreased	due	to	the	above	reasons	and	was	

partially	offset	by	lower	costs	as	a	result	of	recording	the	CEWS	in	the	Canadian	Propane	and	Specialty	Chemicals	segments,	lower	

average	power	costs	due	to	the	closure	of	the	high-cost	Saskatoon	sodium	chlorate	plant	in	the	prior	year	quarter,	and	effective	

margin	management	in	a	low-cost	wholesale	propane	price	environment.

SD&A	was	$890.2 million	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	a	decrease	of	$58.1 million	or	6%	from	the	prior	year,	primarily	

due	to	a	decrease	in	Canadian	Propane	SD&A	and	Specialty	Chemicals	SD&A	costs	and	to	a	lesser	extent	Corporate	SD&A	costs,	

partially	offset	by	an	increase	in	U.S.	Propane	SD&A.	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	SD&A	costs	were	$279.7 million	a	decrease of	

$36.1 million	or	11%	from	$315.8 million	in	the	prior	year	due	primarily	to	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	program	recorded	in	the	

current	period,	lower	volume-related	expenses	and	cost	savings	initiatives	partially	offset	by	higher	depreciation	expense.	Specialty	

Chemicals	costs	were	$153.1 million,	a	decrease	of	$30.3 million	or	17%	from	$183.4 million	in	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	an	

impairment	charge	and	a	restructuring	provision	recorded	in	the	prior	year,	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	program	in	the	current	year,	

lower	freight	costs	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	a	gain	on	the	translation	of	non-cash	working	capital	compared	to	a	loss	in	the	

prior	year,	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	expenses.	Corporate	SD&A	costs	were	

$29.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$5.4 million	or	15%	from	$35.2 million	in	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	lower	incentive	plan	costs	

related	to	share	price	volatility	and	lower	transaction	costs.	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	SD&A	costs	were	$427.8 million,	an	increase	

of	$13.9 million	or	3%	from	$413.9 million	in	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	

and	prior	year	partially	offset	by	lower	volume-related	expenses,	workforce	optimization	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	realization	of	

incremental	synergies	and	lower	transaction	and	restructuring	costs.

Finance	expense	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$106.5 million,	a	decrease	of	$7.8 million	or	7%	from	$114.3 million	in	

the	prior	year.	The	decrease	is	primarily	due	to	lower	average	debt	balances	and	lower	variable	interest	rates,	partially	offset	by	the	

impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	the	translation	of	U.S.	denominated	finance	expense.	Average	debt	balances	were	lower	

as	the	proceeds	of	the	US$260 million	Preferred	Share	issuance	(see	Shareholders’	Capital)	were	used	to	repay	debt,	partially	offset	

by	acquisitions	completed	in	the	year.

Gains	(losses)	on	derivative	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings	consists	of	unrealized	gains	(losses)	on	derivative	

financial	instruments	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings,	net	of	realized	gains	(losses)	on	derivative	financial	

instruments.	Superior	incurred	a	net	gain	on	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings	of	$49.7 million	for	the	

years	ended	December 31,	2020	compared	to	a	net	gain	of	$17.2 million	in	the	prior	year.	This	is	mainly	related	to	changes	in	

market	prices	of	commodities,	timing	of	maturities	of	underlying	financial	instruments	and	foreign	exchange	rates	relative	to	

amounts	hedged.	For	additional	details,	refer	to	Note 17	of	the	2020	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

Total	income	tax	expense	of	$71.9 million	was	$46.9 million	higher	than	the	prior	year’s	expense	of	$25.0 million.	Current	income	

tax	expense	was	$11.1 million,	a	decrease	of	$2.0 million	from	the	prior	year’s	expense	of	$13.1 million.	Deferred	income	tax	

expense	was	$60.8 million,	an	increase	of	$48.9 million	from	the	prior	year	expense	of	$11.9 million	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	

U.S.	tax	regulations	enacted	during	the	year.

12  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

The	net	earnings	from	operations	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$86.8 million,	compared	to	$142.6 million	net	earnings	

in	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	from	the	prior	year	is	primarily	due	to	lower	gross	profit	and	higher	income	tax	expense	partially	

offset	by	higher	gains	on	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings	recorded	in	the	current	year	and	lower	selling,	

distribution	and	administrative	costs	and	finance	expenses.	Basic	earnings	per	share	attributable	to	Superior	was	$0.43	per	share	

a	decrease	of	48%	from	$0.82	per	share	in	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	is	due	to	the	above	reasons	and	a	higher	weighted	average	

number	of	shares	outstanding.	Weighted	average	shares	outstanding	were	higher	than	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	issuance	of	

Preferred	Shares	that	are	reflected	on	an	as	converted	basis	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	shares	issued	under	the	DRIP.

Results of Superior’s Operating Segments

Superior’s	operating	segments	consists	of	U.S.	Propane,	Canadian	Propane	which	includes	its	wholesale	business	and	

Specialty Chemicals.

U.S. Propane Distribution

U.S.	Propane	Distribution’s	condensed	operating	results:

(millions of dollars)

Revenue

Cost	of	Sales

Gross	profit

Realized	losses	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Adjusted	gross	profit	(1)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Add	back	(deduct):

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Transaction and other costs

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Operating	costs	(1)

EBITDA from operations (1)

Add	back	(deduct):

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Transaction and other costs

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

899.4

(385.5)

513.9

(14.6)

499.3

(427.8)

118.5

14.4

2.5

(292.4)

206.9

(2.5)

(14.4)

2019

1,024.1

(514.7)

509.4

(9.1)

500.3

(413.9)

105.0

16.7

1.3

(290.9)

209.4

(1.3)

(16.7)

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

(118.5)

(105.0)

Unrealized	gains	(losses)	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Finance	expense

Earnings before income tax

26.2

(5.2)

92.5

(2.6)

(4.4)

79.4

(1)	 Adjusted	Gross	Profit,	EBITDA	from	operations	and	Operating	Costs	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	“Reconciliation	of	Earnings	

before	Income	Taxes	to	EBITDA	from	Operations”.

Revenue	for	2020	was	$899.4 million,	a	decrease	of	$124.7 million	or	12%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	

and	lower	wholesale	commodity	prices.	Wholesale	supply	prices	were	lower	than	the	prior	year,	driven	by	decreased	demand	as	a	

result	of	warm	weather	in	the	first	quarter,	reduced	demand	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	and	the	impact	from	lower	average	

West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)	crude	oil	prices	compared	to	the	prior	year.	WTI	crude	oil	prices	decreased	significantly	at	the	end	

of	the	first	quarter	and	remained	lower	than	the	prior	year	due	to	continued	uncertainty	around	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	the	

global	economy.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  13

	
	
U.S. Propane Adjusted Gross Profit

(millions of dollars)

Propane	distribution

Realized	loss	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit

Other	services	(1)

Adjusted gross profit (2)

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

494.2

(14.6)

479.6

19.7

499.3

2019

486.1

(9.1)

477.0

23.3

500.3

(1)	 Other	services	have	been	restated	to	align	with	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	by	excluding	fees	which	form	part	of	propane	distribution	margins.

(2)  Adjusted	gross	profit	from	operations	is	a	Non-IFRS	financial	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit	for	2020	was	$479.6 million,	an	increase	of	$2.6 million	or	1%	from	the	prior	year	

primarily	due	to	the	incremental	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	and	prior	year	and	higher	average	

margins,	partially	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes	related	to	warmer	weather	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	

customer	demand	and	the	impact	of	sales	and	marketing	initiatives	to	focus	on	higher	margin	propane	customers.

Total	sales	volumes	were	1,153 million	litres,	a	decrease	of	56 million	litres	or	5%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	

warmer	weather,	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	commercial	and	wholesale	customer	demand	and	a	decline	in	low-margin	commercial	

distillate	volumes,	partially	offset	by	incremental	volumes	from	tuck-in	acquisitions.	Average	weather,	as	measured	by	degree	

days,	across	markets	where	U.S.	propane	operates	for	2020	was	8%	warmer	than	the	prior	year	and	5%	warmer	than	the	five-year	

average.	Residential	sales	volumes	decreased	by	36 million	litres	or	5%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	warmer	
weather	in	the	first	and	fourth	quarters,	partially	offset	by the	impact	of	tuck-in	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	and	prior	
year.	Commercial	volumes	decreased	by	2 million	litres	compared	to	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	

commercial	customers	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	sales	and	marketing	initiatives	to	shift	focus	away	from	low-margin	

customers,	partially	offset	by	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	and	prior	years.	Wholesale	volumes	decreased	by	18 million	

litres	or	38%	due	to	reduced	demand	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	and	the	impact	of	sales	and	marketing	initiatives	focusing	

on	higher	margin	propane	customers	partially	offset	by	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	and	prior	year.

U.S.	propane	average	sales	margins	were	41.6	cents	per	litre	an	increase	of	5%	from	39.5	cents	per	litre	in	the	prior	year	primarily	

due	to	customer	mix,	effective	margin	management	on	acquired	customers	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	the	weaker	

Canadian	dollar	on	the	translation	of	U.S.	denominated	gross	profit.

Other	services	gross	profit	includes	equipment	rental,	installation,	repair	and	maintenance	charges.	Other	services	gross	profit	was	

$19.7 million,	a	decrease	of	$3.6 million	or	15%	over	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	resulting	in	delays	on	

non-essential	service	activity	partially	offset	by	the	incremental	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed.

14  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

U.S. Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

End-Use Application

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

(1)	 Comparative	figures	have	been	reclassified	to	conform	with	the	current	period	presentation.

U.S. Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

Volumes by Region

(millions of litres)

Northeast

Southeast

Midwest

West

Total

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2019(1)

637

487

29

673

489

47

1,153

1,209

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2019

927

105

87

34

991

111

101

6

1,153

1,209

Regions:		Northeast	region	consists	of	Maine,	New	Hampshire,	Vermont,	Massachusetts,	Connecticut,	Rhode	Island,	New	York,	Pennsylvania,	New	Jersey,	Delaware,	Maryland,	

Virginia;	Southeast	region	consists	of	North	Carolina,	South	Carolina,	Georgia,	Tennessee,	Florida,	Alabama;	Midwest	region	consists	of	Ohio,	Michigan,	Minnesota;	
West region	consists	primarily	of	California

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$292.4 million,	an	increase	of	$1.5 million	or	1%	over	the	prior	year.	The increase in operating costs is due 

to	the	impact	of	acquisitions	completed	in	the	current	and	prior	year	and	is	partially	offset	by	workforce	optimization	initiatives,	

the	realization	of	incremental	synergies	and	lower	volume-related	expenses.	SD&A	costs	were	$427.8 million,	an	increase	

of	$13.9 million	or	3%	over	the	prior	year.	SD&A	costs	increased	for	the	above	reasons	and	due	to	higher	depreciation	and	

amortization	expense	related	primarily	to	the	impact	of	acquisitions	completed	and	is	partially	offset	by	lower	transaction	and	

restructuring	costs.

Earnings before Tax

Earnings	before	tax	was	$92.5 million,	an	increase	of	$13.1 million	or	16%	over	the	prior	year	due	to	the	aforementioned	reasons	

and	the	impact	of	an	unrealized	gain	on	derivative	financial	instruments	in	the	current	year	compared	to	a	loss	in	the	prior	year.

Financial Outlook

EBITDA	from	operations	in	2021	for	U.S.	Propane	is	anticipated	to	be	higher	than	2020	primarily	due	to	the	full	year	contribution	

from	tuck-in	acquisitions	completed	in	2020,	increased	demand	related	to	expectations	weather	will	be	consistent	with	the	

five-year	average,	cost	saving	initiatives,	organic	growth	and	to	a	lesser	extent	a	recovery	in	commercial	demand	as	the	economy	

recovers	from	the	impact	of	COVID-19.	Average	weather	as	measured	by	degree	days,	is	anticipated	to	be	consistent	with	the	

five-year average.

In	addition	to	the	significant	assumptions	referred	to	above,	refer	to	“Forward-Looking	Information”	and	“Risk	Factors	to	Superior”	

for	a	detailed	review	of	significant	business	risks	affecting	the	Propane	Distribution	businesses.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  15

	
	
Canadian Propane Distribution

Canadian	Propane	Distribution’s	condensed	operating	results:

(millions of dollars)

Revenue	(1)

Cost	of	Sales	(1)

Gross	profit

Realized	(losses)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Adjusted	gross	profit	(2)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Add	back	(deduct):

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Transaction and other costs

(Gain)	loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Operating	costs	(2)

EBITDA from operations (2)

Add	back	(deduct):

Gain	(loss)	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Transaction and other costs

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Unrealized	gains	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Finance	expense

Earnings before income tax

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

925.0

2019

1,159.9

(525.2)

(692.8)

399.8

(1.0)

398.8

467.1

(19.9)

447.2

(279.5)

(315.8)

74.2

0.4

1.1

(203.8)

195.0

(1.1)

(0.4)

(74.2)

8.3

(4.4)

123.2

71.9

0.8

(3.3)

(246.4)

200.8

3.3

(0.8)

(71.9)

3.2

(4.4)

130.2

(1)	 Revenue	and	cost	of	sales	have	been	restated	to	conform	with	the	current	period	presentation.

(2)	 EBITDA	from	operations	and	operating	costs	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	“Reconciliation	of	Earnings	before	Income	Taxes	to	

EBITDA	from	Operations”.

Revenue	for	2020	was	$925.0 million,	a	decrease	of	$234.9 million	or	20%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	

and	lower	wholesale	propane	prices.	Wholesale	propane	supply	prices	were	lower	than	the	prior	year,	primarily	due	to	high	

propane	inventory	levels	in	the	U.S.,	driven	by	decreased	demand	as	a	result	of	warm	weather	in	the	first	quarter,	reduced	demand	

related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19,	and	the	impact	from	lower	average	West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)	crude	oil	prices	compared	

to	the	prior	year.	WTI	crude	oil	prices	decreased	significantly	at	the	end	of	the	first	quarter	and	remained	lower	than	the	prior	year	

due	to	continued	uncertainty	around	the	global	reaction	to	COVID-19.

Canadian Propane Adjusted Gross Profit

(millions of dollars)

Propane	distribution

Realized	(losses)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit

Other	services

Adjusted gross profit (1)

(1)	 Adjusted	gross	profit	is	a	Non-IFRS	financial	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

16  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

383.9

(1.0)

382.9

15.9

398.8

2019

448.6

(19.9)

428.7

18.5

447.2

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit	for	2020	was	$382.9 million,	a	decrease	of	$45.8 million	or	11%	from	the	prior	year	

primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	other	services	gross	profit,	partially	offset	by	higher	average	sales	margins.

Total	sales	volumes	were	2,038 million	litres,	a	decrease	of	467 million	litres	or	19%,	primarily	due	to	lower	commercial	and	

wholesale	volumes.	Average	weather	across	Canada	for	2020,	as	measured	by	degree	days	was	5%	warmer	than	the	prior	year	and	

1%	warmer	than	the	five-year	average.	Residential	sales	volumes	were	5%	lower	than	prior	year	primarily	due	to	warmer	weather.	

Commercial	sales	volumes	decreased	by	179 million	litres	or	17%	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	customer	demand	

as	customers	were	operating	at	reduced	capacity,	the	loss	of	an	oilfield	customer	related	to	oil	and	gas	industry	consolidation	

and	reduced	drilling	activity	related	to	the	decrease	in	oil	prices	impacting	demand	in	Western	Canada	and	to	a	lesser	extent	

warmer	weather,	partially	offset	by	higher	reseller	volumes	related	to	recreational	propane	use.	Wholesale	propane	volumes	were	

279 million	litres	or	22%	lower	compared	to	the	prior	year	due	to	lower	demand	associated	with	the	impact	of	COVID-19,	the	

impact	of	low	oil	prices	and	warmer	weather.

Average	propane	sales	margins	were	18.8	cents	per	litre,	an	increase	of	10%	from	17.1	cents	per	litre	in	the	prior	year	due	primarily	

to	customer	mix	and	effective	margin	management	in	a	low-cost	environment	partially	offset	by	weaker	wholesale	propane	market	

fundamentals	in	the	last	nine	months.

Other	services	gross	profit	primarily	includes	equipment	rental,	repairs	and	maintenance	work,	installation	fees	and	customer	

minimum	use	charges.	Other	services	gross	profit	was	$15.9 million,	a	decrease	of	$2.6 million	or	14%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	

due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	service	technician	activity	and	the	impact	of	economic	conditions	on	service	technician	activity	

and	equipment	rentals	in	Western	Canada.

Canadian Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

Volumes by End-Use Application (1)

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

(1)		 Canadian	Propane	volumes	by	end	user	were	condensed	to	be	consistent	with	U.S.	Propane	Distribution.

Volumes by Region (1)

(millions of litres)

Western	Canada

Eastern	Canada

Atlantic	Canada

United	States

Total

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

171

881

986

2,038

2019

180

1,060

1,265

2,505

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2019

718

463

135

722

961

535

127

882

2,038

2,505

(1)	 Regions:	Western	Canada	region	consists	of	British	Columbia,	Alberta,	Saskatchewan,	Manitoba,	Northwest	Ontario,	Yukon	and	Northwest	Territories;	Eastern	Canada	region	

consists	of	Ontario	(except	for	Northwest	Ontario)	and	Quebec;	Atlantic	Canada	region	consists	of	New	Brunswick,	Newfoundland	&	Labrador,	Nova	Scotia	and	Prince	Edward	
Island.	United	States	region	consists	primarily	of	California,	Colorado,	Delaware,	Illinois,	Kansas,	Maine,	Maryland,	Michigan,	Minnesota,	Montana,	Nevada,	New	Hampshire,	
New	York,	North	Dakota,	Ohio,	Oklahoma,	Oregon,	Pennsylvania,	Texas,	Utah	and	Washington.

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$203.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$42.6 million	or	17%	as	compared	to	the	prior	year,	while	SD&A	costs	were	
$279.5 million,	a	decrease	of	$36.3 million	or	11%	from	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	in	operating	costs	was	primarily	due	to	the	

impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit,	lower	volume-related	expenses	and	cost-saving	initiatives,	SD&A	costs	decreased	for	these	same	

reasons	and	were	partially	offset	by	a	loss	on	disposal	of	assets	in	the	current	year	compared	to	a	gain	in	the	prior	year.	Canadian	

Propane	recorded	a	total	benefit	of	$25.6 million	related	to	the	CEWS	program	in	2020.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  17

	
	
Earnings before Tax

Earnings	before	income	tax	was	$123.2 million,	a	decrease	of	$7.0 million	or	5%	over	the	prior	year,	due	to	the	aforementioned	

reasons	and	the	impact	of	an	increased	unrealized	gain	on	derivative	financial	instruments	in	the	current	year	compared	to	the	

prior	year.

Financial Outlook

EBITDA	from	operations	in	2021	for	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	is	anticipated	to	be	lower	than	2020	as	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	

benefit	in	2021	is	expected	to	be	significantly	lower,	wholesale	propane	market	fundamentals	are	expected	to	be	weaker	and	the	

impact	of	COVID-19	on	sales	volumes	and	commercial	volume	trends	in	Western	Canada	are	expected	to	be	consistent	with	2020,	

partially	offset	by	lower	volume-related	costs,	and	cost-savings	initiatives.

In	addition	to	the	significant	assumptions	referred	to	above,	refer	to	“Forward-Looking	Information”	and	“Risk	Factors	to	Superior”	

for	a	detailed	review	of	significant	business	risks	affecting	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	business.

Specialty Chemicals

Specialty	Chemicals’	condensed	operating	results:

(millions	of	dollars	except	per	metric	tonne	(MT)	amounts)

Revenue

Cost	of	Sales

Gross	Profit

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Adjusted	Gross	Profit	(1)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrativecosts	(SD&A)

Add	back	(deduct):

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	impairment

Restructuring costs

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	SD&A	costs

Operating	costs	(1)

EBITDA from operations (1)

Add	back	(deduct):

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	impairment

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	SD&A	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Restructuring costs

Unrealized	gain	on	foreign	currency	translation	of	lease	liabilities

Finance	expense

Earnings from discontinued operations, before tax

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

$ per MT

2019

$ per MT

826

(539)

287

54

341.0

(222)

25

4

37

(157)

184

587.4

(395.4)

192.0

42.8

234.8

(153.1)

2.3

1.5

31.0

(118.3)

116.5

(2.3)

(31.0)

(42.8)

(1.5)

0.7

(8.0)

31.6

795

(535)

260

58

318.0

(207)

3.0

2

42

(160)

158

681.3

(444.8)

236.5

44.9

281.4

(183.4)

20.4

3.1

30.4

(129.5)

151.9

(20.4)

(30.4)

(44.9)

(3.1)

2.9

(8.1)

47.9

(1)	 Adjusted	Gross	Profit,	EBITDA	from	operations,	Operating	Costs	and	per	metric	tonne	amounts	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	

“Reconciliation	of	Net	Earnings	before	Income	Taxes	to	EBITDA	from	Operations”.

18  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Sales Volumes by Product

(thousands of MTs)

Sodium	chlorate

Chlor-alkali

Chlorite

Total

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

438

295

6

739

2019

480

339

6

825

Revenue	for	2020	was	$587.4 million,	a	decrease	of	$93.9 million	or	14%	from	the	prior	year	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	

and	to	a	lesser	extent	lower	average	chlor-alkali	selling	prices,	partially	offset	by	higher	sodium	chlorate	sales	prices.

Sodium	chlorate	sales	volumes	decreased	by	42	MTs	or	9%	due	primarily	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	customer	demand.	Sodium	

chlorate	sales	prices	were	1%	higher	than	the	prior	year	due	to	the	impact	of	customer	mix,	contract	price	increases	and	to	a	lesser	

extent	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales.

Chlor-alkali	sales	volumes	decreased	by	44	MTs	or	13%	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	for	all	products.	COVID-19	has	negatively	
impacted	chlor-alkali	demand	due	to	broad-based	shutdowns	and	curtailed	economic	activity.	Hydrochloric	acid	sales	volumes	

decreased	13%	primarily	due	to	continued	lower	demand	from	the	U.S.	oil	and	gas	sector	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	

crude	oil	demand.	Caustic	soda	sales	volumes	decreased	8%	primarily	due	to	North	American	market	fundamentals	caused	by	

excess	supply	and	the	impact	of	COVID-19.	Chlorine	sales	volumes	decreased	22%	due	to	the	termination	of	a	contract	at	the	end	

of	the	prior	year	supplied	from	external	purchases	and	the	impact	of	COVID-19	and	were	partially	offset	by	increased	demand	due	

to	reduced	chlor-alkali	production	in	the	U.S.	Gulf	Coast	related	to	Hurricane	Laura.	Caustic	potash	sales	volumes	decreased	11%	

primarily	due	to	reduced	agricultural	demand	in	California	and	weak	de-icing	demand.	Average	hydrochloric	acid	and	caustic	soda	

netbacks	decreased	by	approximately	54%	and	18%,	respectively,	for	the	aforementioned	reasons	partially	offset	by	the	impact	

of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales.	Chlorine	netbacks	increased	15%	due	to	customer	mix	and	the	impact	

of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales.	Caustic	potash	netbacks	were	3%	lower	than	the	prior	year	due	to	

customer	mix	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales.

Chlorite	sales	volumes	and	prices	were	consistent	with	the	prior	year.

Gross	profit	was	$192.0 million,	a	decrease	of	$44.5 million	or	19%	from	the	prior	year	due	primarily	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	

lower	chlor-alkali	sales	prices	partially	offset	by	10%	lower	North	American	sodium	chlorate	electrical	mill	rates,	the	impact	of	the	

CEWS	benefit	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	compared	to	the	prior	year	on	U.S.	denominated	

gross	profit.	Electricity	costs	were	lower	due	to	low	system	demand,	low	natural	gas	prices	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	

reduced	production	from	a	higher	cost	plant	in	the	prior	year.	An	amount	of	$4.4 million	related	to	CEWS,	was	recorded	as	a	

reduction	to	cost	of	goods	sold	in	2020.

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$118.3 million,	a	decrease	of	$11.2 million	or	9%	over	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	in	operating	costs	was	

primarily	due	to	lower	freight	costs	related	to	lower	sales	volumes,	and	to	a	lesser	extent,	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit.	SD&A	

costs	were	$153.1 million,	a	decrease	of	$30.3 million	or	17%	over	the	prior	year.	SD&A	costs	decreased	for	the	above	same	

reasons,	the	impact	of	an	impairment	charge	recorded	in	the	prior	year,	and	to	a	lesser	extent	lower	restructuring	costs	in	the	

current	year.	In	2019,	a	chlorate	manufacturing	facility	in	Saskatoon,	Saskatchewan	was	closed	and	an	impairment	of	approximately	

$18.0 million	was	recorded	along	with	a	$3.1 million	restructuring	expense.	An	amount	of	$2.6 million	related	to	CEWS,	was	

recorded	as	a	reduction	to	SD&A	in	2020.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  19

	
	
Earnings before Tax

Earnings	before	tax	for	2020	was	$31.6 million,	a	decrease	of	$16.3 million	or	34%	from	the	prior	year	due	primarily	to	the	

aforementioned	reasons	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	a	lower	unrealized	gain	on	the	foreign	currency	translation	of	lease	

liabilities	compared	to	the	prior	year.

Subsequent	to	December 31,	2020,	Superior	entered	into	a	definitive	agreement	to	sell	Specialty	Chemicals,	see	Divestiture.

Consolidated Capital Expenditure Summary

Superior	classifies	its	capital	expenditures	into	three	main	categories:	efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related;	

maintenance	capital;	and	investment	in	leased	assets.

Efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related	expenditures	include	expenditures	such	as	the	acquisition	of	new	customer	

equipment	to	facilitate	growth,	system	upgrades	and	initiatives	to	facilitate	improvements	in	customer	service.	Efficiency,	process	

improvement	and	growth-related	expenditures	are	discretionary	and	non-recurring.

Maintenance	capital	expenditures	include	required	regulatory	spending	on	tank	refurbishments,	replacement	of	chlorine	railcars,	

replacement	of	plant	equipment	and	any	other	required	expenditures	related	to	maintaining	operations.

Investment	in	leased	assets	generally	includes	vehicles	for	the	Energy	Distribution	segments	to	support	growth	and	replace	aging	

vehicles,	renewing	railcar	leases	in	the	Specialty	Chemicals	segment	and	the	wholesale	business	and	timing	of	renewing	property	

leases	across	the	entire	company.

Superior’s capital expenditures for 2020 and 2019:

(millions of dollars)

Efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related

Maintenance capital

Proceeds	on	disposition	of	assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment	acquired	through	acquisition

Total net capital expenditures

Investment	in	leased	assets	net	of	proceeds	from	refinanced	vehicles

Total expenditures including finance leases

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

55.7

60.6

116.3

(12.5)

134.0

237.8

65.0

302.8

2019

67.5

68.4

135.9

(7.1)

32.5

161.3

37.2

198.5

Efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related	expenditures	were	$55.7 million	for	2020	compared	to	$67.5 million	in	

the	prior	year.	The	decrease	over	the	prior	year	is	primarily	due	to	deferring	expenditures	to	offset	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	

cashflows	and	to	a	lesser	extent	timing	of	integration	activity	including	investments	in	information	technology	systems.

Maintenance	capital	expenditures	were	$60.6 million	for	2020	compared	to	$68.4 million	in	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	is	primarily	

due	to	deferring	expenditures	to	offset	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	cashflows	and	to	a	lesser	extent	timing	of	expenditures.

Property,	plant	and	equipment	acquired	through	acquisition	is	the	allocation	of	fair	value	to	these	assets	related	to	the	acquisitions	

completed	during	the	prior	year.

Superior	entered	into	new	leases	with	capital-equivalent	value	of	$83.6 million	and	refinanced	previously	acquired	vehicles	for	

gross	proceeds	of	$18.6 million	for	2020.	The	net	investment	was	$65.0 million,	compared	to	$37.2 million	in	the	prior	year.	The	

increase	is	primarily	due	to	timing	of	renewing	property,	railcar	and	vehicles	leases.

Capital	expenditures	were	funded	from	a	combination	of	operating	cash	flow	and	revolving-term	bank	credit	facilities	and	credit	

provided	through	the	lease	liability.

20  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Corporate Administration Costs and SD&A

Corporate	administration	costs	are	$20.5 million	for	2020,	a	decrease	of	$5.0 million	compared	to	$25.5 million	in	the	prior	year.	

The	decrease	from	the	prior	year	is	primarily	due	to	lower	long-term	incentive	plan	costs	related	to	fluctuations	in	the	share	price,	

and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	recording	$0.5 million	related	to	CEWS	and	lower	discretionary	spending	due	to	the	impact	

of	COVID-19.	Corporate	administration	costs	included	in	Adjusted	EBITDA	exclude	depreciation,	amortization	and	transaction	and	

other	costs.	Corporate	SD&A	decreased	for	the	above	noted	reasons	and	lower	transaction	and	other	costs.

Finance Expense

Finance	expense	was	$106.5 million	for	2020,	a	decrease	of	$7.8 million,	compared	to	$114.3 million	in	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	

is	primarily	due	to	lower	average	debt	balances,	lower	variable	interest	rates	compared	to	the	prior	year	and	lower	non-cash	

financing	charges.

Transaction and Other Costs

Superior’s	transaction	and	other	costs	have	been	categorized	together	and	excluded	from	segmented	results.	The	table	below	

summarizes	these	costs:

(millions of dollars)

Total transaction and other costs

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

25.1

2019

29.9

For	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	Superior	incurred	$25.1 million	in	costs	related	primarily	to	the	acquisition	and	integration	

of	tuck-in	acquisitions	and	other	acquisition	activity.	The	costs	in	the	prior	year	related	primarily	to	the	integration	of	NGL	and	to	a	

lesser	extent	the	strategic	review	of	Specialty	Chemicals	and	costs	related	to	tuck-in	acquisitions.

Income Taxes

Consistent	with	prior	periods,	Superior	recognizes	a	provision	for	income	taxes	for	its	subsidiaries	that	are	subject	to	current	and	

deferred	income	taxes,	including	Canada,	U.S.,	Luxembourg,	and	Chilean	income	tax.

Total	income	tax	expense	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$71.9 million,	comprised	of	$11.1 million	in	cash	income	tax	

expense	and	$60.8 million	in	deferred	income	tax	expense.	This	compares	to	a	total	income	tax	expense	of	$25.0 million	in	the	

prior	year,	which	consisted	of	a	cash	income	tax	expense	of	$13.1 million	and	an	$11.9 million	deferred	income	tax	expense.

Cash	income	taxes	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$11.1 million	(2019	–	$13.1 million),	consisting	of	income	taxes	in	

Canada	of	$6.6 million	(2019	–	$3.8 million),	income	taxes	in	the	U.S.	of	$0.3 million	(2019	–	$3.8 million),	income	taxes	in	Chile	

of	$1.8 million	(2019	–	$3.2 million),	and	income	taxes	in	Luxembourg	of	$2.4 million	(2019	–	$2.3 million).	Deferred	income	tax	

expense	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$60.8 million	(2019	–	$11.9 million),	resulting	in	a	net	deferred	income	tax	

liability	of	$47.0 million	as	at	December 31,	2020.

Canada

Tax	basis

Non-capital	losses

Canadian	scientific	research	expenditures

Investment	tax	credits

United States

Tax	basis

Non-capital	losses

Chile

Tax	basis

(millions of dollars)

349.7

44.6

197.6

76.2

1,271.5

308.0

15.5

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  21

	
	
Financial Outlook

Superior	achieved	its	2020	Adjusted	EBITDA	guidance	of	$495.9 million	which	was	the	midpoint	of	the	guidance	range	of	

$475 million	to	$515 million	despite	the	impacts	from	the	COVID-19	pandemic,	reduced	oil	and	gas	drilling	activity	in	North	

America,	as	well	as	the	impact	of	the	significantly	warmer	weather	in	the	first	quarter.	Superior	is	introducing	its	2021	Adjusted	

EBITDA	guidance	range	of	$370 million	to	$410 million.	This	excludes	the	Specialty	Chemical	Segment	as	a	result	of	the	announced	

divestiture	on	February 18,	2021.	This	compares	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$353.3 million	in	2020	excluding	the	Specialty	Chemicals	

segment	and	the	impact	of	CEWS	or	an	increase	of	10%	from	$353.3 million	to	the	midpoint	of	2020	Adjusted	EBITDA	guidance	

range.	The	increase	is	primarily	due	to	higher	expected	EBITDA	from	U.S.	Propane	partially	offset	by	lower	expected	EBITDA	from	

Canadian	Propane	reflecting	the	continuing	impact	of	COVID-19	and	to	a	lesser	extent	higher	corporate	costs	related	to	increased	

incentive	plan	costs.

Achieving	Superior’s	Adjusted	EBITDA	depends	on	the	operating	results	of	its	Energy	Distribution	segments.	In	addition	to	the	

operating	results	of	Superior’s	segments,	significant	assumptions	underlying	the	achievement	of	Superior’s	2021	guidance	are:

•  Weather	is	expected	to	be	consistent	with	the	average	temperature	for	the	last	five	years;

•  Economic	growth	in	Canada	and	the	U.S.	is	expected	to	begin	to	stabilize	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021;

•  Superior	is	expected	to	continue	to	attract	capital	and	obtain	financing	on	acceptable	terms;

•  Superior	estimates	maintenance	and	non-recurring	capital	expenditures	net	of	disposals	and	including	vehicle	leases	to	be	in	the	

range	of	$120 million	to	$140 million	in	2021;

•  Superior	is	substantively	hedged	for	its	estimated	U.S.	dollar	exposure	for	2021,	and	due	to	the	hedge	position,	a	change	in	the	

Canadian	to	U.S.	dollar	exchange	rate	for	2021	would	not	have	a	material	impact	to	Superior;

•  The	foreign	currency	exchange	rate	between	the	Canadian	dollar	and	U.S.	dollar	is	expected	to	average	$0.77	for	2021	on	all	

unhedged	foreign	currency	transactions;

•  Financial	and	physical	counterparties	are	expected	to	continue	fulfilling	their	obligations	to	Superior;

•  Regulatory	authorities	are	not	expected	to	impose	any	new	regulations	impacting	Superior;	and

•  Canadian	and	U.S.	based	cash	taxes	are	expected	to	be	in	the	range	of	$5 million	to	$15 million	for	2021	based	on	existing	
statutory	income	tax	rates	and	the	ability	to	use	available	tax	basis.	This	excludes	cash	taxes	related	to	the	divestiture	of	
Specialty	Chemicals.

U.S. Propane Distribution
•  Wholesale	propane	prices	are	anticipated	to	be	consistent	with	2020;

•  Tuck-in	acquisition	opportunities	are	anticipated	to	be	higher	than	2020;

•  Wholesale	propane	prices	are	not	anticipated	to	significantly	affect	demand	for	propane	and	related	services;

•  Commercial	volumes	are	anticipated	to	be	impacted	by	COVID-19	until	vaccines	are	widely	distributed.	The	assumed	recovery	

from	COVID-19	is	expected	in	the	second	half	of	2021;

•  Continue	to	realize	synergies	from	acquisitions	primarily	through	supply	chain	efficiencies,	margin	management	improvements	

and	operational	expense	savings;	and

•  Continue	to	implement	cost-saving	initiatives	related	to	workforce	optimization.

Canadian Propane Distribution
•  Wholesale	propane	and	natural	gas	liquid	market	fundamentals	related	to	basis	differentials	are	anticipated	to	be	weaker	

than 2020;

•  Wholesale	propane	prices	are	not	anticipated	to	significantly	affect	demand	for	propane	and	related	services;

•  Commercial	and	wholesale	volumes	are	anticipated	to	be	impacted	by	COVID-19	until	vaccines	are	widely	distributed.	

The assumed	recovery	from	COVID-19	is	expected	in	the	second	half	of	2021;	and

•  SD&A	expenditures	are	expected	to	be	higher	due	to	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	recorded	in	2020	and	will	be	partially	offset	by	

continuous	improvement	initiatives	and	restructuring	activities.

In	addition	to	Superior’s	significant	assumptions	detailed	above,	refer	to	“Forward-Looking	Information”,	and	for	a	detailed	review	of	

Superior’s	significant	business	risks,	refer	to	“Risk	Factors	to	Superior.”

22  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Debt Management Update

Superior	is	focused	on	managing	both	its	debt	and	its	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio.	Superior’s	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	

EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	for	the	trailing	twelve	months	was	3.5x	as	at	December 31,	2020,	compared	to	3.7x	at	December 31,	2019.	

The	decrease	in	the	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	from	December 31,	2019	was	due	to	proceeds	received	from	the	

issuance	of	260,000	Preferred	Shares	(see	Shareholders’	Capital)	partially	offset	by	acquisitions	completed	in	the	year,	entering	new	or	

extending	leases	and	less	cash	flows	from	operations.	This	is	consistent	with	Superior’s	long-term	targeted	range	of	3.0x	to	3.5x.

Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	is	a	Non-IFRS	measure,	see	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Borrowing

Superior’s	revolving	syndicated	bank	facility	(credit	facility),	term	loans	and	lease	obligations	(collectively	borrowing)	before	deferred	

financing	fees	was	$1,850.6 million	as	at	December 31,	2020,	a	decrease	of	$105.5 million	from	$1,956.1 million	as	at	December 31,	

2019.	The	decrease	is	primarily	due	to	proceeds	from	the	issuance	of	Preferred	Shares	used	to	pay	down	borrowing,	partially	offset	
by	acquisitions	completed	during	the	period,	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	the	weaker	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	

debt,	and	new	leases.

Superior’s	total	and	available	sources	of	credit	are	detailed	below:

(millions of dollars)

Revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	(1)

Term loans (1)

Other	debt	(2)

Lease	liabilities

Total

Total Amount

Borrowing

750.0

1,215.4

24.8

266.8

343.6

1,215.4

24.8

266.8

As at December 31, 2020

Letters	of	
Credit	
Issued

Amount 
Available

40.6

365.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,257.0

1,850.6

40.6

365.8

(1)		 Revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	and	term	loan	balances	are	presented	before	deferred	financing	fees.

(2)   Accounts	receivable	factoring	and	deferred	consideration.

Net Working Capital

Consolidated	net	working	capital	was	$22.3 million	as	at	December 31,	2020,	a	decrease	of	$27.6 million	from	$49.9 million	as	

at	December 31,	2019.	The	decrease	from	the	prior	year	is	due	to	the	timing	of	customer	receipts	compared	to	disbursements,	

partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	recording	the	CEWS	as	of	December 31,	2020.

Compliance

In	accordance	with	the	credit	facility,	Superior	must	maintain	certain	covenants	and	ratios	that	represent	Non-IFRS	financial	

measures.	Superior	is	in	compliance	with	the	lender	covenants	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	the	covenant	details	are	found	in	the	

credit	facility	documents	filed	in	the	System	for	Electronic	Document	Analysis	and	Retrieval	(“SEDAR”).

Pension Plans

As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	had	an	estimated	net	defined	benefit	going	concern	surplus	of	approximately	$26.8 million	

(December 31,	2019	–	$25.9 million	surplus)	and	a	net	pension	solvency	surplus	of	approximately	$3.1 million	(December 31,	2019	

–	$11.0 million	surplus)	for	all	defined	benefit	pension	plans.	Funding	requirements	by	applicable	pension	legislation	are	based	

upon	going	concern	and	solvency	actuarial	assumptions.	These	assumptions	differ	from	the	going	concern	actuarial	assumptions	

used	in	Superior’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  23

	
	
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

(millions of dollars)

Borrowing

Lease	Liabilities

Operating	leases	(2)

US$	foreign	currency	forward	sales	contracts

USD/CAD	call	options	(3)

Natural	gas,	diesel,	WTI,	butane,	propane,	and	heating	oil	(4)

Total contractual obligations

(1)	 Notes	to	the	December 31,	2020	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

Note(1)

Total

Current

Years	2-3

Years	4-5 Thereafter

As at December 31, 2020

14

2,15

15

17

17

17

1,583.8

266.8

7.4

7.1

53.3

3.6

12.9

91.4

3.7

346.6

187.1

135.5

42.0

92.3

2,338.8

–

73.8

324.7

6.0

18.5

1,118.4

55.9

0.1

24.0

36.0

–

445.4

66.2

–

–

–

–

268.0

1,234.4

511.7

(2)	 Operating	leases	comprise	Superior’s	off-balance-sheet	obligations	and	are	contracts	that	do	not	meet	the	definition	of	a	lease	under	IFRS	16	or	are	exempt.

(3)	 USD/CAD	call	options	expire	in	December 2023	and	2024	with	strikes	ranging	from	1.40	to	1.47.

(4)	 Does	not	include	the	impact	of	financial	derivatives.

In	the	normal	course	of	business,	Superior	is	subject	to	lawsuits	and	claims.	Superior	believes	the	resolution	of	these	matters	will	

not	have	a	material	adverse	effect,	individually	or	in	the	aggregate,	on	Superior’s	liquidity,	consolidated	financial	position	or	results	

of	operations.	Superior	records	costs	as	they	are	incurred	or	when	they	become	determinable.

Shareholders’ Capital

As	at	December 31,	2020,	the	following	shares	were	issued	and	outstanding:

Common	shares

Preferred	shares

Issued	number	
(Millions)

Share	capital

Issued	number	
(Millions)

Share	capital

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Common	shares	issued	under	dividend	reinvestment	plan

Preferred	shares	issued	by	a	subsidiary

Balance as at December 31, 2020

174.9

$2,339.9

1.1

–

10.4

–

176.0

$2,350.3

–

–

0.3

0.3

$–

–

353.8

$353.8

Dividends Declared to Common Shareholders

Dividends	declared	to	Superior’s	common	shareholders	depend	on	its	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	with	consideration	for	

Superior’s	changes	in	working	capital	requirements,	investing	activities	and	financing	activities.	See	“Summary	of	AOCF”	for	2020,	
above,	and	“Summary	of	Cash	Flow”	for	additional	details.

Dividends	declared	to	common	shareholders	for	2020	were	$126.4 million	or	$0.72	per	common	share	compared	to	$125.9 million	

or	$0.72	per	common	share	for	the	prior	year.	Dividends	to	shareholders	are	declared	at	the	discretion	of	Superior’s	Board	

of Directors.

Superior	has	a	Dividend	Reinvestment	and	Optional	Share	Purchase	Plan	(“DRIP”)	that	was	not	utilized	in	2019.	On	January	28,	2020	

Superior	reinstated	the	DRIP	that	commenced	with	the	February	dividend	which	was	paid	on	March	13,	2020.	Superior	suspended	

the	DRIP	after	payment	of	the	May	dividend	on	June	15,	2020.	Superior’s	DRIP	program	will	remain	in	place	should	Superior	elect	to	

reactivate	the	DRIP,	subject	to	regulatory	approval,	at	a	future	date.

24  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Preferred Shareholders

On	July	13,	2020,	Superior	issued	260,000	Preferred	Shares	(the	“Preferred	Shares”)	by	its	wholly	owned	subsidiary	Superior	Plus	

US	Holdings	for	gross	proceeds	of	US$260 million	(CDN	$353.8 million).	The	initial	proceeds	were	recorded	as	a	non-controlling	

interest	within	equity	and	the	issuance	costs	of	US$13.4 million	(CDN	$18.1 million)	were	allocated	to	Superior’s	deficit.

The	Preferred	Shares	entitle	the	holders	to	a	cumulative	dividend	of	7.25%	per	annum	through	to	the	end	of	Superior’s	second	

fiscal	quarter	in	2027.	If	dividends	are	paid	on	the	common	shares,	Superior	is	required	to	pay	the	dividend	in	cash	on	the	

Preferred	Shares,	otherwise,	the	Preferred	Share	dividends	can	be	paid	or	accrued	at	Superior’s	option.	In	the	event	that	Superior	

declares	a	dividend	on	its	common	shares	in	excess	of	$0.06	per	month,	the	holders	of	the	Preferred	Shares	shall	be	entitled	to	an	

equivalent	amount.	Superior	has	the	option	to	redeem	all,	but	not	less	than	all,	the	Preferred	Shares	at	a	date	that	is	seven	years	

after	the	issue	date	with	not	less	than	30	days	prior	written	notice	to	the	holders	of	the	Preferred	Shares.	The	preferred	shares	can	

be	redeemed	at	US$1,000	per	share	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	dividends.	If	Superior	does	not	redeem	the	Preferred	Shares,	the	

dividend	rate	increases	by	0.75%	per	annum	for	the	next	four	years	to	a	maximum	of	10.25%.	If	the	dividends	are	not	paid	in	cash,	

the	cumulative	dividend	increases	by	1.0%	per	annum	to	a	maximum	of	14.25%.

The	Preferred	Shares	may	be	exchanged,	at	the	holder’s	option,	into	30 million	common	shares	of	Superior	(“Common	Shares”)	or	

at	Superior’s	option,	on	or	after	the	third	anniversary	of	the	issue	date	if	the	volume-weighted	average	price	of	Superior’s	common	

shares	during	the	then	preceding	30	consecutive	trading	day	period,	converted	to	U.S.	dollars	at	the	applicable	exchange	rate,	must	

be	greater	than	145%	of	the	exchange	price.	On	an	as-exchanged	basis,	the	investment	currently	represents	approximately	15%	

of	the	diluted	outstanding	Common	Shares.	The	exchange	price	of	the	Preferred	Shares	will	be	subject	to	adjustment	from	time	

to	time	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	Preferred	Shares.	These	potential	adjustments	relate	primarily	to	accrued	and	unpaid	

dividends,	increased	or	additional	dividends	to	common	shareholders,	in	instances	where	there	is	a	share	split,	share	consolidation	

or	a	reorganization,	the	participation	rate	on	the	dividend	reinvestment	plan	is	greater	than	35%	and	if	common	shares	are	issued	

below	market	value.

Holders	of	Preferred	Shares	will	be	entitled	to	vote	on	an	as-exchanged	basis	for	all	matters	on	which	holders	of	Common	Shares	

vote,	and	to	the	greatest	extent	possible,	will	vote	with	the	holders	of	Common	Shares	as	a	single	class.

In	the	event	of	any	liquidation,	winding	up	or	dissolution	of	Superior,	the	holders	of	Preferred	Shares	are	entitled	to	receive	prior,	

and	in	preference	to,	any	distribution	to	the	holders	of	common	shares,	an	amount	equal	to	the	greater	of	a	liquidation	rate	per	

share	of	US$1,400	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	dividends	or	the	amount	receivable	had	the	preferred	shares	been	converted	to	

common	shares	immediately	prior	to	the	liquidation	event.	In	the	event	that	upon	liquidation	or	dissolution,	the	assets	and	funds	

of	Superior	are	insufficient	to	permit	the	payment	to	the	holders	of	Preferred	Shares	of	the	full	preferential	amounts,	then	the	

entire	assets	and	funds	of	Superior	legally	available	for	distribution	are	to	be	distributed	rateably	among	the	holders	of	Preferred	

Shares	in	proportion	to	the	full	preferential	amount	each	is	otherwise	entitled	to	receive.	After	the	distributions	described	above	

have	been	paid	in	full,	the	remaining	assets	of	Superior	available	for	distribution	shall	be	distributed	pro-rata	to	the	holder	of	

common shares.

Dividends	declared	to	preferred	shareholders	for	2020	were	US$8.8 million	(CDN	$11.7 million)	or	US$72.50	(CDN	$96.35)	per	

preferred	share	per	annum.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  25

	
	
Summary of Cash Flow

Superior’s	primary	sources	and	uses	of	cash	are	detailed	below:

(millions of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities

Investing	activities:

 Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets

 Proceeds	on	disposal	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

 Acquisitions,	net	of	cash	acquired

Cash flows used in investing activities

Financing	activities:

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

360.2

2019

423.2

(116.3)

(135.9)

12.5

(280.4)

(384.2)

7.1

(60.1)

(188.9)

 Net	repayment	of	revolving	term	bank	credits	and	other	debt

(154.3)

(63.4)

 Proceeds	received	from	vehicle	refinancing

 Principal	repayment	of	lease	obligations

 Proceeds	from	share	issuance,	net	of	costs

 Debt	issuance	costs

 Dividends	paid	to	shareholders

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

 Net	increase	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	during	the	year

 Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	beginning	of	the	year

 Effect	of	translation	of	foreign	currency-denominated	cash	and	cash	equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

18.6

(51.9)

335.7

–

(125.6)

22.5

(1.5)

26.5

(0.9)

24.1

–

(41.5)

–

(0.6)

(125.9)

(231.4)

2.9

23.9

(0.3)

26.5

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities	for	2020	was	$360.2 million,	a	decrease	of	$63.0 million	from	the	prior	year.	The	decrease	is	

primarily	a	result	of	a	lower	AOCF	compared	to	the	prior	year	and	lower	cash-inflows	from	changes	in	non-cash	operating	working	

capital	compared	to	the	prior	year	due	to	timing	of	customer	receipts	relative	to	supplier	payments.

Cash	flow	used	in	investing	activities	for	2020	was	$384.2 million,	an	increase	of	$195.3 million	from	the	prior	year	due	to	

acquisitions	completed	during	the	current	year	partially	offset	by	lower	capital	expenditures	compared	to	the	prior	year.

Cash	flow	used	in	financing	activities	was	$22.5 million,	an	increase	of	$253.9 million	from	the	prior	year,	due	to	the	issuance	of	

260,000	Preferred	Shares	partially	offset	by	a	net	repayment	of	the	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities.

26  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Financial Instruments – Risk Management

Derivative	and	non-financial	derivatives	are	used	by	Superior	to	manage	its	exposure	to	fluctuations	in	foreign	currency	exchange	

rates,	interest	rates,	share-based	compensation	and	commodity	prices.	Superior	assesses	the	inherent	risks	of	these	instruments	

by	grouping	derivative	and	non-financial	derivatives	related	to	the	exposures	these	instruments	mitigate.	Superior’s	policy	is	not	to	

use	derivative	or	non-financial	derivative	instruments	for	speculative	purposes.	Superior	does	not	formally	designate	its	derivatives	

as	hedges	and,	as	a	result,	Superior	does	not	apply	hedge	accounting	and	is	required	to	designate	its	derivatives	and	non-financial	

derivatives	as	held	for	trading.

As	at	December 31,	2020	Superior	has	hedged	approximately	56%	of	estimated	U.S.	dollar	exposure	for	calendar	2021	and	

approximately	23%	for	calendar	2022.	A	summary	of	Superior’s	U.S.	dollar	forward	contracts	and	options	for	the	rolling	twelve	

months	is	provided	in	the	table	below.

(US$ millions	except	exchange	rates)

Net	US$	forward	sales

USD/CAD	Call	Options

Net	average	external	US$/CDN$	exchange	rate

Current

187.1

–

2022

76.5

–

1.33

1.32

2023

59.0

6.0

1.37

As at December 31, 2020

2024

2025

Total

24.0

36.0

1.34

–

–

–

346.6

42.0

1.33

For	additional	details	on	Superior’s	financial	instruments,	including	the	amount	and	classification	of	gains	and	losses	recorded	

in	Superior’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements,	summary	of	fair	values,	notional	balances,	effective	rates	and	terms,	and	

significant	assumptions	used	in	the	calculation	of	the	fair	value	of	Superior’s	financial	instruments,	see	Note 17	to	the	audited	

consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Sensitivity Analysis

Superior’s	estimated	cash	flow	sensitivity	in	2020	to	various	changes	is	provided	below

U.S. Propane Distribution

Change	in	U.S.	propane	sales	margin

Change	in	U.S.	propane	sales	volume

Canadian Propane Distribution

Change	in	Canadian	propane	sales	margin

Change	in	Canadian	propane	sales	volume

Specialty Chemicals

Change	in	sales	price

Change	in	sales	volume

Corporate

Change	in	CDN$/US$	exchange	rate	on	US$	denominated	debt

Change	in	interest	rates

Change

%	Change

AOCF	Impact	
(millions)

Per	Diluted	
Share

$0.005/litre

50 million	litres

$0.005/litre

50 million	litres

$10.00/MT

15,000	MT

$0.01

0.50%

1%

4%

3%

3%

1%

2%

1%

24%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

	5.8 $

	17.9 $

	10.2 $

	8.4 $

	7.4 $

	3.9 $

	0.03

	0.09

	0.05

	0.04

	0.04

	0.02

	(4.4) $

	(0.02)

	(1.7) $

	(0.01)

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  27

	
	
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls  
Over Financial Reporting

Disclosure	controls	and	procedures	(DC&P)	are	designed	by	or	under	the	supervision	of	Superior’s	President	and	Chief	Executive	

Officer	(CEO)	and	the	Executive	Vice	President	and	Chief	Financial	Officer	(CFO)	in	order	to	provide	reasonable	assurance	that	

all	material	information	relating	to	Superior	is	communicated	to	them	by	others	in	the	organization	as	it	becomes	known	and	

is	appropriately	disclosed	as	required	under	the	continuous	disclosure	requirements	of	securities	legislation	and	regulation.	In	

essence,	these	types	of	controls	are	related	to	the	quality,	reliability	and	transparency	of	financial	and	non-financial	information	that	

is	filed	or	submitted	under	securities	legislation	and	regulation.	The	CEO	and	CFO	are	assisted	in	this	responsibility	by	a	Disclosure	

Committee,	which	is	composed	of	senior	leadership	of	Superior.	The	Disclosure	Committee	has	established	procedures	so	that	it	

becomes	aware	of	any	material	information	affecting	Superior	in	order	to	evaluate	and	discuss	this	information	and	determine	the	

appropriateness	and	timing	of	its	public	release.

Internal	Controls	over	Financial	Reporting	(ICFR)	are	also	designed	by	or	under	the	supervision	of	Superior’s	CEO	and	CFO	and	

effected	by	Superior’s	Board	of	Directors,	management	and	other	personnel	in	order	to	provide	reasonable	assurance	regarding	
the	reliability	of	financial	reporting	and	the	preparation	of	financial	statements	for	external	purposes	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	

A	control	system,	no	matter	how	well	conceived	and	operated,	can	provide	only	reasonable,	not	absolute,	assurance	that	its	

objectives	are	met.	Due	to	inherent	limitations	in	all	such	systems,	no	evaluation	of	controls	can	provide	absolute	assurance	that	all	

control	issues	within	a	company	have	been	detected.	Accordingly,	Superior’s	disclosure	controls	and	procedures	are	designed	to	

provide	reasonable,	not	absolute,	assurance	that	the	objectives	of	the	corporation’s	disclosure	control	system	are	met.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

No	changes	were	made	in	Superior’s	ICFR	that	have	materially	affected,	or	are	reasonably	likely	to	materially	affect,	Superior’s	ICFR	

in	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Effectiveness

An	evaluation	of	the	effectiveness	of	Superior’s	DC&P	and	ICFR	was	conducted	as	at	December 31,	2020	by	and	under	the	

supervision	of	Superior’s	management,	including	the	CEO	and	CFO.	Based	on	this	evaluation,	the	CEO	and	CFO	have	concluded	that	

Superior’s	DC&P	and	ICFR	were	effective	at	December 31,	2020	with	the	following	exception:

Section	3.3(1)	of	National	Instrument	52-109,	Certification	of	Disclosure	in	Issuers’	Annual	and	Interim	Filings,	states	that	a	

company	may	limit	its	design	of	disclosure	controls	and	procedures	and	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	for	a	business	

that	it	acquired	not	more	than	365	days	before	the	end	of	the	financial	period	to	which	the	certificate	relates.	Under	this	section,	

Superior’s	CEO	and	CFO	have	limited	the	scope	of	the	design,	and	subsequent	evaluation,	of	DC&P	and	ICFR	to	exclude	controls,	

policies	and	procedures	of	Rymes	effective	September	1,	2020.	Summary	financial	information	pertaining	to	this	acquisition	that	

was	included	in	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	of	Superior	as	at	December 31,	2020,	is	as	follows:

(millions	of	Canadian	dollars)

Sales

Net	earnings	for	the	period

Current	assets

Non-current	assets

Current	liabilities

Non-current	liabilities

Three Months Ended 
December 31,	2020

Year Ended  
December 31,	2020

43.8

14.5

50.3

14.8

December 31,	2020

4.8

152.75

(7.2)

(1.3)

28  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Superior’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	were	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	The	significant	accounting	policies	are	

described	in	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	as	well	as	IAS	20,	Government	

Grants	(“IAS	20”)	below.	Certain	of	these	accounting	policies,	as	well	as	estimates	made	by	management	in	applying	such	policies,	

are	recognized	as	critical	because	they	require	management	to	make	subjective	or	complex	judgments	about	matters	that	are	

inherently	uncertain.	Superior’s	critical	accounting	estimates	relate	to	the	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts,	employee	future	

benefits,	deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities,	the	valuation	of	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives,	asset	impairments,	the	

purchase	price	allocation	for	business	combinations	and	the	assessment	of	potential	provision	for	asset	retirement	obligations.

IAS 20, Government Grants
Government	grants	are	recognized	initially	at	fair	value	when	there	is	reasonable	assurance	that	it	will	be	received	and	the	

Company	will	comply	with	the	conditions	associated	with	the	grant.	Government	grants	related	to	profit	or	loss	are	presented	as	

part	of	Superior’s	audited	condensed	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	(loss)	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	(loss)	as	a	

reduction	of	the	related	expense.

In	response	to	COVID-19,	the	Government	of	Canada	implemented	the	CEWS	program.	The	CEWS	program	offers	qualifying	

organizations	government	assistance	in	the	form	of	a	payroll	subsidy	to	offset	the	cost	of	employees.	The	payroll	subsidy	was	

recognized	as	an	offset	to	salary	expense	as	follows:

Cost	of	products	and	services

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Total

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

Year	Ended	December 31

2020

2.1

13.6

15.7

2019

–

–

–

2020

4.4

28.9

33.3

2019

–

–

–

There	are	no	unfulfilled	conditions	attached	to	this	government	assistance.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	the	amount	of	$15.7 million	is	

included	in	trade	and	other	receivables.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Certain	new	standards,	interpretations,	amendments	and	improvements	to	existing	standards	were	issued	by	the	IASB	or	the	

International	Financial	Reporting	Interpretations	Committee	effective	for	accounting	periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2020,	

or	latter	periods.	The	changes	in	accounting	policies	and	disclosures	that	are	applicable	to	Superior	are	described	in	Note 2	(C)	of	

the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  29

	
	
Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Throughout	the	MD&A,	Superior	has	used	the	following	terms	that	are	not	defined	by	GAAP,	but	are	used	by	management	to	

evaluate	the	performance	of	Superior	and	its	business.	These	measures	may	also	be	used	by	investors,	financial	institutions	and	

credit	rating	agencies	to	assess	Superior’s	performance	and	ability	to	service	debt.	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	do	not	have	

standardized	meaning	prescribed	by	GAAP	and	are	therefore	unlikely	to	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	

companies.	Securities	regulations	require	that	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	be	clearly	defined,	qualified	and	reconciled	to	their	

most	comparable	GAAP	financial	measures.	Except	as	otherwise	indicated,	these	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	are	calculated	and	

disclosed	on	a	consistent	basis	from	period	to	period.	Specific	items	may	only	be	relevant	in	certain	periods.

The	intent	of	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	is	to	provide	additional	useful	information	to	investors	and	analysts,	and	the	measures	

do	not	have	any	standardized	meaning	under	IFRS.	The	measures	should	not,	therefore,	be	considered	in	isolation	or	used	

in	substitute	for	measures	of	performance	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	Other	issuers	may	calculate	Non-IFRS	financial	

measures	differently.	Investors	should	be	cautioned	that	AOCF,	EBITDA	from	operations,	and	Adjusted	EBITDA	should	not	be	

construed	as	alternatives	to	net	earnings,	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	or	other	measures	of	financial	results	determined	in	

accordance	with	GAAP	as	an	indicator	of	Superior’s	performance.

Management	has	included	the	impact	of	CEWS	in	the	determination	of	its	Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures	as	management	believes	

this	benefit	forms	part	of	the	net	impact	of	COVID-19	on	the	financial	results	of	Superior.	Non-IFRS	financial	measures	are	identified	

and	defined	as	follows:

AOCF and AOCF per Share
AOCF	is	equal	to	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	as	defined	by	IFRS,	adjusted	for	changes	in	non-cash	working	capital,	other	

expenses,	non-cash	interest	expense,	current	income	taxes	and	finance	costs.	Interest	expense	included	in	AOCF	is	equal	to	

finance	expense	as	defined	by	IFRS,	adjusted	for	unwinding	of	discount	on	debentures,	borrowing	and	decommissioning	liabilities	

and	other	non-recurring	items.	Superior	may	deduct	or	include	additional	items	in	its	calculation	of	AOCF;	these	items	would	

generally,	but	not	necessarily,	be	infrequent	in	nature	and	could	distort	the	analysis	of	trends	in	business	performance.	Excluding	

these	items	does	not	imply	they	are	non-recurring.	AOCF	and	AOCF	per	share	are	presented	before	and	after	transaction	and	

other costs.

AOCF	per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	is	calculated	by	dividing	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	by	the	

weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding.	AOCF	per	share	is	calculated	by	dividing	AOCF	by	the	weighted	average	number	

of	shares	outstanding.

AOCF	is	a	performance	measure	used	by	management	and	investors	to	evaluate	Superior’s	ongoing	performance	of	its	businesses	

and	ability	to	generate	cash	flow.	AOCF	represents	cash	flow	generated	by	Superior	that	is	available	for,	but	not	necessarily	limited	

to,	changes	in	working	capital	requirements,	investing	activities	and	financing	activities.

The	seasonality	of	Superior’s	individual	quarterly	results	must	be	assessed	in	the	context	of	annualized	AOCF.	Adjustments	
recorded	by	Superior	as	part	of	its	calculation	of	AOCF	include,	but	are	not	limited	to,	the	impact	of	the	seasonality	of	Superior’s	

businesses,	principally	the	Propane	Distribution	segments,	by	adjusting	for	non-cash	working	capital	items,	thereby	eliminating	

the	impact	of	the	timing	between	the	recognition	and	collection/payment	of	Superior’s	revenue	and	expenses,	which	can	differ	

significantly	from	quarter	to	quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted	EBITDA	represents	earnings	before	interest,	taxes,	depreciation,	amortization,	losses	(gains)	on	disposal	of	assets,	

finance	expense,	restructuring	costs,	transaction	and	other	costs,	and	unrealized	gains	(losses)	on	derivative	financial	instruments.	

Adjusted	EBITDA	is	used	by	Superior	and	investors	to	assess	its	consolidated	results	and	ability	to	service	debt.	Adjusted	EBITDA	is	

reconciled	to	earnings	before	income	taxes.

Adjusted	EBITDA	is	a	significant	performance	measure	used	by	management	and	investors	to	evaluate	Superior’s	ongoing	

performance	of	its	businesses.	Adjusted	EBITDA	is	also	used	as	one	component	in	determining	short-term	incentive	compensation	

for	certain	management	employees.

The	seasonality	of	Superior’s	individual	quarterly	results	must	be	assessed	in	the	context	of	annualized	Adjusted	EBITDA.

30  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

EBITDA from Operations
EBITDA	from	operations	is	defined	as	Adjusted	EBITDA	excluding	costs	that	are	not	considered	representative	of	Superior’s	

underlying	core	operating	performance,	including	gains	and	losses	on	foreign	currency	hedging	contracts,	corporate	costs	and	

transaction	and	other	costs.	Management	uses	EBITDA	from	operations	to	set	targets	for	Superior	(including	annual	guidance	and	

variable	compensation	targets).	EBITDA	from	operations	is	reconciled	to	earnings	before	income	taxes.

Adjusted Gross Profit
Adjusted	gross	profit	represents	revenue	less	cost	of	sales	adjusted	for	realized	gains	and	losses	on	commodity	derivative	

instruments	related	to	risk	management.	Managements	uses	Adjusted	Gross	Profit	to	set	margin	targets	and	measure	results.	

Unrealized	gains	and	losses	on	commodity	derivative	instruments	are	excluded	because	of	the	accounting	mis-match	that	exists	as	

a	result	of	the	customer	contract	not	being	included	in	the	determination	of	the	fair	value	for	this	risk	management	activity.

Operating Costs
Operating	costs	include	wages	and	benefits	for	employees,	drivers,	service	and	administrative	labour,	fleet	maintenance	and	

operating	costs,	freight	and	distribution	expenses	excluded	from	cost	of	sales,	along	with	the	costs	associated	with	owning	

and	maintaining	land,	buildings	and	equipment,	such	as	rent,	repairs	and	maintenance,	environmental,	utilities,	insurance	and	

property	tax	costs.	Operating	costs	exclude	gains	or	losses	on	disposal	of	assets,	depreciation	and	amortization	and	non-recurring	

expenses,	such	as	transaction,	restructuring	and	integration	costs.

Operating	costs	are	defined	as	SD&A	expenses	adjusted	for	amortization	and	depreciation,	gains	or	losses	on	disposal	of	assets	

and	transaction,	restructuring	and	other	costs.	Below	is	the	chart	that	shows	the	operating	expenses	for	the	last	eight	quarters:

(millions of dollars)

Operating	costs

 U.S.	Propane

 Canadian	Propane

 Specialty	chemicals

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

$85.7

$49.5

$29.4

64.5

39.1

27.9

64.3

51.4

31.7

77.9

63.8

29.3

76.5

66.0

32.0

66.7

55.0

31.1

69.8

57.9

34.4

77.9

67.5

32.0

Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Leverage Ratio and Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted	EBITDA	for	the	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	is	defined	as	Adjusted	EBITDA	calculated	on	a	12-month	

trailing	basis	giving	pro	forma	effect	to	acquisitions	and	dispositions	adjusted	to	the	first	day	of	the	calculation	period	(“Pro	Forma	

Adjusted	EBITDA”).	Pro	Forma	Adjusted	EBITDA	is	used	by	Superior	to	calculate	its	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio.

To	calculate	the	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	divide	the	sum	of	borrowings	before	deferred	financing	fees	and	

lease liabilities by Pro	Forma	Adjusted	EBITDA.	Total	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Leverage	Ratio	is	used	by	Superior	and	investors	to	

assess	its	ability	to	service	debt.

Per Metric Tonne Amounts
The	amounts	shown	on	a	per	metric	tonne	(MT)	basis	are	calculated	by	dividing	the	dollar	amount	by	the	total	sales	volumes	for	

that	respective	period.	This	information	is	provided	for	amounts	included	in	the	Speciality	Chemicals	condensed	operating	results.	

This	information	assists	users	of	the	financial	information	to	determine	trends	such	as	pricing	or	the	average	cost	to	manufacture	a	

MT	in	the	current	period	compared	to	prior	periods.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  31

	
	
Selected Financial Information

(millions	of	dollars	except	per	share	amounts)

2020

2019

GAAP	measures:

 Total	assets

 Revenue

 Gross	profit

 Net	earnings	for	the	year

 Net	earnings	per	share,	attributable	to	Superior	(3)

	  basic

	  diluted

 Cash	flows	from	operating	activities

 Dividends	per	common	share	(3)

 Current	and	long-term	borrowing	(1)

Non-IFRS	financial	measures	(2):

 AOCF

 Per	share	(3)

 AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs

 Per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	(3)

3,826.3

2,394.3

1,105.7

86.8

$0.43

$0.43

360.2

$0.72

3,638.0

2,852.9

1,213.0

142.6

$0.82

$0.82

423.2

$0.72

1,850.6

1,956.1

361.4

$1.91

386.5

$2.04

376.3

$2.15

406.2

$2.32

(1)	 Current	and	long-term	borrowing	before	deferred	financing	fees	and	debentures	including	lease	liability.

(2)	 See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	“Reconciliation	of	Earnings	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	from	Operations”.

(3)	 The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	was	189.7 million	(December 31,	2019	was	174.9 million).	The	weighted	average	
number	of	shares	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	per	share	and	AOCF	
before	transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019

32  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Fourth Quarter Results

Summary of AOCF

(millions	of	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenue

Gross	profit

EBITDA	from	operations	(1)

Corporate	operating	costs

Realized gain (loss) on foreign currency hedging contracts

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

Interest	expense

Cash	income	tax	expense

AOCF	before	transaction	costs	(1)

Transaction and other costs (2)

AOCF	(1)

AOCF	per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	(1)(2)(3)

AOCF	per	share	(1)(3)

Dividends	declared	per	common	share

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

703.9

320.4

171.7

(5.8)

3.9

169.8

(24.4)

(0.1)

145.3

(8.5)

136.8

$0.71

$0.66

$0.18

2019

818.6

365.9

187.8

(7.5)

(3.6)

176.7

(25.7)

(6.0)

145.0

(5.6)

139.4

$0.83

$0.80

$0.18

(1)		 EBITDA	from	operations,	Adjusted	EBITDA,	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs,	AOCF,	and	AOCF	per	share	are	Non-IFRS	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

(2)	 Transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	are	primarily	related	to	the	acquisition	and	integration	of	acquired	businesses.	Transaction	and	

other	costs	for	the	prior	year	are	primarily	related	to	the	strategic	review	of	Specialty	Chemicals,	the	integration	of	NGL	and	other	tuck-in	acquisitions.

(3)	 The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	206.0 million	(December 31,	2019	was	174.9 million).	The	weighted	
average	number	of	shares	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	per	share	
and	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

Comparable GAAP Financial Information 

(millions	of	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts)

Net	earnings	for	the	period

Net	earnings	attributable	to	common	shareholders

Net	earnings	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests

Net	earnings	per	common	share	for	the	period,	basic	and	diluted

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities	per	share	(4)

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

89.3

83.1

6.2

$0.43

70.6

$0.34

2019

74.6

74.6

–

$0.43

108.3

$0.62

(4)	 The	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	206.0 million	(December 31,	2019	was	174.9 million).	The	weighted	
average	number	of	shares	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	per	share	
and	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  33

	
	
Segmented Information

(millions of dollars)

EBITDA	from	operations	(1)

U.S.	Propane	Distribution

Canadian	Propane	Distribution

Specialty	Chemicals

Total

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

80.4

65.6

25.7

171.7

2019

78.2

75.6

34.0

187.8

(1)	

	EBITDA	from	operations	is	a	Non-IFRS	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures.”

Fourth Quarter Results Compared to the Prior Year Quarter

Adjusted	EBITDA	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$169.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$6.9 million	or	4%	compared	to	

the	prior	year	quarter	Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$176.7 million.	The	decrease	is	primarily	due	to	lower	EBITDA	from	operations	and	was	

partially	offset	by	a	realized	gain	on	foreign	currency	hedging	contracts	compared	to	a	realized	loss	in	the	prior	year	quarter	and	

to	a	lesser	extent	lower	corporate	operating	cost.	EBITDA	from	operations	decreased	$16.1 million	or	9%	compared	to	the	prior	

year	quarter	primarily	due	to	lower	Canadian	Propane	and	Specialty	Chemicals	EBITDA	from	operations	partially	offset	by	higher	

U.S.	Propane	EBITDA	from	operations.	Canadian	Propane	EBITDA	from	operations	was	$65.6 million,	a	decrease	of	$10.0 million	or	

13%	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	weaker	wholesale	propane	market	fundamentals	

partially	offset	by	CEWS	benefit.	Specialty	Chemicals	EBITDA	from	operations	was	$25.7 million,	a	decrease	of	$8.3 million	or	24%	

primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	lower	average	hydrochloric	acid	and	caustic	soda	sales	prices	compared	to	the	prior	

year	quarter.	U.S.	Propane	EBITDA	from	operations	was	$80.4 million,	an	increase	of	$2.2 million	or	3%	compared	to	the	prior	

year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	acquisitions	partially	offset	by	warmer	weather	and	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	sales	

volumes.	Superior	realized	a	gain	on	foreign	currency	hedging	contracts	of	$3.9 million	compared	to	a	loss	of	$3.6 million	in	the	

prior	year	quarter	due	to	changes	in	foreign	exchange	rates	relative	to	average	hedge	rates	for	settled	hedges	in	the	quarter.	

Corporate	administrative	costs	were	$5.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$1.7 million	from	the	prior	year	quarter	of	$7.5 million	primarily	

due to	lower	long-term	incentive	plan	costs.

AOCF

AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$145.3 million,	a	modest	increase	

from	the	prior	year	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	of	$145.0 million	primarily	due	to	lower	interest	costs,	partially	offset	

by	lower	Adjusted	EBITDA	discussed	above	and	to	a	lesser	extent	higher	cash	taxes.	Interest	expense	decreased	primarily	due	to	

the	impact	of	lower	average	debt	balances,	and	to	a	lesser	extent,	the	impact	of	lower	interest	rates	compared	to	the	prior	year	

quarter.	AOCF	per	share	before	transaction	and	other	costs	was	$0.71	per	share,	a	decrease	of	$0.12	per	share	from	the	prior	

year	quarter	results	of	$0.83	per	share,	primarily	due	to	an	increase	in	weighted	average	shares	outstanding	and	to	a	lesser	extent	

lower	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	discussed	above.	Weighted	average	shares	outstanding	were	higher	than	the	prior	

year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	issuance	of	Preferred	Shares	that	are	reflected	on	an	as	converted	basis	and	to	a	lesser	extent	

the	impact	of	shares	issued	under	the	Dividend	Reinvestment	and	Optional	Share	Purchase	Plan	(“DRIP”).

AOCF	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$136.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$2.6 million	or	2%	from	the	prior	year	

AOCF	of	$139.4 million	due	to	the	decreased	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	discussed	above.	AOCF	per	share	for	the	

three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$0.66	per	share,	a	decrease	of	$0.14	per	share	from	the	prior	year	quarter	results	of	

$0.80	per	share.	Transaction	and	other	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	were	$8.5 million,	$2.9 million	more	

than	the	$5.6 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter.

34  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Results of Superior’s Operating Segments

Superior’s	operating	segments	consists	of	U.S.	Propane	Distribution,	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	which	includes	its	wholesale	

business	and	Specialty	Chemicals.

U.S. Propane Distribution

U.S. Propane Distribution’s condensed operating results:

(millions of dollars)

Revenue

Cost	of	Sales

Gross	profit

Realized	gain	(loss)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Adjusted	gross	profit	(1)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Add	back	(deduct):

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Transaction,	restructuring,	and	other	costs

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Operating	costs	(1)

EBITDA from operations (1)

Add	back	(deduct):

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Transaction,	restructuring,	and	other	costs

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Unrealized	gain	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Finance	expense

Earnings before income tax

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

294.9

(131.4)

163.5

2.6

166.1

(124.4)

33.5

4.6

0.6

(85.7)

80.4

(0.6)

(4.6)

(33.5)

14.8

(1.0)

55.5

2019

295.3

(137.2)

158.1

(3.4)

154.7

(102.9)

23.4

2.5

0.5

(76.5)

78.2

(0.5)

(2.5)

(23.4)

3.6

(1.1)

54.3

(1)	 Adjusted	Gross	Profit,	EBITDA	from	operations	and	Operating	Costs	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Revenue	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$294.9 million,	a	decrease	of	$0.4 million	from	the	prior	year	quarter	

primarily	due	to	lower	wholesale	commodity	prices,	lower	sales	volumes	and	to	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	

dollar	on	the	translation	of	U.S.	denominated	sales,	partially	offset	by	the	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed	since	the	prior	

year	quarter.	Wholesale	commodity	supply	prices	were	lower	than	the	prior	year	quarter,	driven	by	decreased	demand	as	a	result	

of	warm	weather,	reduced	demand	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	and	the	impact	from	lower	average	West	Texas	Intermediate	

(“WTI”)	crude	oil	prices	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.	WTI	crude	oil	prices	decreased	significantly	at	the	end	of	the	first	

quarter	and	remained	lower	than	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	continued	uncertainty	around	the	global	reaction	to	COVID-19.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  35

	
	
U.S. Propane Adjusted Gross Profit

(millions of dollars)

Propane	distribution

Realized	gain	(loss)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit

Other	services	(1)

Adjusted gross profit (2)

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

156.3

2.6

158.9

7.2

166.1

2019

150.4

(3.4)

147.0

7.7

154.7

(1)	 Other	services	have	been	restated	to	align	with	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	by	excluding	fees	which	form	part	of	propane	distribution	margins.

(2)  Adjusted	gross	profit	from	operations	is	a	Non-IFRS	financial	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$158.9 million,	an	increase	of	

$11.9 million	or	8%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	incremental	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed	since	the	

prior	year	quarter	and	higher	average	margins,	partially	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes.

Total	sales	volumes	were	386 million	litres,	an	increase	of	25 million	litres	or	7%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	

higher	commercial	and	residential	sales	volumes,	partially	offset	by	modestly	lower	wholesale	sales	volumes.	Average	weather,	as	

measured	by	degree	days,	across	markets	where	U.S.	propane	operates	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	9%	

warmer	than	the	prior	year	quarter	and	3%	warmer	than	the	five-year	average.	Residential	sales	volumes	increased	by	9 million	

litres	or	4%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed	since	the	prior	year	quarter	

partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	warmer	weather.	Commercial	sales	volumes	increased	by	18 million	litres	or	13%	compared	to	the	

prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	contribution	from	acquisitions	completed	since	the	prior	year	quarter	partially	offset	by	the	

impact	of	COVID-19	on	commercial	customers	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	impact	of	sales	and	marketing	initiatives	to	shift	focus	

away	from	low-margin	commercial	distillate	customers.	Wholesale	volumes	decreased	by	2 million	litres	or	22%	due	to	reduced	

demand	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19.

U.S.	propane	average	sales	margins	were	41.2	cents	per	litre	an	increase	of	1%	from	40.7	cents	per	litre	in	the	prior	year	quarter	

primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	focusing	on	higher	margin	propane	customers	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	

dollar	on	the	translation	of	U.S.	denominated	gross	profit.

Other	services	gross	profit	primarily	includes	equipment	rental,	installation,	repair	and	maintenance	charges.	Other	services	

gross	profit	was	$7.2 million,	a	decrease	of	$0.5 million	or	6%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	

delaying	non-essential	service	activity	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	acquisitions	completed.

36  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

U.S. Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

End-Use Application 

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

(1)		 Comparative	figures	have	been	reclassified	to	conform	with	the	current	period	presentation.

U.S. Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

Volumes by Region

(millions of litres)

Northeast

Southeast

Midwest

West

Total

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

224

155

7

386

2019(1)

215

137

9

361

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

311

37

27

11

386

2019

292

36

30

3

361

Regions:		Northeast	region	consists	of	Maine,	New	Hampshire,	Vermont,	Massachusetts,	Connecticut,	Rhode	Island,	NewYork,	Pennsylvania,	New	Jersey,	Delaware,	Maryland,	
Virginia;	Southeast	region	consists	of	North	Carolina,	South	Carolina,	Georgia,	Tennessee,	Florida,	Alabama;	Midwest	region	consists	of	Ohio,	Michigan,	Minnesota;	
West region	consists	primarily	of	California

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$85.7 million,	an	increase	$9.2 million	or	12%	over	the	prior	year	quarter,	while	SD&A	costs	for	the three 

months	ended	December 31,	2020	were	$124.4 million,	an	increase	of	$21.5 million	or	21%	over	the	prior	year	quarter.	The	

increase	in	operating	and	SD&A	costs	is	primarily	due	to	acquisitions	completed	during	the	year	partially	offset	by	workforce	

optimization	initiatives	and	the	realization	of	incremental	synergies,	and	to	a	lesser	extent	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	the	

translation	of	U.S.	denominated	operating	costs.	SD&A	costs	increased	for	the	above	reasons,	higher	depreciation	and	amortization	

related	to	a	higher	asset	base	due	to	the	acquisitions	completed	in	the	year	and	higher	transactions	and	other	costs	related	to	the	

acquisition	and	integration	of	businesses	acquired.

Earnings before Tax

The	earnings	before	tax	of	$55.5 million,	increased	by	$1.2 million	over	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	the	aforementioned	reasons	

and	the	impact	of	a	higher	unrealized	gain	on	derivative	financial	instruments	in	the	current	quarter	compared	to	the	prior	

year quarter.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  37

	
	
Canadian Propane Distribution

Canadian	Propane	Distribution’s	condensed	operating	results:

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

(millions of dollars)

Revenue	(1)

Cost	of	Sales

Gross	profit

Realized	gain	(loss)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Adjusted	gross	profit	(2)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Add	back	(deduct):

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Transaction,	restructuring,	and	other	costs

Loss	(gain)	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Operating	costs	(2)

EBITDA from operations (2)

Add	back	(deduct):

(Loss)	gain	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Transaction,	restructuring,	and	other	costs

Amortization	and	depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Unrealized	gains	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Finance	expense

Earnings before income tax

2020

272.8

(158.8)

114.0

1.1

115.1

(68.1)

18.4

(0.1)

0.3

(49.5)

65.6

(0.3)

0.1

(18.4)

5.1

(1.0)

51.1

2019

366.9

(214.0)

152.9

(11.3)

141.6

(84.0)

19.1

0.3

(1.4)

(66.0)

75.6

1.4

(0.3)

(19.1)

8.1

(1.0)

64.7

(1)	 Revenue	has	been	adjusted	to	conform	with	the	current	period	presentation.	See	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	and	notes	thereto	as	at	and	for	the	years	

ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

(2)	 EBITDA	from	operations	and	operating	costs	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	“Reconciliation	of	Earnings	before	Income	Taxes	to	

EBITDA	from	Operations”.

Revenue	for	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$272.8 million,	a	decrease	of	$94.1 million	or	26%	primarily	due	to	

lower	sales	volumes	and	to	a	lesser	extent	lower	wholesale	propane	prices.	Wholesale	propane	supply	prices	were	lower	than	the	

prior	year	exiting	the	quarter,	primarily	due	to	continued	high	propane	inventory	levels	in	the	U.S.,	driven	by	decreased	demand	

as	a	result	of	warm	weather,	reduced	demand	related	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19,	the	impact	from	lower	average	West	Texas	

Intermediate	(“WTI”)	crude	oil	prices	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.	WTI	crude	oil	prices	decreased	significantly	at	the	end	of	

the	first	quarter	and	remained	lower	than	the	prior	year	due	to	continued	uncertainty	around	the	global	reaction	to	COVID-19.	

Canadian Propane Adjusted Gross Profit

(millions of dollars)

Propane	distribution

Realized	gain	(loss)	on	derivatives	related	to	commodity	risk	management

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit

Other	services

Adjusted gross profit (1)

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

108.8

1.1

109.9

5.2

115.1

2019

147.3

(11.3)

136.0

5.6

141.6

(1)		 Adjusted	gross	profit	is	a	Non-IFRS	financial	measure.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Propane	distribution	adjusted	gross	profit	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$109.9 million,	a	decrease	of	

$26.1 million	or	19%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.

38  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Total	sales	volumes	for	the	fourth	quarter	were	608 million	litres,	a	decrease	of	145 million	litres	or	19%,	primarily	due	to	reduced	

demand	from	customers	impacted	by	COVID-19,	economic	conditions	in	Western	Canada	and	warmer	weather.	Average	weather	

across	Canada	for	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020,	as	measured	by	degree	days	was	6%	warmer	than	the	prior	year	and	4%	warmer	

than	the	five-year	average.	Residential	sales	volumes	were	consistent	with	the	prior	year	as	increased	demand	related	to	COVID-19	

was	offset	by	the	impact	of	warmer	weather.	Commercial	sales	decreased	by	65 million	litres	or	20%	due	primarily	to	COVID-19	

impacting	demand	across	the	country,	economic	conditions	in	Western	Canada	and	warmer	weather,	partially	offset	by	higher	

reseller	volumes	related	to	recreational	propane	use.	Wholesale	propane	volumes	were	79 million	litres	or	21%	lower	compared	

to	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	lower	demand	associated	with	the	impact	of	COVID-19,	the	impact	of	low	oil	prices	and	warmer	

weather	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.

Average	propane	sales	margins	were	18.1	cents	per	litre	consistent	with	the	prior	year	quarter	as	the	impact	of	weaker	wholesale	

propane	market	fundamentals	was	offset	by	customer	mix.

Other	services	gross	profit	primarily	includes	equipment	rentals,	repairs	and	maintenance	work,	installation	fees,	and	customer	minimum	

use	charges.	Other	services	gross	profit	was	$5.2 million,	a	decrease	of	$0.4 million	or	7%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	the	

impact	of	COVID-19	and	economic	conditions	on	service	technician	activity	and	equipment	rentals	in	Western Canada.

Canadian Propane Distribution Sales Volumes

Volumes by End-Use Application (1)

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

Volumes by Region (1)

(millions of litres)

Western	Canada

Eastern	Canada

Atlantic	Canada

United	States

Total

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

58

254

296

608

2019

59

319

375

753

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

220

143

38

207

608

2019

306

155

37

255

753

(1)	 Regions:	Western	Canada	region	consists	of	British	Columbia,	Alberta,	Saskatchewan,	Manitoba,	Northwest	Ontario,	Yukon	and	Northwest	Territories;	Eastern	Canada	region	

consists	of	Ontario	(except	for	Northwest	Ontario)	and	Quebec;	Atlantic	Canada	region	consists	of	New	Brunswick,	Newfoundland	&	Labrador,	Nova	Scotia	and	Prince	Edward	
Island.	United	States	region	consists	primarily	of	California,	Colorado,	Delaware,	Illinois,	Kansas,	Maine,	Maryland,	Michigan,	Minnesota,	Montana,	Nevada,	New	Hampshire,	
New	York,	North	Dakota,	Ohio,	Oklahoma,	Oregon,	Pennsylvania,	Texas,	Utah	and	Washington.

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$49.5 million,	a	decrease	of	$16.5 million	or	25%	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter,	while	SD&A	costs	for	

the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	were	$68.1 million,	a	decrease	of	$15.9 million	or	19%	compared	to	the	prior	year	

quarter.	The	decrease	in	operating	costs	is	primarily	due	to	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit	recorded	in	the	quarter,	lower-volume	

related	expenses	and	cost-saving	initiatives.	SD&A	costs	decreased	for	the	above-noted	reasons	partially	offset	by	a	gain	on	

disposal	of	assets	in	the	current	quarter	compared	to	a	loss	in	the	prior	year	quarter.	Canadian	Propane	recorded	a	$12.0 million	

benefit	related	to	the	CEWS	in	the	fourth	quarter.

Earnings before Tax

Earnings	before	income	tax	of	$51.1 million,	decreased	by	$13.6 million	over	the	prior	year	quarter,	due	to	the	aforementioned	reasons	

partially	offset	by	a	lower	unrealized	gain	on	derivative	financial	instruments	in	the	current	quarter	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  39

	
	
Specialty Chemicals

Specialty	Chemicals’	condensed	operating	results:

(millions	of	dollars,	except	per	metric	tonne	(MT)	amounts)

Revenue

Cost	of	Sales

Gross	Profit

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Adjusted	Gross	Profit	(1)

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Add	back	(deduct):

Amortization	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	impairment

Transaction,	restructuring	and	other	costs

Operating	costs	(1)

EBITDA from operations (1)

Add	back	(deduct):

Transaction,	restructuring	and	other	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Amortization	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

(Loss)	on	disposal	of	assets

Unrealized	gain	on	foreign	currency	translation	of	lease	liabilities

Finance	Expense

Earnings	before	income	tax

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

$ per MT

2019

$ per MT

810

(534)

276

55

331.0

(216)

43

18

(6)

(161.0)

170.0

142.0

(99.1)

42.9

12.2

55.1

(40.0)

8.3

2.3

–

755

(527)

228

65

293.0

(213)

44

12

–

(29.4)

(157.0)

25.7

136.0

–

(12.2)

(8.3)

(2.3)

2.1

(2.3)

2.7

161.2

(106.2)

55.0

11.0

66.0

(42.9)

8.5

3.5

(1.1)

(32.0)

34.0

1.1

(11.0)

(8.5)

(3.5)

1.0

(2.3)

10.8

(1)	 EBITDA	from	operations,	operating	costs	and	per	metric	tonne	amounts	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”	and	“Reconciliation	of	Net	

Earnings	before	Income	Taxes	to	EBITDA	from	Operations”.

40  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Sales Volumes by Product

(thousands of MTs)

Sodium	chlorate

Chlor-alkali

Chlorite

Total

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

110

76

2

188

2019

120

78

1

199

Revenue	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$142.0 million	a	decrease	of	$19.2 million	or	12%	from	the	prior	year	

quarter.	This	was	primarily	due	to	lower	sales	volumes	and	to	a	lesser	extent	lower	average	hydrochloric	acid,	caustic	soda	and	

sodium	chlorate	selling	prices.

Sodium	chlorate	sales	volumes	decreased	by	10	MTs	or	8%	due	primarily	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	customer	demand	and	

other	customer	curtailments.	Sodium	chlorate	sales	prices	were	1%	lower	than	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	the	impact	of	the	

stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales	and	customer	mix	partially	offset	by	contract	price	increases.

Chlor-alkali	sales	volumes	decreased	by	2	MTs	or	3%	due	to	lower	chlorine	and	caustic	potash	sales	volumes,	partially	offset	by	

higher	hydrochloric	acid	sales	volumes.	COVID-19	has	negatively	impacted	chlor-alkali	demand	due	to	broad-based	shutdowns	

and	curtailed	economic	activity.	Hydrochloric	acid	sales	volumes	increased	18%	due	to	increased	demand	from	the	U.S.	oil	

and	gas	sector	and	the	impact	of	unplanned	downtime	in	the	prior	year	quarter	on	hydrochloric	acid	and	caustic	soda	sales	

volumes.	Caustic	soda	sales	volumes	were	consistent	with	the	prior	year	quarter.	Chlorine	sales	volumes	decreased	21%	due	to	

the	expiration	of	a	contract	in	the	prior	year	supplied	through	external	purchases	and	the	impact	of	COVID-19.	Caustic	potash	

sales	volumes	decreased	6%	primarily	due	to	reduced	agricultural	demand	and	weak	de-icing	demand	related	to	milder	weather.	

Average	hydrochloric	acid	and	caustic	soda	netbacks	decreased	by	approximately	61%	and	17%,	respectively,	due	to	customer	mix,	

the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	demand,	increased	freight	costs	and	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	

sales.	Chlorine	netbacks	increased	26%	due	to	customer	mix	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	

denominated	sales.	Caustic	potash	netbacks	were	4%	higher	than	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	customer	mix	partially	offset	by	the	

impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	sales.

Chlorite	sales	volumes	were	lower	than	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	the	timing	of	international	sales.	Sales	prices	were	3%	

higher	than	the	prior	year	quarter	due	to	customer	mix	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	

denominated sales.

Adjusted	gross	profit	was	$55.1 million,	a	decrease	of	$10.9 million	or	16%	from	the	prior	year	quarter	due	primarily	to	lower	

volumes	and	lower	sales	prices	partially	offset	by	the	impact	of	recording	the	CEWS	benefit.	An	amount	of	$2.1 million	related	to	

CEWS,	was	recorded	as	a	reduction	to	cost	of	goods	sold.

Operating Costs and Selling, Distribution and Administrative Costs

Operating	costs	were	$29.4 million,	a	decrease	of	$2.6 million	or	8%	over	the	prior	year	quarter,	while	SD&A	costs	were	

$40.0 million,	a	decrease	of	$2.9 million	over	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	due	to	lower	freight	costs	related	to	lower	sales	

volumes,	the	impact	of	the	CEWS	benefit,	and	the	impact	of	the	stronger	Canadian	dollar	on	U.S.	denominated	expenses.	An	

amount	of	$1.3 million	related	to	CEWS,	was	recorded	as	a	reduction	to	SD&A.

Earnings (Loss) before Tax

Earnings	before	tax	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	was	$2.7 million,	a	decrease	of	$8.1 million	over	the	prior	year	

quarter	due	primarily	to	the	aforementioned	reasons	partially	offset	by	a	higher	unrealized	gain	on	the	foreign	currency	translation	

of	lease	liabilities	compared	to	the	prior	year	quarter.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  41

	
	
Consolidated Capital Expenditure Summary

(millions of dollars)

Efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related

Maintenance capital

Proceeds	on	disposition	of	assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment	acquired	through	acquisition

Total net capital expenditures

Investment	in	leased	assets	net	of	proceeds	from	refinanced

Total expenditures including finance leases

Three	Months	Ended	December 31

2020

12.0

18.4

30.4

(4.7)

41.3

67.0

24.2

91.2

2019

25.2

26.3

51.5

(1.2)

16.9

67.2

17.8

85.0

Efficiency,	process	improvement	and	growth-related	expenditures	were	$12.0 million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020	compared	to	
$25.2 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter.	The	decrease	over	the	prior	year	quarter	is	primarily	due	to	deferring	expenditures	to	offset	

the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	cashflows	and	timing	of	integration	activity.

Maintenance	capital	expenditures	were	$18.4 million	in	the	fourth	quarter	compared	to	$26.3 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter,	

a	decrease	of	$7.9 million	primarily	due	to	deferring	expenditures	to	offset	the	impact	of	COVID-19	on	cashflows	and	to	a	lesser	

extent	timing	of	expenditures.

Property,	plant	and	equipment	acquired	through	acquisition	is	the	allocation	of	fair	value	to	these	assets	related	to	the	acquisitions	

completed	during	the	prior	year	quarter.

Proceeds	on	disposition	were	$4.7 million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020	compared	to	$1.2 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter	primarily	

due	to	the	disposal	of	vehicles	and	excess	tanks.	Superior	entered	into	new	leases	with	capital-equivalent	value	of	$24.7 million	

and	refinanced	previously	acquired	vehicles	for	gross	proceeds	of	$0.5 million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020.	The	net	investment	

was	$24.2 million	compared	to	$17.8 million	in	the	prior	year’s	fourth	quarter.	The	increase	is	primarily	due	to	timing	of	renewing	

property,	railcar	and	vehicles	leases.

Capital	expenditures	were	funded	from	a	combination	of	operating	cash	flow	and	revolving-term	bank	credit	facilities	and	credit	

provided	through	lease	liabilities.

Corporate Administrative Costs and SD&A

Corporate	administrative	costs	are	$5.8 million	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020	a	decrease	of	$1.7 million,	

compared	to	$7.5 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter.	The	decrease	from	the	prior	year	quarter	is	primarily	due	to	lower	long-term	
incentive	plan	costs	related	to	the	fluctuations	in	the	share	price	compared	to	the	prior	year,	partially	offset	by	$0.3 million	related	

to	CEWS	and	lower	discretionary	spending	due	to	the	impact	of	COVID-19.	Corporate	administration	costs	included	in	Adjusted	

EBITDA	exclude	depreciation,	amortization	and	transaction	and	other	costs.	Corporate	SD&A	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	

December 31,	2020	were	$9.7 million	a	decrease	of	$1.7 million	from	$11.4 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter.

Finance Expense

Finance	expense	was	$24.4 million	for	the	three	months	ended	December 31,	2020,	a	decrease	of	$1.3 million,	compared	to	

$25.7 million	in	the	prior	year	quarter.	The	decrease	is	primarily	due	to	lower	average	debt	balances,	and	lower	variable	interest	

rates	compared	to	the	prior	comparable	quarter	and	lower	non-cash	financing	charges.

Transaction and Other Costs

For	the	fourth	quarter,	Superior	incurred	$8.5 million	in	transaction	and	other	costs	compared	to	$5.6 million	in	the	prior	year	

quarter.	The	decrease	is	primarily	related	to	the	timing	of	tuck-in	acquisitions	and	costs	related	to	the	strategic	review	of	Specialty	

Chemicals	in	the	prior	year	quarter.

42  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Quarterly Financial and Operating Information

GAAP Measures

(millions	of	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts)

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

Revenue	(2)

Gross	profit (2)

Net	earnings	(loss)

 Per	share,	basic

 Per	share,	diluted

Net	working	capital	(deficit)	(1)

703.9

320.4

89.3

$0.43

$0.43

22.3

399.4

166.3

(21.4)

(0.15)

(0.15)

(14.9)

450.8

219.8

7.5

0.04

0.04

840.2

399.2

11.4

0.07

0.07

(0.8)

144.7

821.0

366.0

74.6

0.43

0.43

49.9

450.1

195.0

(59.3)

(0.34)

(0.34)

14.1

545.8

223.7

(29.3)

(0.17)

(0.17)

48.8

1,036.0

428.3

156.6

0.90

0.90

189.1

(1)	 Net	working	capital	as	at	the	quarter-end	is	comprised	of	trade	and	other	receivables,	prepaid	expenses	and	deposits	and	inventories,	less	trade	and	other	payables,	

contract	liabilities,	and	dividends	payable.

(2)	

	Revenue	and	gross	profit	have	been	presented	excluding	realized	gains	and	losses	on	commodity	derivative	instruments.	These	gains	and	losses	are	included	in	gains	
(losses)	on	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings	in	the	audited	condensed	consolidated	financial	statements.	See	“Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures”.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures (1)

(millions	of	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts)

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

Adjusted	EBITDA

169.8

39.1

67.7

219.3

176.7

48.2

59.7

239.9

AOCF	before	transaction	
 and	other	costs

 Per	share,	basic

 Per	share,	diluted

AOCF

 Per	share,	basic

 Per	share,	diluted

145.3

$0.71

$0.71

136.8

$0.66

$0.66

12.5

0.06

0.06

6.3

0.03

0.03

40.8

0.23

0.23

35.7

0.20

0.20

187.9

145.0

1.07

1.07

0.83

0.83

182.6

139.4

1.04

1.04

0.80

0.80

19.2

0.11

0.11

13.1

0.07

0.07

31.0

0.18

0.18

17.8

0.10

0.10

211.0

1.21

1.21

206.0

1.18

1.18

(1)	 Net	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs,	AOCF	and	the	related	per	share	amounts,	are	Non-IFRS	financial	measures.

(2)	 For	Q4	and	Q3	2020	the	weighted	average	number	of	shares	outstanding	assumes	the	conversion	of	the	preferred	shares	into	common	shares.	There	were	no	other	dilutive	

instruments	with	respect	to	AOCF	per	share	and	AOCF	before	transaction	and	other	costs	per	share	for	those	periods.

Fluctuations	in	Superior’s	individual	quarterly	results	is	subject	to	seasonality.	Sales	typically	peak	in	the	first	quarter	when	

approximately	one-third	of	annual	propane	and	other	refined	fuels	sales	volumes	and	gross	profits	are	generated	due	to	the	

demand	of	heating	from	end-use	customers.	They	then	decline	through	the	second	and	third	quarters,	rising	seasonally	again	in	

the	fourth	quarter	with	heating	demand.	In	addition,	the	impact	of	the	CEWS,	acquisitions	and	divestitures	may	impact	quarterly	

results.	For	information	on	acquisitions	see	the	2020	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  43

	
	
Volumes

U.S.	propane	sales	volumes	(millions	of	litres)

Canadian	propane	sales	volumes	(millions	of	litres)

Chemical	sales	volumes	(thousands	of	MT)

386

608

188

155

341

182

190

360

172

422

729

197

361

753

199

158

393

210

201

437

210

489

922

206

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

U.S. propane sales by end-use application are as follows (1):

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

224

155

7

386

59

91

5

97

88

5

155

190

257

153

12

422

215

137

9

361

61

90

7

158

92

100

9

201

305

162

22

489

(1)		 Comparative	figures	have	been	reclassified	to	reflect	the	current	period	presentation	of	end	use.

Canadian propane sales by end-use application are as follows:

(millions of litres)

Residential

Commercial

Wholesale

Total

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

58

254

296

608

20

150

171

341

27

161

172

360

66

316

347

729

59

319

375

753

20

183

190

393

26

204

207

437

75

354

493

922

Specialty Chemicals sales volumes by product are as follows:

(thousands of MT)

Sodium	chlorate

Chlor-alkali

Chlorite

Total

Q4 2020 Q3	2020 Q2	2020 Q1	2020 Q4	2019 Q3	2019 Q2	2019 Q1	2019

110

76

2

188

103

106

119

120

122

120

118

77

2

65

1

77

1

78

1

86

2

88

2

87

1

182

172

197

199

210

210

206

44  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted EBITDA

(millions of dollars)

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

U.S.	
Propane
Distribution 

Canadian
Propane
Distribution 

Specialty
Chemicals

Corporate

Earnings	before	income	taxes

55.5

51.1

2.7

14.1

Add:	Depreciation	and	amortization	included	in	selling,	

distribution	and	administrative	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Finance	expense

Unrealized	(gains)	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Transaction and other costs

Adjusted EBITDA

33.5

–

0.6

1.0

(14.8)

4.6

80.4

18.4

–

0.3

1.0

(5.1)

 (0.1)

65.6

8.3

12.2

2.3

2.3

(2.1)

–

25.7

–

–

(0.1)

22.0

(41.9)

4.0

(1.9)

(millions of dollars)

For	the	Three	Months	Ended	December 31,	2019

Earnings	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Add:	Depreciation	and	amortization	included	in	selling,	

distribution	and	administrative	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Loss	(gain)	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Finance	expense

Unrealized	losses	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Transaction and other costs

Adjusted	EBITDA

U.S.	
Propane
Distribution 

Canadian
Propane
Distribution 

54.3

23.4

–

0.5

1.1

(3.6)

2.5

78.2

64.7

19.1

–

(1.4)

1.0

(8.1)

0.3

75.6

Specialty
Chemicals

Corporate

10.8

(26.3)

8.5

11.0

3.5

2.3

(1.0)

(1.1)

34.0

0.2

–

–

23.5

(12.4)

3.9

(11.1)

Total

123.4

60.2

12.2

3.1

26.3

(63.9)

8.5

169.8

Total

103.5

51.2

11.0

2.6

27.9

(25.1)

5.6

176.7

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  45

	
	
(millions of dollars)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Earnings	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Add:	Depreciation	and	amortization	included	in	selling,	

distribution	and	administrative	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Finance	expense

Unrealized	(gains)	on	derivative	financial

instruments

Transaction and other costs

Adjusted EBITDA

(millions of dollars)

For	the	Year	Ended	December 31,	2019

Earnings	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Add:	Depreciation	and	amortization	included	in	selling,	

distribution	and	administrative	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

(Gain)	loss	on	disposal	of	assets	and	other

Finance	expense

Unrealized	loss	(gains)	on	derivative	financial	instruments

Transaction and other costs

Adjusted	EBITDA

Risk Factors to Superior

U.S.	
Propane
Distribution 

Canadian
Propane
Distribution 

Specialty
Chemicals

Corporate

92.5

123.2

31.6

(88.6)

118.5

–

2.5

5.2

(26.2)

14.4

206.9

74.2

–

1.1

4.4

(8.3)

0.4

31.0

42.8

2.3

8.0

(0.7)

1.5

195.0

116.5

0.6

–

(0.1)

88.9

(32.1)

8.8

(22.5)

U.S.	
Propane
Distribution 

Canadian
Propane
Distribution 

Specialty
Chemicals

Corporate

79.4

130.2

47.9

(89.9)

105.0

–

1.3

4.4

2.6

16.7

209.4

71.9

–

(3.3)

4.4

(3.2)

0.8

30.4

44.9

20.4

8.1

(2.9)

3.1

200.8

151.9

0.4

–

–

97.4

(54.8)

9.3

(37.6)

Total

158.7

224.3

42.8

5.8

106.5

(67.3)

25.1

495.9

Total

167.6

207.7

44.9

18.4

114.3

(58.3)

29.9

524.5

The	risks	factors	and	uncertainties	detailed	below	are	a	summary	of	Superior’s	assessment	of	its	material	risk	factors	as	detailed	in	

Superior’s	most	recent	Annual	Information	Form	(“AIF”)	under	“Risks	associated	with	our	business”	which	is	filed	on	the	Canadian	
Securities	Administrators’	website,	www.sedar.com,	and	on	Superior’s	website,	www.superiorplus.com.	The	AIF	describes	some	
of	the	most	material	risks	to	Superior’s	business	by	type	of	risk:	financial;	strategic;	operational;	and	legal.

General risks to Superior are as follows:

Catastrophic Events, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Disease
Superior	may	be	negatively	impacted	to	varying	degrees	by	a	number	of	events	which	are	beyond	our	control,	including	cyber-

attacks,	unauthorized	access,	energy	blackouts,	pandemics,	terrorist	attacks,	acts	of	war,	earthquakes,	hurricanes,	tornados,	fires,	

floods,	ice	storms	or	other	natural	or	man-made	catastrophes.	While	we	engage	in	emergency	preparedness,	including	business	

continuity	planning,	to	mitigate	risks,	such	events	can	evolve	very	rapidly	and	their	impacts	can	be	difficult	to	predict.	As	such,	

there	can	be	no	assurance	that	in	the	event	of	such	a	catastrophe	that	our	operations	and	ability	to	carry	on	business	will	not	be	

disrupted.	The	occurrence	of	such	events	may	not	release	us	from	performing	our	obligations	to	third	parties.	A	catastrophic	event,	

including	an	outbreak	of	infectious	disease,	a	pandemic	or	a	similar	health	threat,	such	as	the	evolving	2019	Novel	Coronavirus	

outbreak,	or	fear	of	any	of	the	foregoing,	could	adversely	impact	us	by	causing	operating	or	supply	chain	delays	and	disruptions,	
labour	shortages,	expansion	project	delays	and	facility	shutdowns	which	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	ability	to	conduct	our	

business	and	increase	our	costs.	In	addition,	liquidity	and	volatility,	credit	availability	and	market	and	financial	conditions	generally	

could	change	at	any	time	as	a	result.	Any	of	these	events	in	isolation	or	in	combination,	could	have	a	material	negative	impact	on	

our	financial	condition,	operating	results	and	cash	flows.

46  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Cash Dividends to Shareholders are Dependent on the Performance of Superior LP
Superior	depends	entirely	on	the	operations	and	assets	of	Superior	LP.	Superior’s	ability	to	make	dividend	payments	to	its	

shareholders	depends	on	Superior	LP’s	ability	to	make	distributions	on	its	outstanding	limited	partnership	units,	as	well	as	on	the	

operations	and	business	of	Superior	LP.

There	is	no	assurance	regarding	the	amount	of	cash	to	be	distributed	by	Superior	LP	or	generated	by	Superior	LP	and,	therefore,	

there	is	no	assurance	regarding	funds	available	for	dividends	to	shareholders.	The	amount	distributed	in	respect	of	the	limited	

partnership	units	will	depend	on	a	variety	of	factors	including,	without	limitation,	the	performance	of	Superior	LP’s	operating	

businesses,	the	effect	of	acquisitions	or	dispositions	on	Superior	LP,	and	other	factors	that	may	be	beyond	the	control	of	

Superior LP	or	Superior.	In	the	event	significant	sustaining	capital	expenditures	are	required	by	Superior	LP	or	the	profitability	of	

Superior LP	declines,	there	would	be	a	decrease	in	the	amount	of	cash	available	for	dividends	to	shareholders	and	such	decrease	

could	be material.

Superior’s	dividend	policy	and	the	distribution	policy	of	Superior	LP	are	subject	to	change	at	the	discretion	of	the	Board	of	Directors	

of	Superior	or	the	Board	of	Directors	of	Superior	General	Partner	Inc.,	the	general	partner	of	Superior	LP,	as	applicable.	Superior’s	

dividend	policy	and	the	distribution	policy	of	Superior	LP	are	also	limited	by	contractual	agreements	including	agreements	with	

lenders	to	Superior	and	its	affiliates	and	by	restrictions	under	corporate	law.

Additional Shares
In	the	event	the	Board	of	Directors	of	Superior	decides	to	issue	additional	common	shares,	preferred	shares	or	securities	

convertible	into	common	shares,	existing	shareholders	may	suffer	significant	dilution.

Access to Capital
The	credit	facilities	and	U.S.	notes	of	Superior	LP	contain	covenants	that	require	Superior	LP	to	meet	certain	financial	tests	and	that	

restrict,	among	other	things,	the	ability	of	Superior	LP	to	incur	additional	debt,	dispose	of	assets	or	pay	dividends/distributions	in	

certain	circumstances.	These	restrictions	may	preclude	Superior	LP	from	returning	capital	or	making	distributions	on	the	limited	

partnership	units.

The	payout	by	Superior	LP	of	substantially	all	of	its	available	cash	flow	means	that	capital	expenditures	to	fund	growth	

opportunities	can	only	be	made	in	the	event	that	other	sources	of	financing	are	available.	Lack	of	access	to	such	additional	

financing	could	limit	the	future	growth	of	the	business	of	Superior	LP	and,	over	time,	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	the	amount	

of	cash	available	for	dividends	to	shareholders.

To	the	extent	that	external	sources	of	capital,	including	public	and	private	markets,	become	limited	or	unavailable,	Superior’s	and	

Superior	LP’s	ability	to	make	the	necessary	capital	investments	to	maintain	or	expand	the	current	business	and	to	make	necessary	

principal	payments	and	debenture	redemptions	under	its	term	credit	facilities	may	be	impaired.

Interest Rates
Superior	maintains	floating	interest	rate	exposure	through	a	combination	of	floating	interest	rate	borrowing	and	uses	derivative	

instruments	at	times,	to	mitigate	this	risk.	Demand	for	a	significant	portion	of	Propane	Distribution’s	sales	and	substantially	all	of	

Specialty	Chemicals’	sales	are	affected	by	general	economic	trends.	Generally	speaking,	when	the	economy	is	strong,	interest	rates	

increase,	as	does	demand	from	Superior’s	customers,	thereby	increasing	Superior’s	sales	and	its	ability	to	pay	higher	interest	costs.	

The	opposite	is	also	true.	In	this	way,	there	is	a	common	relationship	among	economic	activity	levels,	interest	rates	and	Superior’s	

ability	to	pay	higher	or	lower	rates.	Increased	interest	rates	will,	however,	affect	Superior’s	borrowing	costs,	which	will	have	an	

adverse	effect.

Foreign Exchange Risk
A	portion	of	Superior’s	net	cash	flow	is	denominated	in	U.S.	dollars.	Accordingly,	fluctuations	in	the	Canadian/U.S.	dollar	exchange	

rate	can	impact	profitability.	Superior	attempts	to	mitigate	this	risk	with	derivative	financial	instruments.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  47

	
	
Changes in Legislation and Expected Tax Profile
There	can	be	no	assurance	that	income	tax	laws	in	the	numerous	jurisdictions	in	which	Superior	operates	will	not	be	changed,	

interpreted	or	administered	in	a	manner	which	adversely	affects	Superior	and	its	shareholders.	In	addition,	there	can	be	no	

assurance	that	the	CRA	(or	a	provincial	tax	agency),	the	U.S.	Internal	Revenue	Service	(or	a	state	or	local	tax	agency),	the	Chilean	

Internal	Revenue	Service	or	the	Luxembourg	Tax	Authorities	(collectively,	the	“tax	agencies”)	will	agree	with	how	Superior	calculates	

its	income	for	tax	purposes	or	that	these	various	tax	agencies	referenced	herein	will	not	change	their	administrative	practices	to	

the	detriment	of	Superior	or	its	shareholders.

Acquisitions and Divestitures
Superior	may	not	be	able	to	find	or	buy	appropriate	acquisition	targets	on	economically	acceptable	terms.	Superior’s	acquisition	

agreements	will	contain	certain	representations,	warranties	and	indemnities	from	the	respective	vendors	subject	to	certain	

applicable	limitations	and	thresholds	and	Superior	will	conduct	due	diligence	prior	to	completion	of	such	acquisitions.	If,	however	

such	representations	and	warranties	are	inaccurate	or	limited	in	applicability	or	if	any	liabilities	that	are	discovered	exceed	such	

limits	or	are	not	covered	by	the	representations,	warranties	or	indemnities,	or	the	applicable	vendors	default	in	their	obligations	or	

if	certain	liabilities	are	not	identified	in	such	agreements,	Superior	could	become	liable	for	any	such	liabilities	which	may	have	an	

adverse	effect	on	Superior.	In	addition,	there	may	be	liabilities	or	risks	that	were	not	discovered	in	such	due	diligence	investigations	

which	could	have	an	adverse	effect	on	Superior.

Acquiring	complementary	businesses	is	required	to	optimally	execute	Superior’s	business	strategy.	Distribution	systems,	

technologies,	key	personnel	or	businesses	of	companies	Superior	acquires	may	not	be	effectively	assimilated	into	its	business,	

or	its	alliances	may	not	be	successful.	There	is	also	no	assurance	regarding	the	completion	of	a	planned	acquisition	as	Superior	

may	be	unable	to	obtain	shareholder	approval	for	a	planned	acquisition	or	Superior	may	be	unable	to	obtain	government	and	

regulatory	approvals	required	for	a	planned	acquisition,	or	required	government	and/or	regulatory	approvals	may	result	in	delays.	

There	may	be	penalties	associated	with	not	completing	a	planned	acquisition.	Superior	may	not	be	able	to	successfully	complete	

certain	divestitures	on	satisfactory	terms,	if	at	all.	Divestitures	may	reduce	Superior’s	total	revenue	and	net	earnings	by	more	than	

the	sales	price.	The	terms	and	conditions,	representations,	warranties	and	indemnities,	if	any,	associated	with	divestiture	activity	

may	hold	future	risks.

Information Technology and Cyber Security
Superior	utilizes	a	number	of	information	technology	systems	for	the	management	of	its	business	and	the	operation	of	its	facilities.	

The	reliability	and	security	of	these	systems	is	critical.	If	the	function	of	these	systems	is	interrupted	or	fails	and	cannot	be	restored	

quickly,	or	if	the	technologies	are	no	longer	supported,	Superior’s	ability	to	operate	its	facilities	and	conduct	its	business	could	be	

compromised.	Superior	has	continued	to	mature	its	approach	to	technology	planning.	Superior	continually	assesses	and	monitors	

its	cyber	security	risk.	In	an	effort	to	mitigate	such	risks,	Superior	has	employed	a	fully	managed	third	party	cyber	security	service	

that	deploys	industry	leading	technology,	conducted	comprehensive	employee	training	and	utilizes	monitoring	software	to	protect	

its	systems.

Although	the	technology	systems	Superior	utilizes	are	intended	to	be	secure	and	Superior	has	employed	various	methods	to	

mitigate	cyber	risks,	there	is	still	a	risk	that	an	unauthorized	third	party	could	access	the	systems.	Such	a	security	breach	could	

lead	to	a	number	of	adverse	consequences,	including	but	not	limited	to,	the	unavailability,	disruption	or	loss	of	key	function	

within	Superior’s	control	systems	and	the	unauthorized	disclosure,	corruption	or	loss	of	sensitive	company,	customer	or	personal	

information.	Superior	attempts	to	prevent	such	breaches	through	the	implementation	of	various	technology	security	measures,	

segregation	of	control	systems	from	its	general	business	network,	engaging	skilled	consultants	and	employees	to	manage	

Superior’s	technology	applications,	conducting	periodic	audits	and	adopting	policies	and	procedures	as	appropriate.

To	date,	Superior	has	not	been	subject	to	a	cyber-security	breach	that	has	resulted	in	a	material	impact	on	its	business	or	

operations;	there	is	no	guarantee,	however,	that	the	measures	it	takes	to	protect	its	business	systems	and	operational	control	

systems	will	be	effective	in	protecting	against	a	breach	in	the	future.

48  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Risks to Superior’s Segments

Risks	associated	with	the	Propane	Distribution	businesses	are	set	out	below.

U.S. Propane Distribution and Canadian Propane Distribution

Competition
Propane	is	sold	in	competition	with	other	energy	sources	such	as	natural	gas,	electricity	and	fuel	oil,	some	of	which	are	less	costly	

on	an	energy-equivalent	basis.	While	propane	is	usually	more	cost-effective	than	electricity,	electricity	is	a	major	competitor	in	

most	areas.	Fuel	oil	is	also	used	as	a	residential,	commercial	and	industrial	source	of	heat	and,	in	general,	is	less	costly	on	an	

equivalent-energy	basis,	although	operating	efficiencies,	environmental	and	air	quality	factors	help	make	propane	competitive	with	

fuel	oil.	Except	for	certain	industrial	and	commercial	applications,	propane	is	generally	not	competitive	with	natural	gas	in	areas	

with	natural	gas	service.	Other	alternative	energy	sources	such	as	compressed	natural	gas,	methanol	and	ethanol	are	available	

or	could	be	further	developed	and	could	have	an	impact	on	the	future	of	the	propane	industry	in	general	and	Canadian	propane	
distribution in	particular.	The	trend	towards	increased	conservation	measures	and	technological	advances	in	energy	efficiency	
may	have	a	detrimental	effect	on	propane	demand	and	Canadian	Propane	Distribution’s sales.	Increases	in	the	cost	of	propane	
encourage	customers	to	reduce	fuel	consumption	and	to	invest	in	more	energy	efficient	equipment,	reducing	demand.	Propane	

commodity	prices	are	affected	by	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	commodity	prices.

Automotive	propane	demand	depends	on	propane	pricing,	the	market’s	acceptance	of	propane	conversion	options	and	the	

availability	of	infrastructure.	Superior	Propane	has	strategic	partnerships	with	companies	focused	on	after-market	conversion	

technologies.	This	segment	has	been	impacted	by	the	development	of	more	fuel	efficient	and	complicated	engines	which	increase	

the	cost	of	converting	engines	to	propane	and	reduce	the	savings	per	kilometre	driven.

Competition	in	the	U.S.	propane	distribution	business’	markets	generally	occurs	on	a	local	basis	between	large,	full-service,	national	

marketers	and	smaller,	independent	local	marketers.	Marketers	primarily	compete	based	on	price	and	service	and	tend	to	operate	

in	close	proximity	to	customers,	typically	within	a	60-kilometre	marketing	radius	from	a	central	depot,	in	order	to	minimize	delivery	

costs	and	provide	prompt	service.

Volume Variability, Weather Conditions and Economic Demand
Weather,	general	economic	conditions	and	the	volatility	in	the	cost	of	propane	affect	propane	market	volumes.	Weather	influences	

the	demand	for	propane,	primarily	for	home	and	facility	heating	uses	and	also	for	agricultural	applications,	such	as	crop	drying.

Harsh	weather	can	create	conditions	that	exacerbate	demand	for	propane,	impede	the	transportation	and	delivery	of	propane,	or	

restrict	the	ability	of	Superior	to	obtain	propane	from	its	suppliers.	Such	conditions	may	also	increase	Superior’s	operating	costs	

and	may	reduce	customers	demand	for	propane,	any	of	which	may	have	an	adverse	effect	on	Superior.	Conversely,	low	prices	tend	

to	make	customers	less	price	sensitive	and	less	focused	on	their	consumption	volume.

Spikes	in	demand	caused	by	weather	or	other	factors	can	stress	the	supply	chain	and	hamper	Superior’s	ability	to	obtain	additional	

quantities	of	propane.	Transportation	providers	(railways	and	trucking	companies)	have	limited	ability	to	provide	resources	in	times	

of	extreme	peak	demand.	Changes	in	propane	supply	costs	are	normally	passed	through	to	customers,	but	timing	lags	(between	

when	Superior	purchases	the	propane	and	when	the	customer	purchases	the	propane)	may	result	in	positive	or	negative	gross	

margin	fluctuations.

For	U.S.	propane	distribution,	demand	from	end-use	heating	applications	is	predictable.	Weather	and	general	economic	conditions,	

however,	affect	distillates	and	propane	market	volumes.	Weather	influences	the	immediate	demand,	primarily	for	heating,	while	

longer-term	demand	declines	due	to	economic	conditions	as	customer’s	trend	towards	conservation,	improved	heating	efficiency	in	

homes	and	supplement	heating	with	alternative	sources	such	as	electricity	and	to	a	lesser	extent	wood	pellets	and	solar	energy.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  49

	
	
Demand, Supply and Pricing
Superior	offers	its	customers	various	fixed-price	propane	and	heating	oil	programs.	In	order	to	mitigate	the	price	risk	from	offering	

these	services,	Superior	uses	its	physical	inventory	position,	supplemented	by	forward	commodity	transactions	with	various	third	

parties	having	terms	and	volumes	substantially	the	same	as	its	customer’s	contracts.	In	periods	of	high	propane	price	volatility,	the	

fixed-price	programs	create	exposure	to	over	or	under-supply	positions	as	the	demand	from	customers	may	significantly	exceed	or	

fall	short	of	supply	procured.	In	addition,	if	propane	prices	decline	significantly	subsequent	to	customers	signing	up	for	a	fixed-price	

program,	there	is	a	risk	that	customers	will	default	on	their	commitments.	Current	unit	margins	may	not	be	sustainable	if	market	

conditions	change	significantly.

Health, Safety and Environment
Superior’s	operations	are	subject	to	the	risks	associated	with	handling,	storing	and	transporting	propane	in	bulk.	To	mitigate	risks,	

Superior	has	established	a	comprehensive	environmental,	health	and	safety	protection	program.	It	consists	of	an	environmental	

policy,	codes	of	practice,	periodic	self-audits,	employee	training,	quarterly	and	annual	reporting	and	emergency	prevention	

and response.

The	U.S.	propane	distribution	business,	through	a	centralized	safety	and	environment	management	system,	ensures	that	safety	

practices	and	regulatory	compliance	are	an	important	part	of	its	business.	The	storage	and	delivery	of	refined	fuels	pose	the	risk	of	

spills	which	could	adversely	affect	the	soil	and	water	of	storage	facilities	and	customer	properties.

Superior’s	fuel	distribution	businesses	are	based	and	operate	in	Canada	and	the	United	States	and,	as	a	result,	such	operations	

could	be	affected	by	changes	to	laws,	rules	or	policies	which	could	either	be	more	favourable	to	competing	energy	sources	or	

increase	compliance	costs	or	otherwise	negatively	affect	the	operations	of	Propane	Distribution	in	comparison	with	such	competing	

energy	sources.	Any	such	changes	could	have	an	adverse	effect	on	the	operations	of	Propane	Distribution.

Employee and Labour Relations
Approximately	2%	of	the	U.S.	propane	distribution	business	employees	and	19%	of	Superior’s	Canadian	propane	distribution	

business	employees	are	unionized.	Collective	bargaining	agreements	are	renegotiated	in	the	normal	course	of	business.	While	

labour	disruptions	are	not	expected,	there	is	always	risk	associated	with	the	renegotiation	process	that	could	have	an	adverse	

impact	on	Superior.

50  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

Specialty Chemicals

Risks	associated	with	the	Specialty	Chemicals	business	are	as	follows:

Competition
Specialty	Chemicals	competes	with	sodium	chlorate,	chlor-alkali	and	potassium	producers	on	a	worldwide	basis.	Key	competitive	

factors	include	price,	product	quality,	logistics	capability,	reliability	of	supply,	technical	capability	and	service.	The	end-use	markets	

for	products	are	correlated	to	the	general	economic	environment	and	the	competitiveness	of	customers,	all	of	which	are	outside	of	

the	segment’s	control,	along	with	market	pricing	for	pulp.

Supply Arrangements
Specialty	Chemicals	has	long-term	electricity	contracts	or	electricity	contracts	that	renew	automatically	with	power	producers	

in	each	of	the	jurisdictions	where	its	plants	are	located.	There	is	no	assurance	that	Specialty	Chemicals	will	be	able	to	secure	

adequate	supplies	of	electricity	at	reasonable	prices	or	on	acceptable	terms.

Potassium	chloride	(KCl)	is	a	major	raw	material	used	in	the	production	of	potassium	hydroxide	at	the	Port	Edwards,	Wisconsin	

facility.	Substantially	all	of	Specialty	Chemicals’	KCl	is	received	from	Nutrien	Inc.	(formerly	Potash	Corporation	of	Saskatchewan).	

Specialty	Chemicals	has	limited	ability	to	source	KCl	from	additional	suppliers.

Foreign Currency Exchange
Specialty	Chemicals	is	exposed	to	fluctuations	in	the	U.S.	dollar	and	the	Euro	versus	the	Canadian	dollar.	Specialty	Chemicals	

manages	its	exposure	to	fluctuations	between	foreign	currencies	and	the	Canadian	dollar	by	entering	into	hedge	contracts	with	

external	third	parties	and	internally	with	other	Superior	businesses.

Health, Safety and Environment
Specialty	Chemicals’	operations	involve	the	handling,	production,	transportation,	treatment	and	disposal	of	materials	that	are	

classified	as	hazardous	and	are	regulated	by	environmental,	health	and	safety	laws,	regulations	and	requirements.	There	is	

potential	for	the	release	of	highly	toxic	and	lethal	substances,	including	chlorine	from	a	facility	or	transportation	equipment.	

Equipment	failure	could	result	in	damage	to	facilities,	death	or	injury	and	liabilities	to	third	parties.	If	at	any	time	the	appropriate	

regulatory	authorities	deem	any	of	the	segment’s	facilities	unsafe,	they	may	order	that	such	facilities	be	shut	down.

Regulatory
Specialty	Chemicals’	operations	and	activities	in	various	jurisdictions	require	regulatory	approval	for	the	handling,	production,	

transportation	and	disposal	of	chemical	products	and	waste	substances.	The	failure	to	obtain	or	comply	fully	with	such	applicable	

regulatory	approval	may	materially	adversely	affect	Specialty	Chemicals.

Manufacturing and Production
Specialty	Chemicals’	production	facilities	maintain	complex	process	and	electrical	equipment. The	facilities	have	existed	for	many	

years	and	undergone	upgrades	and	improvements. Routine	maintenance	is	regularly	completed	to	ensure	equipment	is	operated	

within	appropriate	engineering	and	technical	requirements.	Notwithstanding	Specialty	Chemicals’	operating	standards	and	history	

of	limited	downtime,	breakdown	of	electrical	transformer	or	rectifier	equipment	would	temporarily	reduce	production	at	the	

affected	facility. Although	the	segment	has	insurance	to	mitigate	substantial	loss	due	to	equipment	outage,	Specialty	Chemicals’	

reputation	and	its	ability	to	meet	customer	requirements	could	be	harmed	by	a	major	electrical	equipment	failure.

Employee and Labour Relations
Approximately	24.5%	of	Specialty	Chemicals’	employees	are	unionized.	Collective	bargaining	agreements	are	renegotiated	in	the	

normal	course	of	business.	While	labour	disruptions	are	not	expected,	there	is	always	risk	associated	with	the	negotiation	process	

that	could	have	an	adverse	impact	on	Superior.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  51

	
	
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

The	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	of	Superior	Plus	Corp.	(Superior)	are	the	responsibility	of	management	and	

have	been	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	were	prepared	by	management	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	

Standards	and	include	certain	estimates	that	are	based	on	management’s	best	judgments.	Actual	results	may	differ	from	

these	estimates	and	judgments.	Management	has	ensured	that	the	consolidated	financial	statements	are	presented	fairly	in	all	

material respects.

Management	has	developed	and	maintains	a	system	of	internal	controls	to	provide	reasonable	assurance	that	Superior’s	assets	are	

safeguarded,	transactions	are	accurately	recorded,	and	the	financial	statements	report	Superior’s	operating	and	financial	results	in	

a	timely	manner.	Financial	information	presented	elsewhere	in	this	annual	report	has	been	prepared	on	a	basis	consistent	with	that	

in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

The	Board	of	Directors	of	Superior	is	responsible	for	reviewing	and	approving	the	consolidated	financial	statements	and,	primarily	

through	its	Audit	Committee,	ensures	that	management	fulfils	its	responsibilities	for	financial	reporting.	The	Audit	Committee	

meets	with	management	and	Superior’s	external	auditor,	to	discuss	internal	controls	over	the	financial	reporting	process,	auditing	

matters	and	financial	reporting	issues,	to	satisfy	itself	that	each	party	is	properly	discharging	its	responsibilities	and	to	review	

the	consolidated	financial	statements.	The	Audit	Committee	reports	its	findings	to	the	Board	of	Directors	for	approval	of	the	

consolidated	financial	statements	for	issuance	to	the	shareholders.	The	Audit	Committee	also	considers,	for	review	by	the	Board	of	

Directors	and	approval	by	the	shareholders,	the	engagement	or	re-appointment	of	the	external	auditor.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	have	been	audited	by	Ernst	&	Young	LLP,	who	were	appointed	at	Superior’s	last	annual	meeting.	

/s/	Luc	Desjardins	

/s/	Beth	Summers

Luc	Desjardins	

	 Beth	Summers	 

President	and	Chief	Executive	Officer		

	 Executive	Vice-President	and	Chief	Financial	Officer	 

Superior	Plus	Corp.		

	 Superior	Plus	Corp.

Toronto,	Ontario 

February	18,	2021

52  Superior Plus Corp. Management’s	Responsibility	for	Financial	Statements

	
	
	
Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Superior Plus Corp.

Opinion
We	have	audited	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	of	Superior Plus Corp.	and	its	subsidiaries	(the	Group),	
which	comprise	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019,	and	the	consolidated	statements	of	

changes	in	equity,	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings,	and	consolidated	statements	of	

cash	flows	for	the	years	then	ended,	and	the notes	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	including	a	summary	of	significant	

accounting policies.

In our	opinion,	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	present	fairly,	in	all	material	respects,	the	consolidated	financial	
position	of	the	Group	as	of	December 31,	2020	and	2019,	and	its	consolidated	financial	performance	and	its	consolidated	cash	

flows	for	the	years	then	ended	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	[“IFRS”].	

Basis for opinion
We	conducted	our	audit	in	accordance	with	Canadian	generally	accepted	auditing	standards.	Our	responsibilities	under	those	
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of 
our	report.	We	are	independent	of	the	Group	in	accordance	with	the	ethical	requirements	that	are	relevant	to	our	audit	of	

the	consolidated	financial	statements	in	Canada,	and	we	have	fulfilled	our	ethical	responsibilities	in	accordance	with	these	

requirements.	We	believe	that	the	audit	evidence	we	have	obtained	is	sufficient	and	appropriate	to	provide	a	basis	for	our	opinion.	

Key audit matters
Key	audit	matters	are	those	matters	that,	in	our	professional	judgment,	were	of	most	significance	in	our	audit	of	the	consolidated	

financial	statements	of	the	current	period.	These	matters	were	addressed	in	the	context	of	our	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	

statements	as	a	whole,	and	in	forming	our	opinion	thereon,	and	we	do	not	provide	a	separate	opinion	on	these	matters.	For	each	

matter	below,	our	description	of	how	our	audit	addressed	the	matter	is	provided	in	that	context.

We	have	fulfilled	the	responsibilities	described	in	the	Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 
section	of	our	report,	including	in	relation	to	these	matters.	Accordingly,	our	audit	included	the	performance	of	procedures	

designed	to	respond	to	our	assessment	of	the	risks	of	material	misstatement	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	The	results	

of	our	audit	procedures,	including	the	procedures	performed	to	address	the	matters	below,	provide	the	basis	for	our	audit	opinion	

on	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  53

	
	
Key audit matter

Assessment of impairment of goodwill

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

As	detailed	in	Note 9	Goodwill	of	the	consolidated	financial	

To	test	the	estimated	recoverable	amount	of	the	CGUs,	

statements,	the	Group	has	$1,152.8 million	of	goodwill	as	

our	audit	procedures	included,	among	others,	assessing	

at	December 31,	2020.	For	purposes	of	impairment	testing,	

methodologies	and	the	significant	assumptions	and	underlying	

goodwill	is	allocated	to	each	of	Superior’s	cash	generating	

data	used	by	the	Group	in	its	analysis.	To	assess	the	reliability	

units	(“CGUs”).	CGUs	to	which	goodwill	have	been	allocated	

of	earnings	forecasts	and	terminal	growth	rates	used	in	the	

are	tested	for	impairment	annually	or	more	frequently	upon	
indication	of	impairment,	in	accordance	with	IAS	36	Impairment 
of Assets.	Recoverable	amount	estimates	are	determined	using	
an	income	approach	or	a	market	approach.	As	detailed	in	

Note 9	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	the	Group	

estimation	of	the	recoverable	amount	we	performed	the	

following	procedures,	among	others:

•  Compared	financial	performance	and	growth	rates	implicit	

in	current	forecasts	to	historical	results;	

did	not	recognize	any	goodwill	impairment	for	the	year	ended	

•  Compared	historical	forecasts	to	actual	financial	

December 31,	2020.

Auditing	the	Group’s	annual	goodwill	impairment	tests	was	

complex,	given	the	degree	of	judgment	and	subjectivity	

in	evaluating	the	Group’s	estimates	and	assumptions	in	

determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	CGUs	established	

using	the	income	approach.	Significant	assumptions	included	

earnings	forecasts,	terminal	growth	rate	estimates,	and	

discount	rates,	which	are	affected	by	expectations	about	future	

performance	as	well	as	market	and	economic	conditions.

performance to assess the completeness and accuracy of 
Group’s	forecasts	and	to	evaluate	the	ability	of	the	CGUs	to	
achieve	the	forecasted	cashflows;

•  Considered	other	factors	relevant	to	comparability	of	

historical	actual	results,	such	as	experienced	heating	degree	
days,	and	the	impact	of	significant	acquisitions	or	disposals;

•  Involved	our	valuation	specialists	to	compare	forecasted	

growth	rates	relative	to	comparable	industry	participants;	

•  Involved	our	valuation	specialists	to	perform	sensitivity	
analyses	on	growth	rates	implicit	within	the	earnings	
forecasts	and	terminal	growth	rates	to	evaluate	the	impact	
on	the	recoverable	amount.

We	involved	our	valuation	specialists	to	assess	the	Group’s	

model,	valuation	methodology	applied,	and	the	various	inputs	

utilized in determining the discount rate by referencing current 

industry,	economic,	and	comparable	Group	information,	

Group	and	cash-flow	specific	risk	premiums.	We	also	involved	

our	valuation	specialists	to	assess	the	overall	reasonableness	

of	the	recoverable	amounts	estimated	by	comparing	and	

reconciling	the	Group’s	estimated	recoverable	amounts	

against	the	Group’s	market	capitalization.

We	also	assessed	the	adequacy	of	the	Group’s	disclosures	

included	in	Note 9	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	

54  Superior Plus Corp. Independent	Auditor’s	Report

Key audit matter

Acquisitions

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

As	detailed	in	Note 3	Acquisitions	of	the	consolidated	

To	assess	the	existence	and	ownership	of	property,	plant	

financial	statements,	on	an	ongoing	basis	the	Group	executes	

and	equipment	acquired,	we	compared	to	third-party	data	

acquisitions	and	accounts	for	them	using	the	acquisition	
method	in	accordance	with	IFRS 3	Business Combinations.	
Acquisitions	either	occurring	in	the	current	period	or	for	which	

the	accounting	was	finalized	in	the	current	period	represent	

a	total	of	$335.8 million	worth	of	consideration	transferred.	

The	Group	applies	valuation	techniques	to	determine	the	

acquisition	date	fair	value	of	property,	plant,	and	equipment	

and	customer	relationship	intangible	assets.	The	measurement	

period	for	acquisitions	ends	as	soon	as	the	Group	receives	

the	information	it	was	seeking	about	facts	and	circumstances	

that	existed	as	of	the	acquisition	date	or	learns	that	more	

information	is	not	obtainable.	As	disclosed	by	the	Group,	

the	purchase	price	allocation	for	several	acquisitions	is	are	

considered	preliminary.

Auditing	significant	acquisitions	was	complex	due	to	the	

subjective	nature	of	estimating	the	fair	values	of	certain	

identified	assets.	The	fair	value	of	property,	plant	and	

equipment	is	determined	in	reference	to	subjective	inputs	

including	replacement	cost	quotations,	market	data,	and	

estimated	remaining	useful	lives.	The	fair	value	of	customer	

relationship intangible assets is determined in reference 

including	signed	fuel	delivery	data,	tax	assessment	records	and	

registration	statements.	

To	test	the	Group’s	estimated	fair	valuation	of	property,	plant	

and	equipment	and	customer	relationship	intangible	assets,	

we	performed	the	following	procedures,	among	others:	

•  Assessed	the	competence,	capabilities,	and	objectivity	of	the	

third-party	valuators,	when	engaged	by	the	Group;	

•  Evaluated	customer	attrition	estimates	as	compared	

to	historical	attrition	rates	experienced	at	comparable	
operations	owned	by	the	Group;	

•  Involved	our	valuation	specialists	to	assess	the	valuation	
methodology applied to estimate customer relationship 
intangible	assets,	and	the	various	inputs	utilized	to	
determine the attrition rate and discount rate by 
referencing	current	industry,	economic,	and	comparable	
Group	information	as	well	as	Group	and	cash-flow	specific	
risk premiums.	

•  Performed	a	sensitivity	analysis	on	the	discount	rate	
and	attrition	rate	to	evaluate	its	impact	on	the	fair	
value ascribed.	

to	subjective	inputs	including	estimated	customer	attrition,	

•  Involved	our	valuation	specialists	to	evaluate	the	Group’s	

discount	rates,	projected	period,	projected	revenues	and	

forecasted	gross	profit.	

The	determination	of	the	existence	and	ownership	of	property,	

plant	and	equipment	acquired	is	complex	due	to	the	highly	

decentralized	nature	of	these	assets	(e.g.	trucks,	storage	

tanks).	As	a	result,	significant	judgment	and	specialized	skills	

were	required	to	assess	Group’s	conclusions.

fair value	estimate	models	for	property,	plant	and	
equipment,	and	to	evaluate	the	useful	life	estimates	against	
third-party	studies.	

We	evaluated	the	adequacy	and	completeness	of	the	

disclosure	included	in	Note 3	of	the	consolidated	financial	

statements	based	on	the	IFRS	requirements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  55

	
	
Other information 
Management	is	responsible	for	the	other	information.	The	other	information	comprises:

•  Management’s Discussion and Analysis

•  The	information,	other	than	the	consolidated	financial	statements	and	our	auditor’s	report	thereon,	in	the	Annual	Report

Our	opinion	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	does	not	cover	the	other	information	and	will	not	express	any	form	of	

assurance	conclusion	thereon.	

In	connection	with	our	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	our	responsibility	is	to	read	the	other	information,	and	

in	doing	so,	consider	whether	the	other	information	is	materially	inconsistent	with	the	consolidated	financial	statements	or	our	

knowledge	obtained	in	the	audit	or	otherwise	appears	to	be	materially	misstated.	

We	obtained	Management’s	Discussion	&	Analysis	prior	to	the	date	of	this	auditor’s	report.	If,	based	on	the	work	we	have	

performed,	we	conclude	that	there	is	a	material	misstatement	of	this	other	information,	we	are	required	to	report	that	fact	in	this	

auditor’s	report.	We	have	nothing	to	report	in	this	regard.	

The	Annual	Report	is	expected	to	be	made	available	to	us	after	the	date	of	the	auditor’s	report.	If,	based	on	the	work	we	will	

perform	on	this	other	information,	we	conclude	there	is	a	material	misstatement	of	other	information,	we	are	required	to	report	

that	fact	to	those	charged	with	governance.

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the consolidated financial statements 
Management	is	responsible	for	the	preparation	and	fair	presentation	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	in	accordance	with	

IFRSs,	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.	

In	preparing	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	management	is	responsible	for	assessing	the	Group’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	

going	concern,	disclosing,	as	applicable,	matters	related	to	going	concern	and	using	the	going	concern	basis	of	accounting	unless	

management	either	intends	to	liquidate	the	Group	or	to	cease	operations,	or	has	no	realistic	alternative	but	to	do	so.	

Those	charged	with	governance	are	responsible	for	overseeing	the	Group’s	financial	reporting	process.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our	objectives	are	to	obtain	reasonable	assurance	about	whether	the	consolidated	financial	statements	as	a	whole	are	free	from	

material	misstatement,	whether	due	to	fraud	or	error,	and	to	issue	an	auditor’s	report	that	includes	our	opinion.	Reasonable	

assurance	is	a	high	level	of	assurance,	but	is	not	a	guarantee	that	an	audit	conducted	in	accordance	with	Canadian	generally	

accepted	auditing	standards	will	always	detect	a	material	misstatement	when	it	exists.	Misstatements	can	arise	from	fraud	or	

error	and	are	considered	material	if,	individually	or	in	the	aggregate,	they	could	reasonably	be	expected	to	influence	the	economic	

decisions	of	users	taken	on	the	basis	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.	

As	part	of	an	audit	in	accordance	with	Canadian	generally	accepted	auditing	standards,	we	exercise	professional	judgment	and	

maintain	professional	skepticism	throughout	the	audit.	We	also:	

•  Identify	and	assess	the	risks	of	material	misstatement	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	whether	due	to	fraud	or	error,	
design	and	perform	audit	procedures	responsive	to	those	risks,	and	obtain	audit	evidence	that	is	sufficient	and	appropriate	
to	provide	a	basis	for	our	opinion.	The	risk	of	not	detecting	a	material	misstatement	resulting	from	fraud	is	higher	than	for	
one	resulting	from	error,	as	fraud	may	involve	collusion,	forgery,	intentional	omissions,	misrepresentations,	or	the	override	of	
internal control.

•  Obtain	an	understanding	of	internal	control	relevant	to	the	audit	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	Group’s	internal	control.

•  Evaluate	the	appropriateness	of	accounting	policies	used	and	the	reasonableness	of	accounting	estimates	and	related	

disclosures	made	by	management.

56  Superior Plus Corp. Independent	Auditor’s	Report

•  Conclude	on	the	appropriateness	of	management’s	use	of	the	going	concern	basis	of	accounting	and,	based	on	the	audit	

evidence	obtained,	whether	a	material	uncertainty	exists	related	to	events	or	conditions	that	may	cast	significant	doubt	on	
the	Group’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.	If	we	conclude	that	a	material	uncertainty	exists,	we	are	required	to	draw	
attention	in	our	auditor’s	report	to	the	related	disclosures	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements	or,	if	such	disclosures	are	
inadequate,	to	modify	our	opinion.	Our	conclusions	are	based	on	the	audit	evidence	obtained	up	to	the	date	of	our	auditor’s	
report.	However,	future	events	or	conditions	may	cause	the	Group	to	cease	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

•  Evaluate	the	overall	presentation,	structure,	and	content	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	including	the	disclosures,	

and	whether	the	consolidated	financial	statements	represent	the	underlying	transactions	and	events	in	a	manner	that	achieves	
fair presentation.

•  Obtain	sufficient	appropriate	audit	evidence	regarding	the	financial	information	of	the	entities	or	business	activities	within	the	
Group	to	express	an	opinion	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	We	are	responsible	for	the	direction,	supervision	and	
performance	of	the	audit.	We	remain	solely	responsible	for	our	audit	opinion.	

We	communicate	with	those	charged	with	governance	regarding,	among	other	matters,	the	planned	scope	and	timing	of	the	audit	

and	significant	audit	findings,	including	any	significant	deficiencies	in	internal	control	that	we	identify	during	our	audit.

We	also	provide	those	charged	with	governance	with	a	statement	that	we	have	complied	with	relevant	ethical	requirements	

regarding	independence,	and	to	communicate	with	them	all	relationships	and	other	matters	that	may	reasonably	be	thought	to	

bear	on	our	independence,	and	where	applicable,	related	safeguards.

From	the	matters	communicated	with	those	charged	with	governance,	we	determine	those	matters	that	were	of	most	significance	

in	the	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	of	the	current	period	and	are	therefore	the	key	audit	matters.	We	describe	

these	matters	in	our	auditor’s	report	unless	law	or	regulation	precludes	public	disclosure	about	the	matter	or	when,	in	extremely	

rare	circumstances,	we	determine	that	a	matter	should	not	be	communicated	in	our	report	because	the	adverse	consequences	of	

doing	so	would	reasonably	be	expected	to	outweigh	the	public	interest	benefits	of	such	communication.

The	engagement	partner	on	the	audit	resulting	in	this	independent	auditor’s	report	is	Tracy	Brennan.

Toronto,	Canada	

February	18,	2021		 	

Chartered	Professional	Accountants 

Licensed	Public	Accountants

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  57

	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(millions	of	Canadian	dollars)

Assets

Current Assets

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Trade	and	other	receivables	

Prepaids	and	deposits

Inventories

Other	current	financial	assets

Total	Current	Assets

Non-current Assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment	

Intangible	assets	

Goodwill

Notes,	finance	lease	receivables	and	other	investments

Employee	future	benefits

Deferred	tax	assets

Other	non-current	financial	assets

Total	Non-current	Assets

Total Assets

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Contract	liabilities

Lease	liabilities

Borrowings

Dividends	payable	

Other	current	financial	liabilities

Total	Current	Liabilities

Non-current Liabilities

Lease	liabilities

Borrowings

Other	liabilities

Provisions

Employee	future	benefits

Deferred	tax	liabilities

Other	non-current	financial	liabilities

Total	Non-current	Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Equity

Capital

Deficit

Accumulated	other	comprehensive	earnings

Non-controlling	interest

Total Equity

Total Liabilities and Equity

See	accompanying	Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

58  Superior Plus Corp. Consolidated	Financial	Statements

 As at December 31 
2020

As	at	December 31	
2019

Note

4

5

6

17

3,	7

3,	8

3,	9

16

18

17

11

12

15

14

17

15

14

13

10

16

18

17

19

24.1

312.9

45.5

124.0

43.7

550.2

1,647.8

425.4

1,152.8

1.1

7.5

28.3

13.2

3,276.1

3,826.3

428.3

19.1

53.3

7.1

12.6

11.1

531.5

213.5

1,554.4

14.5

126.4

29.0

75.3

1.6

2,014.7

2,546.2

2,350.3

(1,475.6)

74.5

330.9

1,280.1

3,826.3

26.5

329.2

57.1

116.2

5.4

534.4

1,575.6

388.8

1,080.9

2.8

12.0

41.2

2.3

3,103.6

3,638.0

424.0

18.1

52.4

10.1

10.5

23.7

538.8

182.0

1,684.3

29.7

112.9

21.2

28.5

1.6

2,060.2

2,599.0

2,339.9

(1,406.2)

105.3

1,039.0

3,638.0

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

reinvestment	plan

10.4

(millions	of	Canadian	dollars)

As at January 1, 2020

Net	earnings	for	the	year

Unrealized	foreign	currency	loss	on	
translation of foreign operations

Actuarial	defined-benefit	loss

Income	tax	recovery	on	other	

comprehensive	loss

Total comprehensive earnings (loss)

Common	shares	issued	under	dividend	

Preferred	shares	issued	by	a	subsidiary	and	

issuance costs incurred

Dividends	and	dividend	equivalent	declared	

to common shareholders

Dividends	to	non-controlling	interest	

shareholders

As at December 31, 2020

As	at	January	1,	2019

Net	earnings	for	the	year

Unrealized	foreign	currency	loss	on	
translation of foreign operations

Transfer	of	derivative	losses	from	

accumulated	other	comprehensive	
earnings

Actuarial	defined-benefit	gain

Income	tax	recovery	on	other	

comprehensive	loss

Total	comprehensive	earnings	(loss)

Dividends	and	dividend	equivalent	declared	

to shareholders

Share	
Capital	 
(Note 19)

Contributed	
Surplus

Total 
Capital

Deficit

2,338.7

1.2

2,339.9

(1,406.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

75.1

–

–

–

75.1

10.4

–

–

–

–

(18.1)

(126.4)

–

2,349.1

2,338.7

1.2

1.2

2,350.3

(1,475.6)

2,339.9

(1,422.9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

142.6

–

–

–

–

142.6

(125.9)

Accumulated 
Other	
Comprehensive	
Earnings

Non-
controlling 
Interest	
(Note 19)

Total

105.3

–

(21.9)

(12.1)

3.2

(30.8)

–

–

–

–

74.5

171.9

–

(74.9)

7.1

1.6

(0.4)

(66.6)

–

105.3

– 1,039.0

11.7

86.8

(22.9)

(44.8)

–

–

(11.2)

(12.1)

3.2

33.1

–

10.4

353.8

335.7

–

(126.4)

(11.7)

(11.7)

330.9 1,280.1

– 1,088.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

142.6

(74.9)

7.1

1.6

(0.4)

76.0

(125.9)

– 1,039.0

As	at	December 31,	2019

2,338.7

1.2

2,339.9

(1,406.2)

See	accompanying	Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  59

	
	
Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings and Total Comprehensive Earnings

Years	Ended	December 31

(millions	of	Canadian	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenue

Cost	of	sales	(includes	products	and	services)

Gross profit

Expenses

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Finance	expense

Gains	on	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	of	borrowings

Earnings	before	income	taxes

Income	tax	expense

Net earnings

Net earnings attributable to:

 Superior

 Non-controlling	interest

Note

20,	23

20

20,21

20

17,	20

20

18

Net earnings per share attributable to Superior, basic and diluted 

Other comprehensive loss

Items	that	may	be	reclassified	subsequently	to	net	earnings

	 Unrealized	foreign	currency	loss	on	translation	of	foreign	operations

	 Transfer	of	derivative	losses	from	accumulated	other	comprehensive	earnings

Items	that	will	not	be	reclassified	to	net	earnings

	 Actuarial	defined-benefit	loss

Income	tax	recovery	on	other	comprehensive	loss

	 Other	comprehensive	loss	for	the	year

Total comprehensive earnings for the year

Total comprehensive earnings for the year attributable to:

	 Superior

	 Non-controlling	interest

2020

2,394.3

(1,288.6)

1,105.7

(890.2)

(106.5)

49.7

(947.0)

158.7

(71.9)

86.8

75.1

11.7

$0.43

(44.8)

–

(12.1)

3.2

(53.7)

33.1

44.3

(11.2)

2019

2,852.9

(1,639.9)

1,213.0

(948.3)

(114.3)

17.2

(1,045.4)

167.6

(25.0)

142.6

142.6

–

$0.82

(74.9)

7.1

1.6

(0.4)

(66.6)

76.0

76.0

–

See	accompanying	Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

60  Superior Plus Corp. Consolidated	Financial	Statements

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Note

7

7

7

8

17

18

25

3

28

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(millions	of	Canadian	dollars)

Operating Activities

Net	earnings	for	the	year

Adjustments	for:

Depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	

administrative	costs

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Amortization	of	intangible	assets	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	

administrative	costs

Loss	on	disposal	of	assets,	impairments	and	other	

Unrealized	gain	on	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	and	foreign	

currency translation	

Finance	expense	recognized	in	net	earnings

Income	tax	expense	recognized	in	net	earnings

Changes	in	non-cash	operating	working	capital	and	other

Net	cash	flows	from	operating	activities	before	income	taxes	and	interest	paid

Income	taxes	paid

Interest	paid

Cash	flows	from	operating	activities

Investing Activities

Acquisitions,	net	of	cash	acquired	

Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets

Proceeds	on	disposal	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Cash	flows	used	in	investing	activities

Financing Activities

Proceeds	of	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	and	other	debt

Repayment	of	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	and	other	debt

Proceeds	from	preferred	share	issuance

Preferred	share	issuance	costs

Proceeds	received	from	vehicle	refinancing	

Principal	repayment	of	lease	obligations

Debt issuance costs

Dividends	paid	to	shareholders

Cash	flows	(used	in)	from	financing	activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	beginning	of	the	year

	Effect	of	translation	of	foreign	currency-denominated	cash	and	cash	equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

See	accompanying	Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Years	Ended	December 31

2020

86.8

121.1

39.1

42.8

64.1

5.9

(67.3)

106.5

71.9

(0.1)

470.8

(11.6)

(99.0)

360.2

(280.4)

(116.3)

12.5

(384.2)

2,319.7

(2,474.0)

353.8

(18.1)

18.6

(51.9)

–

(125.6)

22.5

(1.5)

26.5

(0.9)

24.1

2019

142.6

108.5

35.7

44.9

63.5

18.4

(58.3)

114.3

25.0

43.7

538.3

(8.4)

(106.7)

423.2

(60.1)

(135.9)

7.1

(188.9)

2,417.0

(2,480.4)

–

–

–

(41.5)

(0.6)

(125.9)

(231.4)

2.9

23.9

(0.3)

26.5

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  61

	
	
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular	amounts	in millions	of	Canadian	dollars,	except	per	share	amounts.	Tables	labelled	“2020”	and	“2019”	are	as	at	and	for	the	year	ended	December 31.)

1. Organization

Superior	Plus	Corp.	(“Superior”	or	the	“Company”)	is	a	diversified	business	corporation,	incorporated	under	the	Canada Business 
Corporations Act.	The	registered	office	is	located	at	Suite	401,	200	Wellington	Street	West,	Toronto,	Ontario.	Superior’s	investment	in	
Superior	Plus	LP	is	financed	by	share	capital.	Superior	is	a	publicly	traded	company	with	its	common	shares	trading	on	the	Toronto	

Stock	Exchange	under	the	exchange	symbol	SPB.

These	consolidated	financial	statements	were	authorized	for	issue	by	the	Board	of	Directors	on	February	18,	2021.

Reportable Operating Segments 

Superior	operates	three	reportable	operating	segments:	Canadian	Propane	Distribution,	United	States	(“U.S.”)	Propane	Distribution	

and	Specialty	Chemicals.	The	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	segment	includes	the	Canadian	retail	business	and	wholesale	business	

with	operations	in	Canada	and	California.	The	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	distributes	propane	gas	and	liquid	fuels	along	

the	Eastern	U.S.,	and	into	the	Midwest	and	California.	Specialty	Chemicals	is	a	leading	global	supplier	of	sodium	chlorate	and	

technology	to	the	pulp	and	paper	industry	and	a	regional	supplier	of	chlor-alkali	products	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	and	Western	Canada.

References	to	Energy	Distribution	in	the	notes	below	refers	to	both	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	

because	of	the	inherent	similarities	of	the	businesses.

2. Basis of Presentation

(a) Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	were	prepared	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	

(“IFRS”)	as	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	Standards	Board	(“IASB”).	The	consolidated	financial	statements	were	prepared	on	

a	going	concern	basis.

The	consolidated	financial	statements	were	prepared	on	the	historical	cost	basis,	except	for	the	revaluation	of	certain	financial	

instruments	and	incorporate	the	accounts	of	Superior	and	its	subsidiaries.	Subsidiaries	are	all	entities	over	which	Superior	has	the	

power	to	govern	the	financial	and	operating	policies,	generally	accompanying	a	shareholding	of	more	than	one-half	of	the	voting	

rights.	The	results	of	subsidiaries	are	included	in	Superior’s	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	

earnings	from	date	of	acquisition,	or	in	the	case	of	disposals,	up	to	the	effective	date	of	disposal.	Where	Superior’s	interest	is	less	

than	100	percent,	the	interest	attributable	to	outside	shareholders	is	reflected	in	non-controlling	interest	(“NCI”).	A	subsidiary	

of	Superior	has	outstanding	cumulative	preference	shares	that	are	classified	as	equity	and	are	held	by	non-controlling	interest.	

Superior	computes	its	share	of	net	earnings	after	deducting	for	the	dividend	entitlement	on	these	NCI	on	preference	shares.	The	

NCI	is	translated	using	exchange	rates	prevailing	at	the	end	of	each	reporting	period	with	the	foreign	exchange	translation	included	

in	other	comprehensive	loss	for	the	year.	

All	transactions	and	balances	between	Superior	and	Superior’s	subsidiaries	are	eliminated	upon	consolidation.	The	assets	and	

liabilities	of	Superior’s	foreign	operations	are	translated	using	exchange	rates	prevailing	at	the	end	of	each	reporting	period.	

Income	and	expense	items	are	translated	at	the	average	exchange	rates	for	the	year.	Exchange	differences	are	recognized	in	other	

comprehensive	loss	for	the	year.

If	Superior	loses	control	over	a	subsidiary,	it	derecognizes	the	related	assets	(including	goodwill),	liabilities,	non-controlling	

interest	and	other	components	of	equity,	while	any	resultant	gain	or	loss	is	recognized	in	profit	or	loss.	Any	investment	retained	is	

recognized	at	fair	value.

62  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

(b) Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	include	cash	and	highly	liquid	short-term	investments	which,	on	the	date	of	acquisition,	have	a	term	to	

maturity	of	three	months	or	less.	For	the	purpose	of	the	consolidated	statements	of	cash	flows,	cash	and	cash	equivalents	consist	

of	cash	and	short-term	deposits,	as	defined	above,	net	of	outstanding	bank	overdrafts	as	they	are	considered	an	integral	part	of	the	

Company’s	cash	management.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	cash	equivalents	amounted	to	$7.1 million	with	a	maturity	of	less	than	

30 days	(December 31,	2019	–	$4.5 million).

Inventories

Energy Distribution
Inventories	are	valued	at	the	lower	of	cost	and	net	realizable	value.	Costs	of	inventories	are	determined	either	on	a	weighted	

average	cost	or	first-in,	first-out	basis.	The	net	realizable	value	of	inventory	is	based	on	estimated	selling	price	in	the	ordinary	

course	of	business	less	the	estimated	costs	necessary	to	complete	the	sale.

Specialty Chemicals
Inventories	are	valued	at	the	lower	of	cost	and	net	realizable	value.	The	cost	of	chemical	inventories	is	determined	on	a	first-in,	

first-out	basis.	Stores	and	supply	inventories	are	costed	on	a	weighted	average	basis.	The	net	realizable	value	of	inventory	is	based	

on	estimated	selling	price	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business	less	the	estimated	costs	necessary	to	complete	the	sale.	In	the	case	of	

manufactured	inventories,	cost	includes	an	appropriate	share	of	production	overhead	based	on	normal	operating	capacity.

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments
Financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities,	including	derivatives,	are	recognized	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	when	the	Company	

becomes	a	party	to	the	financial	instrument	or	derivative	contract.

Classification
The	Company	classifies	its	financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities	in	the	following	measurement	categories;	i)	those	to	be	measured	

subsequently	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss	(“FVTPL”);	ii)	those	to	be	measured	subsequently	at	fair	value	through	other	

comprehensive	loss;	and	iii)	those	to	be	measured	at	amortized	cost.	The	classification	of	financial	assets	depends	on	the	business	

model	for	managing	the	financial	assets	and	the	contractual	terms	of	the	cash	flows.	Financial	liabilities	are	classified	as	those	to	be	

measured	at	amortized	cost	unless	they	are	designated	as	those	to	be	measured	subsequently	at	FVTPL.	For	assets	and	liabilities	

measured	at	fair	value,	gains	and	losses	are	either	recorded	in	profit	or	loss,	or	other	comprehensive	loss.

The	Company	reclassifies	financial	assets	when	and	only	when	its	business	model	for	managing	those	assets	changes.	Financial	

liabilities	are	not	reclassified.

For	classification	of	the	Company’s	consolidated	financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities,	refer	to	Note 17.

Measurement
All	financial	instruments	are	required	to	be	measured	at	fair	value	on	initial	recognition,	plus,	in	the	case	of	a	financial	asset	or	

financial	liability	not	at	FVTPL,	transaction	costs	that	are	directly	attributable	to	the	acquisition	or	issuance	of	the	financial	asset	or	

financial	liability.	Transaction	costs	of	financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities	carried	at	FVTPL	are	expensed	in	profit	or	loss.	Financial	

assets	with	embedded	derivatives	are	considered	in	their	entirety	when	determining	whether	their	cash	flows	are	solely	payment	of	

principal	and	interest.

Financial	assets	that	are	held	within	a	business	model	whose	objective	is	to	collect	the	contractual	cash	flows,	and	that	have	

contractual	cash	flows	that	are	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest	on	the	principal	outstanding	are	generally	measured	

at	amortized	cost	at	the	end	of	the	subsequent	accounting	periods.	All	other	financial	assets	including	equity	investments	are	

measured	at	their	fair	values	at	the	end	of	subsequent	accounting	periods,	with	any	changes	taken	through	the	consolidated	

statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings.	For	financial	liabilities	measured	subsequently	at	FVTPL,	changes	
in fair	value	due	to	own	credit	risk	are	recorded	in	other	comprehensive	loss.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  63

	
	
Impairment
The	Company	recognizes	expected	credit	losses	for	trade	and	other	receivables	based	on	the	simplified	approach	under	IFRS 9.	

The	simplified	approach	to	the	recognition	of	expected	losses	does	not	require	the	Company	to	track	the	changes	in	credit	risk;	

rather,	the	Company	recognizes	a	loss	allowance	based	on	lifetime	expected	credit	losses	at	each	reporting	date	from	the	date	of	

the	trade	receivable.

Evidence	of	impairment	may	include	indications	that	a	debtor	or	a	group	of	debtors	is	experiencing	significant	financial	difficulty,	

default	or	delinquency	in	interest	or	principal	payments,	the	probability	that	they	will	enter	bankruptcy	or	other	financial	

reorganization	and	where	observable	data	indicates	that	there	is	a	measurable	decrease	in	the	estimated	future	cash	flows,	such	as	

changes	in	arrears	or	economic	conditions	that	correlate	with	defaults.	Trade	receivables	are	reviewed	qualitatively	on	a	case-by-

case	basis	to	determine	whether	they	need	to	be	written	off.

Expected	credit	losses	are	measured	as	the	difference	in	the	present	value	of	the	contractual	cash	flows	that	are	due	to	the	

Company	under	the	contract,	and	the	cash	flows	that	the	Company	expects	to	receive.	The	Company	assesses	all	information	

available,	including	past	due	status,	credit	ratings,	the	existence	of	third-party	insurance,	and	forward-looking	macro-economic	

factors	in	the	measurement	of	the	expected	credit	losses	associated	with	its	financial	assets	carried	at	amortized	cost.

The	Company	measures	expected	credit	loss	by	considering	the	risk	of	default	over	the	contract	period	and	incorporates	forward-

looking	information	into	its	measurement.

Derivative Financial Instruments
Superior	enters	into	a	variety	of	derivative	and	non-financial	derivative	instruments	to	manage	its	exposure	to	certain	financial	

risks.	Such	instruments	arise	from	contracts	comprising	natural	gas	financial	swaps,	electricity	financial	swaps,	fixed-price	electricity	

purchase,	propane	forward	purchase	and	sale,	foreign	currency	forwards,	interest	rate	swaps,	and	equity	hedges.	For	commodity	

contracts,	if	physical	delivery	is	effected	based	on	Superior’s	expected	procurement,	sale	or	usage	requirements,	the	requirements	

of	the	so-called	“own	use	exemption”	under	IFRS 9	are	met,	which	do	not	represent	derivative	financial	instruments	in	terms	of	

IFRS 9,	but	represent	pending	purchase	and	sale	transactions,	which	are	assessed	for	possible	impending	losses	in	accordance	with	
the	requirements	of	IAS	37,	Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.	If	the	requirements	for	the	own	use	exemption	
are	not	met	(for	example,	by	transactions	for	short-term	optimization),	the	contracts	are	recorded	as	derivatives	in	accordance	with	

IFRS 9.	Further	details	of	derivative	and	non-financial	derivative	instruments	are	disclosed	in	Note 17.

Derivatives	are	initially	recognized	at	fair	value	at	the	date	a	derivative	contract	is	entered	into	and	are	measured	subsequently	

at	FVTPL.	The	resulting	gain	or	loss	is	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Realized	gains	and	losses	on	derivatives	are	recorded	as	part	of	

other	income	(loss)	which	also	includes	unrealized	gains	and	losses	on	derivatives.	Derivatives	embedded	in	other	financial	liabilities	

and	non-financial	contracts	are	treated	as	separate	derivatives	when	their	risks	and	characteristics	are	not	closely	related	to	those	

of	the	host	contracts	and	the	host	contracts	are	not	measured	at	fair	value	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	earnings.

Superior	does	not	formally	designate	and	document	economic	hedges,	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	applying	hedge	

accounting	under	IFRS and,	therefore,	does	not	apply	hedge	accounting.

Classification as Debt or Equity
Debt	and	equity	instruments	are	classified	either	as	financial	liabilities	or	as	equity	in	accordance	with	the	substance	of	the	

contractual	arrangement.

Equity Instruments
An	equity	instrument	is	any	contract	that	has	a	residual	interest	in	the	assets	of	an	entity	after	deducting	all	of	its	liabilities.	Equity	

instruments	issued	by	Superior	or	its	subsidiaries	are	recorded	at	the	proceeds	received,	net	of	direct	issuance	costs.

Derecognition of Financial Liabilities
Superior	derecognizes	financial	liabilities	solely	when	Superior’s	obligations	are	discharged,	cancelled	or	expire.

Financial Guarantees at FVTPL
Financial	guarantees	are	classified	as	FVTPL	when	the	financial	liability	is	designated	as	FVTPL	upon	initial	recognition.	Financial	

guarantees	at	FVTPL	are	stated	at	fair	value	with	any	resulting	gain	or	loss	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Fair	value	is	determined	in	

the	manner	described	in	Note 17.

64  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
Superior	classifies	assets	and	disposal	groups	as	held	for	sale	if	their	carrying	amounts	will	be	recovered	through	a	sale	transaction	

rather	than	through	continuing	use.	Non-current	assets	classified	as	held	for	sale	are	measured	at	the	lower	of	their	carrying	

amount	and	fair	value	less	cost	to	sell.	Costs	to	sell	are	incremental	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	disposal	of	an	asset	of	disposal	

group,	excluding	finance	costs	and	income	tax	expense.

The	criteria	for	held	for	sale	classification	is	only	met	when	the	sale	is	highly	probable	and	the	asset	or	disposal	group	is	available	

for	immediate	sale	in	its	present	condition.	Actions	required	to	complete	the	sale	should	indicate	that	it	is	unlikely	that	significant	

changes	to	the	sale	will	be	made	or	that	the	decision	to	sell	will	be	withdrawn.	Management	must	be	committed	to	the	plan	to	sell	

the	asset	and	the	sale	expected	to	be	completed	within	one	year	from	the	date	of	the	classification.

Property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets	are	not	depreciated	or	amortized	once	classified	as	held	for	sale.	Assets	and	

liabilities	classified	as	held	for	sale	are	presented	separately	as	current	on	the	balance	sheet.

A	disposal	group	is	classified	as	a	discontinued	operation	if	it	is	a	component	of	an	entity	that	has	either	been	disposed	of	or	has	

been	classified	as	held	for	sale,	it	represents	a	separate	major	line	of	business	of	geographic	area	of	operations	and	is	part	of	a	

single	coordinated	plan	to	dispose	of	a	separate	major	line	of	business	or	geographic	area	of	operations.

Discontinued	operations	are	excluded	from	the	results	of	continuing	operations	and	are	presented	as	a	single	amount	as	net	

earnings	(loss)	from	discontinued	operations,	net	of	tax	in	the	Statement	of	Net	Earnings	(Loss).

Property, Plant and Equipment

Cost
Property,	plant	and	equipment	are	recorded	at	cost	less	accumulated	depreciation	and	impairment	losses.	Major	renewals	and	

improvements	that	provide	future	economic	benefits	and	can	be	reliably	measured	are	capitalized,	while	repair	and	maintenance	

expenses	are	charged	to	operations	as	incurred.	Property,	plant	and	equipment	in	the	course	of	construction	are	carried	at	cost	

less	any	recognized	impairment	losses.	Cost	includes	directly	attributable	expenses,	professional	fees	and,	for	qualifying	assets,	

borrowing	costs	capitalized	in	accordance	with	Superior’s	accounting	policy.	Depreciation	of	these	assets,	on	the	same	basis	as	other	

property	assets,	commences	when	the	assets	are	available	for	their	intended	use.	Disposals	are	derecognized	at	carrying	costs	less	

accumulated	depreciation	and	impairment	losses,	with	any	resulting	gain	or	loss	reflected	in	net	earnings.

Borrowing Costs
Borrowing	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	acquisition,	construction	or	production	of	qualifying	assets,	which	are	assets	that	

necessarily	take	substantial	time	to	ready	for	their	intended	use	or	sale,	are	included	in	the	cost	of	those	assets,	until	such	time	as	

the	assets	are	available	for	their	intended	use.	All	other	borrowing	costs	are	recognized	in	net	earnings	in	the	period	in	which	they	

are	incurred.

Depreciation
Depreciation	is	calculated	using	the	straight-line	method,	based	on	the	estimated	useful	life.	Land	is	not	depreciated.	Depreciation	

of	property	in	the	course	of	construction	commences	when	the	assets	are	available	for	their	intended	use.	In	the	majority	of	cases,	

residual	value	is	estimated	to	be	insignificant.	Depreciation	by	class	of	assets	is	as	follows:

Buildings

Leasehold	improvements

Energy	Distribution	tanks	and	cylinders

Energy	Distribution	truck	tank	bodies,	chassis	and	other

Manufacturing	equipment

Furniture	and	fixtures

Computer	equipment

15	to	40	years

Over	the	lease	term	up	to	10	years

30	years

5	to	15	years

5	to	40	years

10	years

3	years

Useful	life,	residual	values	and	depreciation	methods	are	reviewed	at	the	end	of	each	annual	reporting	period,	with	the	effect	of	any	

changes	in	estimate	being	accounted	for	on	a	prospective	basis.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  65

	
	
Leases
At	inception	of	a	contract,	the	Company	assesses	whether	a	contract	is,	or	contains,	a	lease	based	on	whether	the	contract	conveys	

the	right	to	control	the	use	of	an	identified	asset	for	a	period	of	time	in	exchange	for	consideration.

Company as a lessee
The	Company	applies	a	single	recognition	and	measurement	approach	for	all	leases,	except	for	short-term	leases	and	leases	of	

low-value	assets.	The	Company	recognizes	a	right-of-use	asset	and	a	lease	liability	at	the	lease	commencement	date,	which	is	

defined	as	the	date	at	which	the	right-of-use	asset	is	available	for	use	by	the	Company.

Right-of-use assets
The	right-of-use	asset	is	initially	measured	at	cost	comprising	the	following:

•  the	initial	amount	of	the	lease	liability	adjusted	for	any	lease	payments	made	at	or	before	the	commencement	date;

•  any	initial	direct	costs	incurred;

•  an	estimate	of	costs	to	dismantle	and	remove	the	underlying	asset	or	to	restore	the	underlying	asset	or	the	site	on	which	it	is	

located;	and

•  less	any	lease	incentives	received.	

The	assets	are	depreciated	to	the	earlier	of	the	end	of	the	useful	life	of	the	right-of-use	asset	or	the	lease	term	using	the	straight-

line	method	as	this	most	closely	reflects	the	expected	pattern	of	consumption	of	the	future	economic	benefits.	

The	lease	term	includes	periods	covered	by	an	option	to	extend	if	the	Company	is	reasonably	certain	to	exercise	that	option	as	

defined	below.	

Lease	terms	range	from:	

Office	space	and	buildings

Manufacturing	equipment

Railcars

Leased	trucks

1	to	70	years

2	to	51	years

1	to	11	years

1	to	11	years

The	Company’s	leases	relate	to	railcars,	office	space	and	buildings,	trucks	and	manufacturing	equipment.	Lease	contracts	are	typically	

made	for	periods	of	5	to	20	years,	but	may	have	extension	options.	Extension	and	termination	options	are	included	in	a	number	of	

building	and	equipment	leases	across	the	Company.	The	majority	of	extension	and	termination	options	held	are	exercisable	only	by	

the	Company	and	not	by	the	respective	lessor.	Lease	terms	are	negotiated	on	an	individual	basis	and	contain	a	wide	range	of	different	

terms	and	conditions.	Superior’s	obligations	under	some	leases	are	secured	by	the	lessors’	title	to	the	leased	assets.

The	Company	has	recorded	the	right-of-use	assets	as	part	of	property,	plant	and	equipment.

The	right-of-use	asset	is	periodically	reduced	by	impairment	losses,	if	any,	and	adjusted	for	certain	remeasurements	of	the	

lease liability.

Lease liabilities
The	lease	liability	is	initially	measured	at	the	present	value	of	the	following	lease	payments:

•  fixed	payments,	less	any	lease	incentives	receivable;

•  variable	lease	payments	that	are	based	on	an	index	or	a	rate;

•  amounts	expected	to	be	payable	by	the	lessee	under	residual	value	guarantees;

•  the	exercise	price	of	a	purchase	option	if	the	lessee	is	reasonably	certain	to	exercise	that	option;	and

•  payments	of	penalties	for	terminating	the	lease,	if	the	lease	term	reflects	the	lessee	exercising	that	option.

The	lease	payments	are	discounted	using	the	interest	rate	implicit	in	the	lease	or,	if	that	rate	cannot	be	readily	determined,	the	

Company’s	incremental	borrowing	rate.	The	incremental	borrowing	rate	is	the	rate	of	interest	the	lessee	would	have	to	pay	to	

borrow	over	a	similar	term	with	similar	security.	

66  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

After	the	commencement	date,	the	amount	of	lease	liabilities	is	increased	to	reflect	the	accretion	of	interest	and	reduced	for	the	

lease	payments	made.	It	is	remeasured	when	there	is	a	change	in	future	lease	payments	arising	from	a	change	in	an	index	or	rate,	

if	there	is	a	change	in	the	Company’s	estimate	of	the	amount	expected	to	be	payable	under	a	residual	value	guarantee,	or	if	the	

Company	changes	its	assessment	of	whether	it	will	exercise	a	purchase,	extension	or	termination	option.	When	the	lease	liability	

is	remeasured	in	this	way,	a	corresponding	adjustment	is	made	to	the	carrying	amount	of	the	right-of-use	asset,	or	is	recorded	in	

profit	or	loss	if	the	carrying	amount	of	the	right-of-use	asset	has	been	reduced	to	zero.

When	measuring	lease	liabilities,	the	Company	discounted	lease	payments	using	its	incremental	borrowing	rate	for	similar	collateral	

and	term	at	the	lease	commencement	date	when	the	interest	rate	implicit	in	the	lease	was	not	readily	determinable.	The	Company	

used	a	single	discount	rate	to	a	portfolio	of	leases	with	reasonably	similar	characteristics.	In	addition,	the	carrying	amount	of	lease	

liabilities	is	remeasured	if	there	is	a	modification,	a	change	in	the	lease	term,	a	change	in	the	lease	payments	(e.g.,	changes	to	

future payments resulting from a change in the rate used to determine such lease payments) or a change in the assessment of an 

option	to	purchase	the	underlying	asset.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The	Company	applies	the	short-term	lease	recognition	exemption	to	its	leases	for	which	the	lease	term	ends	within	12	months	

from	the	commencement	date	and	do	not	contain	a	purchase	option;	and	the	lease	of	low-value	assets	recognition	exemption	to	

leases	of	office	equipment	that	are	considered	to	be	low	value.	Lease	payments	on	short-term	leases	and	leases	of	low-value	assets	

are	recognized	as	expense	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term.

Sale-leasebacks and refinancing of vehicles
From	time	to	time	Superior	will	purchase	vehicles	and	then	enter	into	a	financing	arrangement	or	will	refinance	leases	for	

vehicles.	These	transactions	will	result	in	cash	proceeds	to	Superior	and	a	lease	liability	to	the	lessor.	Any	gains	or	losses	on	these	

transactions	are	nominal	and	expensed	as	incurred.

Intangible Assets
Intangible	assets	are	reported	at	cost	less	accumulated	amortization	and	accumulated	impairment	losses.	For	intangible	assets	

with	a	determinate	life,	amortization	is	charged	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	their	estimated	useful	lives.

Intangible	assets	acquired	in	a	business	combination	are	identified	and	recognized	separately	from	goodwill	when	they	satisfy	

the	recognition	criteria.	The	initial	cost	of	such	intangible	assets	is	their	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	date.	Subsequent	to	initial	

recognition,	intangible	assets	acquired	in	a	business	combination	are	reported	at	cost	less	accumulated	amortization	and	

accumulated	impairment	losses,	on	the	same	basis	as	intangible	assets	acquired	separately.	Software	costs	are	capitalized	for	new	

systems	if	there	are	significant	enhancements	to	existing	systems.	In	addition	to	the	cost	of	software,	the	capitalized	costs	include	

cost	of	installation	and	consulting	services	related	to	the	system	implementation	or	enhancement.

Intangible	assets	recorded	as	part	of	a	business	combination	generally	consist	of	customer	relationships,	non-compete	

agreements,	royalty	agreements,	trade	names	and	other	intangible	assets.	The	assets	are	recorded	at	fair	value,	which	is	generally	

based	on	the	future	expected	earnings.	Software	and	technology	patents	are	valued	based	on	the	cost	to	acquire	these	assets.

Useful	life,	residual	values	and	amortization	methods	are	reviewed	at	least	annually,	with	the	effect	of	any	changes	in	estimate	being	

accounted	for	on	a	prospective	basis.

Superior’s	amortization	rates	related	to	its	intangible	assets	are	summarized	as	follows:

Non-compete	agreements

Term	of	the	agreements	(1	to	15	years)

Royalty agreements

Software

Technology patents

Customer	relationships

1	to	10	years

1	to	5	years

Approximately	10	years

5	to	10	years

Trade	names	have	an	indefinite	useful	life	since	they	do	not	expire.	These	are	recorded	at	cost,	are	not	amortized	and	are	tested	

for	impairment	annually	or	more	frequently	should	events	or	changes	in	circumstances	indicate	that	they	might	be	impaired.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  67

	
	
As	a	result	of	propane	distribution	activity	in	Québec,	Nova	Scotia	and	California,	Superior	is	required	to	purchase	sufficient	

Compliance	Instruments	to	offset	its	carbon	footprint.	Costs	incurred	to	acquire	these	Compliance	Instruments	are	recorded	as	

intangible	assets	and	measured	at	cost.	As	the	Compliance	Instruments	do	not	diminish	over	time,	they	are	classified	as	intangible	

assets	with	an	indefinite	life	and	are	not	amortized.	The	assets	are	subject	to	impairment	testing	subsequent	to	initial	recognition.	

The	Compliance	Instruments	are	classified	as	non-current	and	reclassified	as	current	at	the	end	of	the	compliance	period.	The	

assets	are	settled	against	the	corresponding	cap	and	trade	liabilities	at	the	end	of	the	compliance	period	to	which	they	relate.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment, Right-of-use Assets and Intangible Assets 
At	each	consolidated	balance	sheet	date	and	when	circumstances	indicate	that	the	carrying	value	may	be	impaired,	Superior	

reviews	the	carrying	amounts	of	its	tangible	and	intangible	assets	to	determine	whether	there	is	any	indication	that	those	assets	

have	suffered	an	impairment	loss	to	confirm	whether	the	assets	have	indeed	suffered	an	impairment	loss.	If	so,	the	recoverable	

amount	of	the	asset	is	estimated	in	order	to	determine	the	extent	of	the	impairment	loss,	if	any.	Where	it	is	not	possible	to	

estimate	the	recoverable	amount	of	an	individual	asset,	Superior	estimates	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	cash-generating	unit	

(“CGU”)	to	which	the	asset	belongs.	A	CGU	is	the	smallest	level	of	assets	that	generates	cash	inflows	from	continuing	use	that	are	

largely	independent	of	the	cash	inflows	of	other	assets	or	groups.

Recoverable	amount	is	the	higher	of	fair	value	less	costs	of	disposal	(“FVLCOD”)	and	value-in-use.

An	impairment	loss	is	recognized	if	the	carrying	amount	of	an	asset,	CGU	or	group	of	CGUs	exceeds	its	recoverable	amount.	

Impairment	losses	are	recognized	immediately	as	a	separate	line	item	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	

comprehensive	earnings.

A	previous	impairment,	if	any,	is	subsequently	assessed	for	any	indication	that	the	impairment	has	been	reduced	or	no	longer	

exists.	An	impairment	loss	is	reversed	if	there	has	been	an	increase	in	the	recoverable	amount	of	an	asset	or	CGU	over	its	carrying	

value.	Impairment	losses	are	reversed	only	to	the	extent	that	the	asset’s	or	CGU’s	carrying	amount	would	not	exceed	the	carrying	

amount	that	would	have	been	reported	if	no	impairment	loss	had	been	recognized.

Business Combinations
All	business	combinations	are	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method.	The	consideration	transferred	in	a	business	

combination	is	measured	at	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	date	of	the	assets	given	up,	the	liabilities	incurred	or	assumed	and	equity	

instruments	issued	by	Superior	in	exchange	for	control	of	the	acquiree.	Transaction	costs,	other	than	those	associated	with	the	

issuance	of	debt	or	equity	securities	that	Superior	incurs	in	connection	with	a	business	combination	are	expensed	as	incurred.	
The	acquiree’s	identifiable	assets,	liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities	that	meet	the	conditions	for	recognition	under	IFRS 3,	Business 
Combinations are	recognized	at	their	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	date,	except	that:

•  Deferred	tax	assets	or	liabilities	and	liabilities	or	assets	related	to	employee	benefit	arrangements	are	recognized	and	measured	

in	accordance	with	IAS	12,	Income Taxes	and	IAS	19, Employee Benefits,	respectively;

•  Liabilities	or	equity	instruments	related	to	the	replacement	by	Superior	of	an	acquiree’s	share-based	payment	awards	are	

measured	in	accordance	with	IFRS 2,	Share-based Payment;	and

•  Assets	or	disposals	that	are	classified	as	held	for	sale	in	accordance	with	IFRS 5,	Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued 

Operations	are	measured	in	accordance	with	that	standard.

Contingent	liabilities	acquired	in	a	business	combination	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	At	subsequent	

reporting	dates,	such	contingent	liabilities	are	measured	at	the	amount	that	would	be	recognized	in	accordance	with	IAS	37,	
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.

Intangible	assets	arising	on	acquisition	are	recognized	at	fair	value	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	The	fair	value	is	based	on	detailed	cash	

flow	models	and	other	metrics	depending	on	the	type	of	intangible	asset	being	recognized.

Goodwill	arising	on	acquisition	is	recognized	as	an	asset	and	initially	measured	at	cost,	being	the	excess	of	the	cost	of	the	business	

combination	over	Superior’s	interest	in	the	net	fair	value	of	the	identifiable	assets,	liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities	recognized.	If	

the	net	amounts	assigned	to	the	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	exceed	the	cost	of	the	purchase,	then	Superior	is	required	

to	reassess	the	value	of	both	the	cost	and	net	assets	acquired	and	any	excess	remaining	after	this	reassessment	is	recognized	

immediately	in	net	earnings.	Goodwill	is	initially	recognized	as	an	asset	at	cost	and	is	subsequently	measured	at	cost	less	any	

accumulated	impairment	losses.

68  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

If	the	initial	accounting	for	a	business	combination	is	incomplete	by	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	in	which	the	combination	occurs,	

Superior	will	report	provisional	amounts	for	the	items	for	which	the	accounting	is	incomplete.	Those	provisional	amounts	are	adjusted	

during	the	measurement	period	(see	below),	or	additional	assets	or	liabilities	are	recognized,	to	reflect	new	information	obtained	

about	facts	and	circumstances	at	the	acquisition	date	that,	if	known,	would	have	affected	the	amounts	recognized	at	that	date.

The	measurement	period	is	the	period	from	the	date	of	acquisition	to	the	date	Superior	obtains	complete	information	about	facts	

and	circumstances	as	of	the	acquisition	date,	to	a	maximum	of	one	year.

Goodwill
Goodwill	arising	in	a	business	combination	is	recognized	as	an	asset	at	the	date	control	commences	(the	acquisition	date).	Goodwill	

is	not	amortized	but	is	reviewed	for	impairment	at	least	annually,	on	December 31.	For	purposes	of	impairment	testing,	goodwill	

is	allocated	to	each	of	Superior’s	CGUs	expected	to	benefit	from	the	synergies	of	the	combination.	CGUs	to	which	goodwill	has	

been	allocated	are	tested	for	impairment	annually	or	more	frequently	upon	indication	of	impairment.	If	the	recoverable	amount	

of	the	CGU	is	less	than	its	carrying	amount,	the	impairment	loss	is	allocated	first	to	reduce	the	carrying	amount	of	any	goodwill	

allocated	to	the	unit	and	then	to	other	assets	of	the	unit	pro-rata	on	the	basis	of	the	carrying	amount	of	each	asset	in	the	unit.	An	

impairment	loss	recognized	for	goodwill	is	not	reversed	in	a	subsequent	period.

On	disposal	of	a	group	of	assets,	the	attributable	amount	of	goodwill	is	included	in	the	determination	of	the	net	gain	or	loss	

on disposal.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue	is	measured	based	on	the	consideration	specified	in	a	contract	with	a	customer	and	excludes	amounts	collected	on	behalf	

of	third	parties.	The	Company	recognizes	revenue	when	it	transfers	control	over	a	product	or	service	to	a	customer,	which	may	

occur	at	a	point	in	time	or	over	a	period	of	time.

The	Company	generates	its	revenue	through	its	principal	activities,	which	are	separated	by	reportable	segments.	

The	nature	of	the	goods	and	services	and	the	timing	of	satisfaction	of	performance	obligations	is	as	follows:

Energy Distribution
Propane	sales	contracts	include	supply	of	propane	along	with	the	loaning	of	storage	tanks,	equipment	and	related	servicing	and	

maintenance	activities	provided	by	the	Company.	Revenue	from	sale	of	propane	is	recognized	when	control	of	the	goods	has	

transferred,	being	when	the	goods	are	delivered	to	the	customer	(which	occurs	when	the	goods	have	been	shipped	to	the	specific	

location),	the	customer	has	full	discretion	over	the	goods,	and	there	is	no	unfulfilled	obligation	that	could	affect	the	customer’s	

acceptance	of	the	products.	Payment	terms	are	generally	30	days	from	the	delivery	date.	Customers	may	be	required	to	provide	a	

deposit	depending	on	credit	quality.	These	deposits	are	recorded	as	part	of	contract	liabilities	and	recognized	into	income	over	the	

period	that	it	relates	to.	

Revenue	from	loaning	of	storage	tanks	and	maintenance	activities	is	recognized	as	the	performance	obligations	are	satisfied	

over	time,	which	is	generally	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	contract.	The	customer	does	not	control	the	storage	tank	during	

the	term	of	the	contract.	The	customer	does	not	have	the	right	to	direct	the	use	of	the	storage	tank,	and	there	is	no	practical	or	

contractual	restriction	on	the	Company’s	ability	to	transfer	the	storage	tank	to	another	customer.	The	Company	is	able	to	redirect	

the	storage	tank	to	another	customer	at	little	or	no	additional	cost	and	therefore	it	has	an	alternative	use	to	the	Company.	In	many	

cases,	propane	sales	and	the	loaning	of	storage	tanks	is	included	under	one	sales	contract.	Propane	sales	prices	are	consistent	

based	on	the	customer	geography	and	type	and	therefore,	the	residual	amount	is	related	to	loaning	of	storage	tanks.	Customers	

typically	pay	for	tank	rentals	annually,	semi-annually	or	on	a	month-by-month	basis.	Rental	payments	received	for	periods	greater	

than	a	month	are	recorded	as	part	of	contract	liabilities	and	recognized	into	income	over	the	period	that	the	payments	relate	to.

Included	in	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	is	revenue	related	to	the	distribution	of	heating	oil	and	refined	fuels	in	the	

northeastern	U.S.	Its	products	are	generally	used	in	home	heating,	water	heating	and	motor	vehicle	fuel.	Revenue	from	sale	of	

refined	fuels	is	also	recognized	when	control	of	the	goods	has	transferred,	being	when	the	goods	are	delivered	to	the	customer	

(which	occurs	when	the	goods	have	been	shipped	to	the	specific	location),	the	customer	has	full	discretion	over	the	goods,	and	there	

is	no	unfulfilled	obligation	that	could	affect	the	customer’s	acceptance	of	the	products.	Payment	terms	are	generally	30	days	from	

the	delivery	date.	Customers	may	be	required	to	provide	a	deposit	depending	on	credit	quality.	These	deposits	are	recorded	as	

part	of	contract	liabilities	and	applied	against	customer	receivables	when	required.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  69

	
	
Specialty Chemicals
Specialty	Chemicals	is	involved	in	the	distribution	of	sodium	chlorate	and	environmentally	preferred	chlorine	dioxide	technology	to	

the	pulp	and	paper	industries	as	well	as	a	supplier	of	potassium	and	chlor-alkali	products.	Revenue	from	sale	of	specialty	chemicals	

is	also	recognized	when	control	of	the	goods	has	transferred,	and	customer	has	full	discretion	over	the	goods.	Payment	terms	

are	generally	30	days	from	the	delivery	date.	Customers	may	be	required	to	provide	a	deposit	depending	on	credit	quality.	These	

deposits	are	recorded	as	part	of	contract	liabilities.

Sales	where	the	Company	arranges	and	charges	for	freight	is	considered	a	separate	performance	obligation.	Consequently,	the	

portion	of	revenue	related	to	freight	is	recognized	when	the	goods	are	delivered	to	their	destination.

Provisions
Provisions	are	recognized	when	there	is	a	present	legal	or	constructive	obligation	as	a	result	of	past	events,	for	which	it	is	probable	

that	payment	will	be	required	to	settle	the	obligation,	and	where	the	amount	can	be	reliably	estimated.

The	amount	is	the	best	estimate	of	the	consideration	required	to	settle	the	present	obligation	at	the	reporting	date,	considering	

the	risks	and	uncertainties	surrounding	the	obligation.	When	a	provision	is	measured	using	the	cash	flows	estimated	to	settle	the	

present	obligation,	its	carrying	amount	is	the	present	value	of	those	cash	flows.

When	some	or	all	of	the	economic	benefit	required	to	settle	a	provision	is	expected	to	be	recovered	from	a	third	party,	the	

receivable	is	recognized	as	an	asset	if	it	is	virtually	certain	that	reimbursement	will	be	received	and	the	receivable	can	be	

measured reliably.

Decommissioning Costs
Liabilities	for	decommissioning	costs	are	recognized	when	Superior	has	an	obligation	to	dismantle	and	remove	a	facility	or	an	item	

of	plant	and	to	restore	the	site	on	which	it	is	located,	and	when	a	reliable	estimate	of	that	liability	can	be	made.	Decommissioning	

costs	are	recorded	at	the	present	value	of	expected	costs	to	settle	the	obligation	using	estimated	cash	flows.	The	cash	flows	are	

discounted	at	a	current	pre-tax	rate	that	reflects	the	risks	specific	to	the	decommissioning	liability.	The	unwinding	of	the	discount	

is	expensed	as	incurred	and	recognized	in	net	earnings	as	a	finance	expense.	The	estimated	future	costs	of	decommissioning	are	

reviewed	annually	and	adjusted	as	appropriate.	A	corresponding	item	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	of	an	amount	equal	to	

the	provision	is	also	created.	This	is	subsequently	amortized	as	part	of	the	asset.	Changes	in	the	estimated	future	costs	or	in	the	

discount	rate	applied	are	added	to	or	deducted	from	the	cost	of	the	asset.

Environmental Expenditures and Liabilities
Environmental	expenditures	that	relate	to	current	or	future	revenues	are	expensed	or	capitalized	as	appropriate.	Expenditures	

that	relate	to	an	existing	condition	caused	by	past	operations	and	do	not	contribute	to	current	or	future	earnings	are	expensed.

Liabilities	for	environmental	costs	are	recognized	when	a	cleanup	is	probable	and	the	associated	costs	can	be	reliably	estimated.	

Generally,	the	timing	of	recognition	of	these	provisions	coincides	with	the	commitment	to	a	formal	plan	of	action	or,	if	earlier,	on	

divestment	or	on	closure	of	inactive	sites.	The	amount	recognized	is	the	best	estimate	of	the	expenditure	required.	When	the	

liability	will	not	be	settled	for	a	number	of	years,	the	amount	recognized	is	the	present	value	of	the	estimated	future	expenditure.

Restructuring
A	restructuring	provision	is	recognized	when	Superior	has	developed	a	detailed	formal	restructuring	plan	and	has	raised	a	valid	

expectation	in	those	affected	that	it	will	carry	out	the	restructuring	by	starting	to	implement	the	plan	or	announcing	its	main	

features	to	those	affected.	The	measurement	of	a	restructuring	provision	includes	only	the	direct	expenditures	arising	from	the	

restructuring.

Employee Future Benefits
Superior	has	a	number	of	defined-benefit	and	defined-contribution	plans	providing	pension	and	other	post-employment	benefits	to	

most	of	its	employees.	Superior	accrues	its	obligations	under	the	plans	and	the	related	costs,	net	of	plan	assets.

Contributions	to	defined-contribution	plans	are	recognized	as	an	expense	when	employees	have	rendered	service	entitling	them	to	

the	contributions.

70  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

For	defined-benefit	plans,	the	cost	of	providing	benefits	is	determined	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method,	with	actuarial	

valuations	being	carried	out	at	each	consolidated	balance	sheet	date.	The	net	obligation	for	each	defined-benefit	plan	is	discounted	

to	determine	the	present	value	using	the	yield	at	the	reporting	date	on	high-quality	Canadian	corporate	bonds.	Plan	assets	are	

measured	at	fair	value	and	the	difference	between	the	fair	value	of	the	plan	assets	and	the	present	value	of	the	defined-benefit	

obligation	is	recognized	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	as	an	asset	or	liability.	Costs	charged	to	the	consolidated	statements	

of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	include	current	service	cost,	any	past	service	costs,	any	gains	or	losses	from	

curtailments	and	interest	on	the	net	defined-benefit	asset	or	liability.	Actuarial	gains	and	losses	arising	from	experience	adjustments	

and	changes	in	actuarial	assumptions	are	recognized	in	other	comprehensive	earnings	in	the	period	in	which	they	occur.

The	defined-benefit	obligation	recognized	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheet	represents	the	present	value	adjusted	for	

unrecognized	actuarial	gains	and	losses	and	unrecognized	past	service	cost,	and	reduced	by	the	fair	value	of	plan	assets.	Any	asset	

resulting	from	this	calculation	is	limited	to	unrecognized	actuarial	losses	and	past	service	cost,	plus	the	present	value	of	available	

refunds	and	reductions	in	future	contributions	to	the	plan.

Government Grants
Government	grants	are	recognized	initially	at	fair	value	when	there	is	reasonable	assurance	that	it	will	be	received	and	the	

Company	will	comply	with	the	conditions	associated	with	the	grant.	Government	grants	related	to	profit	or	loss	are	presented	as	

part	of	Superior’s	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	as	a	reduction	of	the	related	expense.

Income Taxes
Income	tax	expense	represents	the	sum	of	current	income	taxes	and	deferred	income	taxes.

Current Income Taxes
Superior’s	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	based	on	taxable	net	earnings	for	the	year.	Taxable	net	earnings	differ	from	net	

earnings	as	reported	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	because	they	exclude	items	

of	income	or	expense	that	are	taxable	or	deductible	in	other	years	as	well	as	items	that	are	never	taxable	or	deductible.	Superior’s	

liability	for	current	income	tax	is	calculated	using	tax	rates	that	have	been	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	by	the	consolidated	

balance	sheet	date.

Current	income	tax	relating	to	items	recognized	directly	in	equity	are	recognized	in	equity	and	not	in	the	statement	of	profit	or	loss.	

Management	periodically	evaluates	positions	taken	in	their	tax	returns	with	respect	to	situations	in	which	applicable	tax	regulations	

are	subject	to	interpretation	and	establishes	provisions	where	appropriate.

Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred	income	tax	is	recognized	on	differences	between	the	carrying	amounts	of	assets	and	liabilities	in	the	consolidated	

financial	statements	and	the	corresponding	tax	basis	used	in	the	computation	of	taxable	net	earnings.	Deferred	tax	assets	are	

generally	recognized	for	all	deductible	temporary	differences	to	the	extent	that	it	is	probable	that	taxable	net	earnings	will	be	

available	against	which	those	deductible	temporary	differences	can	be	utilized.	Deferred	tax	liabilities	are	recognized	for	all	taxable	

temporary	differences,	except	for	the	following:

•  When	the	deferred	tax	liability	arises	from	the	initial	recognition	of	goodwill;

•  When	an	asset	or	liability	in	a	transaction	is	not	a	business	combination	and,	at	the	time	of	the	transaction,	affects	neither	the	

accounting	net	earnings	or	taxable	net	earnings;	or

•  In	respect	of	taxable	temporary	differences	associated	with	investments	in	subsidiaries	and	associates	and	interests	in	joint	

ventures,	where	the	timing	of	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	differences	can	be	controlled	by	Superior	and	it	is	unlikely	that	the	
temporary	differences	will	be	reversed	in	the	foreseeable	future.

Deferred	tax	assets	arising	from	deductible	temporary	differences	associated	with	such	investments	and	interests	are	only	

recognized	to	the	extent	that	they	are	expected	to	be	reversed	in	the	foreseeable	future	and	it	is	probable	that	there	will	be	

sufficient	taxable	net	earnings	against	which	to	utilize	the	benefits	of	the	temporary	differences.	A	deferred	tax	asset	may	also	be	

recognized	for	the	benefit	expected	from	unused	tax	losses	available	for	carry-forward,	to	the	extent	that	it	is	probable	that	future	

taxable	earnings	will	be	available	against	which	the	tax	losses	can	be	applied.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  71

	
	
Deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	measured	at	the	tax	rates	that	are	expected	to	apply	in	the	period	in	which	the	liability	is	

settled	or	the	asset	realized,	based	on	tax	rates	and	laws	that	have	been	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	by	the	consolidated	

balance	sheet	date.	The	measurement	of	deferred	tax	liabilities	and	assets	reflects	the	tax	consequences	that	would	follow	from	the	

manner	in	which	Superior	expects,	at	the	reporting	date,	to	recover	or	settle	the	carrying	amount	of	its	assets	and	liabilities.

Deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	offset	when	there	is	a	legally	enforceable	right	to	offset	current	tax	assets	against	current	

liabilities	and	when	they	are	related	to	income	taxes	levied	by	the	same	taxation	authority	and	Superior	intends	to	settle	its	current	

tax	assets	and	liabilities	on	a	net	basis.	Also,	Superior	recognizes	any	benefit	associated	with	investment	tax	credits	as	deferred	tax	
assets	to	the	extent	they	are	expected	to	be	utilized	in	accordance	with	IAS	12,	Income Taxes.

Uncertain Tax Positions
Superior	is	subject	to	taxation	in	numerous	jurisdictions.	There	are	many	transactions	and	calculations	during	the	course	of	

business	for	which	the	ultimate	tax	determination	is	uncertain.	It	is	possible,	however,	that	at	some	future	date,	liabilities	in	excess	

of	Superior’s	provisions	could	result	from	audits	by	or	litigation	with	tax	authorities.	Where	changes	in	facts	or	circumstances	

change	estimates	from	the	amounts	that	were	initially	recorded,	such	differences	will	affect	the	tax	provisions	in	the	period	in	

which	such	determination	is	made.	Management	reassesses	positions	taken	in	the	tax	returns	with	respect	to	situations	in	which	

applicable	tax	regulations	are	subject	to	interpretation	and	establishes	provisions	where	appropriate.

Current Tax and Deferred Tax for the Period
Current	tax	and	deferred	tax	are	recognized	as	an	expense	in	net	earnings,	except	where	they	relate	to	amounts	recognized	outside	

of	net	earnings	(whether	in	other	comprehensive	earnings	or	directly	in	equity),	in	which	case	the	current	tax	and	deferred	tax	are	

also	recognized	outside	of	net	earnings,	or	where	they	arise	from	the	initial	accounting	for	a	business	combination.	In	the	case	of	a	

business	combination,	the	tax	effect	is	included	in	the	accounting	for	the	business	combination.

Foreign Currencies
The	financial	statements	of	each	subsidiary	of	Superior	are	translated	into	the	currency	of	the	subsidiary’s	primary	economic	

environment.	For	the	purpose	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	the	results	and	balance	sheets	of	each	subsidiary	are	

expressed	in	Canadian	dollars,	Superior’s	presentation	currency.	Transactions	are	recognized	at	the	rates	of	exchange	prevailing	at	

the	transaction	date.

At	the	end	of	each	reporting	period,	monetary	items	denominated	in	foreign	currencies	are	retranslated	at	the	rates	prevailing	at	

the	period-end.	Non-monetary	items	that	are	measured	at	fair	value	in	a	foreign	currency	shall	be	translated	using	the	exchange	

rates	at	the	date	when	the	fair	value	is	measured.	Non-monetary	items	that	are	measured	in	terms	of	historical	cost	in	a	foreign	

currency	shall	be	translated	using	the	exchange	rate	at	the	date	of	the	transaction	and	are	not	retranslated.

For	the	purposes	of	presenting	Superior’s	consolidated	financial	statements,	the	assets	and	liabilities	of	Superior’s	foreign	

operations,	namely	of	Energy	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	in	the	U.S.,	and	of	Specialty	Chemicals	in	Chile,	are	translated	

using	exchange	rates	prevailing	at	the	end	of	each	reporting	period.	Income	and	expense	items	are	translated	at	the	average	

exchange	rates	for	the	period.

Goodwill	and	fair	value	measurements	of	identifiable	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	through	acquisition	of	a	foreign	

operation	are	treated	as	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	foreign	operation	and	translated	at	the	rate	of	exchange	prevailing	at	the	end	of	

each	reporting	period.	Exchange	differences	are	recognized	in	other	comprehensive	loss	for	the	period.

Share-based Payments
Superior	has	established	share-based	compensation	plans	whereby	notional	restricted	shares	and/or	notional	performance	shares	

may	be	granted	to	employees.	The	fair	value	of	these	notional	shares	is	estimated	using	the	period-end	quoted	market	price	and	

recorded	as	an	expense	with	an	offsetting	amount	to	accrued	liabilities,	remeasured	at	each	consolidated	balance	sheet	date.	All	

share-based	payments	are	settled	in	cash.

72  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

(c) Significant Accounting Judgments, Estimates and Assumptions

The	preparation	of	Superior’s	consolidated	financial	statements	in	accordance	with	IFRS	requires	management	to	make	judgments,	

estimates	and	assumptions	that	affect	the	reported	amounts	of	assets,	liabilities,	revenue,	expenses	and	related	disclosure.	The	

estimates	and	associated	assumptions	are	based	on	historical	experience	and	various	other	factors	deemed	reasonable	under	the	

circumstances,	the	results	of	which	form	the	basis	of	making	the	judgments	about	carrying	values	of	assets	and	liabilities	that	are	not	

readily	apparent	from	other	sources.	Actual	results	may	differ	from	these	estimates.	The	areas	involving	a	higher	degree	of	judgment	

or	complexity,	or	where	assumptions	and	estimates	are	significant	to	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	are	as	follows:

Estimates and Assumptions

Fair Value of Derivative and Non-Financial Derivative Instruments
Where	the	fair	values	of	financial	derivatives	and	non-financial	derivatives	cannot	be	derived	from	active	markets,	they	are	

determined	using	valuation	techniques	including	a	discounted	cash	flow	model.	This	requires	assumptions	concerning	the	amount	

and	timing	of	estimated	future	cash	flows	and	discount	rates.	Differences	between	actual	values	and	assumed	values	will	affect	net	

earnings	in	the	period	when	the	difference	is	determined.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Superior	recognizes	an	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts	based	on	historical	customer	collection	history,	general	economic	

indicators	and	other	customer-specific	information,	all	of	which	require	Superior	to	make	certain	assumptions.	Where	the	actual	

collectability	of	accounts	receivable	differs	from	these	estimates,	such	differences	will	have	an	impact	on	net	earnings	in	the	period	

such	a	determination	is	made.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
Capitalized	assets,	including	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets,	are	amortized	over	their	respective	estimated	
useful	lives.	All	estimates	of	useful	lives	are	set	out	in	the	Significant Accounting Policies	above.

Provisions
Provisions	have	been	estimated	for	decommissioning	costs,	restructuring	and	environmental	expenditures.	The	actual	costs	

and	timing	of	future	cash	flows	depend	on	future	events.	Any	differences	between	estimates	and	the	actual	future	liability	will	

be	accounted	for	in	the	period	when	such	determination	is	made.	Determining	decommissioning	liabilities	requires	estimates	

regarding	the	useful	life	of	certain	operating	facilities,	the	timing	and	cost	of	future	remediation	activities,	discount	rates	and	the	

interpretation	and	changes	to	various	environmental	laws	and	regulations.	Differences	between	estimates	and	results	will	affect	

Superior’s	accrual	for	decommissioning	liabilities,	with	an	effect	on	net	earnings.	See	COVID-19	below	for	the	related	impact	during	

the	year.

Employee Future Benefits
Superior	has	a	number	of	defined-benefit	pension	plans	and	other	benefit	plans.	The	cost	of	defined-benefit	pension	plans	and	

the	present	value	of	the	pension	obligation	are	determined	using	actuarial	valuations.	These	require	assumptions	including	the	
determination	of	the	discount	rate,	future	salary	increases,	mortality	rates	and	future	pension	increases.	Due	to	the	valuation’s	

complexity,	its	underlying	assumptions	and	long-term	nature,	a	defined-benefit	obligation	is	highly	sensitive	to	changes	in	the	

underlying	assumptions.	See	COVID-19	below	for	the	related	impact	during	the	year.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Superior	recognizes	expected	tax	assets	and	liabilities	based	on	estimates	of	current	and	future	taxable	net	earnings,	which	

may	require	significant	judgment	regarding	the	ultimate	tax	determination	of	certain	items.	If	taxable	net	earnings	differ	from	the	

estimates,	there	may	be	an	impact	on	current	and	future	income	tax	provisions	in	the	period	when	the	difference	is	determined.

Asset Impairments
Financial	and	non-financial	assets	are	subject	to	impairment	reviews	based	on	whether	current	or	future	events	and	circumstances	

suggest	that	their	recoverable	amount	may	be	less	than	their	carrying	value.	Recoverable	amounts	are	based	on	a	calculation	of	

expected	future	cash	flows,	which	includes	management	assumptions	and	estimates	of	future	performance.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  73

	
	
COVID-19
The	outbreak	of	the	novel	strain	of	the	coronavirus,	specifically	identified	as	the	COVID-19	pandemic,	has	caused	governments	

worldwide	to	enact	emergency	measures	to	combat	the	spread	of	the	virus.	These	measures,	which	include	the	implementation	of	

travel	bans,	self-imposed	quarantine	periods	and	social	distancing,	have	caused	material	disruption	to	businesses	globally	resulting	

in	an	economic	slowdown.	Global	equity	markets	have	experienced	significant	volatility	and	weakness.	Governments	and	central	

banks	have	reacted	with	significant	monetary	and	fiscal	interventions	designed	to	stabilize	economic	conditions.	COVID-19	did	not	

significantly	impact	the	carrying	values	of	the	Company’s	assets	and	liabilities	as	at	December 31,	2020,	except	for	the	employee	

future	benefits,	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	provisions	in	relation	to	the	decommissioning	costs	that	were	affected	by	

lower	interest	rates	as	disclosed	in	Note 10.	At	this	time,	given	the	uncertainty	in	the	developments	surrounding	COVID-19,	it	

is	not	possible	to	reliably	estimate	the	full	impact	this	will	have	on	Superior’s	financial	position	and	operating	results.	Certain	

expenses	were	eligible	under	the	CEWS	program	instituted	by	the	Government	of	Canada.	The	CEWS	program	allowed	Superior	to	

recover	a	portion	of	eligible	employee	costs	incurred	earlier	in	the	year.	As	a	result,	Superior	recorded	a	subsidy	of	$33.3 million	

as	a	reduction	to	expenses,	see	Note 21.	The	Government	of	Canada	continues	to	make	amendments	to	the	CEWS	program	and	

Superior	may	be	eligible	for	future	claims.	Judgments,	estimates	and	assumptions	made	by	management	during	the	preparation	

of	these	consolidated	financial	statements	may	also	change	as	conditions	related	to	COVID-19	change.	Changes	in	assumptions	

including,	but	not	limited	to,	foreign	exchange	rates,	interest	rates	and	commodity	prices	could	impact	the	measurement	of	items	

including	derivative	and	non-derivative	instruments,	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts,	provisions	and	employee	future	benefits.

Judgments

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment
An	impairment	evaluation	involves	consideration	of	whether	there	are	indicators	of	impairment.	Indicators	include	but	are	not	

limited	to:	significant	underperformance	relative	to	historical	or	projected	operating	results,	significant	changes	in	the	manner	in	

which	an	asset	is	used	or	in	Superior’s	overall	business	strategy,	or	significant	negative	industry	or	economic	trends.	In	some	cases,	

these	events	are	clear.	In	many	cases,	however,	there	is	no	clearly	identifiable	event.	Instead,	a	series	of	individually	insignificant	

events,	some	of	them	only	later	known,	leads	to	an	indication	that	an	asset	may	be	impaired.	Management	continually	monitors	

Superior’s	segments,	the	markets,	and	the	business	environment,	and	makes	judgments	and	assessments	about	conditions	and	

events	in	order	to	conclude	whether	there	may	be	an	impairment.

Income Taxes
Preparation	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements	involves	making	an	estimate	of,	or	provision	for,	income	taxes	in	each	of	the	

jurisdictions	in	which	Superior	operates.	The	process	also	involves	estimating	taxes	currently	payable	and	taxes	expected	to	be	

payable	or	recoverable	in	future	periods,	referred	to	as	deferred	income	taxes.	Deferred	income	taxes	result	from	the	effects	of	

temporary	differences	due	to	items	that	are	treated	differently	for	tax	and	accounting	purposes.	The	tax	effects	of	these	differences	

are	reflected	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheet	as	deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities.	An	assessment	must	also	be	made	

to	determine	the	likelihood	that	Superior’s	future	taxable	income	will	be	sufficient	to	permit	the	recovery	of	deferred	income	

tax	assets.	To	the	extent	that	such	recovery	is	not	probable,	recognized	deferred	income	tax	assets	must	be	reduced.	Judgment	

is	required	in	determining	the	income	tax	expense	(recovery)	and	recognition	of	deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities.	

Management	must	also	exercise	judgment	in	its	assessment	of	continually	changing	tax	interpretations,	regulations	and	legislation,	

to	ensure	deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	complete	and	fairly	presented.	The	effects	of	differing	assessments	and	

applications	could	be	material.

Purchase Price Allocation
All	business	combinations	are	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method.	This	requires	management	to	recognize	all	identifiable	

assets,	liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities	at	the	acquisition	date	fair	values	with	a	few	exceptions.	The	allocation	of	the	purchase	

price	to	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets	requires	management	to	exercise	judgment	when	determining	the	

acquisition	fair	value	of	each	asset	and	its	respective	useful	life.	Consideration	paid	in	a	business	combination	that	exceeds	the	

net	fair	value	of	assets	and	liabilities	acquired	is	allocated	to	goodwill.	Goodwill	is	reviewed	for	impairment	at	least	annually.	As	

disclosed	in	Note 3,	a	number	of	acquisitions	were	completed	during	2020.	Changes	in	the	purchase	price	allocation	could	occur	

during	the	12-month	period	following	acquisition.	Changes	to	the	fair	value	of	the	assets	and	liabilities	acquired	could	affect	the	

purchase	price	allocation	and	the	Energy	Distribution’s	net	income.

74  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Financial Instruments
The	fair	value	of	financial	instruments	is	determined	and	classified	in	three	categories,	which	are	outlined	below	and	discussed	in	

more	detail	in	Note 17.

Level I

Fair	values	in	Level	I	are	determined	using	quoted	prices	in	active	markets	for	identical	instruments.

Level II

Fair	values	in	Level	II	are	determined	using	quoted	prices	for	similar	instruments	in	active	markets;	quoted	prices	for	identical	or	

similar	instruments	in	markets	that	are	not	active;	and	model-derived	valuations	in	which	all	significant	inputs	and	value	drivers	are	

observable	in	active	markets.

Level III

Fair	values	in	Level	III	are	determined	using	valuations	derived	from	valuation	techniques	in	which	one	or	more	significant	inputs	or	

significant	value	drivers	are	unobservable.

The	fair	value	measurement	of	a	financial	instrument	is	included	in	only	one	of	the	three	levels,	the	determination	of	which	is	

based	on	the	lowest-level	input	that	is	significant	to	the	derivation	of	the	fair	value.	Classification	of	financial	instruments	requires	

management	to	use	judgment	in	respect	of	both	the	determination	of	fair	value	and	the	lowest-level	input	of	significance.

Revenue from Sale of Specialty Chemicals
Chemical	sales	are	sometimes	sold	with	discounts	and	volume	rebates.	Revenue	from	these	sales	is	recognized	based	on	the	

price	specified	in	the	contract,	net	of	the	estimated	discounts	and	volume	rebates.	Accumulated	experience	is	used	to	estimate	

and	provide	for	the	discounts,	using	the	expected	value	or	most	likely	method,	and	revenue	is	only	recognized	to	the	extent	that	

it	is	highly	probable	that	a	significant	reversal	will	not	occur.	A	contract	liability	is	recognized	for	expected	discounts	payable	to	

customers	in	relation	to	sales	made	until	the	end	of	the	reporting	period.	No	element	of	significant	financing	component	exists.

Revenue from Sale of Propane, Including Storage Tanks
Certain	propane	supply	contracts	entered	into	by	the	Company	include	sale	of	propane	along	with	the	loaning	of	storage	tanks	

and	equipment	by	the	Company.	Because	these	contracts	include	multiple	performance	obligations,	the	transaction	price	must	be	

allocated	to	the	performance	obligations.

Management	estimates	the	standalone	selling	price	using	the	residual	approach.	The	price	of	propane	charged	is	consistent	by	

geography	and	customer	type,	whereas	fees	and	discounts	associated	with	loaning	storage	tank	can	vary.	Management	allocates	

revenue	to	the	sale	of	propane	based	on	the	consistent	price	by	customer	geography	and	region	and	the	residual	amount	is	

applied	to	loaning	the	storage	tank.	Revenue	from	the	sale	of	propane	is	recognized	when	delivered	and	revenue	from	storage	

tanks	and	equipment	is	recognized	over	the	contract	period.

Determining the Lease Term
In	determining	the	lease	term,	management	considers	all	facts	and	circumstances	that	create	an	economic	incentive	to	exercise	

an	extension	option	or	not	to	exercise	a	termination	option.	Extension	options	(or	periods	after	termination	options)	are	only	

included	in	the	lease	term	if	the	lease	is	reasonably	certain	to	be	extended	or	not	terminated.	The	initial	assessment	is	reviewed	

if	a	significant	event	or	a	significant	change	in	circumstances	occurs	that	affects	this	assessment	and	that	it	is	within	the	control	

of the lessee.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  75

	
	
(d) Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective

The	new	and	amended	standards	and	interpretations	that	are	issued,	but	not	yet	effective,	up	to	the	date	of	issuance	of	the	

Company’s	consolidated	financial	statements	are	disclosed	below.	The	Company	intends	to	adopt	these	new	and	amended	

standards	and	interpretations,	if	applicable,	when	they	become	effective.

The	Company	has	not	early	adopted	any	standards,	interpretations	or	amendments	that	have	been	issued	but	are	not	yet	effective.

Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (“IAS 1”), to Clarify Requirements for Classifying Liabilities 

as Current or Non-current
On	January	23,	2020,	the	IASB	issued	amendments	to	IAS	1	(the	“amendments”)	to	clarify	the	requirements	for	classifying	liabilities	

as	current	or	non-current.	More	specifically:

•  The	amendments	specify	that	the	conditions	which	exist	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	are	those	which	will	be	used	to	

determine	if	a	right	to	defer	settlement	of	a	liability	exists.

•  Management	expectations	about	events	after	the	balance	sheet	date,	for	example	on	whether	a	covenant	will	be	breached,	or	

whether	early	settlement	will	take	place,	are	not	relevant.

•  The	amendments	clarify	the	situations	that	are	considered	settlement	of	a	liability.

The	new	guidance	will	be	effective	for	annual	periods	starting	on	or	after	January	1,	2023.	The	amendments	are	not	expected	to	

have	a	significant	impact	on	the	Company’s	consolidated	financial	statements.	

Amendments to IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (“IAS 37”), “Onerous Contracts – Costs of 

Fulfilling a Contract”
On	May	2020,	the	IASB	issued	amendments	to	IAS	37	to	specify	which	costs	an	entity	needs	to	include	when	assessing	whether	

a contract	is	onerous	or	loss-making.	

The	amendments	to	IAS	37	apply	a	“directly	related	cost	approach”.	The	costs	that	relate	directly	to	a	contract	to	provide	goods	

or	services	include	both	incremental	costs	(e.g.,	the	costs	of	direct	labour	and	materials)	and	an	allocation	of	costs	directly	related	

to	contract	activities	(e.g.,	depreciation	of	equipment	used	to	fulfil	the	contract	as	well	as	costs	of	contract	management	and	

supervision).	General	and	administrative	costs	do	not	relate	directly	to	a	contract	and	are	excluded	unless	they	are	explicitly	

chargeable	to	the	counterparty	under	the	contract.	

The	new	guidance	will	be	effective	for	annual	periods	starting	on	or	after	January	1,	2022	and	must	be	applied	prospectively	to	

contracts	for	which	an	entity	has	not	yet	fulfilled	all	of	its	obligations	at	the	beginning	of	the	annual	reporting	period	in	which	it	first	

applies	the	amendments	(the	date	of	initial	application).	Earlier	application	is	permitted	and	must	be	disclosed.	Superior	plans	to	

adopt	the	amendments	to	IAS	37	beginning	January	1,	2022	and	the	adoption	is	not	expected	to	have	a	significant	impact	on	the	

Company’s	consolidated	financial	statements.	

Reference to the Conceptual Framework – Amendments to IFRS 3
The	Board	added	an	exception	to	the	recognition	principle	of	IFRS 3	to	avoid	the	issue	of	potential	‘day	2’	gains	or	losses	arising	for	

liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities	that	would	be	within	the	scope	of	IAS	37	or	IFRIC	21	Levies,	if	incurred	separately.	At	the	same	

time,	the	Board	decided	to	clarify	existing	guidance	in	IFRS 3	for	contingent	assets	that	would	not	be	affected	by	replacing	the	

reference	to	the	Framework	for	the	Preparation	and	Presentation	of	Financial	Statements.

The	amendments	are	effective	for	annual	reporting	periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2022	and	apply	prospectively.	The	

amendments	are	not	expected	to	have	a	significant	impact	on	the	Company’s	consolidated	financial	statements.

Superior	has	not	early	adopted	any	standard,	interpretation	or	amendment	that	has	been	issued	but	is	not	yet	effective.	

76  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

3. Acquisitions

Acquisition	in	2020
Purchase	Price	Allocation

Cash

Accounts	receivable

Prepaid	expenses

Inventories

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Other	assets

Intangible	assets

Trade and other payables and contract liabilities

Lease	liabilities

Deferred	tax	liabilities

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Consideration transferred

Fair	value	of	deferred	consideration

Cash	paid	on	acquisition

Total consideration transferred

Goodwill	arising	on	acquisition

Western

Champagne

Rymes

Central	 
Coast

Southern	
Propane	

0.9

0.9

0.1

0.2

8.5

–

9.4

(1.1)

(2.3)

(2.5)

14.1

5.2

24.6

29.8

15.7

–

–

–

0.4

12.5

–

10.7

(0.7)

(0.8)

–

22.1

–

36.4

36.4

14.3

–

2.2

–

2.3

103.3

0.3

49.4

(7.2)

(1.3)

–

149.0

–

196.7

196.7

47.8

0.2

0.2

–

–

2.2

–

7.5

(0.1)

(0.3)

(2.4)

7.3

2.0

15.1

17.1

9.8

–

0.1

–

0.1

7.5

–

1.4

(0.3)

(1.0)

–

7.9

–

8.0

8.0

0.1

The	acquisition	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	following	acquisitions	were	expensed	and	are	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	

administrative	costs.	The	goodwill	recognized	represents	the	expected	synergies	from	operations	and	the	intangible	assets	that	

do	not	qualify	for	separate	recognition.	Goodwill	arising	on	acquisition	is	deductible	for	tax	purposes	unless	otherwise	noted	and	

forms	part	of	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment,	unless	otherwise	noted.	

Revenue	and	net	earnings	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	would	have	increased	by	$170.0 million	and	$14.9 million,	

respectively,	if	these	acquisitions	had	occurred	on	January	1,	2020.

Western Propane Services (“Western”)
On	January	9,	2020,	Superior	acquired	all	the	issued	and	outstanding	shares	of	Western,	a	Southern	California	retail	propane	

distribution	company	for	total	consideration	of	$29.8 million	(US$22.7 million).	The	acquisition	was	funded	by	drawing	on	Superior’s	

credit	facility	and	deferring	$5.2 million	(US$4.0 million)	in	payments	over	the	next	five	years.	

Superior	has	finalized	the	purchase	price	allocation.	Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	January	9,	2020,	the	acquisition	

contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$17.3 million	and	$3.1 million,	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	

the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

The	following	purchase	price	allocations	are	considered	preliminary,	and	as	a	result,	may	be	adjusted	during	the	12-month	period	

following	the	acquisition	once	all	the	required	information	pertaining	to	the	ownership,	remaining	useful	lives	and	a	final	count	

of	tanks,	cylinders	and	vehicles	is	obtained	and	assessed.	Superior	has	allocated	the	purchase	price	to	the	identified	assets	and	

liabilities	based	on	fair	value	estimates	using	current	information	available.	The	amounts	presented	are	based	on	their	estimated	

fair	value	and	management	expects	that	any	further	changes	will	relate	to	finalizing	the	fair	value	of	property,	plant	and	equipment,	

intangible	assets	and	goodwill.	Goodwill	related	to	the	Western	acquisition	is	not	deductible	for	tax	purposes.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  77

	
	
Champagne’s Energy (“Champagne”)
On	August	3,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	tradename,	

Champagne,	for	total	consideration	of	$36.4 million	(US$27.2 million).	

Superior	has	revised	the	estimated	purchase	price	and	restated	the	previously	reported	estimate.	The	changes	were	a	reduction	to	

working	capital	of	$0.6 million,	an	increase	to	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets	of	$3.9 million	and	$1.2 million	

respectively,	recording	a	lease	liability	of	$0.8 million,	a	reduction	to	the	total	consideration	paid	by	$1.6 million	and	a	reduction	to	

goodwill	of	$5.3 million.	

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	August	3,	2020,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$9.4 million	and	

$2.8 million	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Rymes Propane and Oil (“Rymes”)
On	September	1,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	and	heating	oil	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	

tradename,	Rymes,	for	total	consideration	of	$196.7 million	(US$150.6 million).	

Superior	has	revised	the	estimated	purchase	price	and	restated	the	previously	reported	estimate.	The	changes	were	a	reduction	

to	working	capital	of	$1.7 million,	an	increase	to	property,	plant	and	equipment	of	$27.7 million,	a	reduction	to	intangible	assets	of	

$5.3 million,	recording	a	lease	liability	of	$1.3 million,	a	reduction	to	the	total	consideration	paid	by	$1.3 million	and	a	reduction	to	

goodwill	of	$20.7 million.	

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	September	1,	2020,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$50.3 million	

and	$14.8 million	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Central Coast Propane (“Central Coast”)
On	October	15,	2020,	Superior	acquired	all	of	the	equity	interests	of	a	Southern	California	propane	distribution	company,	operating	

under	the	tradename,	Central	Coast,	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	$17.1 million	(US$12.9 million).	Central	Coast	is	a	

retail	distributor	in	Southern	California.	Goodwill	related	to	Central	Coast	is	not	deductible	for	tax	purposes.	

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	October	15,	2020,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$1.7 million	and	

$0.9 million	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Petro SE Propane (“Southern Propane”)
On	October	27,	2020,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	tradename,	

Southern	Propane	and	Mountain	Gas,	for	total	consideration	of	approximately	$8.0 million	(US$6.1 million).	Southern	Propane	is	a	

retail	distributor	in	North	Carolina,	South	Carolina,	Georgia	and	Tennessee.

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	October	27,	2020,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$2.6 million	and	

$0.8 million	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

78  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Acquisitions in 2019

2019	Purchase	Price	Allocations

Cash

Accounts	receivable

Inventory

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Intangible	assets

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Contract	liabilities	

Long-term	debt	and	lease	liabilities

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Consideration transferred

Fair	value	of	deferred	consideration

Cash	paid	on	acquisition

Total consideration transferred

Acquisition	date	fair	value	of	previously	held	equity	interest

Goodwill	arising	on	acquisition

Phelps

Sheldon

Other

–

1.9

0.5

14.4

3.2

–

(0.6)

(1.5)

17.9

3.1

21.9

25.0

–

25.0

7.1

0.8

0.6

0.3

8.3

6.7

(0.1)

–

(0.5)

16.1

1.9

19.2

21.1

4.5

25.6

9.5

–

1.0

0.1

9.8

6.4

(0.6)

–

(2.1)

14.6

3.0

19.8

22.8

–

22.8

8.2

Revenue	and	net	earnings	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019,	would	have	increased	by	$38.8 million	and	$7.2 million	

respectively,	if	these	acquisitions	had	occurred	on	January	1,	2019.

Phelps Sungas Inc. and BMK Geneva, Inc. (“Phelps”)
On	April	1,	2019,	Superior	closed	the	acquisition	of	the	propane	distribution	assets	of	Phelps	Sungas	Inc.	and	BMK	Geneva,	Inc.	

(“Phelps”),	an	independent	propane	distributor	in	New	York	for	total	consideration	of	$25.2 million	(US$18.7 million).	The	acquisition	

was	funded	by	drawing	on	Superior’s	credit	facility	and	deferring	$3.3 million	(US$2.5 million)	in	payments	over	the	next	five	years.	

In	the	first	quarter	of	2020,	Superior	finalized	the	purchase	price	allocation	and	did	not	change	the	previously	reported	fair	values.

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	April	1,	2019,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$10.1 million	and	

$0.3 million,	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019.	

Sheldon Gas Company and Sheldon Oil Company (“Sheldon”)
On	May	2,	2019,	Superior	closed	the	acquisition	of	the	shares	of	Sheldon,	an	independent	propane	distributor	in	Northern	

California	for	total	consideration	of	$21.2 million	(US$15.8 million).	The	acquisition	was	funded	by	drawing	on	Superior’s	credit	

facility	and	deferring	$2.0 million	(US$1.5 million)	in	payments	over	the	next	three	years.	Included	in	the	assets	acquired	was	a	

51% interest	in	an	entity	that	Superior	acquired	the	other	49%	previously	as	part	of	the	acquisition	of	United	Pacific	Energy.	

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	date	of	May	2,	2019,	the	acquisition	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$4.9 million	and	

$0.8 million,	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019.	

Other Acquisitions
During	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019,	the	Company	closed	three	other	acquisitions	for	total	consideration	of	$22.8 million.	

This	consisted	of	one	acquisition	in	Canada	and	two	acquisitions	in	the	U.S.	Goodwill	of	$8.2 million	forms	part	of	the	U.S.	Propane	

Distribution	segment.

Subsequent	to	the	acquisition	dates,	the	acquisitions	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$0.6 million	and	$0.1 million,	

respectively,	to	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	segment	and	contributed	revenue	and	net	earnings	of	$0.7 million	and	

$0.2 million,	respectively,	to	the	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  79

	
	
4. Trade and Other Receivables

A	summary	of	trade	and	other	receivables	is	as	follows:

Trade	receivables,	net	of	allowances

Accounts	receivable	–	other	(1)

Trade and other receivables

2020

270.7

42.2

312.9

2019

320.7

8.5

329.2

(1)	 This	balance	consists	of	receivables	related	to	CEWS,	indirect	tax,	final	settlements	related	to	acquisitions	and	other	miscellaneous	balances.	The	amount	of	CEWS	included	in	

this	balance	is	$15.7 million,	see	Note 21.

Pursuant	to	their	respective	terms,	trade	receivables,	before	the	deduction	for	an	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts,	are	aged	

as follows:

Current

Past	due	less	than	90	days

Past	due	over	90	days

Trade receivables

2020

225.7

50.1

6.9

282.7

2019

235.2

84.5

10.3

330.0

Superior’s	trade	receivables	are	stated	after	deducting	an	allowance	of	$12.0 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(December 31,	2019	

–	$9.3 million).	The	movement	in	the	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts	is	as	follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts, January 1

Impairment	losses	recognized	on	receivables

Amounts	written	off	during	the	year	as	uncollectible

Amounts	recovered

Foreign	exchange	impact	and	other

Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of the year

2020

(9.3)

(5.3)

1.5

0.5

0.6

(12.0)

2019

(11.2)

(2.5)

3.5

0.9

–

(9.3)

80  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

5. Prepaids and Deposits

A	summary	of	prepaids	and	deposits	is	as	follows:

Prepaid	insurance

Tax	installments	

Deposits

Leases	and	licenses	

Storage	and	rent

Miscellaneous prepaids and other

6. Inventories 

A	summary	of	inventories	is	as	follows:

Propane,	heating	oil	and	other	refined	fuels

Propane	retailing	materials,	supplies,	appliances	and	other

Chemical	finished	goods	and	raw	materials

Chemical	stores,	supplies	and	other

Cost	of	inventories	recognized	as	an	expense	

Inventory	write-downs	to	(reversals	from)	cost	of	sales

2020

17.0

11.8

1.5

3.6

1.1

10.5

45.5

2020

65.9

11.0

27.6

19.5

124.0

2020

1,086.1

2.0

2019

12.9

7.0

21.1

3.5

1.4

11.2

57.1

2019

55.5

13.2

30.2

17.3

116.2

2019

1,446.8

(6.0)

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  81

	
	
7. Property, Plant and Equipment 

Cost

Land Buildings

Specialty	
Chemicals	
Plant	and	
Equipment

Energy 
Distribution 
Retailing 
Equipment

Leasehold	
Improvements

Total

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2018

74.2

299.1

1,039.7

1,212.9

8.6

2,634.5

Initial	adoption	of	IFRS 16	(Note 2)

Additions	–	right-of-use	assets

Additions	–	property,	plant	and	equipment

Acquisitions	through	business	combinations	(Note 3)

Adjustments	related	to	ARO	and	provisions

Disposals and other

Impairment

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	and other

–

–

0.2

0.1

–

(1.6)

–

0.9

55.8

112.3

8.6

7.5

2.1

11.5

(1.3)

(4.7)

(16.8)

3.9

39.5

–

0.6

(2.9)

(41.0)

(26.6)

10.5

24.7

81.1

30.0

–

(17.6)

–

(18.3)

–

–

0.2

0.3

–

–

–

3.6

178.6

37.2

128.5

32.5

12.1

(23.4)

(45.7)

(57.2)

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

73.8

361.8

1,125.5

1,323.3

12.7

2,897.1

Additions	–	right-of-use	assets

Additions	–	property,	plant	and	equipment

Acquisitions	through	business	combinations	(Note 3)

Adjustments	related	to	ARO	and	provisions

Disposals and other

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	and other

Balance as at December 31, 2020

–

1.4

8.6

–

(1.6)

(5.2)

77.0

31.7

4.4

21.3

12.6

(3.7)

7.6

6.4

37.9

–

2.1

(11.4)

(11.5)

45.5

58.3

103.2

0.4

(40.3)

(49.9)

–

0.4

0.9

–

–

(1.3)

83.6

102.4

134.0

15.1

(57.0)

(60.3)

435.7

1,149.0

1,440.5

12.7

3,114.9

630.3

462.3

Accumulated Depreciation

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2018

Depreciation	expense	–	property,	plant	and equipment

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets

Eliminated on disposal of assets

Impairment

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	and	other

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Depreciation	expense	–	property,	plant	and	equipment

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets

Eliminated on disposal of assets

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	and	other

Balance as at December 31, 2020

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

95.3

12.8

11.4

(0.9)

(1.9)

(1.2)

43.6

19.7

(1.6)

(25.0)

(15.0)

115.5

652.0

13.1

12.5

(2.9)

(4.4)

40.3

20.0

(7.8)

(7.5)

133.8

697.0

95.3

5.4

(15.3)

–

(0.2)

547.5

102.2

13.3

(29.4)

(3.9)

629.7

4.8

0.9

1,192.7

152.6

–

–

–

0.8

6.5

1.4

0.2

–

(1.5)

36.5

(17.8)

(26.9)

(15.6)

1,321.5

157.0

46.0

(40.1)

(17.3)

6.6

1,467.1

Carrying Amount

As	at	December 31,	2019

As at December 31, 2020

73.8

77.0

246.3

301.9

473.5

452.0

775.8

810.8

6.2

6.1

1,575.6

1,647.8

82  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

The	carrying	amounts	of	the	right-of-use	assets	included	in	the	above	are	as	follows:

Carrying Amount

As	at	December 31,	2019

As at December 31, 2020

Specialty	
Chemicals	
Plant	and	
Equipment

Energy 
Distribution 
Retailing 
Equipment

93.7

78.5

92.6

113.2

Land Buildings

–

–

57.6

80.8

Leasehold	
Improvements

–

–

Total

243.9

272.5

Included	in	the	above	right-of-use	assets	table,	are	vehicle	and	other	fleet	leases	of	$94.8 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	

(December 31,	2019	–	$72.7 million).	

Depreciation	per	cost	category:

Selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

 Property,	plant	and	equipment	

 Right-of-use	asset	

Cost	of	sales

 Property,	plant	and	equipment	

 Right-of-use	asset	

Total Depreciation

2020

121.1

39.1

42.3

0.5

203.0

2019

108.5

35.7

44.1

0.8

189.1

Superior	evaluated	the	property,	plant	and	equipment	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019	for	indicators	of	impairment	and	no	

impairment	was	identified.	Therefore,	the	carrying	value	was	not	adjusted.	See	Note 9	for	further	details	on	testing	of	property,	

plant	and	equipment	impairment	in	CGUs.	In	the	prior	year,	the	Specialty	Chemicals	segment	recorded	a	$17.5 million-dollar	

impairment	charge	as	a	result	of	closing	its	sodium	chlorate	manufacturing	facility	in	Saskatoon,	Saskatchewan.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  83

	
	
8. Intangible Assets

Cost

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2018

Acquisitions	through	business	combinations	

(Note 3)

Additions	acquired	separately

Reclassifications

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	

and other

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Acquisitions	through	business	combinations	

(Note 3)

Additions	acquired	separately

Reclassifications

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	

and other

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Accumulated Amortization 

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2018

Amortization	expense

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	

and other

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Amortization	expense

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	differences	

and other

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Carrying value

As	at	December 31,	2019

As at December 31, 2020

Customer	
Relationships

Cap	and	Trade	
Emissions	Units	
Purchased

358.3

15.9

–

10.0

(0.5)

383.7

78.4

–

–

(4.7)

457.4

2.6

52.1

2.1

56.8

56.7

(1.0)

112.5

326.9

344.9

5.3

–

10.4

–

–

15.7

–

7.4

–

(0.1)

23.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15.7

23.0

Energy Distribution 
Trademarks,	
Non-Compete,	
Patents	and	Software

Specialty	
Chemicals	
Royalty Assets 
and	Patents

140.5

7.7

Total

511.8

16.3

17.8

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

7.3

(15.4)

530.5

–

–

–

78.4

21.3

5.3

(0.2)

7.1

(7.4)

628.1

1.1

1.1

(0.1)

2.1

1.1

–

3.2

81.6

63.5

(3.4)

141.7

64.1

(3.1)

202.7

5.2

3.9

388.8

425.4

0.4

7.4

(10.0)

(14.5)

123.8

–

13.9

5.3

(2.4)

140.6

77.9

10.3

(5.4)

82.8

6.3

(2.1)

87.0

41.0

53.6

Superior	evaluated	intangible	assets	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019	for	indicators	of	impairment	and	the	Company	did	not	

identify	any	impairment.	Therefore,	the	carrying	value	was	not	adjusted	for	the	current	year.	

During	the	year,	the	Company	invested	$13.9 million	(2019	–	$7.4 million)	in	new	software	systems	and	enhancements	to	existing	

systems.	These	additions	include	the	cost	of	the	software,	the	installation	and	consulting	services	relating	to	the	enhancements	and	

implementation	of	these	systems.	

84  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

9. Goodwill

Balance, beginning of the year

Additional	amounts	recognized	from	business	combinations	during	the	year	(Note 3)

Effect	of	foreign	currency	differences

Balance, end of the year

2020

1,080.9

87.7

(15.8)

2019

1,094.2

24.8

(38.1)

1,152.8

1,080.9

Goodwill	is	a	result	of	a	number	of	previous	business	combinations	and	is	generally	attributable	to	anticipated	synergies	expected	

and	other	intangible	assets	that	are	not	required	to	be	separately	identified.	Goodwill	by	definition	has	an	indefinite	life	and,	

therefore,	is	not	amortized.	

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill	is	subject	to	impairment	tests	at	least	annually.	For	purposes	of	impairment	testing,	Superior	assesses	goodwill	at	the	

CGU	level.

The	carrying	amount	of	goodwill	as	at	December 31	was	allocated	to	the	segments	as	follows:

U.S.	Propane	Distribution

Canadian	Propane	Distribution

Specialty	Chemicals

2020

808.4

343.4

1.0

2019

736.0

343.9

1.0

1,152.8

1,080.9

Superior	conducts	assessments	for	indicators	of	impairment	on	a	quarterly	basis	and	performs	a	detailed	impairment	assessment	

at	least	annually.	As	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019,	an	impairment	test	was	performed	for	all	CGUs	with	allocated	goodwill	and	

no	impairment	was	identified.	

The	recoverable	amount	of	each	CGU	for	Energy	Distribution,	which	includes	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets,	

was	based	on	its	value	in	use	and	was	determined	by	estimating	the	future	cash	flows	that	would	be	generated	from	the	continuing	

use	of	the	CGU,	incorporating	the	following	assumptions:	

Basis on which recoverable amount was determined
The	recoverable	amount	for	each	CGU	is	determined	using	a	detailed	cash	flow	model	which	is	based	on	evidence	from	an	internal	

budget	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors.	Management’s	internal	budgets	are	based	on	past	experience	and	are	adjusted	to	

reflect	market	trends	and	economic	conditions.	

Key rates used in calculation of recoverable amount

Growth rate to perpetuity
The	first	five	years	of	cash	flow	projections	used	in	the	model	are	based	on	management’s	internal	budgets	and	projections	after	

five	years	are	extrapolated	using	growth	rates	in	line	with	historical	long-term	growth	rates.	The	long-term	growth	rate	used	in	

determining	the	recoverable	amount	for	each	CGU	is	2.0%	(2019	–	2.0%).	Cash	flow	projections	exclude	any	costs	related	to	

expansions	through	acquisitions	and	other	related	initiatives.	

Discount rates
Cash	flows	in	the	model	are	discounted	using	a	discount	rate	specific	to	each	CGU	which	is	adjusted	based	on	risk	assessments	

for	each	CGU.	Discount	rates	reflect	the	current	market	assessments	of	the	time	value	of	money	and	are	derived	from	the	CGU’s	

weighted	average	cost	of	capital	and	are	adjusted	for	tax.	The	after-tax	discount	rates	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	

for	the	CGUs	range	from	8.7%	to	9.3%	(2019	–	9.4%	to	10%).

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  85

	
	
Inflation rates
Inflation	rates	used	in	the	cash	flow	model	are	based	on	a	blend	of	a	number	of	publicly	available	inflation	forecasts.	The	inflation	

rate	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	for	each	CGU	in	2020	is	2.0%	(2019	–	2.0%).

Key assumptions
In	determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	each	CGU,	business,	market	and	industry	factors	were	considered.

The	recoverable	amount	for	Specialty	Chemicals	was	based	on	its	FVLCOD.	The	FVLCOD	was	based	on	the	transaction	disclosed	in	

Note 30	and	was	determined	that	there	was	no	impairment.	

10. Provisions

A	summary	of	provisions	is	as	follows:

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2018

Additions

Utilization

Amounts	reversed	during	the	year

Unwinding	of	discount	

Impact	of	change	in	discount	rate

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	difference

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Additions 

Utilization

Amounts	reversed	during	the	period

Unwinding	of	discount	

Impact	of	change	in	discount	rate

Net	foreign	currency	exchange	difference

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Current	(Note 11)

Non-current

Restructuring

Restructuring  Decommissioning

6.2

4.2

(4.5)

(1.1)

0.1

–

–

4.9

1.8

(4.1)

(0.3)

–

–

–

2.3

96.4

3.3

(1.1)

(0.2)

1.5

8.8

(0.3)

108.4

2.1

(0.6)

(1.1)

1.5

15.1

(2.5)

Other

8.9

–

–

(1.6)

–

–

–

7.2

–

(1.7)

–

–

–

-

Total

111.5

7.5

(5.6)

(2.9)

1.6

8.8

(0.3)

120.5

3.9

(6.4)

(1.4)

1.5

15.1

(2.5)

122.9

5.5

130.7

2020

4.3

126.4

130.7

2019

7.6

112.9

120.5

Provisions	for	restructuring	are	recorded	in	provisions,	except	for	the	current	portion,	which	is	recorded	in	trade	and	other	

payables.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	the	current	portion	of	restructuring	costs	was	$2.3 million	(2019	–	$4.9 million).

Decommissioning

The	provisions	are	on	a	discounted	basis	and	are	based	on	existing	technologies	at	current	prices	or	long-term	price	assumptions,	

depending	on	the	expected	timing	of	the	activity.

86  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Specialty Chemicals

Superior	makes	full	provision	for	the	future	cost	of	decommissioning	Specialty	Chemicals’	chemical	facilities.	As	at	December 31,	

2020,	the	discount	rate	used	in	Superior’s	calculation	was	1.2%	(2019	–	1.8%).	Superior	estimates	the	total	undiscounted	

expenditures	required	to	settle	its	decommissioning	liabilities	to	be	approximately	$152.6 million	(2019	–	$154.3 million),	which	will	

be	paid	over	the	next	40	years.	While	Superior’s	provision	for	decommissioning	costs	is	based	on	the	best	estimate	of	future	costs	

and	the	economic	lives	of	the	chemical	facilities,	the	amount	and	timing	of	these	costs	is	uncertain.

U.S. Propane Distribution

Superior	records	a	provision	for	the	future	costs	of	decommissioning	certain	assets	associated	with	the	Energy	Distribution	

segment.	Superior	estimates	the	total	undiscounted	expenditures	required	to	settle	its	decommissioning	liabilities	to	be	

approximately	$8.8 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$4.7 million)	which	will	be	paid	over	the	next	15	years.	The	discount	

rate	of	1.2%	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	1.8%)	was	used	to	calculate	the	present	value	of	the	estimated	cash	flows.

Other

Environmental
Provisions	for	environmental	remediation	are	made	when	a	cleanup	is	probable	and	the	amount	of	the	obligation	can	be	reliably	

estimated.	Generally,	this	coincides	with	the	commitment	to	a	formal	plan	or,	if	earlier,	on	divestment	or	closure	of	inactive	sites.	

Superior	estimates	the	total	undiscounted	expenditures	required	to	settle	its	environmental	expenditures	to	be	approximately	

$2.9 million	as	at	December 31,	2020,	(2019	–	$2.9 million)	which	will	be	paid	over	the	next	year.	The	provision	for	environmental	

expenditures	has	been	estimated	using	existing	technology	at	current	prices.	No	discount	rate	has	been	applied	as	the	liability	is	to	

be	settled	within	12	months.	The	extent	and	cost	of	future	remediation	programs	are	inherently	difficult	to	estimate.	They	depend	

on	the	scale	of	any	possible	contamination,	the	timing	and	extent	of	corrective	actions,	and	Superior’s	share	of	the	liability.	

Supply contract
As	part	of	a	prior	acquisition,	Superior	was	required	to	enter	into	a	five-year	supply	agreement	with	the	seller.	The	supply	

agreement	was	for	terms	that	were	unfavourable	to	Superior	based	on	current	supply	arrangements	under	contract.	As	a	result,	

Superior	has	recorded	a	provision	with	a	balance	of	$2.6 million	as	at	December 31,	2020,	(2019	–	$4.3 million)	related	to	this	

contract.	The	supply	agreement	ends	March	31,	2022.

Other claims
Superior	is	subject	to	various	claims	and	potential	claims	in	the	normal	course	of	business,	but	the	Company	does	not	expect	

the	ultimate	settlement	of	any	of	these	to	have	a	material	effect	on	its	financial	results.	The	outcomes	of	all	the	proceedings	and	

claims	against	Superior	are	subject	to	future	resolution	that	includes	the	uncertainties	of	litigation.	It	is	not	possible	for	Superior	

to	predict	the	result	or	magnitude	of	the	claims	due	to	the	various	factors	and	uncertainties	involved	in	the	legal	process.	Based	

on	information	currently	known	to	Superior,	it	is	not	probable	that	the	ultimate	resolution	of	any	proceedings	and	claims,	

individually	or	in	total,	will	have	a	material	effect	on	the	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	

or	consolidated	balance	sheets.	If	it	becomes	probable	that	Superior	is	liable,	Superior	will	record	a	provision	in	the	period	the	

change	in	probability	occurs,	and	the	resulting	impact	could	be	material	to	the	consolidated	statements	of	net	earnings	and	total	

comprehensive	earnings	or	consolidated	balance	sheets.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  87

	
	
11. Trade and Other Payables

A	summary	of	trade	and	other	payables	is	as	follows:

Trade payables

Provisions	(Note 10)	

Accrued liabilities and other payables

Current	taxes	payable

Share-based	payments,	current	portion

Trade and other payables

2020

281.9

4.3

111.8

15.2

15.1

428.3

2019

307.1

7.6

92.5

11.1

5.7

424.0

The	average	credit	period	on	purchases	by	Superior	is	28.2	days	(2019	–	38	days).	No	interest	is	charged	on	the	trade	payables	up	

to	10	days	(2019	–	10	days)	from	the	date	of	the	invoice.	Thereafter,	interest	is	charged	at	a	rate	of	up	to	18.0%	(2019	–	18.0%)	per	

annum	on	the	balance.	Superior’s	financial	risk	management	policies	ensure	that	payables	are	normally	paid	within	the	pre-agreed	
credit	terms.

12. Contract Liabilities

Balance, beginning of the year

Acquisitions	

Additions during the year 

Recognized in net earnings

Foreign	exchange	impact

Balance, end of the year

2020

18.1

(0.1)

56.6

(55.0)

(0.5)

19.1

2019

23.9

0.5

34.7

(39.7)

(1.3)

18.1

The	Company	does	not	generally	receive	deposits	for	periods	longer	than	12	months	in	advance	of	performing	the	related	service.

13. Other Liabilities

A	summary	of	other	liabilities	is	as	follows:

Quebec	cap	and	trade	payable

California	cap	and	trade	payable

Nova	Scotia	cap	and	trade	payable

Share-based	payments	and	others

Long-term	other	payables	

Other liabilities

2020

–

3.8

1.1

8.4

1.2

14.5

2019

7.8

7.2

0.4

14.3

29.7

Superior	operates	in	California,	Nova	Scotia,	and	Quebec,	and	is	required	to	participate	in	the	respective	government	cap	and	

trade	programs,	which	requires	Superior	to	settle	any	liability	with	compliance	instruments	at	the	end	of	each	compliance	period.	

Intangible	assets	are	recorded	when	compliance	instruments	are	purchased,	and	cap	and	trade	liabilities	are	recorded	upon	the	

import	of	propane.	These	are	included	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	cash	flows	net	of	the	liability	that	has	been	accrued	

related	to	cap	and	trade	as	part	of	changes	in	non-cash	working	capital.	The	Quebec	cap	and	trade	liability	of	$11.1 million	is	

included	into	trade	payables.	

88  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

14. Borrowings

A	summary	of	borrowings	is	as	follows:

Revolving Term Bank Credit Facilities (1)

Bankers’	Acceptances	(“BA”)

Canadian	Prime	Rate	Loan	(Prime	and	Swing	line)

LIBOR	Loans	(US$75.0 million;	 
2019	–	US$332.0 million)

U.S.	Base	Rate	Loans	(Prime	and	Swing	line) 
(US$12.6 million;	2019	–	US$14.0 million)

Other Debt

Year of Maturity

Effective	Interest	Rate

2020

2019

2024

2024

Floating	BA	rate	plus	1.70%

Prime	rate	plus	0.70%

225.0

7.1

5.0

14.9

2024

Floating	LIBOR	rate	plus	1.70%

95.4

431.3

2024

U.S.	Prime	rate	plus	0.70%

Accounts	receivable	factoring	program	(2)

Floating	BA	plus	1.625%

Deferred consideration and other

2020–2026

1.74%–8.74%

Senior Unsecured Notes

Senior	unsecured	notes	(3)	

Senior	unsecured	notes	(4)	

Senior	unsecured	notes	(5)	

Total	borrowings	before	deferred	financing	fees

Deferred	financing	fees	and	discounts

Total	borrowings	before	current	maturities

Current	maturities

Total non-current borrowings

2024

2025

2026

5.25%

5.125%

7.000%

16.1

343.6

–

24.8

24.8

400.0

370.0

445.4

1,215.4

1,583.8

18.1

469.3

3.9

23.8

27.7

400.0

370.0

454.7

1,224.7

1,721.7

(22.3)

(27.3)

1,561.5

1,694.4

(7.1)

(10.1)

1,554.4

1,684.3

(1)	 As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	had	$40.6 million	of	outstanding	letters	of	credit	(December 31,	2019	–	$31.3 million)	and	$289.0 million	of	outstanding	financial	

guarantees	on	behalf	of	its	businesses	(December 31,	2019	–	$241.0 million).	The	fair	value	of	Superior’s	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities,	other	debt,	letters	of	credit,	
and	financial	guarantees	approximates	their	carrying	value	as	a	result	of	the	market-based	interest	rates	and	the	short-term	nature	of	the	underlying	debt	instruments.	On	
May	8,	2019,	Superior	extended	and	restated	its	syndicated	credit	facility	with	10	lenders,	with	no	material	changes	to	the	financial	covenants	and	extended	its	maturity	to	
May	8,	2024.	The	credit	facilities	are	secured	by	substantially	all	of	the	assets	of	Superior.	The	lender	commitments	remain	at	$750.0 million	and	can	be	expanded	further	to	
$1,050.0 million	on	condition	that	no	event	of	default	has	occurred	and	lender	consent	is	provided.

(2)  Superior	had	a	Master	Receivables	Purchase	Agreement	with	a	financial	institution	that	expired	and	was	settled	in	May	2020.

(3)	 These	senior	unsecured	notes	were	issued	at	par	value	and	mature	on	February	27,	2024.	The	senior	unsecured	notes	contain	certain	early	redemption	options	under	which	
Superior	has	the	option	to	redeem	all	or	a	portion	of	the	senior	unsecured	notes	at	various	redemption	prices,	which	include	the	principal	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	interest,	
if	any,	to	the	application	redemption	date.	Interest	is	payable	semi-annually	on	February	27	and	August	27,	and	commenced	August	27,	2017.	The	fair	value	of	the	senior	
unsecured	notes	is	$413.5 million	(December 31,	2019	–	$410.0 million),	based	on	prevailing	market	prices.

(4)	 These	senior	unsecured	notes	contain	certain	early	redemption	options	under	which	Superior	has	the	option	to	redeem	all	or	a	portion	of	the	senior	unsecured	notes	at	
various	redemption	prices,	which	include	the	principal	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	interest,	if	any,	to	the	application	redemption	date.	The	fair	value	of	the	senior	unsecured	
notes	is	$386.9 million	(December 31,	2019	–	$374.9 million),	based	on	prevailing	market	prices.

(5)	 These	US$350 million	senior	unsecured	notes	contain	certain	early	redemption	options	under	which	Superior	has	the	option	to	redeem	all	or	a	portion	of	the	senior	

unsecured	notes	at	various	redemption	prices,	which	include	the	principal	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	interest,	if	any,	to	the	application	redemption	date.	The	fair	value	of	
the	senior	unsecured	notes	is	$476.8 million	(December 31,	2019	–	$489.0 million),	based	on	prevailing	market	prices.	During	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	foreign	
exchange	translation	gain	amounted	to	$9.3 million	(2019	–	$22.7 million	foreign	exchange	translation	gain),	see	Note 17.

Repayment	requirements	of	borrowings	before	deferred	financing	fees	are	as	follows:

Current	maturities

2021–2022

2022–2023

2023–2024

2024–2025

2025–2026

Total

7.1

7.2

5.7

746.6

371.8

445.4

1,583.8

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  89

	
	
15. Leasing Arrangements

The	lease	liabilities	by	operating	segment	are	as	follows:

Propane	Distribution

Specialty	

Canada

U.S.

Chemicals Corporate

129.8

1.7

IFRS 16	Initial	adoption

Reclassification	from	previously	recognized	finance	lease	liabilities

Lease	liabilities	assumed	as	part	of	a	business	combination

Additions

Finance	expense	on	lease	liabilities

Lease	payments

Impact	of	changes	in	foreign	exchange	rates	and	other

Lease	liabilities	as	at	December 31,	2019

Lease	liabilities	assumed	as	part	of	a	business	combination

Additions

Finance	expense	on	lease	liabilities

Lease	payments

Impact	of	changes	in	foreign	exchange	rates	and	other

Lease liabilities as at December 31, 2020

34.6

33.9

0.5

17.2

3.8

(16.8)

(0.5)

72.7

–

20.6

4.1

12.5

29.9

3.1

10.8

2.5

(11.6)

(0.9)

46.3

5.7

42.2

3.6

(20.9)

(18.5)

–

76.5

(2.4)

76.9

–

–

9.2

6.9

(26.1)

(5.9)

113.9

–

20.8

6.5

(26.5)

(2.6)

112.1

Total

178.6

63.8

3.6

37.2

13.3

(54.8)

(7.3)

234.4

5.7

83.6

14.3

–

–

–

0.1

(0.3)

–

1.5

–

–

0.1

(0.3)

(66.2)

–

1.3

(5.0)

266.8

Current	portion	of	lease	liabilities

Non-current	portion	of	lease	liabilities

Total lease liabilities

2020

53.3

213.5

266.8

2019

52.4

182.0

234.4

Included	in	the	above	lease	liabilities,	as	at	December 31,	2020,	are	vehicle	and	other	fleet	lease	obligations	of	$85.7 million	(2019	

–	$73.0 million).	The	assets	related	to	the	vehicle	and	fleet	lease	obligations	are	included	in	right-of-use	assets	included	in	property,	

plant	and	equipment,	Note 7.

During	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	the	discount	rate	applied	was	3.5%	to	5.6%	(2019	–	5.4%	to	8.3%).	

The	present	value	of	lease	payments	are	as	follows:

Not	later	than	one	year

Later	than	one	year	and	not	later	than	five	years

Later	than	five	years

Less:	future	finance	charges

Present	value	of	minimum	rental	payments

Minimum	Rental	Payments

Present	Value	of	 
Minimum	Rental Payments

2020

62.4

176.5

97.2

(69.3)

266.8

2019

60.5

150.4

91.5

(68.0)

234.4

2020

53.3

147.3

66.2

–

266.8

2019

52.4

120.6

61.4

–

234.4

Future	minimum	lease	payments	under	non-cancellable,	low-value,	short-term	leases	and	leases	with	variable	lease	payments	as	at	

December 31	are	summarized	below.	

Not	later	than	one	year

Later	than	one	year	and	not	later	than	five	years

2020

3.6

3.8

7.4

2019

2.1

0.4

2.5

90  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

16. Employee Future Benefits

The	most	recent	actuarial	valuations	of	plan	assets	and	the	present	value	of	the	defined-benefit	obligation	were	carried	out	on	

December 31,	2020.	The	present	value	of	the	defined-benefit	obligation,	and	the	related	current	and	past	service	costs,	were	

measured	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method,	which	is	the	same	as	that	applied	in	calculating	the	accrued	defined-benefit	

obligation	recognized	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets.

The	principal	assumptions	used	for	the	purpose	of	the	actuarial	valuation	were	as	follows:

Average	discount	rate

Expected	rate	of	compensation	increase

Defined-benefit	Plans

Other	Benefit	Plans

2020

2.4%

3.0%

2019

3.0%

3.0%

2020

1.8%

3.0%

2019

2.8%

3.0%

Mortality rate (1)

95%–112%

95%–112%

97%–109%

97%–109%

(1)	 2014	Canadian	Private	Sector	Pensioners’	Mortality	Table	combined	with	mortality	improvement	scale	MI-2017.

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	have	defined-benefit	and	defined-contribution	pension	plans	(the	“Plans”)	

covering	most	employees.	The	benefits	provided	under	the	plans	are	based	on	the	individual	employee’s	years	of	service	and	the	

highest	average	earnings	for	a	specified	number	of	consecutive	years.	The	objective	of	the	Plans	when	managing	their	net	assets	

available	for	benefits,	which	represent	the	capital	of	the	Plans,	is	to	provide	members	with	the	retirement	benefits	prescribed	in	

the	Plans.	Aside	from	a	minor	move	of	the	Plan	assets	into	real	estate	during	the	last	quarter	of	2020,	the	rest	of	the	management	

objectives,	policies	and	procedures	are	unchanged	since	2019.	The	Plan	assets	are	managed	by	the	Human	Resources	and	

Compensation	Committee	of	the	Board	of	Directors	on	behalf	of	beneficiaries.	The	Human	Resources	and	Compensation	

Committee	of	the	Board	of	Directors	retains	independent	managers	and	advisors.

Information	about	Superior’s	defined-benefit	and	other	post-retirement	benefit	plans	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019	in	

aggregate	is	as	follows:

Recognized net (asset) liability arising from defined-benefit obligation

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Present	value	of	defined-benefit	obligations	

Fair	value	of	plan	assets

Net	(asset)	liability	arising	from	defined-benefit	obligation	

Balance	as	at	December 31,	2019

Present	value	of	defined-benefit	obligations

Fair	value	of	plan	assets

Net	(asset)	liability	arising	from	defined-benefit	obligation	

Canadian	Propane	
Distribution 
Pension	Benefit	
Plans

Specialty	
Chemicals	
Pension	Benefit	
Plans

Other	 
Benefit	Plans

33.9

(40.8)

(6.9)

35.3

(41.1)

(5.8)

156.4

 (150.7)

5.7

142.5

(148.7)

(6.2)

22.7

–

22.7

21.2

–

21.2

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  91

	
	
Movements in defined-benefit obligations and plan assets

Canadian	Propane	 
Distribution	Pension	 
Benefit	Plans

Specialty	 
Chemicals	Pension	
Benefit	Plans

Other	 
Benefit	Plans

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Movement in the present value of the  

defined-benefit obligation during the year:

Benefit	obligation	as	at	January	1

35.3

35.3

142.5

128.6

21.2

19.9

Current	service	cost

Interest	cost

Contributions	by	the	plan	participants	

Past	service	cost

Actuarial gains (losses)

Benefits	paid

Benefit	obligation	as	at	December 31

Movement in the fair value of the plan assets during the year:

Fair	value	of	plan	assets	as	at	January	1

Expected	return	on	plan	assets

Excess	return	(shortfall)	on	plan	assets

Contributions	by	the	employer

Contributions	by	plan	participants	

Benefits	paid

Administration	expenses	

Fair	value	of	plan	assets	as	at	December 31

Funded status – plan surplus (deficit)

Net	asset	(obligation)	arising	from	defined-benefit	obligation	

Non-current	net	benefit	asset	(obligation)

–

1.0

–

–

1.0

(3.4)

33.9

–

1.3

–

–

2.0

(3.3)

1.8

4.4

0.1

–

13.6

(6.0)

1.7

4.9

0.1

0.2

13.0

(6.0)

35.3

156.4

142.5

41.1

40.2

148.7

132.4

1.4

2.3

0.5

–

(3.3)

–

4.5

2.4

1.5

0.1

(6.0)

(0.4)

5.0

15.9

1.6

0.1

(6.0)

(0.3)

41.1

150.7

148.7

1.2

1.7

0.3

–

(3.4)

(0.1)

40.8

6.9

6.9

0.4

0.6

–

–

1.6

(1.1)

22.7

–

–

–

1.1

–

0.3

0.7

–

–

1.6

(1.3)

21.2

–

–

–

1.3

–

(1.1)

(1.3)

–

–

–

–

5.8

5.8

(5.7)

(5.7)

6.2

6.2

(22.7)

(22.7)

(21.2)

(21.2)

The	accrued	net	pension	asset	related	to	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	pension	benefit	plan	on	December 31,	2020	was	

$6.9 million	(December 31,	2019	–	$5.8 million),	and	the	expense	for	2020	was	nil	(2019	–	nil).	The	accrued	net	pension	obligation	

related	to	the	Specialty	Chemicals	pension	benefit	plan	on	December 31,	2020	was	$5.7 million	(2019	–	pension	asset	was	

$6.2 million),	and	the	expense	for	2020	was	$2.1 million	(2019	–	$2.0 million).

The	accrued	net	benefit	obligation	related	to	the	total	other	benefit	plans	of	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	

on	December 31,	2020	was	$22.7 million	(2019	–	$21.2 million),	and	the	expense	for	2020	was	$1.0 million	(2019	–	$1.0 million).	

Amounts	recognized	in	net	earnings	in	respect	of	these	defined-benefit	plans	are	as	follows	for	the	years	ended	December 31:

Service cost

Current	service	cost

Administrative	expense

Past	service	cost

Net	interest	expense	

Components of defined-benefit costs recognized in net earnings (loss)

2020

2019

2.2

0.6

–

0.3

3.1

2.0

0.3

0.2

0.5

3.0

The	service	cost,	administrative	expense	and	net	interest	expense	related	to	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	

on	December 31,	2020	was	$3.1 million	(2019	–	$3.0 million)	and	is	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs.	

92  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

The	remeasurement	of	the	net	defined-benefit	liability	is	included	in	other	comprehensive	earnings.	The	amounts	recognized	in	

accumulated	other	comprehensive	earnings	in	respect	of	these	benefit	plans	are	as	follows:	

Actuarial	defined-benefit	losses	(before	income	taxes)

Cumulative	actuarial	losses	(before	income	taxes)

Remeasurement	on	the	net	benefit	obligation:

Cumulative	actuarial	gains	(before	income	taxes),	beginning	of	the	year	

Actuarial	asset	experience	gain	

Actuarial	loss	arising	from	changes	in	financial	assumptions

Actuarial	gain	arising	from	changes	in	experience	adjustments	

Cumulative actuarial losses (before income taxes), end of the year 

2020

(12.2)

(12.5)

2020

(0.3)

4.0

(16.6)

0.4

(12.5)

2019

1.6

(0.3)

2019

(1.9)

18.2

(16.6)

–

(0.3)

Significant	actuarial	assumptions	for	the	determination	of	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	are	discount	rate,	compensation	

increase,	mortality	scale	and	trend	rate.	The	sensitivity	analyses	below	have	been	determined	based	on	reasonably	possible	

changes	of	the	respective	assumptions	occurring	as	at	December 31,	2020,	while	holding	all	other	assumptions	constant.	

Discount Rate 

A	1%	change	in	the	discount	rate	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Canadian	

Propane	Distribution	of	$3.5 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$3.5 million)	and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	

of	$0.1 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.1 million).	A	1%	change	in	the	discount	rate	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	

accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Specialty	Chemicals	of	$26.1 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$23.0 million)	

and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	of	$0.7 million	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.9 million).

Compensation Increase 

A	1%	change	in	the	salary	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Canadian	Propane	

Distribution	of	nil	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	nil)	and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	of	nil	as	at	December 31,	2020	

(2019	–	nil).	A	1%	change	in	salary	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Specialty	Chemicals	

of	$2.3 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$2.5 million)	and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	of	$0.2 million	as	at	

December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.2 million).

Mortality Scale 

A	10%	change	in	the	mortality	scale	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Canadian	

Propane	Distribution	of	$1.8 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$1.9 million)	and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	
of	$nil million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.1 million).	A	10%	change	in	the	mortality	scale	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	

accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Specialty	Chemicals	of	$5.0 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$4.3 million)	and	

a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	of	$0.2 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.2 million).

Trend Rate

A	1%	change	in	the	trend	rate	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	related	to	Canadian	Propane	

Distribution	of	$0.1 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.4 million)	and	a	change	to	the	current	service	expense	of	nil	as	at	

December 31,	2020	(2019	–	nil).	A	1%	change	in	the	trend	rate	would	result	in	a	change	to	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	

liability	related	to	Specialty	Chemicals	of	$1.4 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(December 31,	2019	–	$1.1 million)	and	a	change	to	

the	current	service	expense	of	$0.1 million	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	$0.1 million).

The	sensitivity	presented	above	may	not	be	representative	of	the	actual	change	in	the	accrued	defined-benefit	obligation	as	it	is	

unlikely	that	the	change	in	assumptions	would	occur	in	isolation,	as	some	of	the	assumptions	may	be	correlated.	

There	were	no	changes	in	the	methods	or	assumptions	used	in	preparing	the	sensitivity	analysis	from	prior	years.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  93

	
	
The	average	duration	of	the	net	benefit	obligation	related	to	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	is	8.2	years	as	at	December 31,	2020	

(2019	–	7.9	years)	and	related	to	Specialty	Chemicals	is	14.6	years	as	at	December 31,	2020	(2019	–	13.9	years).

As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	expects	to	make	a	contribution	to	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	Pension	Benefit	Plans	of	

$0.8 million	and	to	the	Specialty	Chemicals	Pension	Benefit	Plans	of	$1.7 million	during	2021.

The	fair	values	of	plan	assets	as	at	December 31,	2020,	by	major	asset	category,	are	as	follows:

Canadian	equities	

Foreign	equities	

Fixed	income	

Real estate

Total

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Specialty	Chemicals	 
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Level	2

Percentage

Level	2

Percentage

4.1

–

36.6

–

40.7

10.0%

0.0%

89.8%

0.0%

100%

12.1

45.5

68.6

24.6

150.7

8.0%

30.2%

45.5%

16.3%

100%

The	fair	values	of	plan	assets	as	at	December 31,	2019,	by	major	asset	category,	are	as	follows:

Canadian	equities	

Foreign	equities	

Fixed	income	

Real estate

Total

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Specialty	Chemicals	 
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Level	2

Percentage

Level	2

Percentage

4.0

–

37.1

–

41.1

9.7%

–

90.3%

–

100.0%

38.7

38.4

66.2

5.5

148.8

26.0%

25.8%

44.5%

3.7%

100.0%

The	actual	returns	on	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	plan	assets	during	the	year	ended	December 31,	

2020	were	7.2%	(2019	–	9.4%)	and	4.4%	(2019	–	15.9%),	respectively.	

As	part	of	the	risk	management	process,	Superior	has	established	a	diversification	policy,	set	rate	of	return	objectives,	and	

developed	specific	investment	guidelines.

As	at	December 31,	2020,	the	asset-matching	strategic	choices	that	are	formulated	in	the	actuarial	and	Superior’s	Statement	of	

Investment	Policies	and	Procedures	(“SIPP”)	of	the	total	defined-benefit	plan	assets	are:	

Canadian	equities	

Global	equities	

Fixed	income	

Real estate

(1)	 Based	on	Superior’s	SIPP.	

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Specialty	Chemicals	 
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Range	(1)	(2)

2.0%–7.0%

2.0%–7.0%

89.0%–92.0%

–

Range	(1)	(2)

5.0%–11.0%

24.0%–36.0%

37.0%–57.0%

9.0%–22.0%

(2)  Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals’	SIPPs	do	not	provide	ranges	for	U.S.	and	foreign	equities;	instead,	they	provide	in	aggregate	ranges	classified	

as global	equities.

94  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

As	at	December 31,	2019,	the	asset-matching	strategic	choices	that	are	formulated	in	the	actuarial	and	SIPP	of	the	total	defined-

benefit	plan	assets	are:	

Canadian	equities	

Global	equities	

Fixed	income	

Real estate

(1)  Based	on	Superior’s	SIPP.	

Canadian	Propane	Distribution	
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Specialty	Chemicals	 
Pension	Benefit	Plans

Range	(1)	(2)

2.0%–7.0%

2.0%–7.0%

89.0%–92.0%

–

Range	(1)	(2)

5.0%–11.0%

25.0%–38.0%

40.0%–58.0%

10.0%–23.0%

(2)  Canadian	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals’	SIPPs	do	not	provide	ranges	for	U.S.	and	foreign	equities;	instead,	they	provide	in	aggregate	ranges	classified	

as global	equities.

17. Financial Instruments 

IFRS requires	disclosure	around	fair	value	and	specifies	a	hierarchy	of	valuation	techniques	based	on	whether	the	inputs	to	those	

valuation	techniques	are	observable	or	unobservable.	Observable	inputs	reflect	market	data	obtained	from	independent	sources,	

while	unobservable	inputs	reflect	Superior’s	market	assumptions.	These	two	types	of	input	create	the	following	fair	value	hierarchy:

•   Level 1 –	Quoted	prices	in	active	markets	for	identical	instruments.

•   Level 2 –	Quoted	prices	for	similar	instruments	in	active	markets;	quoted	prices	for	identical	or	similar	instruments	in	markets	
that	are	not	active;	and	model-derived	valuations	in	which	all	significant	inputs	and	significant	value	drivers	are	observable	
in active	markets.

•   Level 3 –	Valuations	derived	from	valuation	techniques	in	which	one	or	more	significant	inputs	or	significant	value	drivers	

are unobservable.

The	fair	value	of	a	financial	instrument	is	the	price	that	would	be	received	to	sell	an	asset	or	paid	to	transfer	a	liability	in	an	orderly	

transaction	between	market	participants	at	the	measurement	date.	Fair	values	are	determined	by	reference	to	quoted	bid	or	

ask	prices,	as	appropriate,	in	the	most	advantageous	active	market	for	that	instrument	to	which	Superior	has	immediate	access	

(Level 1).	Where	bid	and	ask	prices	are	unavailable,	Superior	uses	the	closing	price	of	the	instrument’s	most	recent	transaction.	In	

the	absence	of	an	active	market,	Superior	estimates	fair	values	based	on	prevailing	market	rates	(bid	and	ask	prices,	as	appropriate)	

for	instruments	with	similar	characteristics	and	risk	profiles	or	internal	or	external	valuation	models,	such	as	discounted	cash	flow	

analysis	using,	to	the	extent	possible,	observable	market-based	inputs	(Level	2).	Superior	uses	internally	developed	methodologies	

and	unobservable	inputs	to	determine	the	fair	value	of	some	financial	instruments	when	required	(Level	3).

Fair	values	determined	using	valuation	models	require	assumptions	concerning	the	amount	and	timing	of	estimated	future	cash	flows	

and	discount	rates.	In	determining	those	assumptions,	Superior	looks	primarily	to	available	readily	observable	external	market	inputs	

including	forecast	commodity	price	curves,	interest	rate	yield	curves,	currency	rates	and	price	and	rate	volatilities	as applicable.

All	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	are	designated	as	FVTPL	upon	their	initial	recognition.

For	items	that	are	recognized	at	fair	value	on	a	recurring	basis,	the	Company	determines	whether	transfers	have	occurred	between	
levels	in	the	hierarchy	by	reassessing	their	classification	at	the	end	of	each	reporting	period.	During	the	year	ended	December 31,	

2020,	there	were	no	transfers	between	Level	1	and	Level	2	fair	value	measurements,	and	no	transfers	into	or	out	of	Level	3	fair	

value	measurements.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  95

	
	
Assets

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts,	net	sale

Equity	derivative	contract	

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	purchase	and	sale	contracts	–	

Energy Distribution

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign	currency	options,	USD/CAD	calls

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts,	net	sale

Equity	derivative	contract

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	purchase	and	sale	contracts	–	

Energy Distribution

Total liabilities

Total net assets (liabilities)

Current	portion	of	assets

Current	portion	of	liabilities

Assets

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts,	net	sale

Equity	derivative	contract	

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	purchase	and	sale	contracts	–	

Energy Distribution

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts

Cross-currency	interest	rate	swaps

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	purchase	and	sale	contracts	–	

Energy Distribution

Total liabilities

Total net liabilities

Current	portion	of	assets

Current	portion	of	liabilities

As	at	December 31,	2020

Level	1

Level	2

Level	3

Total

22.0

–

–

22.0

1.1

1.0

–

–

2.1

19.9

11.6

0.9

–

4.4

30.5

34.9

–

–

0.6

10.0

10.6

24.3

32.1

10.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

22.0

4.4

30.5

56.9

1.1

1.0

0.6

10.0

12.7

44.2

43.7

11.1

As	at	December 31,	2019

Level	1

Level	2

Level	3

Total

3.5

–

–

3.5

3.2

5.8

–

9.0

–

0.9

3.3

4.2

–

–

16.3

16.3

(5.5)

(12.1)

2.1

7.8

3.3

15.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.5

0.9

3.3

7.7

3.2

5.8

16.3

25.3

(17.6)

5.4

23.7

96  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

The	following	table	outlines	quantitative	information	about	how	the	fair	values	of	these	financial	and	non-financial	assets	and	

liabilities	are	determined,	including	valuation	techniques	and	inputs	used:

Description

Level 1 fair value hierarchy:

Notional

Term

Rates Valuation	Technique(s)	and	Key	Input(s)

Effective	

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts,	net	sale

US$346.6

2021–2024

$1.33	 Quoted	bid	prices	in	the	active	market.

Foreign	currency	options	USD/CAD	calls

US$42.0

2023-2024 $1.40–$1.47	 Quoted	bid	prices	in	the	active	market.

Level 2 fair value hierarchy:

Equity	derivative	contracts

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	
wholesale	purchase	and	sale	contracts	–	
Energy Distribution

(1)	 Millions	of	United	States	gallons	(“USG”)	purchased.

CDN$21.1

2020–2022

$10.29	 Discounted	cash	flows	–	Future	cash	flows	

are	estimated	based	on	the	share	price.

106.5	USG(1) 2021–2023 $0.48–$1.40	 Quoted	bid	prices	for	similar	products	

in an	active	market.

Superior’s	realized	and	unrealized	financial	instrument	gains	(losses)	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019	are	

as follows:

Description

Realized 
Loss

Unrealized
Gain 

2020

Total 

Realized 
Loss

Unrealized
Gain	(Loss)

2019

Total

Foreign	currency	forward	contracts	–	net	sale	and	

foreign	currency	options,	USD/CAD	calls

(2.0)

19.9

17.9

(11.2)

34.3

23.1

Transfer	of	derivative	losses	from	accumulated	other	

comprehensive	earnings

Cross-currency	interest	rate	swaps

Equity	derivative	contracts

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	
purchase and sale contracts – Energy Distribution

Total	gains	(losses)	on	financial	and	non-financial	

–

–

–

–

–

2.9

–

–

2.9

–

–

–

(15.6)

34.5

18.9

(29.9)

(7.1)

(12.8)

5.1

0.4

(7.1)

(12.8)

5.1

(29.5)

derivatives

(17.6)

57.3

39.7

(41.1)

19.9

(21.2)

Foreign	exchange	gain	(loss)	on	U.S.	dollar	debt	and	

lease liabilities

Total gains (losses) 

–

(17.6)

10.0

67.3

10.0

49.7

–

(41.1)

38.4

58.3

38.4

17.2

Realized	and	unrealized	gains	or	losses	on	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	gains	or	losses	on	

the	revaluation	of	Canadian	domiciled	U.S.-denominated	working	capital	have	been	classified	on	the	consolidated	statements	of	net	

earnings	and	total	comprehensive	earnings	as	a	component	of	other	income	(loss).	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  97

	
	
The	following	summarizes	Superior’s	classification	and	measurement	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities:

Classification

Measurement

Financial Assets

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Trade	and	other	receivables

Derivative	assets

Loans	and	receivables

Loans	and	receivables

FVTPL

Notes	and	finance	lease	receivable

Loans	and	receivables

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Dividends	payable

Borrowings

Derivative	liabilities

Other	liabilities

Other	liabilities

Other	liabilities

FVTPL

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Fair	Value

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Fair	Value

The	fair	value	of	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	trade	and	other	receivables,	notes	and	finance	lease	receivable,	trade	and	other	

payables,	dividends	payable	and	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	correspond	to	the	respective	carrying	amounts	due	to	their	

short-term	nature	and/or	the	interest	rate	on	the	asset	is	commensurate	with	market	interest	rates	for	the	type	of	asset	with	

similar	duration	and	credit	risk.	The	fair	value	of	senior	unsecured	notes	disclosed	in	Note 14	are	determined	by	quoted	market	

prices	(Level	1	fair	value	hierarchy).

Offsetting of Financial Instruments 

Financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	offset	and	the	net	amount	reported	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	when	Superior	currently	

has	a	legally	enforceable	right	to	set	off	the	recognized	amounts	and	there	is	an	intention	to	settle	on	a	net	basis	or	realize	

the	asset	and	settle	the	liability	simultaneously.	In	the	normal	course	of	business,	Superior	enters	into	various	master	netting	

agreements	or	other	similar	arrangements	that	do	not	meet	the	criteria	for	offsetting,	but	do,	however,	still	allow	for	the	related	

amount	to	be	set	off	in	certain	circumstances,	such	as	bankruptcy	or	the	termination	of	contracts.	As	at	December 31,	2020	and	

2019,	Superior	has	not	recorded	any	amount	against	other	current	and	non-current	financial	liabilities.

Financial Instruments – Risk Management

Market Risk
Financial	derivatives	and	non-financial	derivatives	are	used	by	Superior	to	manage	its	exposure	to	fluctuations	in	foreign	currency	

exchange	rates,	interest	rates	and	commodity	prices.	Superior	assesses	the	inherent	risks	of	these	instruments	by	grouping	

financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	according	to	the	exposures	these	instruments	mitigate.	Superior’s	policy	is	not	to	use	

financial	derivative	or	non-financial	derivative	instruments	for	speculative	purposes.	Superior	does	not	formally	designate	its	

derivatives	as	hedges	and,	as	a	result,	Superior	does	not	apply	hedge	accounting	and	is	required	to	designate	its	financial	

derivatives	and	non-financial	derivatives	as	held	for	trading.

Energy	Distribution	enters	into	various	propane	forward	purchase	and	sale	agreements	to	manage	the	economic	exposure	of	its	

wholesale	customer	supply	contracts.	Energy	Distribution	monitors	its	fixed-price	propane	positions	on	a	daily	basis	to	monitor	

compliance	with	established	risk	management	policies.	Energy	Distribution	maintains	a	substantially	balanced	fixed-price	propane	

position	in	relation	to	its	wholesale	customer	supply	commitments.	

Superior,	on	behalf	of	its	operating	divisions,	enters	into	foreign	currency	forward	contracts	to	manage	the	economic	exposure	of	

its	operations	to	movements	in	foreign	currency	exchange	rates.	Energy	Distribution	contracts	a	portion	of	its	fixed-price	natural	

gas,	and	propane	purchases	and	sales	in	U.S.	dollars	and	enters	into	forward	U.S.-dollar	purchase	contracts	to	create	an	effective	

Canadian-dollar	fixed-price	purchase	cost.	Superior	enters	into	U.S.-dollar	forward	sales	contracts	on	an	ongoing	basis	to	mitigate	

the	impact	of	foreign	exchange	fluctuations	on	sales	margins	on	production	from	its	Canadian	plants	that	is	sold	in	U.S.	dollars.	

Interest	expense	on	Superior’s	U.S.-dollar	debt	is	also	used	to	mitigate	the	impact	of	foreign	exchange	fluctuations.	

Superior	manages	its	overall	liquidity	risk	in	relation	to	its	general	funding	requirements	by	utilizing	a	mix	of	short-term	and	long-

term	debt	instruments.	Superior	reviews	its	mix	of	short-term	and	long-term	debt	instruments	on	an	ongoing	basis	to	ensure	it	is	
able	to	meet	its	liquidity	requirements.	

98  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Credit Risk
Superior	utilizes	a	variety	of	counterparties	in	relation	to	its	financial	derivative	and	non-financial	derivative	instruments	in	order	

to	mitigate	its	counterparty	risk.	Superior	assesses	the	creditworthiness	of	its	significant	counterparties	at	the	inception	and	

throughout	the	term	of	a	contract.	Superior	is	also	exposed	to	customer	credit	risk.	Energy	Distribution	deals	with	a	large	number	

of	small	customers,	thereby	reducing	this	risk.	Energy	Distribution	actively	monitors	the	creditworthiness	of	its	commercial	

customers.	Specialty	Chemicals,	due	to	the	nature	of	its	operations,	sells	its	products	to	a	relatively	small	number	of	customers.	

Specialty	Chemicals	mitigates	its	customer	credit	risk	by	actively	monitoring	the	overall	creditworthiness	of	its	customers.	Overall,	

Superior’s	credit	quality	is	enhanced	by	its	portfolio	of	customers,	which	is	diversified	across	geographical	(primarily	Canada	and	

the	U.S.)	and	end-use	(primarily	commercial,	residential	and	industrial)	markets.

Allowances	for	doubtful	accounts	and	past	due	receivables	are	reviewed	by	Superior	as	at	each	consolidated	balance	sheet	date.	

Superior	updates	its	estimate	of	the	allowance	for	doubtful	accounts	based	on	the	evaluation	of	the	recoverability	of	trade	and	

other	receivables	with	each	customer,	taking	into	account	historical	collection	trends	of	past	due	accounts,	current	economic	

conditions	and	future	forecasts.	Trade	and	other	receivables	are	written	off	once	it	is	determined	they	are	uncollectible.	

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity	risk	is	the	risk	that	Superior	cannot	meet	a	demand	for	cash	or	fund	an	obligation	as	it	comes	due.	Liquidity	risk	also	

includes	the	risk	of	not	being	able	to	liquidate	assets	in	a	timely	manner	at	a	reasonable	price.

To	ensure	it	is	able	to	react	to	contingencies	and	investment	opportunities	quickly,	Superior	maintains	sources	of	liquidity	at	the	

corporate	and	subsidiary	levels.	The	main	sources	of	liquidity	are	cash	and	other	financial	assets,	the	undrawn	committed	revolving	

term	bank	credit	facility,	equity	markets	and	debenture	markets.

Superior	is	subject	to	the	risks	associated	with	debt	financing,	including	the	ability	to	refinance	indebtedness	at	maturity.	Superior	

believes	these	risks	are	mitigated	through	the	use	of	long-term	debt	secured	by	high-quality	assets,	maintaining	debt	levels	that	in	

management’s	opinion	are	appropriate,	and	by	diversifying	maturities	over	an	extended	period.	Superior	also	seeks	to	include	in	its	

agreements	terms	that	protect	it	from	liquidity	issues	of	counterparties	that	might	otherwise	affect	liquidity.

Equity Price Risk
Equity	price	risk	is	the	risk	of	volatility	in	earnings	as	a	result	of	volatility	in	Superior’s	share	price.	Superior	has	equity	price	risk	

exposure	to	shares	that	it	issues	under	various	forms	of	share-based	compensation	programs,	which	affect	earnings	when	

outstanding	units	are	revalued	at	the	end	of	each	reporting	period.	Superior	uses	equity	derivatives	to	manage	volatility	derived	

from	its	share-based	compensation	program.

As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	estimates	that	a	10%	increase	in	its	share	price	would	have	resulted	in	a	$2.5 million	increase	in	

earnings	due	to	the	revaluation	of	equity	derivative	contracts.	

Superior’s	contractual	obligations	associated	with	its	financial	liabilities	are	as	follows:

Borrowings	

Lease	liabilities

12	Months	Ended	December 31

Current

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 Thereafter

Total

7.1

7.2

5.7

746.6

371.8

445.4

– 1,583.8

53.3

51.5

39.9

32.4

23.5

11.6

54.6

266.8

Non-cancellable,	low-value,	short-term	leases	and	

leases with	variable	lease	payments	

3.6

2.6

1.1

USD-foreign	currency	forward	sales	contracts

187.1

76.5

59.0

USD/CAD	call	options	(1)

–

–

6.0

0.1

24.0

36.0

Propane,	WTI,	butane,	heating	oil	and	diesel	wholesale	
purchase and sale contracts – Energy Distribution

73.8

12.8

5.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.4

346.6

42.0

92.3

(1)	 USD/CAD	call	options	expiring	in	December 2023	with	strike	prices	ranging	from	$1.40	to	$1.47	settling	in	2024.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  99

	
	
Superior’s	contractual	obligations	are	considered	normal-course	operating	commitments	and	do	not	include	the	impact	of	mark-

to-market	fair	values	on	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives.	Superior	expects	to	fund	these	obligations	through	a	combination	

of	cash	flows	from	operations,	proceeds	on	revolving	term	bank	credit	facilities	and	proceeds	on	the	issuance	of	share	capital.	

Superior’s	financial	instruments’	sensitivities	are	consistent	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019.

Superior’s	financial	instruments’	sensitivities	to	changes	in	foreign	currency	exchange	rates,	interest	rates	and	various	commodity	

prices	and	the	resulting	impact	to	net	earnings	are	detailed	below:

Impact	to	net	earnings	of	a	$0.01	change	in	the	CDN	dollar	compared	to	the	US	dollar

Impact	to	net	earnings	of	a	0.5%	change	in	interest	rates

Impact	to	net	earnings	of	a	$0.04/litre	change	in	the	price	of	heating	oil

Impact	to	net	earnings	of	a	$0.04/litre	change	in	the	price	of	propane

2020

+/- 0.3

+/- 1.9

+/- 0.7

+/- 3.0

The	calculation	of	Superior’s	sensitivity	to	changes	in	foreign	currency	exchange	rates,	interest	rates	and	various	commodity	prices	

represent	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	financial	instrument	without	consideration	of	the	value	of	the	underlying	variable,	such	as	

the	underlying	customer	contracts.	The	recognition	of	the	sensitivities	identified	above	would	have	affected	Superior’s	unrealized	

gain	or	loss	on	financial	instruments	and	would	not	have	had	a	material	impact	on	Superior’s	cash	flow	from	operations.

18. Income Taxes 

Consistent	with	prior	periods,	Superior	recognizes	a	provision	for	income	taxes	for	its	subsidiaries	that	are	subject	to	current	and	

deferred	income	taxes,	including	Canadian,	U.S.,	Chilean	and	Luxembourg	income	taxes.	

The	income	taxes	differ	from	the	amount	computed	by	applying	the	corporate	Canadian	federal-provincial	enacted	statutory	rate	

for	2020	of	26.61%	(2019	–	26.78%).	The	statutory	rates	reflect	previously	enacted	provincial	tax	rate	increases.	The	reasons	for	

these	differences	are	as	follows:

Net	earnings

Income	tax	expense

Earnings	before	taxes

Computed	income	tax	expense	

Changes	in	effective	foreign	tax	rates

Changes	in	future	income	tax	rates

Non-deductible	costs	and	other

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Change	in	amount	of	unrecognized	asset

Other	

Income tax expense

2020

86.8

71.9

158.7

42.2

0.2

1.7

(1.5)

2.2

23.6

3.5

71.9

2019

142.6

25.0

167.6

44.9

(0.2)

(0.7)

(30.6)

4.5

9.6

(2.5)

25.0

100  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Income	tax	expense	(recovery)	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019	is	comprised	of	the	following:

Current income tax expense 

Current	income	tax	charge

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current income tax expense

Deferred income tax expense (recovery)

Relating	to	origination	and	reversal	of	temporary	differences

Relating	to	changes	in	tax	rates	or	the	imposition	of	new	taxes

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Change	in	amount	of	unrecognized	asset

Other

Total deferred income tax expense

Income tax expense

2020

2019

15.7

(4.6)

11.1

28.7

1.7

6.8

23.6

–

60.8

71.9

9.9

3.2

13.1

1.3

(0.7)

1.3

9.6

0.4

11.9

25.0

Deferred	tax	for	the	years	ended	December 31,	2020	and	2019	is	comprised	of	the	following:	

December 31, 2020

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Reserves	and	employee	benefits

Provisions

Finance	Leases

Borrowing

Financing	fees

Unrealized	foreign	exchange	gains	(losses)

Scientific	research	and	development

Investment	tax	credits,	net	of	tax

Non-capital	losses

Other

Total

Opening	
Balance

(280.0)

18.7

29.6

61.4

(7.3)

6.8

4.6

54.8

61.6

62.9

(0.4)

12.7

(Credited)	
Charged	to	 
Net	Earnings

(Credited)	
Charged	to	Other	
Comprehensive	
Earnings

Acquisitions

Exchange	
Differences

Closing	
Balance

(51.3)

(1.2)

4.4

9.9

(0.7)

(2.2)

(16.7)

(2.7)

(8.7)

8.8

(0.4)

(60.8)

–

3.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5.6)

–

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.2

(4.9)

5.0

(331.9)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.8)

(0.2)

(0.1)

0.4

(1.5)

0.4

2.8

20.6

33.7

71.2

(8.2)

4.5

(11.7)

52.1

52.9

70.2

(0.4)

(47.0)

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  101

	
	
December 31,	2019

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Reserves	and	employee	benefits

Provisions

Finance	leases

Borrowing

Financing	fees

Unrealized	foreign	exchange	gains	(loss)

Scientific	research	and	development

Investment	tax	credits,	net	of	tax

Non-capital	losses

Other

Total

Opening	
Balance

(319.0)

16.1

26.2

17.2

(7.3)

11.5

12.2

61.3

64.2

141.3

–

23.7

(Credited)	
Charged	to	Net	
Earnings	(Loss)

(Credited)	
Charged	to	Other	
Comprehensive	
Earnings	(Loss)

Acquisitions

Exchange	
Differences

Closing	
Balance

31.9

3.4

4.1

45.5

–

(4.7)

(7.6)

(6.5)

(2.6)

(75.0)

(0.4)

(11.9)

–

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.1

(0.4)

(0.7)

(1.3)

–

–

–

–

–

(3.4)

–

1.3

(280.0)

18.7

29.6

61.4

(7.3)

6.8

4.6

54.8

61.6

62.9

(0.4)

12.7

Deferred	taxes	reported	in	the	two	preceding	tables	are	presented	on	a	functional	basis	while	deferred	taxes	reported	on	the	

consolidated	balance	sheets	are	on	a	legal-entity	basis.	

The	net	deferred	income	tax	asset	relates	to	the	following	tax	jurisdictions	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019:

Canada

U.S.

Chile

Total net deferred income tax (liability) asset

2020

26.1

(66.7)

(6.4)

(47.0)

2019

39.5

(20.1)

(6.7)

12.7

As	a	result	of	the	enactment	of	new	tax	legislation,	deferred	tax	assets	of	approximately	$13.9 million	previously	recognized	at	

December 31,	2019	were	derecognized	during	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020.

Superior	has	available	to	carry	forward	the	following	as	at	December 31,	2020	and	2019:

Canadian	federal	and	provincial	investment	tax	credits	

Canadian	scientific	research	expenditures

Canadian	non-capital	losses

U.S.	non-capital	losses	

2020

76.2

197.6

44.6

308.0

The	federal	and	provincial	investment	tax	credits	available	to	reduce	future	years’	taxable	income	expire	as	follows:	

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter 

Total 

102  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

2019

84.2

214.0

24.4

212.0

Canada

7.1

8.7

14.8

11.3

34.3

76.2

The	Canadian	scientific	research	expenditures	may	be	carried	forward	indefinitely.	The	Canadian	and	U.S.	non-capital	loss	carry-

forwards	are	all	due	to	expire	beyond	2024.	

As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	had	$85.9 million	of	tax	pools	(2019	–	$35.8 million)	for	which	no	deferred	tax	asset	was	

recognized.	For	all	other	deferred	tax	assets,	it	is	probable	that	the	asset	will	be	realized	through	a	combination	of	future	reversals	

of	temporary	differences	and	taxable	income.	

In	Chile,	the	local	tax	laws	provide	that	any	profits	distributed	outside	of	Chile	be	subject	to	a	35%	tax.

19. Total Equity

Superior	is	authorized	to	issue	an	unlimited	number	of	common	shares	and	an	unlimited	number	of	preferred	shares.

Common Shares

The	holders	of	common	shares	are	entitled	to	dividends	if,	as	and	when,	declared	by	the	Board	of	Directors;	to	one	vote	per	share	

at	shareholders’	meetings;	and	upon	liquidation,	dissolution	or	winding	up	of	Superior	to	receive	pro	rata	the	remaining	property	

and	assets	of	Superior,	subject	to	the	rights	of	any	shares	having	priority	over	the	common	shares,	of	which	the	Preferred	Shares	of	

Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	are	outstanding.	See	Preferred	Shares	issued	by	a	subsidiary	further	below.

As	at	January	1,	2019

Net	earnings	for	the	year

Other	comprehensive	loss

Dividends	and	dividend	equivalent	declared	to	shareholders

As	at	December 31,	2019

Issuance	of	common	shares

Net	loss	for	the	year

Other	comprehensive	loss

Dividends	declared	to	common	shareholders

Preferred	share	issuance	costs

As at December 31, 2020

	Issued	Number	of	
Common	Shares	
(Millions)

Total	Capital	
Attributable 
to	Common	
Shareholders

Equity	 
Attributable 
to	Common	
Shareholders

174.9

2,339.9

–

–

–

174.9

1.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,339.9

10.4

–

–

–

–

176.0

2,350.3

1,088.9

142.6

(66.6)

(125.9)

1,039.0

10.4

75.1

(30.8)

(126.4)

(18.1)

949.2

During the year ended December 31,	2020,	Superior	issued	1.1 million	shares	under	its	dividend	reinvestment	plan	and	optional	
share	purchase	program	(“DRIP”)	for	total	gross	proceeds	of	$10.4 million,	(2019	–	nil).

Superior	suspended	the	active	operation	of	its	DRIP	after	payment	of	the	May	dividend,	paid	on	June	15,	2020.	Shareholders	

participating	in	the	DRIP	began	receiving	a	cash	payment	for	dividends	declared	during	the	year ended	December 31,	

2020.	Superior’s	DRIP	program	will	remain	in	place	should	Superior	elect	to	reactivate	the	DRIP	at	a	future	date,	subject	to	

regulatory approval.	

Preferred Shares of Superior Plus US Holdings

On	July	13,	2020,	Superior’s	subsidiary,	Superior	Plus	US	Holdings,	issued	260,000	Preferred	Shares	(the	“Preferred	Shares”)	by	its	

subsidiary	Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	for	gross	proceeds	of	US$260 million	(CDN$353.8 million).	The	initial	proceeds	were	recorded	

as	a	non-controlling	interest	within	equity	and	the	issuance	costs	of	US$13.4 million	(CDN$18.1 million)	were	allocated	to	Superior’s	

deficit.	Superior	owns	100%	of	the	common	shares	of	Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	and	the	Preferred	Shares	are	the	only	other	class	

of	share	issued.	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  103

	
	
The	Preferred	Shares	entitle	the	holders	to	a	cumulative	dividend	of	7.25%	per	annum	through	to	the	end	of	Superior’s	second	

fiscal	quarter	in	2027.	If	dividends	are	paid	on	the	common	shares,	Superior	is	required	to	pay	the	dividend	in	cash	on	the	

Preferred	Shares,	otherwise,	the	Preferred	Share	dividends	can	be	paid	or	accrued	at	Superior’s	option.	In	the	event	that	Superior	

declares	a	dividend	on	its	common	shares	in	excess	of	$0.06	per	month,	the	holders	of	the	Preferred	Shares	shall	be	entitled	to	an	

equivalent	amount.	Superior	has	the	option	to	redeem	all,	but	not	less	than	all,	the	Preferred	Shares	at	a	date	that	is	seven	years	

after	the	issue	date	with	not	less	than	30	days	prior	written	notice	to	the	holders	of	the	Preferred	Shares.	The	preferred	shares	can	

be	redeemed	at	US$1,000	per	share	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	dividends.	If	Superior	does	not	redeem	the	Preferred	Shares,	the	

dividend	rate	increases	by	0.75%	per	annum	for	the	next	four	years	to	a	maximum	of	10.25%.	If	the	dividends	are	not	paid	in	cash,	

the	cumulative	dividend	increases	by	1.0%	per	annum	to	a	maximum	of	14.25%.	

The	Preferred	Shares	may	be	exchanged,	at	the	holder’s	option,	into	30 million	common	shares	of	Superior	(“Common	Shares”)	or	

at	Superior’s	option,	on	or	after	the	third	anniversary	of	the	issue	date	if	the	volume-weighted	average	price	of	Superior’s	common	

shares	during	the	then	preceding	30	consecutive	trading	day	period,	converted	to	U.S.	dollars	at	the	applicable	exchange	rate,	must	

be	greater	than	145%	of	the	exchange	price.	On	an	as-exchanged	basis,	the	investment	currently	represents	approximately	15%	

of	the	diluted	outstanding	Common	Shares.	The	exchange	price	of	the	Preferred	Shares	will	be	subject	to	adjustment	from	time	

to	time	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	Preferred	Shares.	These	potential	adjustments	relate	primarily	to	accrued	and	unpaid	

dividends,	increased	or	additional	dividends	to	common	shareholders,	in	instances	where	there	is	a	share	split,	share	consolidation	

or	a	reorganization,	the	participation	rate	on	the	dividend	reinvestment	plan	is	greater	than	35%	and	if	common	shares	are	issued	

below	market	value.

Holders	of	Preferred	Shares	will	be	entitled	to	vote	on	an	as-exchanged	basis	for	all	matters	on	which	holders	of	Superior’s	

Common	Shares	vote,	and	to	the	greatest	extent	possible,	will	vote	with	the	holders	of	Common	Shares	as	a	single	class.	

In	the	event	of	any	liquidation,	winding	up	or	dissolution	of	Superior,	the	holders	of	Preferred	Shares	are	entitled	to	receive	prior,	

and	in	preference	to,	any	distribution	to	the	holders	of	common	shares,	an	amount	equal	to	the	greater	of	a	liquidation	rate	per	

share	of	US$1,400	plus	accrued	and	unpaid	dividends	or	the	amount	receivable	had	the	preferred	shares	been	converted	to	

common	shares	immediately	prior	to	the	liquidation	event.	In	the	event	that	upon	liquidation	or	dissolution,	the	assets	and	funds	of	

Superior	are	insufficient	to	permit	the	payment	to	the	holders	of	Preferred	Shares	of	the	full	preferential	amounts,	then	the	entire	

assets	and	funds	of	Superior	legally	available	for	distribution	are	to	be	distributed	ratably	among	the	holders	of	Preferred	Shares	in	

proportion	to	the	full	preferential	amount	each	is	otherwise	entitled	to	receive.	After	the	distributions	described	above	have	been	

paid	in	full,	the	remaining	assets	of	Superior	available	for	distribution	shall	be	distributed	pro-rata	to	the	holder	of	common	shares.

Dividends	declared	to	preferred	shareholders	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	were	US$8.8 million	(CDN$11.7 million)	or	

US$72.50	(CDN$96.35)	per	preferred	share	per	annum.

NCI

As	at	December 31,	2019

Issuance	of	preferred	shares

Net	earnings	for	the	period

Other	comprehensive	loss

Dividends	to	preferred	shareholders

As at December 31, 2020

	Issued	Number	of	
Preferred	Shares	
(Millions)

Equity	Attributable	
to NCI

–

0.3

–

–

–

0.3

–

353.8

11.7

(22.9)

(11.7)

330.9

104  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 

Currency translation adjustment

Balance,	beginning	of	the	year

Unrealized	foreign	currency	losses	on	translation	of	foreign	operations

Balance,	end	of	the	year

Actuarial defined benefits

Balance,	beginning	of	the	year

Actuarial	defined-benefit	gains

Income	tax	expense	on	other	comprehensive	earnings	(loss)

Balance,	end	of	the	year

Accumulated derivative losses

Balance,	beginning	of	the	year

Transfer	of	derivative	losses	from	accumulated	other	comprehensive	earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, end of the year

Other Capital Disclosure

2020

2019

105.6

(21.9)

83.7

(0.3)

(12.1)

3.2

(9.2)

–

–

74.5

180.5

(74.9)

105.6

(1.5)

1.6

(0.4)

(0.3)

(7.1)

7.1

105.3

Additional Capital Disclosure
Superior’s	objectives	when	managing	capital	are:	(i)	to	maintain	a	flexible	capital	structure	to	preserve	its	ability	to	meet	its	financial	

obligations,	including	potential	obligations	from	acquisitions;	and	(ii)	to	safeguard	its	assets	while	maximizing	the	growth	of	its	

businesses	and	returns	to	its	shareholders.	

In	the	management	of	capital,	Superior	includes	shareholders’	equity	(excluding	accumulated	other	comprehensive	earnings),	

current	and	long-term	borrowing,	and	convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures.	Superior	manages	its	capital	structure	

and	makes	adjustments	in	light	of	changes	in	economic	conditions	and	the	nature	of	the	underlying	assets.	In	order	to	maintain	or	

adjust	the	capital	structure,	Superior	may	adjust	the	amount	of	dividends	to	shareholders,	issue	additional	share	capital,	conduct	

additional	borrowing	or	issue	convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures,	or	conduct	new	borrowing	or	issue	convertible	

unsecured	subordinated	debentures	with	different	characteristics.

Superior	monitors	its	capital	based	on	the	ratio	of	senior	debt	outstanding	to	net	earnings	before	interest,	taxes,	depreciation,	

amortization	and	other	non-cash	expenses	(“EBITDA”),	as	defined	by	its	revolving	term	credit	facility,	and	the	ratio	of	total	debt	

outstanding	to	EBITDA.	Superior’s	reference	to	EBITDA	as	defined	by	its	revolving	term	credit	facility	may	be	referred	to	as	

compliance	EBITDA	in	its	other	public	reports.

Superior	is	subject	to	various	financial	covenants	in	its	credit	facility	agreements,	including	senior	debt,	total	debt	to	EBITDA	ratio	

and	restricted	payments	tests,	which	are	measured	on	a	quarterly	basis.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	was	in	compliance	with	

all	of	its	financial	covenants.	

Superior’s	financial	objectives	and	strategy	related	to	managing	its	capital	as	described	above	remained	unchanged	from	the	

prior	year.	Superior	believes	that	its	debt	to	EBITDA	ratios	are	within	reasonable	limits,	in	light	of	Superior’s	size,	the	nature	of	its	

businesses	and	its	capital	management	objectives.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  105

	
	
20.  Supplemental Disclosure of Condensed Consolidated Statements  

of Net Earnings and Total Comprehensive Earnings 

2020

2019

Revenue

Revenue	from	products

Revenue	from	the	rendering	of	services

Tank	and	equipment	rental

Cost of sales (includes product and services)

Cost	of	products	and	services(1)	(2)

Depreciation included in cost of sales

Selling, distribution and administrative costs

Other	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Restructuring,	transaction	and	other	costs

Employee	future	benefit	expense

Employee costs(2)

Vehicle	operating	costs

Facilities	maintenance	expense

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets

Depreciation	included	in	selling,	distribution	and	administrative	costs

Amortization of intangible assets

Low	value,	short-term	and	variable	lease	payments

Gain	(loss)	on	disposal	of	assets

Impairment	of	Specialty	Chemicals	equipment

Realized	gain	(loss)	on	the	translation	of	U.S.-denominated	net	working	capital

Finance expense

Interest	on	borrowings

Interest	on	lease	liability

Unwinding	of	discount	on	decommissioning	liabilities	and	non-cash	financing	expenses

Gains (losses) on derivatives and foreign currency translation of borrowings

Realized	loss	on	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	

Unrealized	gain	on	financial	and	non-financial	derivatives	and	foreign	currency	translation	

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense 

Current	income	tax	expense

Deferred	income	tax	expense

Net earnings 

2,280.2

73.5

40.6

2,394.3

(1,245.8)

(42.8)

(1,288.6)

(235.7)

(25.1)

(2.3)

(327.2)

(60.8)

(7.2)

(39.1)

(121.1)

(64.1)

(2.2)

(5.8)

–

0.4

(890.2)

(84.0)

(14.3)

(8.2)

(106.5)

(17.6)

67.3

49.7

158.7

(11.1)

(60.8)

(71.9)

86.8

2,704.2

101.4

47.3

2,852.9

(1,595.0)

(44.9)

(1,639.9)

(247.0)

(29.9)

(2.1)

(364.1)

(68.1)

(6.3)

(35.7)

(108.5)

(63.5)

(2.5)

1.5

(19.9)

(2.2)

(948.3)

(91.9)

(13.3)

(9.1)

(114.3)

(41.1)

58.3

17.2

167.6

(13.1)

(11.9)

(25.0)

142.6

(1)	 During	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	the	cost	of	products	and	services	includes	low	value,	short-term	and	variable	lease	payments	of	$3.9 million	(2019	–	$8.0million).

(2)	 Expense	is	shown	net	of	the	CEWS	subsidy,	see	Note 21.

106  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

21. Government Grant

In	response	to	COVID-19,	the	Government	of	Canada	implemented	the	Canadian	Emergency	Wage	Subsidy	(“CEWS”)	program.	

The	CEWS	program	offers	qualifying	organizations	government	assistance	in	the	form	of	a	payroll	subsidy	to	offset	the	cost	of	

employees.	The	payroll	subsidy	was	recognized	as	an	offset	to	salary	expense.	For	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	Superior	

recorded	$28.9 million	(2019	–	nil)	as	a	reduction	to	selling,	distribution	and	administration	costs	and	$4.4 million	(2019	–	nil)	as	

a reduction	to	cost	of	sales.	

There	are	no	unfulfilled	conditions	attached	to	this	government	assistance.	As	of	December 31,	2020,	$15.7 million	is	included	in	

trade	and	other	receivables.

22. Net Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

Net earnings per share 

Basic

2020

2019

Net	earnings	attributable	to	common	shareholders	for	the	year

$86.8

$142.6

Less:

Allocation of earnings to preferred shareholders

Total earnings allocated to common shareholders

Weighted	average	common	shares	outstanding	(millions)	

Net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

Diluted

Net	earnings	attributable	to	common	shareholders	for	the	year

Weighted	average	shares	outstanding	(millions)	assuming	conversion	of	preferred	shares

Net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

$(11.7)

$75.1

175.7

$0.43

$86.8

189.7

$0.46

$0.43

–

$142.6

174.9

$0.82

$142.6

174.9

$0.82

$0.82

Superior	uses	the	two-class	method	to	compute	net	earnings	per	common	share	attributable	to	common	shareholders	because	

Superior’s	preferred	shares	are	participating	equity	securities.	For	the	purpose	of	computing	earnings	per	share	the	preferred	

shares	are	considered	participating	because	they	contractually	entitle	the	holders	to	participate	in	dividends	with	ordinary	shares	

according	to	a	predetermined	formula	(Note 19).	The	two-class	method	requires	earnings	for	the	period	to	be	allocated	between	

common	shares	and	preferred	shares	based	upon	their	respective	rights	to	receive	distributed	and	undistributed	earnings.	

Under	the	two-class	method,	the	basic	and	diluted	earnings	per	share	are	computed	as	follows:	

a)	

	earnings	or	loss	attributable	to	Superior’s	common	shareholders	is	adjusted	(earnings	reduced	and	a	loss	increased)	by	the	

amount	of	dividends	declared	in	the	period	for	each	class	of	shares	and	by	the	contractual	amount	of	dividends	that	must	be	

paid	for	the	period.

b)	

	the	remaining	earnings	or	loss	is	allocated	to	Superior’s	common	shares	and	participating	equity	instruments	to	the	extent	that	

each	instrument	shares	in	earnings	as	if	all	of	the	earnings	or	loss	for	the	period	had	been	distributed.	The	total	earnings	or	

loss	allocated	to	each	class	of	equity	instrument	is	determined	by	adding	together	the	amount	allocated	for	dividends	and	the	

amount	allocated	for	a	participation	feature.

c)		

	the	total	amount	of	earnings	or	loss	allocated	to	each	class	of	equity	instrument	is	divided	by	the	weighted-average	number	

of	outstanding	instruments	(and	dilutive	potential	common	shares	for	diluted	earnings	per	share)	to	which	the	earnings	are	
allocated	to	determine	the	earnings	per	share	for	the	instrument.

No	such	adjustment	to	earnings	is	made	during	periods	with	a	net	loss,	as	the	holders	of	the	preferred	shares	have	no	obligation	

to	fund	losses.	The	two-class	equity	method	is	performed	on	each	period	presented	in	reference	to	that	period’s	earnings	or	loss.	

Consequently,	the	sum	of	the	four	quarters’	earnings	per	share	data	will	not	necessarily	equal	the	annual	earnings	per	share	data.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  107

	
	
23. Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenue	is	disaggregated	by	primary	geographical	market,	type	of	customer	and	major	product	and	services	lines.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Propane	Distribution

U.S.

Inter-segment

1,092.0

(17.5)

33.9

13.4

–

–

Total

1,696.9

69.4

40.6

1,139.3

(17.5)

1,806.9

Specialty	Chemicals

U.S.

345.8

0.6

346.4

Other

105.3

0.2

105.5

Total

583.3

4.1

587.4

Propane	Distribution

U.S.

Inter-segment

1,249.9

50.3

15.4

1,315.6

U.S.

411.6

2.2

413.8

(12.4)

–

–

Total

2,027.7

96.6

47.3

(12.4)

2,171.6

Specialty	Chemicals

Other

106.3

0.1

106.4

Total

676.5

4.8

681.3

Revenue	from	sale	of	products

Revenue	from	services

Tank	and	equipment	rental

Total revenue

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Revenue	from	sale	of	products

Revenue	from	services

Total revenue

For	the	Year	Ended	December 31,	2019

Revenue	from	sale	of	products

Revenue	from	services

Tank	and	equipment	rental

Total	revenue

For	the	Year	Ended	December 31,	2019

Revenue	from	sale	of	chemicals

Revenue	from	services

Total	revenue

Canada

622.4

35.5

27.2

685.1

Canada

132.2

3.3

135.5

Canada

790.2

46.3

31.9

868.4

Canada

158.6

2.5

161.1

108  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

24. Share-Based Compensation

Restricted and Performance Shares

Under	Superior’s	long-term	incentive	program,	restricted	shares	(“RSs”),	performance	shares	(“PSs”)	and/or	director	shares	(“DSs”)	

can	be	granted	to	directors,	senior	officers	and	employees	of	Superior.	All	three	types	of	shares	entitle	the	holder	to	receive	

cash	compensation	in	relation	to	the	value	of	a	specified	number	of	underlying	notional	shares.	RSs	vest	evenly	over	three	years	

from	the	grant	date,	except	for	RSs	issued	to	directors	which	vest	three	years	from	the	grant	date.	Payments	are	made	on	the	

anniversaries	of	the	RSs	to	the	holders	entitled	to	receive	them	on	the	basis	of	a	cash	payment	equal	to	the	value	of	the	underlying	

notional	shares.	PSs	vest	three	years	from	the	grant	date	and	their	notional	value	depends	on	Superior’s	performance	as	compared	

to	established	benchmarks.	DSs	vest	immediately	on	the	grant	date	and	payments	are	made	to	directors	once	they	resign	or	retire	

based	on	the	number	of	notional	shares	outstanding	and	the	value	of	the	shares	on	that	date.	Employee	compensation	expense	

for	these	plans	is	charged	against	net	earnings	or	loss	over	the	vesting	period	of	the	RSs,	PSs,	and	DSs.	The	amount	payable	by	

Superior	in	respect	of	RSs,	PSs	and	DSs	changes	as	a	result	of	dividends	and	share	price	movements.	The	fair	value	of	all	the	RSs,	

PSs	and	DSs	is	equal	to	Superior’s	common	share	market	price	and	the	divisional	notional	share	price	if	related	to	a	divisional	plan.	

In	the	event	of	an	employee	termination,	any	unvested	shares	are	forfeited	on	that	date.

For	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020,	total	compensation	expense	related	to	RSs,	PSs	and	DSs	was	$9.1 million	(2019	–	

$11.8 million).	Exercises	during	the	year	ended	December 31,	2020	under	the	long-term	incentive	plan	were	completed	at	a	

weighted	average	price	of	$12.52	per	share	(2019	–	$11.69	per	share)	for	RSs,	and	$12.52	per	share	(2019	–	$10.26	per	share)	for	

PSs	exercised	during	the	year.	For	the	December 31,	2020,	the	total	carrying	amount	of	the	liability	related	to	RSs,	PSs	and	DSs	was	

$23.5	million	(2019	–	$19.1 million).

The	movement	in	the	number	of	shares	under	the	long-term	incentive	program	was	as	follows:

RSs

PSs

DSs

2020

Total

RSs

PSs

DSs

2019

Total

Opening	number	of	shares	

724,214

1,066,909

470,310

2,261,433

623,352

917,625

487,254

2,028,231

Granted	

400,893

400,893

92,121

893,907

362,783

362,783

14,253

739,819

Performance	factor	

adjustment and other

–

(176,303)

–

(176,303)

–

184,707

–

184,707

Dividends	reinvested

48,286

77,313

36,398

161,997

43,724

66,499

27,521

137,744

Forfeited	

Exercised	

(16,199)

(18,496)

(2,630)

(37,325)

(860)

(12,361)

(58,718)

(71,939)

(351,175)

(170,850)

–

(522,025)

(304,785)

(452,344)

–

(757,129)

Ending number of shares

806,019

1,179,466

596,199

2,581,684

724,214

1,066,909

470,310

2,261,433

Superior	entered	into	equity	derivative	contracts	in	order	to	manage	the	volatility	and	costs	associated	with	its	share-based	

compensation	plans.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	Superior	had	outstanding	notional	values	of	$21.1 million	(2019	–	$21.8 million)	of	

equity	derivative	contracts	at	an	average	share	price	of	$10.29	(2019	–	$12.06).	See	Note 17	for	further	details.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  109

	
	
25. Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Operating Working Capital Changes

Changes in non-cash operating working capital and other

Trade	and	other	receivables,	and	prepaids	and	deposits

Inventories

Trade and other payables and other liabilities

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

Balance	as	at	January	1

Net	proceeds	(repayment)	of	revolving	term	bank	credits	and	other	debt

Non-cash	finance	expense

Deferred	acquisition	payments	

Lease	additions	including	adoption	of	IFRS 16,	net	of	repayments

Debt issue costs

Other,	including	foreign	exchange

Balance as at December 31

2020

2019

39.4

(6.8)

(32.7)

(0.1)

26.0

49.3

(31.6)

43.7

2020

2019

1,928.8

(154.3)

5.0

1.0

37.4

–

10.4

1,853.8

(63.4)

5.8

(0.2)

178.0

(0.6)

(44.6)

1,828.3

1,928.8

26. Related-Party Transactions and Agreements

Transactions	between	Superior	and	its	subsidiaries,	which	are	related	parties,	have	been	eliminated	on	consolidation	and	are	not	

disclosed	in	this	note.

Remuneration of directors and other key management personnel

The	key	management	personnel	of	Superior	are	comprised	of	executives	of	Superior	and	presidents	of	Superior’s	business	

segments.	The	remuneration	paid	to	directors	and	other	members	of	key	management	personnel	over	the	past	two	years	is	

as follows:

	Short-term	employee	benefits(1)

	Other	long-term	employee	benefits	

	Share-based	payments

(1)	 Short-term	employee	benefits	paid	to	directors	and	other	members	of	key	management	personnel	include	salaries	and	bonuses.

2020

6.6

0.1

4.5

11.2

2019

7.9

0.1

4.6

12.6

110  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

27. Group Entities

Significant	Subsidiaries

SP	Reinsurance	Company	Limited

Superior	Plus	LP

Superior	Gas	Liquids	Partnership

Superior	General	Partner	Inc.

Superior	International	Inc.

Superior	Plus	Canada	Financing	Inc.

Stittco	Utilities	NWT	Ltd.	

Stittco	Utilities	Man	Ltd.	

Cal-Gas	Inc.	

ERCO	Worldwide	(Canada)	Corp.

Commercial	E	Industrial	ERCO	(Chile)	Limitada

Superior	Luxembourg	Sàrl

Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	Inc.

Superior	Plus	US	Financing	Inc.

Superior	Plus	US	Capital	Corp.	

ERCO	Worldwide	Inc.

ERCO	Worldwide	(USA)	Inc.

International	Dioxcide	Inc.

Superior	Plus	Energy	Services	Inc.

NGL	Propane,	LLC

Osterman	Propane,	LLC

Sheldon	Gas	Company

Sheldon	Oil	Company

Sheldon	United	Terminals,	LLC

United	Liquid	Gas	Company,	Inc.	

Central	Coast	Propane,	Inc.

Western	Propane	Services

Country	of	
Organization

Bermuda

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Chile

Luxembourg

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Common	Shares	Ownership	 
Interest	(Direct	and	Indirect)

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

(1)	 As	disclosed	in	Note 19,	Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	Inc.	has	issued	260,000	Preferred	Shares	issued	to	a	third	party	which	are	exchangeable	into	common	shares	of	Superior.	
If	converted	these	Preferred	Shares	represent	a	15%	of	the	common	shares	of	Superior.	Superior	Plus	US	Holdings	Inc.	owns	100%	of	the	common	shares	of	these	entities	
either	directly	or	indirectly.

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  111

	
	
28. Reportable Segment Information

Superior	operates	three	operating	segments:	Canadian	Propane	Distribution,	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals.	

The	Canadian	Propane	Distribution	segment	includes	the	Canadian	retail	business	and	wholesale	business	with	operations	in	

Canada	and	California.	The	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	segment	distributes	propane	gas	and	liquid	fuels	along	the	Eastern	U.S.,	and	

into	the	Midwest	and	California.	

Specialty	Chemicals	is	a	leading	global	supplier	of	sodium	chlorate	and	technology	to	the	pulp	and	paper	industry	and	a	regional	

supplier	of	chlor-alkali	products	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	and	Western	Canada.

Superior’s	Chief	Operating	Decision	Maker,	the	President,	reviews	the	operating	results,	assesses	performance,	and	makes	

capital	allocation	decisions	with	respect	to	the	Canadian	Propane	Distribution,	U.S.	Propane	Distribution	and	Specialty	Chemicals	

businesses	and	the	corporate	office.	Therefore,	Superior	has	presented	these	as	operating	segments	for	financial	reporting	
purposes	in	accordance	with	IFRS 8,	Operating Segments.

Year Ended December 31, 2020

U.S.	Propane	
Distribution

CAD	Propane	
Distribution

Specialty	

Chemicals Corporate

Total 
Segments

Inter-

segment Consolidated

Revenue

External	customers

Inter-segment	(1)

Total revenue

Cost	of	sales	(includes	products	

and services)

Inter-segment	(1)

Gross profit

Expenses

899.4

–

899.4

907.5

17.5

925.0

587.4

–

587.4

(368.0)

(525.2)

(395.4)

(17.5)

513.9

–

–

399.8

192.0

–

–

–

–

–

2,394.3

17.5

2,411.8

–

2,394.3

(17.5)

(17.5)

–

2,394.3

(1,288.6)

–

(1,288.6)

(17.5)

17.5

1,105.7

Depreciation	included	in	SD&A

(71.2)

(42.1)

(7.7)

(0.1)

(121.1)

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets	

included	in	SD&A

(5.2)

(11.4)

(22.2)

(0.3)

(39.1)

(0.2)

(29.2)

(88.9)

30.1

(88.6)

(88.6)

(71.9)

(64.1)

(665.9)

(106.5)

49.7

(947.0)

158.7

(71.9)

86.8

Amortization of intangible assets 

included	in	SD&A

SD&A

Finance	expense	

Gains	(losses)	on	derivatives	and	
foreign currency translation of 
borrowings

(42.1)

(309.3)

(5.2)

(20.7)

(1.1)

(205.3)

(122.1)

(4.4)

(8.0)

11.6

7.3

0.7

(421.4)

(276.6)

(160.4)

Earnings	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Income	tax	expense

Net earnings (loss) for the year

92.5

–

92.5

123.2

–

31.6

–

123.2

31.6

(160.5)

(1)	Inter-segment	revenues	and	cost	of	sales	are	eliminated	upon	consolidation	and	reflected	in	the	‘inter-segment’	column.

112  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

–

1,105.7

(121.1)

(39.1)

(64.1)

(665.9)

(106.5)

49.7

(947.0)

158.7

(71.9)

86.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Year	Ended	December 31,	2019

Revenue

External	customers

Inter-segment(1)

Total	revenue

Cost	of	sales	(includes	products	

and services)

Inter-segment(1)

Gross	profit

Depreciation	included	in	SD&A

Depreciation	of	right-of-use	assets	

U.S.	
Propane	
Distribution

CAD	
Propane	
Distribution

Specialty	

Chemicals Corporate

Total 
Segments

Inter-

segment Consolidated

1,024.1

1,147.5

681.3

–

12.4

1,024.1

1,159.9

681.3

(514.7)

(680.4)

(444.8)

509.4

(60.5)

(12.4)

467.1

(40.0)

236.5

(7.9)

2,852.9

12.4

2,865.3

–

2,852.9

(12.4)

(12.4)

–

2,852.9

(1,639.9)

–

(1,639.9)

(12.4)

12.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,213.0

(0.1)

(108.5)

included	in	SD&A

(4.9)

(9.1)

(21.4)

(0.3)

(35.7)

Amortization of intangible assets 

included	in	SD&A

SD&A

Finance	expense	

Gains	(losses)	on	derivatives	and	foreign	
currency	translation	of	borrowings

Earnings	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Income	tax	expense

Net	earnings	(loss)	for	the	year

(39.6)

(308.9)

(4.4)

(11.7)

(430.0)

79.4

–

79.4

(22.8)

(1.1)

(243.9)

(153.0)

(4.4)

(8.1)

–

(34.8)

(97.4)

(63.5)

(740.6)

(114.3)

(16.7)

2.9

42.7

17.2

(336.9)

(188.6)

(89.9)

(1,045.4)

130.2

–

47.9

–

(89.9)

(25.0)

130.2

47.9

(114.9)

167.6

(25.0)

142.6

–

1,213.0

(108.5)

(35.7)

(63.5)

(740.6)

(114.3)

17.2

(1,045.4)

167.6

(25.0)

142.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  113

	
	
Net Working Capital, Total Assets, Total Liabilities and Purchase of Property, Plant and Equipment

As at December 31, 2020

Net	working	capital	(1)

Total assets

Total liabilities

As	at	December 31,	2019

Net	working	capital	(1)

Total assets

Total liabilities

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	

and intangible	assets

For	the	Year	Ended	December 31,	2019

Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	

and intangible	assets

U.S.	Propane	
Distribution

Canadian	
Propane	
Distribution

Specialty	
Chemicals

Corporate

Total

(13.6)

1,823.2

361.1

(0.4)

1,600.2

268.8

14.7

1,112.2

266.4

42.0

1,167.7

295.1

62.4

784.7

351.5

56.9

797.8

338.8

(41.2)

106.2

1,567.2

(48.6)

72.3

1,696.3

22.3

3,826.3

2,546.2

49.9

3,638.0

2,599.0

33.3

39.0

43.0

1.0

116.3

44.4

50.3

41.2

–

135.9

(1)	 Net	working	capital	is	composed	of	trade	and	other	receivables,	prepaids	and	deposits,	and	inventories,	less	trade	and	other	payables,	contract	liabilities	and	dividends	payable.

29. Geographical Information

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020

Property, plant and equipment as at December 31, 2020

Right-of-use assets as at December 31, 2020

Intangible assets as at December 31, 2020

Goodwill as at December 31, 2020

Total assets as at December 31, 2020

Revenue	for	the	year	ended	December 31,	2019

Property,	plant	and	equipment	as	at	December 31,	2019

Right-of-use	assets	as	at	December 31,	2019

Intangible	assets	as	at	December 31,	2019

Goodwill	as	at	December 31,	2019

Total	assets	as	at	December 31,	2019

Canada

803.1

631.3

109.4

151.4

325.7

1,528.2

1,017.1

596.9

146.0

152.3

325.8

U.S.

1,485.7

808.1

64.4

274.0

827.1

2,248.1

1,729.4

696.0

97.1

236.5

755.1

Other

105.5

33.8

0.7

–

–

50.0

106.4

38.8

0.8

–

–

1,562.3

2,021.5

54.2

Total 
Consolidated

2,394.3

1,473.3

174.5

425.4

1,152.8

3,826.3

2,852.9

1,331.7

243.9

388.8

1,080.9

3,638.0

114  Superior Plus Corp. Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

30. Subsequent Events

On	January	26,	2021	Superior	announced	the	acquisition	of	100%	interest	in	the	assets	of	a	retail	propane	and	distillate	distribution	

company,	operating	in	Massachusetts	under	the	tradename	Holden	Oil	(“Holden”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	US$17.8 million.

On	February	1,	2021	Superior	acquired	a	100%	equity	interests	of	a	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	in	Quebec	

under	the	tradename	Miller	Propane	(“Miller”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	CDN	$7.5 million.	

On	February	11,	2021,	Superior	acquired	the	assets	of	an	Ontario	retail	propane	distribution	company,	operating	under	the	

tradename	Highlands	Propane	(“Highlands”)	for	a	total	consideration	of	CDN	$13.9 million.	

On	February	18,	2021,	Superior	entered	into	a	definitive	agreement	to	sell	its	Specialty	Chemicals	business	for	total	consideration	

of	$725.0 million	(the	“Transaction”).	Under	the	terms	of	the	Transaction,	Superior	will	receive	$600 million	in	cash	proceeds	and	

$125 million	in	the	form	of	a	6%	unsecured	Note (“Vendor	Note”).	The	principal	amount	of	the	Vendor	Note and	accrued	and	

unpaid	interest	are	due	5	½	years	from	the	date	the	Transaction	closes.	The	purchase	price	is	subject	to	adjustment	based	on	

the	average	EBITDA	of	the	business	for	the	three	consecutive	twelve-month	periods	following	the	closing	date.	If	the	average	
EBITDA,	adjusted	to	remove	the	impact	of	IFRS 16,	is	higher	than	$115 million	the	purchase	price	will	be	increased	by	multiplying	

the	difference	by	4.5	and	the	seller	will	issue	an	additional	Note to	Superior,	up	to	a	maximum	of	$100 million	which	includes	

accumulated	interest.	The	Note will	bear	interest	at	the	same	rate	as	the	Vendor	Note and	interest	will	accrue	from	the	closing	

date.	If	the	average	EBITDA,	adjusted	to	remove	the	impact	of	IFRS 16,	is	lower	than	$100 million,	the	purchase	price	will	be	

decreased	by	multiplying	the	difference	by	4.5	and	a	Note will	be	issued	to	the	seller	up	to	a	maximum	of	$100 million	which	

includes	accumulated	interest.	The	Note will	bear	interest	at	the	same	rate	as	the	Vendor	Note and	interest	will	accrue	from	the	

closing	date.	As	at	December 31,	2020,	the	Specialty	Chemicals	segment	did	not	meet	the	definition	of	assets	held	for	sale	and	

discontinued	operations.	Subsequent	to	December 31,	2020	and	until	the	transaction	closes,	the	assets	and	liabilities	of	the	

Specialty	Chemical	segment	will	be	shown	as	held	for	sale	on	the	balance	sheet	and	the	segments	net	earnings	(loss),	including	

comparative	figures,	will	be	shown	as	a	discontinued	operation	on	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Net	Earnings	(Loss).	

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  115

	
	
Corporate Information

Board of Directors

Catherine (Kay) M. Best
Director 

Calgary,	Alberta

Eugene V.N. Bissell
Director 

Gladwyne,	Pennsylvania

Richard C. Bradeen
Director 

Montreal	West,	Québec

Luc Desjardins
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Toronto,	Ontario

Randall J. Findlay
Director 

Calgary,	Alberta

Patrick (Pat) E. Gottschalk
Director 
Philadelphia,	Pennsylvania

Douglas J. Harrison
Director 

Burlington,	Ontario

Mary B. Jordan
Director 

Vancouver,	British	Columbia

Angelo Rufino
Director

New	York,	New	York	

David P. Smith 
Chairman  
Toronto,	Ontario

116  Superior Plus Corp. Corporate	Information

Corporate Officers and Senior Management

Ed Bechberger
President, Specialty Chemicals

Brian DeMille
Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller

Luc Desjardins
President and Chief Executive Officer

Rob Dorran
Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer

Jason Fortin
Senior Vice President, Business Transformation 

Julien Houle
Vice President, Human Resources

Darren Hribar
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Harry Kanwar
Vice President, Risk and Compliance

Greg L. McCamus
President, Superior Propane and Superior Plus Energy Distribution

Inder Minhas
Senior Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions

Lisa O’Connor
Vice President, Finance

Andy Peyton
President, Superior Plus Propane

Erin Seaman
Vice President, Tax

Beth Summers
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Shawn Vammen
Senior Vice President, Superior Gas Liquids

Trustee and Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Suite	600,	530	–	8	Avenue	SW

Calgary,	Alberta	T2P	3S8 

or: 

Suite	800,	100	University	Avenue 

Toronto,	Ontario M5J	2Y1 

Toll	Free:	1-800-564-6253 

Website:	www.computershare.com/ca

Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP
100	Adelaide	Street	West 

Toronto,	Ontario M5H	0B3

Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
The	Corporation’s	Annual	and	Special	Meeting	 

of	shareholders	will	be	held	virtually	on	Wednesday,	 

May	12,	2021	at	4:00	p.m.	(EDT).

Toronto Stock Exchange 
(TSX) Listings

SPB: Superior	Plus	Corp.	shares

Business and Shareholder Information

Superior Plus Corp.

Unit	401,	200	Wellington	Street	West 

Toronto,	Ontario M5V	3C7 

Telephone:	416-345-8050 

Facsimile:	416-340-6030 

Toll	Free:	1-866-490-PLUS	(7587) 

Investor-relations@SuperiorPlus.com 

www.superiorplus.com

Energy Distribution

Canadian Propane Distribution

Superior Propane
6750	Century	Avenue,	Suite	400 

Mississauga,	Ontario L5N	2V8 

Toll	Free:	1-877-341-7500 

Fax:	1-877-730-5575

Superior Gas Liquids
840	–	7	Avenue	SW,	Suite	1400 

Calgary,	Alberta T2P	3G2 

Toll	Free:	1-888-849-3525 

Fax:	403-283-6589

U.S. Propane Distribution

Superior Plus Energy Services
650	E	Swedesford	Rd.,	Suite	300 

Wayne,	Pennsylvania	19087 

Toll	Free:	1-855-804-3835

Specialty Chemicals

ERCO Worldwide
302	The	East	Mall,	Suite	200 
Toronto,	Ontario M9B	6C7 

Toll	Free:	416-239-7111 

Fax:	416-239-0235

Superior Plus Share Price and Volumes – TSX

Quarterly	high,	low,	close	and	volumes	for	2020	and	2019.	The	table	below	sets	forth	the	high	and	low	prices,	as	well	as	the	

volumes,	for	the	shares	as	traded	on	the	TSX,	on	a	quarterly	basis.

Period
First	Quarter
Second	Quarter
Third	Quarter
Fourth	Quarter
Year

High
$12.91
$11.55
$12.68
$12.82
$12.91

Low
$5.97
$7.68
$10.81
$11.30
$5.97

2020
Volume
Close
94,187,272
$8.26
68,238,009
$11.12
51,436,487
$11.76
$12.18
55,538,864
$12.18 269,400,632

High
$11.82
$13.65
$13.70
$13.04
$13.70

Low
$9.58
$11.02
$11.16
$11.60
$9.58

2019
Volume
Close
63,591,877
$11.45
55,324,623
$13.36
55,916,816
$12.02
$12.56
50,234,690
$12.56 225,068,006

Annual	Report	2020 	Superior Plus Corp.  117

	
	
Superior Plus Corp.

401, 200 Wellington Street West,

Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C7

Tel: 416-345-8050

Fax: 416-340-6030

For more information send your enquiries to:

investor-relations@superiorplus.com

Toll-Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587)

superiorplus.com