Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaging & Containers / Winpak Limited

Winpak Limited

wpk · TSX Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker wpk
Exchange TSX
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Winpak Limited
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Winpak’s  2016  net  income  attributable  to  equity  holders  was  $104.3  million  reflecting  a  year-over-year  increase  of  $5.1  million  or  5.1  percent. This 
achievement marks yet another milestone for the Corporation.  This growth was somewhat assisted by the weaker Canadian dollar and lower resin costs, 
the base component used in Winpak products.  As was the situation in 2015, these two factors, while benefiting the profit performance, challenged the 
revenue line.  This is due to the reality that nearly 70 percent of Winpak’s selling prices are indexed to resin costs.  Notably, these headwinds did not 
prevent the Company from registering record high sales of $822.5 million, which exceeded the prior year by $25.4 million and was driven by an impressive 
year-over-year volume gain of 6.8 percent.

Complementing the above-stated financial performance, in 2016 Winpak successfully initiated the expansion of two of its manufacturing sites, primarily 
to accommodate new production equipment.  The most sophisticated coextrusion machine to ever be commissioned at Winpak, and one might argue 
by any of its North American competitors, is designed to produce high-barrier plastic materials for modified atmosphere packaging applications.  This 
line  commenced  commercial  production  at  the  Corporation’s  Winnipeg,  Manitoba  facility  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016.    This  state-of-the-art  system 
further substantiates Winpak’s mandate to provide its customers with cutting-edge technology.  Premier food conglomerates continue to value Winpak’s 
trailblazing approach, acknowledging its superior skills and abilities by awarding the firm greater sales opportunities.

In 2016, Winpak’s Georgia-based specialty films business began construction of an 80,000 square foot addition to its existing building.  This expansion 
was necessary to house new equipment to satisfy the rising zeal for the Company’s shrink bag product offerings.  This project is slated for completion in 
the first quarter of 2017 and will initially provide space for two new blown coextrusion lines, as well as auxiliary machinery for printing and bag-making 
applications.  Once these lines are activated, it will alleviate the pressure of meeting customer demands by shortening lead-times and, hence, paving the 
way for future growth.  The specialty films group’s non-shrink bag products, used in the liquid packaging industry and certain specialty meat applications, 
are also rapidly gaining recognition and applause from this business’ broadening customer base.

The North American consumers’ ongoing desire for quick-to-prepare food items, such as hot beverages and ready-to-serve meals, bodes extremely well 
for Winpak and, most significantly, for its Ontario and Illinois rigid-based operations.  Shelf-stable foods are becoming increasingly attractive to everyday 
consumers.  Winpak’s innovative high-barrier packaging materials are uniquely suited for these end-use applications.  To satisfy this pressing market 
demand, the Company broke ground on a 348,000 square foot expansion at one of its facilities in the Chicago, Illinois area, which is slated for completion 
in the second quarter of 2017.  This new structure will house customized, high-tech equipment essential to these consumer-driven requests for more 
convenience packaging.  Moreover, the rigid group has recently developed an environmentally-friendly structure that in 2016 was extremely well received 
by specific food processing companies.  This will certainly create exciting new selling advantages in the coming year.

Winpak’s lidding business operates at three locations, Quebec, Illinois and Querétaro, Mexico.  Its product range is often marketed in conjunction with 
the high-end containers manufactured by the Company’s rigid group, since most items of this specification require some form of lidding.  With continuing 
pressure from consumers for more convenience-type foods, Winpak’s lidding and rigid business will accelerate in tandem to keep up with the brisk pace.  
In 2016, the Quebec facility streamlined its production operations that included an upgrade to one of its primary extrusion coating lines.  This responded 
to an urgent need for capacity to service designated sections of the food packaging industry.  As the majority of lidding materials are printed, the end result 
is a push for more output in this sector.  In 2016, an order was placed for a new leading-edge printing press that is scheduled to come on-stream in the 
first quarter of 2017.  With this and the previously stated upgrades, the lidding group is well positioned to meet the anticipated onset of new business in 
the coming year.

Winpak’s California-based machinery operations logged another superb year, both in sales and profitability.  Equally striking was the performance in 
system sales whereby products made by the Corporation’s rigid and flexible packaging groups are sold jointly with the firm’s packaging equipment.  Sales 
for both machinery and materials were further bolstered by the establishment of a packaging lab at the Company’s California-based location.  This proved 
to be a well-received benefit as it allows existing and potential customers to pretest packages before the actual launch of their product.  This has definitely 
been instrumental in further ensuring and enhancing customer allegiance.

Winpak’s business venture with Sojitz Corporation of Japan to produce biaxially-oriented nylon film, dating back to 1998, has performed well for both 
parties.  The year 2016 was no exception, as this unit announced over-the-top results in sales and profitability.  Such enviable momentum was secured 
by expanding its customer base and incorporating improved efficiencies throughout its operation.  The quality of the biaxially-oriented nylon manufactured 
at this facility surpasses all competition and, therefore, has been successful in warding off advances from domestic and offshore rivals who tend to sell 
on price and not product integrity. 

To say that 2016 was an exciting year would be an understatement.  Building additions, new mega production equipment installations and sizeable 
capacity upgrades were the order of the day; while at the same time the Corporation logged new highs for sales and profitability.  With all the major 
expansions either up and running or nearing completion, the required capacity will be in place for Winpak to address the rising demands for its specialty, 
high-barrier plastics.  This is primarily fueled by the growing customer desire for ready-to-serve convenience foods.  Even more heartening, there is a 
dynamic and dedicated team of nearly 2,400 Winpak associates poised to capitalize on the many future opportunities that the Corporation’s strategic plan 
and financial commitments have created.  With this in mind, Winpak is expecting the best for 2017.

B.J. Berry
President & Chief Executive Officer
Winnipeg, Canada  
February 16, 2017

1

REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS                 W      
 
(Values expressed in US dollars)

Operating results ($ million except earnings per share)

Revenue

Income from operations

EBITDA (2)

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company

Earnings per share (cents)

Investments and assets ($ million)

Investments in plant and equipment

Total assets

Financial position

2016

2015

2014 

2013

2012 (1) 

822.5

157.8

192.0

104.3

161

72.2

874.2

797.2

147.3

179.2

99.2

153

53.7

766.1

786.8

115.1

145.6

78.4

121

48.1

734.3

714.9

104.8

131.5

71.4

110

51.2

713.2

670.1

103.2

129.4

71.3

110

68.4

634.6

Total debt to equity attributable to equity holders of the Company (3)

Net return on opening equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Return on opening invested capital (4)

0.0%

17.3%

30.8%

0.0%

17.0%

29.1%

0.0%

13.6%

24.2%

0.0%

14.3%

25.1%

0.0%

16.3%

28.9%

Revenue: Ten-year compound average growth rate (“CAGR”) 6.3%

$ U.S. million

900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0

2006        2007        2008        2009        2010        2011        2012        2013        2014        2015        2016

(1)  Amounts have been restated to reflect the retrospective impact of amended IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”, which included an increase in net finance 
expense due to the reduction in the expected return on defined benefit pension plan assets and an increase in general and administrative expenses 
following the reclassification of certain plan administration costs.
(2)  EBITDA (income before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) is not a recognized measure under International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS).  Management believes that in addition to net income attributable to equity holders of the Company, EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure as 
it provides investors with an indication of cash available for distribution prior to debt service, capital expenditures and income taxes.  Investors should be 
cautioned, however, that EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income attributable to equity holders of the Company determined in 
accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance.  The Company’s method of calculating EBITDA may differ from other companies 
and, accordingly, EBITDA may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.  Refer to the section entitled Selected Financial Information on 
page 3 of this document for the calculation of EBITDA from 2014 to 2016.
(3)  Total debt is defined as long-term debt plus bank overdrafts less cash and cash equivalents.  From 2012 to 2016, the year-end balances did not 
include any long-term debt or bank overdrafts.
(4)  Return on opening invested capital is defined as income from operations divided by invested capital, which is defined as the sum of total debt, equity, 
net deferred tax liability, and accumulated goodwill amortization.

2

REVIEWCertain  statements  made  in  the  following  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  contain  forward-looking  statements  including,  but  not  limited  to, 
statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company.  Forward-looking statements represent the Company’s intentions, 
plans, expectations and beliefs, and are not guarantees of future performance.  Such forward-looking statements represent Winpak’s current views based 
on information as at the date of this report.  They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and the Company’s actual results could differ, which in 
some cases may be material, from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.  Unless otherwise required by applicable securities law, Winpak 
disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise this information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  The 
Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

General Information  

The following discussion and analysis dated February 16, 2017 was prepared by management and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated 
financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles as set out in Part 1 of the Handbook of the Chartered 
Professional Accountants  (CPA)  of  Canada.   The  following  discussion  and  analysis  is  presented  in  US  dollars  except  where  otherwise  noted.   The 
consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  all  subsidiaries.   The  Company’s  functional  and  reporting  currency  is  the  US  dollar.   The 
Company has filed a separate Management’s Discussion and Analysis for its fourth quarter of 2016, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.  

The fiscal year of the Company ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year.  Both the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years comprised 52 weeks.

Company Overview 

Winpak is an integrated converter operating in the packaging materials segment.  The Company utilizes manufacturing technology focused on the core 
competency of sophisticated extrusion and conversion of plastic and aluminum foil materials.  The business encompasses three product groups produced 
in ten manufacturing facilities located in North America.  Winpak distributes products to customers primarily in North America for use in the packaging of 
perishable foods, beverages and in healthcare applications.

Selected Financial Information
Millions of US dollars, except per share and margin amounts

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company

Income from operations

Revenue

Gross profit margin

Earnings per share (cents)

Dividends declared per common share (Canadian cents)

Special dividend paid per common share (Canadian cents)

Total assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Reconciliation of EBITDA

Net income

Income tax expense

Net finance (income) expense

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

2016

104.3

157.8

822.5

32.7%

161

12

-

874.2

211.2

108.2

49.8

(0.2)

34.2

192.0

2015 

99.2

147.3

797.2

2014 

78.4

115.1

786.8

32.3%

28.5%

153

12

150

766.1

165.0

101.8

45.5

0.1

31.8

179.2

121

12

100

734.3

143.8

79.7

35.5

(0.1)

30.5

145.6

3

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS       W                 
 
Overall Performance

 ∆ Revenue reached an all-time high of $822.5 million, advancing by $25.4 million or 3.2 percent compared to 2015.  Expanded volumes added 
$54.2  million  to  revenue  but  price/mix  declines  and  a  weaker  Canadian  dollar  detracted  from  revenue  by  $24.4  million  and  $4.4  million 
respectively.

 ∆ Gross profit grew by 4.5 percent from $257.8 million in 2015 to $269.3 million.  However, this did not quite keep pace with the rise in sales 

volumes of 6.8 percent due to higher costs resulting from operational challenges. 

 ∆ Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company surpassed the 2015 record result by $5.1 million or 5.1 percent, to finish at $104.3 

million.  Higher sales volumes, lower operating expenses and favorable foreign exchange contributed to this accomplishment.

 ∆ Cash and cash equivalents ended the year at $211.2 million, despite plant and equipment expenditures at an all-time high of $72.2 million.  The 

Company has no short-term borrowings or long-term debt outstanding.

Highlights

 ∆ Raw materials:  In 2016, the annual average cost of raw materials declined by just over 5 percent from the prior year average, but before the 

current year ended, resin prices had started to climb in tandem with world oil prices.

 ∆ Operating expenses:  Lower compensation costs were the main driving force behind a reduction in operating expenses, increasing earnings 

per share by 2.5 cents.   

 ∆ Foreign exchange:  In 2016, the average exchange rate of the Canadian dollar depreciated against its US counterpart by 4.8 percent  compared 
to 2015.  The result was a gain on the translation of net Canadian dollar expenses into US funds and in combination with reduced losses on the 
maturation of foreign exchange forward contracts, was responsible for a favorable foreign exchange impact on earnings per share of 5.0 cents.

 ∆ Capital expenditures:  Capital expenditures in 2016 totaled $72.2 million, providing the foundation from which the Company can continue to 

generate above-average organic growth.                                                                   

 ∆ Financing and investing:  Winpak generated $126.0 million in cash flow from operating activities, which was more than sufficient to fund  $72.2 
million in capital projects, $5.9 million in regular dividends, and $1.7 million of other items, resulting in an improvement in the net cash position 
of $46.2 million from the end of the previous year.  The Company will utilize its cash resources on hand and generate additional cash flow 
from operations to fund its investing and financing activities in 2017.  In addition, management will continue to evaluate strategic acquisition 
opportunities in concert with implementing its organic capital investment program, all focused on enhancing long-term shareholder value.  

4

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS        
                                                                                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations

Components of total increase in earnings per share (EPS)

Organic growth

Gross profit margins

Expenses, income taxes and non-controlling interests

Foreign exchange

Total increase in EPS (cents)

2016

11.0

(7.0)

(1.0)

5.0

8.0

2015

5.5

24.0

(4.0)

6.5

32.0

2014

11.5

(4.5)

3.5

0.5

11.0

Ongoing operations 
Organic growth is the impact on net income due exclusively to increased sales volume and excludes the influence of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign 
exchange.  In 2016, this was the main catalyst propelling EPS growth of 11.0 cents in comparison to the prior year.    

Gross profit expansion lagged behind the growth in sales volumes in relation to the prior year, resulting in a reduction in EPS of 7.0 cents.  Less than 
optimal manufacturing performance played a significant role in the result. 

Diminished compensation costs drove operating expenses lower and elevated EPS by 2.5 cents compared to 2015.  An increase in net income attributable 
to non-controlling interests reduced EPS by 2.0 cents while a higher average income tax rate resulted in a further decrease of 1.5 cents.      

Foreign exchange had a favorable impact of 5.0 cents on EPS versus the previous year.  The weaker Canadian dollar versus its US counterpart in the 
current year was responsible for the positive result. 

Revenue

Revenue Change

Volume increase

Price and mix (losses) gains

Foreign exchange loss

Total increase in revenue

Millions of US dollars

2015

33.5

(10.7)

(12.4)

10.4

2016

54.2

(24.4)

(4.4)

25.4

2014

70.8

7.1

(6.0)

71.9

For 2016, revenue reached an all-time high of $822.5 million, up by 3.2 percent or $25.4 million from the level recorded in the previous year despite the 
headwinds of customer selling price-indexing linked to lower raw material costs and foreign exchange.  Volumes grew by a notable 6.8 percent with all 
major product groups progressing.  Biaxially oriented nylon volumes had the highest percentage achievement versus the prior year.  Lidding shipments 
followed  with  high  single-digit  percentage  gains  due  to  new  customers  in  foil  rollstock  applications  along  with  sustained  progress  in  die-cut  lidding 
including retort products.  Rigid container along with specialty films and modified atmosphere packaging volumes all expanded in the mid single-digit 
percentage range.  Custom container shipments, including specialty beverage, along with condiment packaging and trays for home meal replacements 
bolstered volume growth in rigid packaging.  Additional business wins at major US protein customers drove volume growth in both specialty films and 
modified atmosphere packaging.  Although packaging machinery shipments were down from the prior year, spare part sales were robust in 2016.  Partially 
offsetting the positive impact of organic volume growth on annual revenues was a reduction of 3.1 percent or $24.4 million due to selling price/mix changes 
as indexed selling prices fell in response to reduced raw material costs, with an approximate 90-day lag.  Likewise, the decline in 2016 of the value of the 
Canadian dollar in comparison to its US counterpart was responsible for a decline in revenues of 0.5 percent or $4.4 million. 

Gross profit margins
In 2016, gross profit margins attained a level of 32.7 percent of revenue versus 32.3 percent reached in 2015.  While volumes advanced by 6.8 percent in 
2016, gross profit only grew by 4.5 percent from $257.8 million in 2015 to $269.3 million in the present year, resulting in a reduction in EPS of 7.0 cents.  
Temporary capacity constraints in specialty films as well as modified atmosphere packaging resulted in added expense as production schedules could 
not be fully optimized and volumes had to be supplemented by higher-cost purchased material.  As the year ended, the Company’s sophisticated 13-layer 
coextrusion production line at its Winnipeg modified atmosphere packaging facility was declared commercial which should greatly ease the constraints in 
capacity experienced in 2016.  Furthermore, manufacturing variances were elevated due to the technical challenges that had to be overcome in the launch 
of new products and processes across a number of the Company’s product lines.  As more experience is gained and best practices are developed, these 

5

W 
variances will abate considerably over time as the operations group continues to focus on improvement in these areas.  

Winpak’s raw material index, which represents the weighted cost of a basket of the Company’s eight principal raw materials, fell 5.6 percent, on average, 
during the past year.  However, the change in raw material pricing was inconsistent amongst the different materials within the index with certain resins, 
such as polypropylene where supply was tight, experiencing price inflation while others such as polyethylene or nylon exhibited some level of deflation.  
As 2016 came to a close, with pressure coming from rising oil prices, the trend in raw material pricing was decidedly upward.  

Raw Material Index

Average annual index: weighted cost of a basket of Winpak’s eight

principal raw materials, where base year 2001 = 100

(Decrease) increase in index compared to prior year

2016

2015

2014

139.7

(5.6%)

148.0

(16.4%)

177.0

1.4%

Expenses 
Operating expenses, exclusive of foreign exchange impacts, increased by only 4.8 percent from the prior year in contrast to the expansion in sales 
volume of 6.8 percent, resulting in an addition to EPS of 2.5 cents.  With the moderate incline in the Company’s share price during the current year versus 
the nearly 40 percent surge which occurred in the previous year, the result was a significant reduction in share-based incentive expenses.  This, when 
combined with a one-time $1,000 CAD 40th anniversary payment made to each of the Company’s over 2,200 employees in the third quarter of 2015, 
was more than enough to offset increases in research, technical and pre-production costs primarily related to new products and processes.  On the other 
hand, a larger proportion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests and a higher average income tax rate subtracted 2.0 cents and 1.5 cents 
from EPS respectively.     

Foreign Exchange

Year-end exchange rate of CDN dollar to US dollar

Year-end exchange rate of US dollar to CDN dollar

Appreciation (depreciation) of CDN dollar vs. US dollar year-end

exchange rate compared to the prior year

Average exchange rate of CDN dollar to US dollar

Average exchange rate of US dollar to CDN dollar

Depreciation of CDN dollar vs. US dollar average

exchange rate compared to the prior year

2016

0.739

1.354

2.4%

0.751

1.332

2015

0.722

1.385

(16.0%)

0.789

1.267

2014

0.860

1.162

(7.9%)

0.910

1.099

(4.8%)

(13.3%)

(6.4%)

Winpak utilizes the US currency as both its reporting and functional currency.  However, with more than half of its production capacity located in Canada, 
it is exposed to foreign exchange risks and records foreign currency differences on transactions and translations denominated in Canadian dollars as 
well as other foreign currencies.  With a small production facility located in Mexico, the Company is also exposed to foreign exchange risks on costs 
denominated in Mexican pesos but these are negligible.

Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on EPS of approximately 5.0 cents in 2016 compared to the prior year.  Approximately 10 percent of revenues 
and 20 percent of costs in the current year were denominated in Canadian dollars.  The net outflow of Canadian dollars exposes Winpak to transaction 
differences arising from exchange rate fluctuations.  The depreciation in the average exchange rate of the Canadian dollar in relation to the US dollar in 
2016 increased EPS by approximately 2.5 cents compared to 2015.  Although there were losses realized on the maturation of foreign exchange contracts 
entered into as part of the Company’s foreign exchange policy, these were minimal in the current year compared to much larger losses in 2015, which 
resulted in a further boost to EPS of 2.5 cents in 2016 versus the previous year.

6

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS         
  
 
 
Summary of quarterly results

Thousands of US dollars, except earnings per share (EPS) amounts (cents)

Quarter ended

Revenue

Net income*

EPS

Quarter ended

Revenue

Net income*

EPS

2016

2015

March 27

June 26

September 25

December 25

198,154

204,129

204,699

215,550
822,532

26,564

25,166

24,036

28,578
104,344

March 29

June 28

September 27

December 27

41

39

37

44
161

199,440

198,257

193,726

205,746

797,169

22,463

26,845

22,305

27,635

99,248

35

41

34

43

153

*attributable to equity holders of the Company

Various factors affect timing of the Company’s earnings during the course of a year.  Typically, seasonal factors contribute to stronger revenue and net 
income in the second and fourth quarters compared to the first and third quarters.  Factors influencing seasonal trends are the higher demand for certain 
food products in advance of the summer season and the greater number of holidays in the fourth quarter.  During the third quarter, revenue and net 
income are typically lower due to reduced order levels and plant maintenance shutdowns scheduled to coincide with the summer.  Sudden and substantial 
changes in the rate of exchange between the Canadian and US dollars from one quarter to another may cause revenue and net income to vary from the 
historic trend.  Similarly, sudden and significant changes in the cost of raw materials consumed from one quarter to another can be expected to increase 
or decrease net income in a manner that does not conform to the normal pattern.  Furthermore, unexpected adverse weather conditions could influence 
the supply and price of raw materials or customer order levels, and the timing of startup of new manufacturing equipment can cause revenue and net 
income to depart from established trends.

The historical pattern essentially held true for both 2016 and 2015 except that the first quarter net income was higher in 2016, as this was the only quarter 
in 2016 with falling raw material prices which supplemented gross profit margins.  In addition, third quarter revenues were elevated in the current year due 
primarily to timing of specialty beverage container shipments.  The first quarter of 2015 saw slightly stronger revenue performance than normal but the 
deviation from historical norms was minimal.

Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 25, 2016, Winpak’s cash and cash equivalents balance climbed to $211.2 million, advancing by $46.2 million from a year prior.  This increase 
resulted from cash provided by operating activities of $126.0 million less disbursements for investing activities of $72.7 million and financing activities of 
$7.1 million.

Operating activities
Cash  from  operating  activities  amounted  to  $126.0  million.   A  notable  improvement  of  $12.6  million  was  realized  in  cash  generated  from  operating 
activities before changes in working capital which totaled $191.6 million.  This was offset in part by a further investment in working capital for the current 
year of $20.1 million.  Trade and other receivables and inventories advanced by $16.3 million and $7.0 million respectively, and were influenced by the 
growth in sales volumes of 6.8 percent.  Furthermore, trade receivables were also impacted by extended payment terms at certain customers as part of 
contract negotiations while inventories rose in response to a rise in raw material costs at the end of the year compared to the start.  Income tax payments 
reached $44.5 million, up significantly from the previous year by $18.0 million due to greater tax installments mandated by higher income levels.  Finally, 
employee defined benefit plan contributions of $1.5 million were funded during the year.  The Company remains well funded with regard to its defined 
benefit pension plans, with gross pension assets totalling over $85 million and a net unfunded liability of only $2.5 million on an accounting basis.    

Investing activities
Investing activities in the current year totaled $72.7 million, of which plant and equipment additions represented $72.2 million.  These expenditures were 
at an all-time high for Winpak as the Company embarked on two significant building expansions in Sauk Village, Illinois and Senoia, Georgia totaling 
approximately  $25  million.    In  addition,  a  substantial  investment  was  made  in  the  latest  extrusion  and  printing  technology  to  support  the  continued 
advancement of organic volume growth, a consistent pillar of the corporate strategy for the past decade.  This included a state-of-the-art cast coextrusion 
line  at  the  modified  atmosphere  packaging  facility  in  Winnipeg  which  became  commercial  in  the  fourth  quarter  and  represented  the  largest  single 
equipment project ever undertaken by Winpak, both in monetary value and complexity.  It provides a solid foundation to grow that part of the business 
for years to come.  Capital in progress at December 25, 2016 totaled $53.8 million, with the two building expansions initiated in the current year, slated 
for completion in the first and second quarters of 2017.  Over the long term, Winpak’s expenditures for equipment enhancements in maintaining existing 
capacity have averaged approximately 2 percent of revenue. 

7

WFinancing activities
Financing activities in 2016 consisted of dividends to common shareholders of $5.9 million and a dividend payment of $1.2 million to a non-controlling 
interest in a subsidiary.  A regular quarterly dividend of $0.03 Canadian has been paid consistently since the third quarter of 2007 when it was doubled.  
In general, it has been the philosophy of the Company to re-invest a significant portion of earnings back into the business to promote substantial organic 
growth rather than pay sizeable dividends to shareholders.  However, in recent years, the cash balance has swelled and as a result, in October 2015, a 
special dividend of $73.8 million ($97.5 million Canadian) was paid to common shareholders and in 2014, a special dividend of $58.5 million ($65.0 million 
Canadian) was also declared.  The Board of Directors of Winpak does not have any specific plans regarding the declaration of special dividends in future 
years but will make decisions in this regard as circumstances arise.     

Resources
Investments to drive growth can be sizeable, requiring substantial financial resources.  A range of funding alternatives is available including cash and 
cash equivalents, cash flow provided by operations, additional debt, issuance of equity or a combination thereof.  An informal investment grade credit 
rating allows the Company access to relatively low interest rates on debt.  The Company currently has operating lines of $38 million, which are believed 
adequate for liquidity purposes.  None of the lines were utilized as at December 25, 2016.  Based on formal and informal discussions with various financial 
institutions, Winpak believes that additional credit can be arranged from banks and other major lenders as the need arises.  The Company is confident that 
all 2017 requirements for capital expenditures, working capital, and dividend payments can be financed from cash resources, cash provided by operating 
activities and unused credit facilities. 

Risks and Financial Instruments

The Company recognizes that net income is exposed to changes in market interest rates, foreign exchange rates, prices of raw materials and risks 
regarding the financial condition of customers and financial counterparties.  These market conditions are regularly monitored and actions are taken, when 
appropriate, according to Winpak’s policies established for the purpose.  Despite the methods employed to manage these risks, future fluctuations in 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates, raw material costs and counterparty financial condition can be expected to impact net income.

Winpak’s policy regarding interest expense is to fix interest rates on between one- and two-thirds of any long-term debt outstanding.  The Company may 
enter into derivative contracts or fixed-rate debt to minimize the risk associated with interest rate fluctuations.  For the past seven years, Winpak has not 
had any long-term debt outstanding.

With respect to foreign exchange risk, Winpak employs hedging programs to minimize risks associated with changes in the value of the Canadian dollar 
relative to the US dollar.  To the extent possible, the Company maximizes natural currency hedging by matching inflows from revenue in a currency with 
outflows of costs and expenses denominated in the same currency.  For the remaining exposure, the Company’s foreign exchange policy requires that 
between 50 and 80 percent of the Company’s net requirement of Canadian dollars for the ensuing 9 to 15 months will be hedged at all times with forward 
or zero-cost option contracts.  The Company may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts when equipment purchases will be settled in other 
foreign currencies.  Purchases of foreign exchange products for the purpose of speculation are not permitted.  Transactions are only conducted with 
certain approved Schedule I Canadian financial institutions.

Significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates represent a material exposure for the Company’s financial results.  Hedging programs employed may 
mitigate a portion of exposures to short-term fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  However, the Company’s financial results over the long-term 
will inevitably be affected by sizeable changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar.  Winpak estimates that each time the exchange 
rate strengthens or weakens by one Canadian cent against the US dollar, net income, with respect to transaction differences, will decrease or increase, 
respectively, by approximately three-quarters of a US cent per share.  

During  2016,  certain  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  matured  and  the  Company  realized  pre-tax  foreign  exchange  losses  of  $0.6  million.   As  at 
December 25, 2016, the Company had US to CDN dollar foreign currency forward contracts outstanding with notional amounts of $23.0 million.  The pre-
tax unrealized foreign exchange loss on these contracts of less than $0.1 million was recorded in other comprehensive income.      

Winpak has not participated in any derivatives market for raw materials.  Winpak is not aware of any instrument that fully mitigates fluctuations in raw 
material costs over the long term.  To manage this risk, Winpak has entered into formal selling price-indexing agreements with certain customers whereby 
changes in raw material prices are reflected in selling price adjustments, albeit with a slight time lag.  For 2016, approximately 69 percent of Winpak’s 
revenues were governed by selling price-indexing agreements.  For all other customers, the Company responds to changes in raw material costs by 
adjusting selling prices on a customer-by-customer basis.  However, market conditions can have an impact on these price adjustments such that the 
combined impact of selling price adjustments and changes in raw material costs can be significant to Winpak’s net income.

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents held with banks, derivative financial instruments (foreign currency forward and option contracts), as 
well as credit exposure to customers, including outstanding accounts receivable.  The Company assesses the credit quality of counterparties, taking into 
account their financial position, past experience and other factors.  Management regularly monitors customer credit limits, performs credit reviews and, 
in certain cases, insures accounts receivable balances against credit losses.  The Company invests its excess cash on a short-term basis, to a maximum 
of six months, with financial institutions and/or governmental bodies that must be rated AA rated or higher for CDN financial institutions and A-1 or higher 

8

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS       for US financial institutions by recognized international credit rating agencies or insured 100 percent by the US government or a AAA rated Canadian 
federal or provincial government.  Nonetheless, unexpected deterioration in the financial condition of a counterparty can have a negative impact on the 
Company’s net income in the case of default.  

The  Company  enters  into  contractual  obligations  in  the  normal  course  of  business  operations.    These  obligations,  as  at  December  25,  2016,  are 
summarized below.

Contractual Obligations

Payment due, by period (thousands of US dollars)

Operating leases

Purchase obligations

Total contractual obligations

Accounting Policy Changes

Total

1 year

2 - 3 years

4 - 5 Years

After 5 years

2,222

26,766

28,988

973

26,766

27,739

1,092

-

1,092

157

-

157

-

-

-

Future Accounting Changes
As  more  fully  described  in  Note  6  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  three  new  accounting  standards  have  been  issued,  IFRS  9  “Financial 
Instruments”, IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and IFRS 16 “Leases”.  IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 are effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2018 while IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.  The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of these new standards and does not intend to early adopt these standards in its consolidated financial statements.  

In addition, amendments to IAS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows” were issued in January 2016 and IFRIC Interpretation 22 “Foreign Currency Transactions 
and Advance Consideration” was issued in December 2016.  These are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and January 
1, 2018 respectively.  While the Company is currently assessing the impact of these changes, management does not expect them to have a significant 
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and does not intend to early adopt them.

Looking Forward

Following a strong finish to 2016, the Company remains optimistic as it enters 2017 in terms of volume and earnings advancement.   Winpak continues 
its strategic focus on organic growth with opportunities in the sales pipeline progressing on the road to new revenue for the corporation.  In particular, 
additional  business  from  North America’s  major  food  processors  continue  to  bear  fruit  as  these  companies  gain  increased  confidence  in  Winpak’s 
capabilities and become entrenched in the outstanding customer service for which the Company has become known.  From a raw material standpoint, 
the prices of many of the Company’s widely used resins have escalated as of late due to tightness in supply and the rise of world oil prices and while 
the future is uncertain, the near term trend is decidedly upward.  This should not have a significant impact on gross profit margins as nearly 70 percent 
of the Company’s revenues are indexed to the price of raw materials, albeit with an approximate 90-day time lag.  As in 2016, the Company will remain 
focused on improving operational performance, particularly in those areas where capacity constraints have presented challenges and where new products 
and processes require more experience to optimize production.  Of note, the massive cast coextrusion line at the Company’s modified atmosphere 
packaging plant in Winnipeg was declared commercial in the fourth quarter of the year and 2017 will see added refinements and enhancements to further 
improve its operation.  Capital spending for 2017 is expected to be diminished from the record-high level experienced in the current year to an amount of 
between $55 to $65 million, as the majority of the work on the building expansions at the Company’s specialty film operations in Senoia, Georgia and its 
rigid container facility in Sauk Village, Illinois has been completed.   The Company will continue to invest in organic growth opportunities while pursuing 
acquisition prospects that fit strategically with Winpak’s core competencies in sophisticated packaging for food, beverage and healthcare applications.  
With Winpak’s solid financial footing, it has the resources at its disposal to complete an acquisition when the proper strategic fit and price are present to 
provide long-term shareholder value. 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The Company believes the following accounting estimates and judgments are critical to determining and understanding the operating results and the 
financial position of the Company.

Employee benefit plans – Accounting for employee benefit plans requires the use of actuarial assumptions.  The assumptions include the discount rate, 
expected rate of return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase, mortality rate and healthcare costs.  These assumptions depend on underlying 
factors such as economic conditions, government regulations, investment performance and employee demographics.  These assumptions could change 
in the future and may result in material adjustments to employee benefit plan assets or liabilities.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets – An integral component of impairment testing is determining the asset’s recoverable 
amount.    The  determination  of  the  recoverable  amount  involves  significant  management  judgment,  including  projections  of  future  cash  flows  and 

9

W 
  
appropriate discount rates.  The cash flows are derived from the financial forecast for the next five years and do not include restructuring activities that 
the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance the asset’s performance of the cash-generating unit (CGU) being 
tested.  Qualitative factors, including market presence and trends, strength of customer relationships, strength of local management, strength of debt 
and capital markets, and degree of variability in cash flows, as well as other factors, are considered when making assumptions with regard to future cash 
flows and the appropriate discount rate.  The recoverable amount is most sensitive to the discount rate used for the discounted cash flow model as well as 
the expected future cash inflows and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.  A change in any of the significant assumptions or estimates could 
result in a material change in the recoverable amount.  The company has eight CGUs, of which the carrying values for two include goodwill and must be 
tested for impairment annually.  

Aggregation of operating segments – judgment is applied in aggregating operating segments into a reportable segment.  Aggregation occurs when the 
operating segments have similar economic characteristics and have similar products, production processes, types of customers, and distribution methods.

Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls

Disclosure controls
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures in order to provide reasonable assurance that material 
information relating to the Company is made known to them in a timely manner and that information required to be disclosed is reported within time periods 
prescribed by applicable securities legislation.  There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, 
including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls 
and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.  Based on management’s evaluation of the design and 
effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded 
that these controls and procedures are designed and operating effectively as of December 25, 2016 to provide reasonable assurance that the information 
being disclosed is recorded, summarized and reported as required.

Internal controls over financial reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
accounting  principles.    Internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations  and  therefore  can  only  provide  reasonable 
assurance as to the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding 
of the controls and procedures.  Management used the Internal Control – Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (COSO 2013) as the control framework in designing its internal controls over financial reporting.  Based on management’s 
design and testing of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial  Officer  have  concluded  that  these  controls  and  procedures  are  designed  and  operating  effectively  as  of  December  25,  2016  to  provide 
reasonable assurance that the financial information being reported is materially accurate.  During the fourth quarter ended December 25, 2016, there 
have been no changes in the design of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to 
materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.  

Other

Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Annual Information Form dated February 16, 2017.

10

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS        
Management’s Report to the Shareholders

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) and other information in the Annual Report are 
the responsibility of management.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and include the selection of appropriate 
accounting principles, judgments and estimates necessary to prepare these statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.  
The MD&A and financial information contained in this Annual Report are consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

To provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that relevant and reliable financial information is being reported, management has 
developed and maintains a system of internal controls.  An integral part of the system is the requirement that employees maintain the highest standard 
of ethics in their activities.  Business reviews and internal audits are performed by corporate executives and an internal audit team to evaluate internal 
controls, systems and procedures.

The Board of Directors, acting through the Audit Committee, is responsible for determining that management fulfills its responsibilities in the preparation of 
the consolidated financial statements and MD&A, and in the financial control of operations.  The Board recommends the appointment of the independent 
auditors to the shareholders.  The Audit Committee meets regularly with financial management and the independent auditors to discuss internal controls, 
auditing matters and financial reporting issues and presents its findings to the Board.  The Audit Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements, 
MD&A and material financial announcements with management and the external auditors prior to submission to the Board for approval.

The consolidated financial statements have been audited on behalf of the shareholders by the independent external auditors, KPMG LLP, whose report 
follows.

B.J. Berry 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Winnipeg, Canada 
February 16, 2017 

Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders

Independent Auditors’ Report

To the Shareholders of Winpak Ltd.

K.P. Kuchma
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Winnipeg, Canada
February 16, 2017

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Winpak Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance 
sheets as at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and 
cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with 
Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audits to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  The 
procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error.  In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing 
an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.  An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position  of  Winpak  Ltd.  as  at 
December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Chartered Professional Accountants
February 16, 2017
Winnipeg, Canada

11

REPORTING             
Years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015

(thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)

Note

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and technical expenses

Pre-production expenses

Other expenses

Income from operations

Finance income

Finance expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Basic and diluted earnings per share - cents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015

(thousands of US dollars)

Net income for the year

Items that will not be reclassified to the statements of income:
Cash flow hedge losses recognized

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to property, plant and equipment

Employee benefit plan remeasurements

Income tax effect

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to the statements of income:
Cash flow hedge gains (losses) recognized

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to the statements of income

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive income for the year - net of income tax

Comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

12

9

10

10

11

22

17

11

9

11

2016

822,532

(553,233)

269,299

(63,247)

(27,979)

(17,168)

(1,439)

(1,669)

157,797

670

(453)

158,014

(49,813)

108,201

104,344

3,857

108,201

161

2015

797,169

(539,347)

257,822

(59,823)

(32,236)

(15,362)

(1,158)

(1,916)

147,327

342

(392)

147,277

(45,474)

101,803

99,248

2,555

101,803

153

2016

108,201

2015

101,803

(3)

19

2,516

(847)

1,685

961

626

(424)

1,163

2,848

(652)

4

1,743

(470)

625

(3,728)

2,976

201

(551)

74

111,049

101,877

107,192

3,857

111,049

99,322

2,555

101,877

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME            (thousands of US dollars)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Income taxes receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Employee benefit plan assets

Deferred tax assets

Total assets

Equity and Liabilities

Current liabilities:

Trade payables and other liabilities

Income taxes payable

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities:

Employee benefit plan liabilities

Deferred income

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity:

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

December 25

December 27

Note

2016

2015

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

17

18

21

21

211,225

124,148

564

103,516

3,024

308

442,785

409,147

14,501

6,721

1,060

431,429

874,214

71,448

6,226

348

78,022

9,253

15,424

760

43,486

68,923

146,945

29,195

(29)

676,478

705,644

21,625

727,269

874,214

165,027

107,805

2,050

96,498

3,411

40

374,831

369,436

14,745

5,723

1,408

391,312

766,143

68,534

10,569

1,683

80,786

8,885

14,071

760

38,250

61,966

142,752

29,195

(1,208)

576,359

604,346

19,045

623,391

766,143

Director 

Director

13

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS            
(thousands of US dollars)

Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company

Share

Retained

Non-

Controlling

Note

Capital Reserves

Earnings

Total

Interests

Total

Equity

Balance at December 29, 2014

29,195

(641)

555,697

584,251

17,136

601,387

Comprehensive (loss) income for the year

Cash flow hedge losses, net of tax

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to the statements

of income, net of tax

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to property, plant and

equipment

Employee benefit plan remeasurements, net of tax

Other comprehensive (loss) income

Net income for the year

Comprehensive (loss) income for the year

Dividends

21

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,752)

(632)

(3,384)

2,181

4

-

(567)

-

(567)

-

-

1,273

641

99,248

99,889

2,181

4

1,273

74

99,248

99,322

-

-

-

-

-

(3,384)

2,181

4

1,273

74

2,555

2,555

101,803

101,877

-

(79,227)

(79,227)

(646)

(79,873)

Balance at December 27, 2015

29,195

(1,208)

576,359

604,346

19,045

623,391

Balance at December 28, 2015

29,195

(1,208)

576,359

604,346

19,045

623,391

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

745

415

19

-

1,179

-

-

-

1,669

1,669

745

415

19

1,669

2,848

-

-

-

-

-

745

415

19

1,669

2,848

-

104,344

104,344

1,179

106,013

107,192

3,857

3,857

108,201

111,049

-

(5,894)

(5,894)

(1,277)

(7,171)

29,195

(29)

676,478

705,644

21,625

727,269

Comprehensive income for the year

Cash flow hedge gains, net of tax

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to the statements

of income, net of tax

Cash flow hedge losses transferred to property, plant and

equipment

Employee benefit plan remeasurements, net of tax

Other comprehensive income

Net income for the year

Comprehensive income for the year

Dividends

Balance at December 25, 2016

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

21

14

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY          Years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015

(thousands of US dollars)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities:

Net income for the year

Items not involving cash:

Depreciation

Amortization - deferred income

Amortization - intangible assets

Employee defined benefit plan expenses

Multiemployer defined benefit pension plan withdrawal liability settlement gain

Net finance (income) expense

Income tax expense

Other

Cash flow from operating activities before the following

Change in working capital:

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Trade payables and other liabilities

Provisions

Employee defined benefit plan contributions

Income tax paid

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities:

Acquisition of plant and equipment - net

Acquisition of intangible assets

Financing activities:

Dividends paid

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiary

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

15

Note

2016

2015

108,201

101,803

15

16

17

9, 17

10

11

17

16

21

12

35,054

(1,536)

666

3,219

-

(217)

49,813

(3,552)

191,648

(16,343)

(7,018)

387

2,874

-

(1,532)

(44,491)

549

(67)

126,007

(72,240)

(430)

(72,670)

(5,862)

(1,277)

(7,139)

46,198

165,027

211,225

32,836

(1,559)

602

3,190

(1,815)

50

45,474

(1,565)

179,016

4,649

4,088

933

(294)

(4,467)

(1,681)

(26,456)

253

(21)

156,020

(53,678)

(303)

(53,981)

(80,127)

(646)

(80,773)

21,266

143,761

165,027

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS          (thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

1.  General:

Winpak Ltd. is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act.  The Company manufactures and distributes high-quality packaging materials 
and  related  packaging  machines.   The  Company’s  products  are  used  primarily  for  the  packaging  of  perishable  foods,  beverages  and  in  healthcare 
applications.  The address of the Company’s registered office is 100 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3J 3T3.  The ultimate controlling 
party of Winpak Ltd. is Wihuri International Oy of Helsinki, Finland, a privately held company.

2.  Basis of presentation:

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles as set out in Part 1 
of the Handbook of the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Canada.  The fiscal year of the Company ends on the last Sunday of the calendar 
year.  As a result, the Company’s fiscal year is usually 52 weeks in duration, but includes a 53rd week every five to six years.  The 2016 and 2015 fiscal 
years comprised 52 weeks. 

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the US dollar.  The US dollar is the reporting currency as more than three-quarters of the Company’s 
business is conducted in US dollars and therefore management believes this increases transparency by significantly reducing volatility of reported results 
due to fluctuations in the rate of exchange between the Canadian and US currencies.  

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  under  the  historical-cost  convention,  except  that  certain  financial  instruments,  employee 
benefit plans and share-based payments are stated at their fair value.

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on February 16, 2017.

3.  Accounting standards implemented in 2016:

The following accounting standards came into effect in 2016 and were implemented by the Company where applicable:

(a)  Property, plant and equipment and intangibles:
The amendments to IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and IAS 38 “Intangible Assets” prohibit the use of revenue-based depreciation for plant and 
equipment and significantly limit the use of revenue-based amortization for intangible assets.  These amendments were implemented with prospective 
application and had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(b)  Financial statement presentation:
The amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” were issued as part of the IASB’s major initiative to improve presentation and disclosure 
in financial reports.  These amendments had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4.  Significant accounting policies:

(a)  Principles of consolidation:
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company,  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries:  Winpak  Portion  Packaging  Ltd.;  Winpak 
Heat Seal Packaging Inc.; Winpak Holdings Ltd.; Winpak Inc.; Winpak Films Inc.; Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc.; Winpak Lane, Inc.; Winpak Heat Seal 
Corporation; Grupo Winpak de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; Embalajes Winpak de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; and Administracion Winpak de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.;  
and its majority-owned subsidiary American Biaxis Inc.  Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company.  The Company controls an entity when it is 
exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.  
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained until the date that control ceases.  The financial statements of all subsidiaries 
are prepared as of the same reporting date using consistent accounting policies.  All inter-company balances and transactions, including any unrealized 
income arising from inter-company transactions have been eliminated.

(b)  Business combinations:
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.  The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is 
the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities assumed from the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company.  
The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement.  Acquisition costs 
incurred are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses.  Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be 
recognized at fair value at the acquisition date.  Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or 
liability will be recognized in accordance with IAS 39 in the statement of income.

Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are  measured  initially  at  their  fair  values  at 
the  acquisition  date,  irrespective  of  the  extent  of  any  non-controlling  interest.    Goodwill  is  initially  measured  as  the  excess  of  the  aggregate  of  the 
consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  If this consideration is less than the fair value of the net assets 
of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the statement of income.

16

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS             W   (c)  Non-controlling interests:
Winpak Ltd. owns 51 percent of the equity interest in American Biaxis Inc., a subsidiary located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Non-controlling interests 
represent the remaining 49 percent equity interest owned by third parties.  The share of net assets attributable to non-controlling interests is presented as 
a component of equity.  Their share of net income and other comprehensive income is recognized directly in equity.  

(d)  Foreign currency translation:
The financial statements for the Company and its subsidiaries are prepared using their functional currency, that being the US dollar.  The functional 
currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate.  Foreign currency transactions are 
translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date.  Foreign currency differences arising 
on translation are recognized directly to the statement of income.  Non-monetary assets and liabilities arising from transactions in foreign currencies are 
translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.

(e)  Revenue:
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, rebates and discounts.  Revenue 
is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer.  No revenue is recognized if there are significant uncertainties 
regarding  recovery  of  the  consideration  due,  the  costs  incurred  or  to  be  incurred  cannot  be  measured  reliably,  or  there  is  continuing  management 
involvement with the goods.

(f)  Research and technical expenses:
Research and technical expenses are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred.

(g)  Government grants/tax credits:
Grants/tax credits from government are recognized at their fair value when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant/tax credit will be received and/
or earned and any specified conditions will be met.

Grants/tax credits received in relation to the purchase and construction of plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred income 
and are credited to the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset.  Grants/tax credits received in 
relation to research and development activities and labor creation programs are recorded to reduce these costs when it is determined there is reasonable 
assurance the grants/tax credits will be realized.

(h)  Leases:
Rental income received from packaging machine operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the corresponding lease.

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while any lease 
incentive received is recognized as a reduction of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

Inventories:

(i) 
Inventories  are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realizable  value.    The  cost  of  inventories  is  based  on  the  first-in  first-out  principle  and  includes 
expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition.  In the case of manufactured inventories, 
cost includes an appropriate share of variable and fixed overheads based on normal operating capacity.  Any excess, unallocated, fixed overhead costs 
are expensed as incurred.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion 
and selling expenses.  

(j)  Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash invested in interest-bearing money market accounts and short-term deposits with maturities of 
less than three months.  Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments.  Bank overdrafts are shown within current liabilities.  Bank overdrafts that are 
repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Company’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the 
purpose of the statement of cash flows.

(k)  Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.  All costs directly attributable to 
bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management are included in the 
carrying value of the asset.  When the Company has a legal or constructive obligation to restore a site on which an asset is located either through make-
good provisions in lease agreements or decommissioning of environmental risks, the present value of the estimated costs of dismantling and removing 
the asset and restoring the site are included in the carrying value of the asset with a corresponding increase to provisions.  Borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying property, plant and equipment that takes an extended period of time to be placed 
into service are added to the cost of the assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use.  See note 4(o) on impairment.

When parts of an item of plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components).  The cost of 
replacing a component of an item of plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits 
of the item will occur and its cost can be measured reliably.  The costs of day-to-day maintenance of plant and equipment are recognized directly in the 
statement of income.

17

WDepreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, commencing the date the assets are ready for use 
as follows:

Buildings    20 - 40 years 

Equipment    4 - 20 years

Packaging machines    3 - 7 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually or more frequently when there is an indication that they have changed.

The gain or loss on the retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is the difference between the net sale proceeds and the carrying amount of 
the asset and is recognized in the statement of income.

(l)  Pre-production expenses:
Pre-production costs relating to installations of major new production equipment are expensed in the period in which incurred.

(m)  Intangible assets:
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.  See note 4(o) on impairment.  Computer software 
that is integral to a related item of hardware is included with plant and equipment.  All other computer software is treated as an intangible asset.  The 
cost of intangible assets acquired in an acquisition is the fair value at the acquisition date.  The cost of separately acquired intangible assets, including 
computer software, comprises the purchase price and any directly attributable costs of preparing the asset for use.  Amortization is computed using the 
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

Patents    8 - 17 years 

Customer-related    10 years

Computer software    3 - 12 years

(n)  Goodwill:
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the Company’s interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets, including 
intangible assets, and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition.  At the date of acquisition, goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) 
for the purpose of impairment testing.  A CGU is the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows 
from other assets or groups of assets.  Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment at the CGU level and is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses (see note 4(o)).   

Impairment:

(o) 
The carrying amount of the Company’s property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed at each reporting date to 
determine whether there is any indication of impairment.  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at any time if an indicator of impairment exists.  If 
any such indication exists, the applicable asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.  

The recoverable amount of the Company’s assets are calculated as the value-in-use, being the present value of future cash flows, using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects the current assessment of the time value of money, or the fair value less costs to sell, if greater.  For an asset that does not generate 
largely independent cash flows, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which it belongs.  The Company bases its impairment calculation on 
detailed financial forecasts, which are prepared separately for each of the Company’s CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated.  These financial 
forecasts are generally covering a period of five years.  For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows 
after the fifth year.

An  impairment  loss  is  recognized  whenever  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  its  CGU  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.    Impairment  losses  are 
recognized in the statement of income.  Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to the CGU and then, to reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.  Impairment losses in respect of goodwill 
are not reversed.  In respect of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been an indication that 
an impairment loss recognized in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.  An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the 
asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss 
had been previously recognized.

Income taxes:

(p) 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax.  Income tax expense is recognized in the statement of income except to the extent that it relates 
to items recorded directly to other comprehensive income or equity, in which case it is recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity, 
respectively.

Current income tax comprises the expected income tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the period, using income tax rates enacted 
or substantively enacted in the jurisdictions the Company is required to pay income tax at the reporting date, and any adjustments to income taxes payable 
or receivable in respect of previous periods.  Current income tax is adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary 
differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, and by the availability of unused income 
tax losses.

18

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS        
Deferred tax is recognized using the balance sheet method in which temporary differences are calculated based on the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the tax bases of assets and liabilities for income taxation purposes.  Deferred tax is not recognized for the 
following temporary timing differences: the initial recognition for both goodwill and assets and liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination 
and that affects neither accounting nor taxable income; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future.  Deferred tax is measured at the income tax rates that are expected to be applied when the temporary difference 
reverses, that is, when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on the income tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at 
the reporting date.

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

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Company and its subsidiaries have a legally enforceable right to offset the amounts and intend to 
either settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a 
legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income 
taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balance 
on a net basis.

Management periodically evaluates positions taken in income tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable income tax regulation is subject to 
interpretation.  It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to income tax authorities.

(q)  Employee benefit plans:
The Company maintains four funded non-contributory defined benefit pension plans in Canada and the US and one funded non-contributory supplementary 
income postretirement plan for certain CDN-based executives.  A market discount rate is used to measure the benefit obligations based on the yield of 
high quality corporate bonds denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid and with terms to maturity that, on average, 
match the terms of the benefit obligations.  The cost of providing the benefits is actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method.  Actuarial 
valuations are conducted, at a minimum, on a triennial basis with interim valuations performed as deemed necessary.  Consideration is given to any 
event that could impact the benefit plan assets or obligation up to the balance sheet date where interim valuations are performed.  For financial reporting 
purposes, the Company measures the benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the defined benefit plans as of the year-end date.  The amount 
recognized in the balance sheet at each year-end reporting date represents the present value of the benefit obligation, reduced by the fair value of benefit 
plan assets.  Any recognized asset or surplus is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan 
or reductions in future contributions.  To the extent that there is uncertainty regarding entitlement to the surplus, no asset is recorded.  Current service 
costs are charged to the statement of income and included in the same line items as the related compensation cost.  The net finance cost is computed 
based on the application of the discount rate to the net defined benefit pension plan asset or liability at the start of the annual period, taking into account 
any anticipated changes during the upcoming year as a result of contributions and benefit payments and also reflects the impact of any pension plan 
asset ceiling adjustments.  The net finance cost is shown within either finance income or finance expense within the statement of income depending on 
whether the defined benefit pension plan was in an asset or liability position at the start of the year.  Remeasurements, which comprise actuarial gains 
and losses, the return on benefit plan assets and the effect of the pension plan asset ceiling adjustment, are recognized directly in equity within other 
comprehensive income.  When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service 
or the gain or loss on curtailment is recognized immediately in the statement of income.  The Company recognizes gains and losses on the settlement of 
a defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs in the statement of income.  The Company’s funding policy is in compliance with statutory regulations 
and amounts funded are deductible for income tax purposes.

One of the Company’s subsidiaries maintains one unfunded contributory defined benefit postretirement plan for healthcare benefits for a limited group 
of US individuals.  A market discount rate is used to measure the benefit obligation based on the yield of high quality corporate bonds denominated in 
the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid and with terms to maturity that, on average, match the terms of the benefit obligation.  
The cost of providing the benefits is actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method.  The amount recognized in the balance sheet at each 
year-end reporting date represents the present value of the benefit obligation.  Current service costs are charged to the statement of income as they 
accrue and are included in general and administrative expenses.  Interest costs on the benefit obligation are charged to the statement of income as 
finance expense.  Remeasurements are recognized directly in equity within other comprehensive income.  When the benefits of the plan are changed or 
when the plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service or the gain or loss on curtailment is recognized immediately in the 
statement of income. 

The Company maintains seven defined contribution pension plans in Canada and the US.  The pension expense charged to the statement of income for 
these plans is the annual funding contribution by the Company.

Termination benefits are recognized as an expense in the statement of income at the earlier of when the Company can no longer withdraw the offer of 
those benefits and when the Company recognizes costs for a restructuring.

Short-term benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided.  A liability is recognized for the 
amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Company has a legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount 
as a result of past service provided by the employee.

19

W(r)  Provisions:
A provision is recognized when there is a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outlay of cash will be 
required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated.  Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a 
pre-income tax rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation.  When some or all of 
the monies required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the recovery is recognized as an asset when it is virtually certain 
that the recovery will be received.

When the Company has a legal or constructive obligation to restore a site on which an asset is located either through make-good provisions in lease 
agreements or decommissioning of environmental risks, the present value of the estimated costs of dismantling and removing the asset and restoring the 
site is recognized as a provision with a corresponding increase to the related item of property, plant and equipment.  At each reporting date, the obligation 
is remeasured in line with changes in discount rates, estimated cash flows and the timing of those cash flows.  Any changes in the obligation are added 
or deducted from the related asset.  The change in the present value of the obligation due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance expense or 
finance income in the statement of income.

At each reporting date, other provisions are remeasured in line with changes in discount rates, estimated cash flows and the timing of those cash flows.  
Any changes in the provision are recognized in the statement of income.  The change in the present value of the provision due to the passage of time is 
recognized as a finance expense or finance income in the statement of income.

(s)  Financial assets and liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value, even when they are part of a hedging relationship.  The Company’s financial instruments are 
classified as follows: a) cash and cash equivalents - loans and receivables, b) trade and other receivables - loans and receivables, c) trade payables and 
other liabilities - other financial liabilities and d) derivative financial instruments - derivatives designated as effective hedges.  All financial instruments, 
including derivatives, are included in the consolidated balance sheet and are measured at fair value except loans and receivables and other financial 
liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost.  All changes in fair value are recorded to the statement of income unless cash flow hedge accounting is 
used, in which case changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income to the extent the derivatives are deemed to be effective hedges.

(t)  Derivative financial instruments:
The Company operates principally in Canada and the United States, which gives rise to risks that its income and cash flows may be adversely impacted by 
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.  The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign exchange exposures on anticipated 
labor, operating costs, plant and equipment expenditures, and dividend payments to be incurred in Canadian dollars and equipment expenditures to be 
incurred in other foreign currencies.

All foreign currency forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of each contract is included on the balance sheet within 
derivative financial instrument assets or liabilities, depending on whether the fair value was in an asset or liability position.  In the case of labor and 
operating costs, changes in the fair value of these contracts are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and subsequently recorded in the 
statement  of  income  when  the  hedged  item  affects  income  or  loss.    In  the  case  of  plant  and  equipment  expenditures,  changes  in  the  fair  value  of 
these contracts are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and upon settlement of the contract, the gain or loss is included in the cost of the 
corresponding asset.  For dividend payments, changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded directly in equity. 

(u)  Share-based payments:
The Company maintains a share-based compensation plan, which provides restricted share units under the President’s Incentive Plan.  Units under the 
plan vest immediately, and are paid in cash during the fourth quarter of the third year or the first quarter of the fourth year after the date of grant based upon 
the quoted market value of the common shares of the Company on the day prior to the date of payment.  The fair value of the units granted is recognized 
as a personnel expense, with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period that the units pertain.  The liability is remeasured at each reporting 
date.  Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized as a personnel expense in the statement of income.

(v)  Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net income attributable to equity holders of the Company for the period by the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are calculated on the same basis as there are no potentially dilutive 
common shares.

5.  Critical accounting estimates and judgments:

The application of the Company’s accounting policies requires managment to use estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on the 
revenues, expenses, comprehensive income, assets and liabilities recognized and disclosures made in the consolidated financial statements.  Actual 
results may differ from these estimates.  Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Revisions to estimates are recognized 
prospectively.  The following areas require management’s most critical estimates and judgments.

(a)  Employee benefit plans:
Accounting for employee benefit plans requires the use of actuarial assumptions.  The assumptions include the discount rate, rate of compensation 
increase, mortality rate and healthcare costs.  These assumptions depend on underlying factors such as economic conditions, government regulations 
and employee demographics.  These assumptions could change in the future and may result in material adjustments to employee benefit plan assets or 
liabilities.

20

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets:

(b) 
An integral component of impairment testing is determining the asset’s recoverable amount.  The determination of the recoverable amount involves 
significant management judgment, including projections of future cash flows and appropriate discount rates.  The cash flows are derived from the financial 
forecast for the next five years and do not include restructuring activities that the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will 
enhance the asset’s performance of the CGU being tested.  Qualitative factors, including market presence and trends, strength of customer relationships, 
strength of local management, strength of debt and capital markets, and degree of variability in cash flows, as well as other factors, are considered when 
making assumptions with regard to future cash flows and the appropriate discount rate.  The recoverable amount is most sensitive to the discount rate 
used for the discounted cash flow model as well as the expected future cash inflows and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.  A change in 
any of the significant assumptions or estimates could result in a material change in the recoverable amount.  The Company has eight CGUs, of which the 
carrying values for two include goodwill and must be tested for impairment annually.  

(c)  Aggregation of operating segments:
Management applies judgment in aggregating operating segments into a reportable segment.  Aggregation occurs when the operating segments have 
similar economic characteristics and have similar products, production processes, types of customers, and distribution methods.

6.  Future accounting standards:

(a)  Financial instruments:
IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” was issued in November 2009, introducing new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets.  
IFRS 9 was amended in October 2010 to include requirements for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities and for derecognition.  IFRS 
9, which has yet to be adopted, retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes two primary measurement categories for financial 
assets: amortized cost and fair value.  The basis of classification depends on an entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow of the financial 
asset.  Classification is made at the time the financial asset is initially recognized, namely when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument.  With regard to the measurement of financial liabilities designated as fair value through profit or loss, IFRS 9 requires that the amount of the 
change in the fair value of the financial liability, that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liability, is presented in other comprehensive income, 
unless the recognition of the effects of changes in the liability’s credit risk in other comprehensive income would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch 
in the statement of income.  Changes in fair value attributable to a financial liability’s credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to the statement of 
income.  Previously, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the financial liability designated as fair value through profit or loss was presented in 
the statement of income.  In November 2013, a new general hedge accounting standard was issued, forming part of IFRS 9.  It will more closely align with 
risk management.  This new standard does not fundamentally change the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize 
ineffectiveness, however it will provide more hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more 
judgment to assess the effectiveness of a hedging relationship.  Another revised version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014 mainly to include i) impairment 
requirements for financial assets and ii) limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements by introducing a fair value through other 
comprehensive income measurement category for certain simple debt instruments.  IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 
1, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new standard and does not intend to early adopt IFRS 9 in 
its consolidated financial statements.

(b)  Revenue from contracts with customers:
IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” was issued in May 2014, specifying the steps and timing for recognizing revenue.  The new standard 
also requires more informative, relevant disclosures.  IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 “Construction Contracts” and IAS 18 “Revenue”, as well as various 
IFRIC and SIC interpretations regarding revenue.  IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied 
retrospectively.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new standard and does not intend to early adopt IFRS 
15 in its consolidated financial statements.

(c)  Leases:
IFRS 16 “Leases” was issued in January 2016, providing a single model for leases.  The new standard introduces a balance sheet recognition and 
measurement model for lessees, eliminating the distinction between operating and finance leases.  As a result, most leases will be recognized on the 
statement of financial position.  Certain exemptions will apply for short-term leases and leases for low-value assets.  Lessors will continue to classify 
leases as operating and finance leases.  IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 “Leases” and the related interpretations.  IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively.  Early adoption is permitted under certain conditions.  The Company is currently 
assessing the impact of this new standard and does not intend to early adopt IFRS 16 in its consolidated financial statements.

(d)  Statements of cash flows:
In January 2016, amendments to IAS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows” were issued to improve information provided to users of financial statements about 
an entity’s changes in liabilities arising from financing activities.  These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 
2017 with early adoption permitted.  While the Company is currently assessing the impact of the amended standard, management does not expect the 
amendments to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

21

W(e)  Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration:
In December 2016, IFRIC Interpretation 22 “Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration” was issued to clarify the date that should be used 
for translation when a foreign currency transaction involves an advance receipt or payment.  The date of the transaction for the purpose of determining 
the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary 
asset or non-monetary liability arising from the payment or receipt of advance consideration.  The Interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  The Interpretation will be adopted by the Company in 2018.  While the Company is currently 
assessing the impact of the Interpretation, management does not expect IFRIC 22 to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements.

2016

2015

7.  Expenses by nature:

Raw materials and consumables used

Depreciation and amortization

Personnel expenses (note 8)

Freight

Other expenses

Foreign exchange and cash flow hedge losses transferred from other comprehensive income (note 9)

8.  Personnel expenses:

Wages and salaries

Social security

Employee defined benefit plan expenses

Employee defined contribution plan expenses

Multiemployer defined benefit pension plan withdrawal liability settlement gain (note 17)

Multiemployer defined benefit pension plan withdrawal liability - change in discount rates (note 17)

Share-based payments

9.  Other expenses:

Foreign exchange loss

Cash flow hedge losses transferred from other comprehensive income

Multiemployer defined benefit pension plan withdrawal liability settlement gain (note 17)

Multiemployer defined benefit pension plan withdrawal liability - change in discount rates (note 17)

10.  Finance income and expense:

Finance income on cash and cash equivalents and other

Net finance income on defined benefit plans

Finance income

Finance expense on bank overdrafts and other

Net finance expense on defined benefit plans

Unwinding of discount rates on provisions

Finance expense

Net finance income (expense)

22

(395,818)

(34,184)

(164,753)

(22,232)

(46,079)

(1,669)

(664,735)

(141,407)

(12,766)

(3,219)

(5,072)

-

-

(2,289)

(164,753)

(1,043)

(626)

-

-

(1,669)

561

109

670

(85)

(368)

-

(453)

217

(394,223)

(31,879)

(159,649)

(21,076)

(39,426)

(3,589)

(649,842)

(137,011)

(11,921)

(3,190)

(4,543)

1,815

(142)

(4,657)

(159,649)

(613)

(2,976)

1,815

(142)

(1,916)

265

77

342

(33)

(315)

(44)

(392)

(50)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       11.  Income tax expense:

Current tax expense

Current year

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Income tax expense

Income tax (expense) recovery recognized in other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

Employee benefit plan remeasurements

Reconciliation of effective income tax rate

Combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate

United States income taxed at rates higher than Canadian tax rates

Permanent differences and other

Effective income tax rate

12.  Cash and cash equivalents:

Bank balances

Money market and short-term deposits

13.  Trade and other receivables:

Trade receivables

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

Net trade receivables

Other receivables

14.  Inventories:

Raw materials

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Spare parts

2016

2015

(45,500)

(39,686)

(4,313)

(49,813)

(424)

(847)

(1,271)

26.8%

5.5

(0.8)

31.5%

(5,788)

(45,474)

201

(470)

(269)

26.7%

5.3

(1.1)

30.9%

December 25

December 27

2016

2015

29,753

181,472

211,225

115,320

(795)

114,525

9,623

124,148

27,559

18,113

49,254

8,590

103,516

17,532

147,495

165,027

99,770

(956)

98,814

8,991

107,805

27,263

16,267

46,092

6,876

96,498

During 2016, the Company recorded, within cost of sales, inventory write-downs for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $7,593 (2015 - $7,905) and 
reversals of previously written-down items of $2,466 (2015 - $2,112).

23

W15.  Property, plant and equipment:

Net book value

At December 29, 2014

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

2015 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Depreciation

At December 27, 2015

At December 27, 2015

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net book value

At December 28, 2015

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

2016 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Depreciation

At December 25, 2016

At December 25, 2016

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Land

Buildings

Equipment

Machines

In Progress

Total

Packaging

Capital

9,273

140,286

454,434

-

(37,322)

(246,837)

9,273

102,964

207,597

26,060

(24,834)

1,226

26,942

-

26,942

656,995

(308,993)

348,002

-

-

-

-

9,273

1,271

(63)

-

(4,481)

99,691

26,325

(266)

20,164

(27,989)

225,831

160

(40)

-

(366)

980

26,883

-

(20,164)

-

33,661

9,273

141,301

497,423

(41,610)

(271,592)

24,675

(23,695)

33,661

-

99,691

225,831

980

33,661

9,273

141,301

497,423

(41,610)

(271,592)

24,675

(23,695)

33,661

-

99,691

225,831

980

33,661

1,459

(62)

2,166

(4,635)

98,619

24,834

(345)

26,373

(30,052)

246,641

185

(2)

-

(367)

796

48,696

-

(28,539)

-

53,818

9,273

144,793

539,330

(46,174)

(292,689)

22,953

(22,157)

53,818

-

98,619

246,641

796

53,818

-

9,273

-

9,273

-

-

-

-

9,273

-

9,273

54,639

(369)

-

(32,836)

369,436

706,333

(336,897)

369,436

706,333

(336,897)

369,436

75,174

(409)

-

(35,054)

409,147

770,167

(361,020)

409,147

Government grants/tax credits in respect of property, plant and equipment were recognized within deferred income totaling $2,888 in 2016 (2015 - $800).  
No impairment losses or impairment reversals were recorded during 2016 and 2015.  No borrowing costs were capitalized during 2016 and 2015.

24

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       16.  Intangible assets:

Net book value

At December 29, 2014

Cost

Accumulated amortization

2015 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Amortization

At December 27, 2015

At December 27, 2015

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

At December 28, 2015

Cost

Accumulated amortization

2016 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Amortization

At December 25, 2016

At December 25, 2016

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Goodwill

Software

Patents

Customer

Related

Total

12,766

-

12,766

-

-

-

12,766

12,766

-

12,766

12,766

-

12,766

-

-

-

12,766

12,766

-

12,766

9,290

(7,341)

1,949

303

(3)

(513)

1,736

9,483

(7,747)

1,736

9,483

(7,747)

1,736

430

-

(576)

1,590

9,803

(8,213)

1,590

77

(32)

45

-

(21)

(1)

23

30

(7)

23

30

(7)

23

(8)

(3)

12

20

(8)

12

-

881

(573)

308

-

-

(88)

220

881

(661)

220

881

(661)

220

-

-

(87)

133

881

(748)

133

23,014

(7,946)

15,068

303

(24)

(602)

14,745

23,160

(8,415)

14,745

23,160

(8,415)

14,745

430

(8)

(666)

14,501

23,470

(8,969)

14,501

The 2016 goodwill balance includes $12,542 (2015 - $12,542) related to the lidding CGU.  The impairment testing for this CGU was conducted under the 
value-in-use approach, using a pre-tax discount rate of 10.0 percent (2015 - 10.9 percent).  Cash flows were projected based on actual operating results 
and the five-year business plan.  Average volume growth projected for the next five years was 4.7 percent (2015 - 5.0 percent) and the average gross profit 
percentage projected over the same time-frame was two percentage points (2015 - two percentage points) lower than the actual gross profit percentage 
attained in the current year.  Cash flows after the five-year period were assumed to increase at a terminal growth rate of 1.5 percent (2015 - 1.5 percent).  

As of December 25, 2016, there were no indefinite life intangible assets other than goodwill.  The amortization of software and patents is included within 
general and administrative expenses and the amortization of customer related intangibles is included within sales, marketing and distribution expenses.  
No impairment losses or impairment reversals were recorded during 2016 and 2015.

17.  Employee benefit plans:

The Company maintains four funded non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, one funded non-contributory supplementary income postretirement 
plan for certain CDN-based executives, one unfunded contributory defined benefit postretirement plan for healthcare benefits for a limited group of US 
individuals and seven defined contribution pension plans.  Effective January 1, 2005, all defined benefit pension plans were frozen to new entrants except 
one, which was frozen effective January 1, 2009.  All new CDN employees are required, and all new US employees have the option, to participate in 
defined contribution plans upon satisfaction of certain eligibility requirements.  

25

WMultiemployer withdrawal liability
The Company participated in one multiemployer defined benefit pension plan providing benefits to certain unionized employees in the US.  Management 
reached an agreement with the Union to withdraw from the plan in the first quarter of 2011.  Pursuant to US federal legislation, an employer who withdraws 
from a plan with unfunded vested benefits is responsible for a share of that underfunding.  As a consequence of withdrawing from the plan, the Company 
was required to make monthly payments at a constant dollar value of $36, or $427 on an annual basis, until June 2032.  At each reporting date, the liability 
was remeasured in line with changes in discount rates.  During 2015, a remeasurement loss of $142 was reflected in other expenses.  See note 9.  In 
addition, the Company reached a Settlement and Release Agreement with the trustee of the plan in the second quarter of 2015, whereby the remaining 
liability was settled with a lump sum payment of $4,466.  As a result of the settlement, the Company reversed the residual balance pertaining to the liability 
and recorded a gain of $1,815.  The amount was reflected in other expenses.  See note 9.

The employee benefit plans are overseen by the Company Pension Committee (CPC) which is comprised of two members from senior management and 
one Board member.  The CPC is responsible for determining and recommending the following items to the Company’s Board of Directors for approval: (a) 
the benefit plan asset investment policies, (b) the Company’s cash funding, and (c) the employee benefit entitlements within the respective benefit plans. 

Total amounts paid by the Company on account of all benefit plans, consisting of: defined benefit pension plans, supplementary income postretirement 
plan, direct payments to beneficiaries for the unfunded postretirement plan and the defined contribution plans, amounted to $6,589 (2015 - $6,301).

Defined contribution pension plans 
The Company maintains four defined contribution plans for employees in Canada and three savings retirement plans (401(k) Plans) for employees in the 
United States.  The Company’s total expense for these plans was $5,072 (2015 - $4,543).

Defined benefit plans
For financial reporting purposes, the Company measures the benefit obligations and fair value of the benefit plan assets as of the year-end date.  The 
most recent actuarial valuations for funding purposes for the funded non-contributory plans were completed as at the following dates: January 1, 2016 for 
one plan, January 1, 2014 for one plan, December 31, 2013 for one plan, and October 31, 2014 for one inactive plan.  These actuarial valuations establish 
the minimum funding requirements.  The most recent actuarial valuations for funding purposes for the supplementary income postretirement plan and the 
postretirement plan for healthcare benefits were dated December 25, 2016.  The supplementary income postretirement plan has no minimum funding 
requirements.  The next required actuarial valuations for all of the Company’s active defined benefit plans are three years from the aforementioned dates.  
Based on the most recent actuarial valuations, the Company expects to contribute $2,268 in cash to its defined benefit plans in 2017.  The CPC also 
reviews the funding position of each plan on an annual basis and makes recommendations to the Company’s Board of Directors regarding any additional 
cash funding by the Company deemed appropriate.  

Regarding the funded non-contributory plans and the supplementary income postretirement plan, the normal retirement age is 65.  The option to retire 
early and receive a reduced pension begins at age 55.  For most plan members, the annual pension entitlement is based on years of credited service and 
the earnings attained in each of those years.  However, for certain CDN-based executives, the annual pension entitlement is based on years of credited 
service and the highest average annual base compensation excluding incentive payments during the highest 36 consecutive months of earnings prior to 
retirement.  At December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the benefit obligation pertaining to these plan members represented less than 10 percent of 
the Company’s total benefit obligation.

All equity and debt securities have quoted prices in active markets.  The defined benefit pension plans do not invest in the shares of the Company.  The 
objective of the benefit plan asset allocation policy is to manage the funded status of the benefit plans at an appropriate level of risk, giving consideration 
to the security of the assets and the potential volatility of market returns.  The long-term rate of return is targeted to exceed the return indicated by 
a  benchmark  portfolio  by  at  least  1  percent  annually.   The  Company  Pension  Committee  also  pays  attention  to  potential  fluctuations  in  the  benefit 
obligations.  In the ideal case, benefit plan assets and obligations move in the same direction when interest rates change, creating a natural hedge against 
possible underfunding of the benefit plans.

The  following  presents  the  financial  position  of  the  Company’s  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  other  postretirement  benefits,  which  include  the 
supplementary income plan and the postretirement plan for healthcare benefits:

Funded status

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of benefit plan assets

Status of funded obligations

Present value of unfunded obligations

Total funded status of obligations

Benefit plan assets not recognized due to pension plan asset ceiling limit

26

December 25

December 27

2016

2015

(85,691)

85,420

(271)

(2,188)

(2,459)

(73)

(2,532)

(80,832)

80,048

(784)

(2,296)

(3,080)

(82)

(3,162)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       Amounts recognized in the balance sheet

Employee benefit plan assets

Employee benefit plan liabilities

Change in benefit obligation

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

Current service cost

Finance expense

Remeasurement gains recognized in other comprehensive income

Benefits paid

Settlements

Foreign exchange

Benefit obligation, end of year

Change in benefit plan assets

Fair value of benefit plan assets, beginning of year

Expected return on benefit plan assets

Remeasurement gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Settlements

Benefit plan administration cost paid from the plan assets recognized in income

Foreign exchange

Fair value of benefit plan assets, end of year

Change in benefit plan assets not recognized due to pension plan asset ceiling limit

Balance, beginning of year

Remeasurement (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income

Balance, end of year

Benefit plan obligation

The following represents the geographical breakdown of the benefit obligation:

Canada

United States

The following represents the membership status breakdown of the benefit obligation:

Active members

Retired members

Deferred vested members

Other

Benefit plan assets

The following represents the weighted average allocation of benefit plan assets:

Asset category

Equity securities

Debt securities

Cash

Total

27

December 25

December 27

2016

2015

6,721

(9,253)

(2,532)

83,128

2,911

3,312

(282)

(2,489)

-

1,299

87,879

80,048

3,053

2,225

1,532

(2,489)

-

(308)

1,359

85,420

82

(9)

73

(49,843)

(38,036)

(87,879)

(57,088)

(26,169)

(4,136)

(486)

(87,879)

55%

41%

4%

100%

5,723

(8,885)

(3,162)

91,859

3,186

3,500

(2,005)

(2,612)

(1,912)

(8,888)

83,128

89,435

3,262

(180)

1,681

(2,612)

(1,559)

(357)

(9,622)

80,048

-

82

82

(46,696)

(36,432)

(83,128)

(50,983)

(26,075)

(5,614)

(456)

(83,128)

55%

41%

4%

100%

WNet benefit plan expense
Current service cost

Settlements

Plan administration cost

Net finance income

Net finance expense

Actual return on benefit plan assets

Cumulative remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income

Cumulative amount, beginning of year

Annual activity

Remeasurement of benefit obligation:

Actuarial gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial (losses) gains arising from changes in financial assumptions

Actuarial gains (losses) arising from experience adjustments

Remeasurement of benefit plan assets - actuarial gains (losses) arising from experience adjustments

Remeasurement of benefit plan assets not recognized due to pension plan asset ceiling limit

Cumulative amount, end of year

Significant assumptions

The following weighted averages were used to value the benefit obligation:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

2016

2015

(2,911)
-

(308)

(3,219)
109

(368)

(3,478)

5,278

(3,186)

353

(357)
(3,190)
77

(315)

(3,428)

3,082

(541)

(2,284)

590

(1,098)

790

282

2,225

9

2,516

1,975

-

2,163

(158)

2,005

(180)

(82)

1,743

(541)

December 25

December 27

2016

2015

4.1%

3.6%

4.2%

3.6%

Assumptions regarding future mortality were based on the following mortality tables: Canada - CPM - RPP2014 private generational (2015 - CPM - 
RPP2014 private generational) and United States - RP2016 (2015 - RP2014).

At December 25, 2016, the weighted average duration of the benefit obligations was 14.8 years (2015 - 15.4 years).

Sensitivity analysis

At December 25, 2016, the present value of the benefit obligation was $87,879.  Based on changes to the definitive actuarial assumptions, the benefit 
obligation would have been as follows:

Discount rate - one percentage point
Future mortality - one year

Rate of compensation increase - one percentage point

Increase

Decrease

75,598
90,106

88,595

101,900
85,604

87,289

28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       18.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities:

The following are the components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized by the Company:

Assets

Liabilities

Net

December 25

December 27

December 25

December 27

December 25

December 27

2016

405

4,504

-

12

1,057
3

3,602

2,550

244

2015

372

4,450

-

436
1,405
3

3,284

2,808

244

12,377

(11,317)

1,060

13,002

(11,594)

1,408

2016

2015

-

-

-

(68)

(50,602)
(2,362)

(1,724)

(47)

-

(54,803)

11,317

(43,486)

-

-

(92)

-
(46,493)
(1,802)

(1,457)

-

-

(49,844)

11,594

(38,250)

2016

405

4,504

(68)

12

(49,545)
(2,359)

1,878

2,503

244

2015

372

4,450

(92)

436
(45,088)
(1,799)

1,827

2,808

244

(42,426)

(36,842)

-

-

(42,426)

(36,842)

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Derivative financial instruments
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

Employee benefit plans

Trade payables and other liabilities

Provisions

Tax assets (liabilities)

Set off of tax

Net tax assets (liabilities)

Movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities:

2015

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Derivative financial instruments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Employee benefit plans

Trade payables and other liabilities

Provisions

2016

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Derivative financial instruments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Employee benefit plans

Trade payables and other liabilities

Provisions

Opening

Recognized

Recognized

Balance

In Income

In Equity

Ending

Balance

281

2,927

(66)

235

(39,224)

(1,250)

1,479

2,218

2,615

(30,785)

372

4,450

(92)

436

(45,088)

(1,799)

1,827

2,808

244

91

1,523

(26)

-

(5,864)

(549)

818

590

(2,371)

(5,788)

33

54

24

-

(4,457)

(560)

898

(305)

-

-

-

-

201

-

-

(470)

-

-

372

4,450

(92)

436

(45,088)

(1,799)

1,827

2,808

244

(269)

(36,842)

-

-

-

(424)

-

-

(847)

-

-

405

4,504

(68)

12

(49,545)

(2,359)

1,878

2,503

244

Deferred  tax  assets  have  been  recognized  where  it  is  probable  that  they  will  be  recovered.    In  recognizing  deferred  tax  assets,  the  Company  has 
considered if it is probable that sufficient future income will be available to absorb temporary differences.

(36,842)

(4,313)

(1,271)

(42,426)

29

WNo deferred tax liability has been recognized in respect of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries where the Company controls 
the timing of the reversal and it is probable that such temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  The aggregate amount of temporary 
differences associated with investments in domestic and foreign subsidiaries for which a deferred tax liability has not been recognized is $420,068 (2015 
- $375,151).  Temporary differences relating to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries which would be subject to withholding and other taxes totaled 
$299,688 (2015 - $260,387).

19.  Trade payables and other liabilities:

Trade payables

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

20.  Share-based payments:

December 25

December 27

2016

38,535

32,913

71,448

2015

33,990

34,544

68,534

Effective January 1, 2004, the Board of Directors established the President’s Incentive Plan (Plan), whereby the Company grants to B.J. Berry (President) 
60,000 restricted share units (RSUs) upon completion of each year of service.  There is no cost to the President for the RSUs and the RSUs vest 
immediately.  The Company pays to the President the cash value of the RSUs based on the closing share price on a date selected by the President during 
the fourth quarter of the third year or the first quarter of the fourth year subsequent to the year the RSUs were granted.  A date cannot be selected during 
periods in which insiders may not trade Winpak shares.  In the event of the termination of the President’s employment for any reason, the cash value of 
the RSUs shall be paid immediately to the President or his personal representative, as the case may be.  The cash value of a RSU is the market value of 
the common shares of the Company on the day prior to the date of payment.  In addition, the Company is required to pay the President an amount equal 
to the dividends paid on the common shares of the Company with respect to each RSU if, as and when, declared and paid.

Details of RSUs issued and outstanding during the current and prior year are as follows:

Outstanding, beginning of year

Settled

Granted

Outstanding, end of year

Available for settlement, end of year

2016

180,000

(60,000)

60,000

180,000

-

2015

240,000

(120,000)

60,000

180,000

-

The 180,000 RSUs outstanding at the end of 2016 were granted at 60,000 RSUs annually from 2014 through 2016 and the 180,000 RSUs outstanding 
at the end of 2015 were granted at 60,000 RSUs annually from 2013 through 2015.

The fair value of the RSUs at the grant date and each subsequent reporting date is based upon the market value of the Company’s common shares. 

The personnel expense recorded in the statement of income under the Plan was $2,289 (2015 - $4,657).  The average settlement price in 2016 was 
$34.40 US per RSU (2015 - $33.37 US).  At December 25, 2016, the carrying value of the liability, as well as the intrinsic value of the vested liability in 
respect of the Plan, was $6,169 (2015 - $5,878).

21.  Share capital and reserves:

Share capital
At December 25, 2016, the authorized voting common shares were unlimited (2015 - unlimited).  The issued and fully paid voting common shares at 
December 25, 2016 were 65,000,000 (2015 - 65,000,000).  The shares have no par value.  The Company has no stock option plans in place.

Reserves
Reserves comprise the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to the hedged transactions 
that have not yet occurred.

Dividends
During 2016, dividends in Canadian dollars of 12 cents per common share were declared (2015 - 12 cents).  In addition, the Company paid a special 
dividend in Canadian dollars of $1.50 per common share on October 15, 2015.  

30

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       22.  Earnings per share:

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company

Weighted average shares outstanding (000’s)

Basic and diluted earnings per share - cents

23.  Financial instruments:

The following sets out the classification and the carrying/fair value of financial instruments:

Assets (Liabilities)

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Classification

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables

Derivative financial instrument assets

Derivatives designated as effective hedges

Trade payables and other liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Derivative financial instrument liabilities

Derivatives designated as effective hedges

2016

104,344

65,000

161

2015

99,248

65,000

153

Carrying /

Fair Value

211,225

124,148

308

(71,448)

(348)

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade payables and other liabilities approximate their carrying value because 
of  the  short-term  maturity  of  these  instruments.    The  fair  value  of  foreign  currency  forward  contracts,  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges,  have  been 
determined by valuing those contracts to market against prevailing forward foreign exchange rates as at the year-end reporting date.  The inputs used 
for fair value measurements, including their classification within the required three levels of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used for fair 
value measurement, are as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - inputs that are not based on observable market data.

The following table presents the classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy:

Financial Assets (Liabilities)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

At December 25, 2016

Foreign currency forward contracts - net

At December 27, 2015

Foreign currency forward contracts - net

-

-

(40)

(1,643)

-

-

Total

(40)

(1,643)

When the Company has a legally enforceable right to set off supplier rebates against supplier trade payables and intends to settle the amount on a 
net basis or simultaneously, the balance is presented as an offset within Trade Payables and Other Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.  At 
December 25, 2016, the supplier rebate receivable balance that was offset was $5,064 (2015 - $5,073).

24.  Commitments and guarantees:

Commitments:
At December 25, 2016, the Company has commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment of $26,766 (2015 - $16,445).

The Company rents premises and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates until April 30, 2020.  The aggregate minimum rentals 
payable for these leases are as follows:

Year

Amount

2017

973

2018

624

2019

468

2020

157

2021

Thereafter

-

-

Total

2,222

During 2016, $1,018 was recognized as an expense in the statement of income in respect of operating leases (2015 - $1,020).

31

WGuarantees:

Directors and officers
The Company and its subsidiaries have entered into indemnification agreements with their respective directors and officers to indemnify them, to the 
extent permitted by law, against any and all amounts paid in settlement and damages incurred by the directors and officers as a result of any lawsuit, or 
any judicial, administrative or investigative proceeding involving the directors and officers.  Indemnification claims will be subject to any statutory or other 
legal limitation period.  The Company has purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to mitigate losses from any such claims.

Leased real property
The Company and its subsidiaries enter into operating leases in the ordinary course of business for real property.  In certain instances, the Company and 
its subsidiaries have indemnified the landlord from any obligations that may arise from any occurrences of personal bodily injury, loss of life and property 
damages.  The Company’s property and liability insurance coverage mitigates losses from any such claims.

Pension plan
The Company has indemnified the Manitoba Pension Commission from any and all claims that may be made by any beneficiary under a certain defined 
benefit pension plan.  The indemnity relates to the transfer of a portion of the surplus in the respective pension plan to a non-contributory supplementary 
income plan.

Given the nature of the aforementioned indemnification agreements, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate its maximum potential liability under 
these agreements.  The Company believes the likelihood of a material payment pursuant to these indemnification agreements is remote.  No amounts 
have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification agreements.

25.  Financial risk management:

In the normal course of business, the Company has risk exposures consisting primarily of foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, 
credit risk and liquidity risk.  The Company manages its risks and risk exposures through a combination of derivative financial instruments, insurance, 
a system of internal and disclosure controls and sound business practices.  The Company does not purchase any derivative financial instruments for 
speculative purposes.

Financial risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Company’s corporate finance function.  Significant risks are regularly monitored and 
actions are taken, when appropriate, according to the Company’s approved policies, established for that purpose.  In addition, as required, these risks are 
reviewed with the Company’s Board of Directors.

Foreign exchange risk
Translation differences arise when foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at foreign exchange rates that change over time.  These 
foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in other expenses.  As a result of the Company’s CDN dollar net asset monetary position as at December 
25, 2016, a one-cent change in the year-end foreign exchange rate from 0.7388 to 0.7288 (CDN to US dollars) would have decreased net income by $6 
for 2016.  Conversely, a one-cent change in the year-end foreign exchange rate from 0.7388 to 0.7488 (CDN to US dollars) would have increased net 
income by $6 for 2016.

The Company’s foreign exchange policy requires that between 50 and 80 percent of the Company’s net requirement of CDN dollars for the ensuing 9 
to 15 months will be hedged at all times with a combination of cash and cash equivalents and forward or zero-cost option foreign currency contracts.  
The Company may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts when equipment purchases and special dividend payments will be settled in other 
foreign currencies.  Transactions are only conducted with certain approved Schedule I Canadian financial institutions.  All foreign currency contracts are 
designated as cash flow hedges.  Certain foreign currency forward contracts matured during the year and the Company realized pre-tax foreign exchange 
losses of $645 (2015 losses - $3,612).  Of these foreign exchange differences, losses of $626 (2015 losses - $2,976) were recorded in other expenses,  
losses of $19 were recorded in plant and equipment (2015 losses - $4), and $0 was recorded directly to equity (2015 losses - $632). 

As at December 25, 2016, the Company had US to CDN dollar foreign currency forward contracts outstanding with a notional amount of US $23.0 million 
at an average exchange rate of 1.3500 maturing between January and June 2017.  The fair value of these financial instruments was negative $40 US and 
the corresponding unrealized loss has been recorded in other comprehensive income.

Interest rate risk
The Company’s interest rate risk arises from interest rate fluctuations on the finance income that it earns on its cash invested in money market accounts 
and short-term deposits.  The Company developed and implemented an investment policy, which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, 
with the primary objective to preserve capital, minimize risk and provide liquidity.  Regarding the December 25, 2016 cash and cash equivalents balance 
of $211.2 million, a 1.0 percent increase/decrease in interest rate fluctuations would increase/decrease income before income taxes by $2,112 annually.

Commodity price risk
The  Company’s  manufacturing  costs  are  affected  by  the  price  of  raw  materials,  namely  petroleum-based  and  natural  gas-based  plastic  resins  and 
aluminum.  In order to manage its risk, the Company has entered into selling price-indexing programs with certain customers.  Changes in raw material 
prices for these customers are reflected in selling price adjustments but there is a slight time lag.  For 2016, 69 percent (2015 - 70 percent) of revenue was 
generated from customers with selling price-indexing programs.  For all other customers, the Company’s preferred practice is to match raw material cost 

32

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       changes with selling price adjustments, albeit with a slight time lag.  This matching is not always possible, as customers react to selling price pressures 
related to raw material cost fluctuations according to conditions pertaining to their markets.

Credit risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk from its cash and cash equivalents held with banks and financial institutions, derivative financial instruments 
(foreign currency forward contracts), as well as credit exposure to customers, including outstanding trade and other receivable balances.  

The following table details the maximum exposure to the Company’s counterparty credit risk which represents the carrying value of the financial asset:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Foreign currency forward contracts

December 25

December 27

2016

211,225

124,148

308

335,681

2015

165,027

107,805

40

272,872

Credit risk on cash and cash equivalents and financial instruments arises in the event of non-performance by the counterparties when the Company is 
entitled to receive payment from the counterparty who fails to perform.  The Company has established an investment policy to manage its cash.  The 
policy requires that the Company manage its risk by investing its excess cash on hand on a short-term basis, up to a maximum of six months, with 
several financial institutions and/or governmental bodies that must be rated ‘AA’ or higher for CDN financial institutions and ‘A-1’ or higher for US financial 
institutions by recognized international credit rating agencies or insured 100 percent by the US government or a ‘AAA’ rated CDN federal or provincial 
government.  The Company manages its counterparty risk on its financial instruments by only dealing with CDN Schedule I financial institutions.

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to credit risk on its trade and other receivables from customers.  To mitigate such risk, the 
Company performs ongoing customer credit evaluations and assesses their credit quality by taking into account their financial position, past experience 
and other pertinent factors.  Management regularly monitors customer credit limits, performs credit reviews and, in certain cases insures trade receivable 
balances against credit losses.  

As  at  December  25,  2016,  the  Company  believes  that  the  credit  risk  for  trade  and  other  receivables  is  mitigated  due  to  the  following:    (a)  a  broad 
customer base which is dispersed across varying market sectors and geographic locations, (b) 98 percent (2015 - 97 percent) of the gross trade and 
other receivable balance is within 30 days of the agreed upon payment terms with customers, and (c) 37 percent (2015 - 23 percent) of the trade and 
other receivables balance is insured against credit losses.  The Company’s exposure to the ten largest customer balances, on aggregate, accounted for 
45 percent (2015 - 39 percent) of the total trade and other receivables balance.  

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in 
the statement of income within general and administrative expenses.  When a receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the 
allowance for doubtful accounts.  Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against general and administrative expenses in 
the statement of income.  

The following table sets out the aging details of the Company’s trade and other receivables balances outstanding based on the status of the receivable in 
relation to when the receivable was due and payable and related allowance for doubtful accounts:

December 25

December 27

Current - neither impaired nor past due

Not impaired but past the due date:

Within 30 days

31 - 60 days

Over 60 days

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

Total trade and other receivables, net

2016

107,044

15,658

1,492

749

124,943

(795)

124,148

2015

86,268

18,877

2,797

819

108,761

(956)

107,805

33

WThe following table details the continuity of the allowance for doubtful accounts:

Balance, beginning of year

Provisions for the year, net of recoveries

Uncollectible amounts written off

Foreign exchange impact

Balance, end of year

2016

(956)

82

78

1

(795)

2015

(700)

(536)

280

-

(956)

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company would not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.  Management believes that the liquidity 
risk is low due to the strong financial condition of the Company.  This risk assessment is based on the following:  (a) cash and cash equivalents amounts 
of $211.2 million, (b) no outstanding bank loans, (c) unused credit facilities comprised of unsecured operating lines of $38 million, (d) the ability to obtain 
term-loan financing to fund an acquisition, if needed, (e) an informal investment grade credit rating, and (f) the Company’s ability to generate positive cash 
flows from ongoing operations.  Management believes that the Company’s cash flows are more than sufficient to cover its operating costs, working capital 
requirements, capital expenditures and dividend payments in 2017.  The Company’s trade payables and other liabilities and derivative financial instrument 
liabilities are virtually all due within twelve months.

Capital management
The Company’s objectives in managing capital are to ensure the Company will continue as a going concern and have sufficient liquidity to pursue its 
strategy of organic growth combined with strategic acquisitions and to deploy capital to provide an appropriate return on investment to its shareholders.  
In the management of capital, the Company includes bank overdrafts, bank loans and shareholders’ equity.  The Board of Directors has established 
quantitative return on capital criteria for management and year-over-year sustainable earnings growth targets.  The Board of Directors also reviews, on a 
regular basis, the level of dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders.

The Company has externally imposed capital requirements as governed through its bank operating line credit facilities.  The Company monitors capital 
on the basis of funded debt to EBITDA (income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and debt service coverage.  Funded debt 
is defined as the sum of bank loans and bank overdrafts less cash and cash equivalents.  The funded debt to EBITDA is calculated as funded debt, as 
at the financial reporting date, over the 12-month rolling EBITDA.  This ratio is to be maintained under 3.00:1.  As at December 25, 2016, the ratio was 
0.00:1.  Debt service coverage is calculated as a 12-month rolling income from operations over debt service.   Debt service is calculated as the sum of 
one-sixth of bank loans outstanding plus annualized finance expense and dividends.  This ratio is to be maintained over 1.50:1.  As at December 25, 
2016, the ratio was 27.93:1.    

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during 2016.

26.  Segment reporting:

The Company’s operations are organized into six operating segments: modified atmosphere packaging, specialty films, rigid containers, lidding, biaxially 
oriented nylon, and packaging machinery.  The modified atmosphere packaging, specialty films, rigid containers, and lidding operating segments have 
been aggregated as one reportable segment as they have similar economic characteristics, including long-term sales volume growth and long-term 
average gross profit margin and have similar products, production processes, types of customers, and distribution methods.  In addition, the biaxially 
oriented nylon and packaging machinery operating segments have been aggregated with these four operating segments as their combined revenues and 
assets represents less than 8 percent of total Company revenues and assets.   

Modified atmosphere packaging extends the shelf life of perishable foods, while at the same time maintains or improves the quality of the product.  The 
packaging is used for a wide range of markets and applications, including fresh and processed meats, poultry, cheese, medical device packaging, high 
performance pouch applications and high-barrier films for converting applications.

Specialty films includes a full line of barrier and non-barrier films which are ideal for converting applications such as printing, laminating, and bag making, 
including shrink bags.

Rigid containers includes portion control and single-serve containers, as well as plastic sheet and custom retort trays, which are used for applications such 
as food, pet food, beverage, dairy, industrial, and healthcare. 

Lidding products are available in die-cut, daisy chain and rollstock formats and are used for applications such as food, dairy, beverage, industrial and 
healthcare. 

34

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       The Company operates principally in Canada and the United States.  The following summary presents key information by geographic segment:

2016

Revenue

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

2015

Revenue

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

United

States

Canada

Other

Consolidated

676,262

204,178

104,151

218,235

648,953

175,883

97,716

207,031

42,119

1,235

50,500

1,267

822,532

423,648

797,169

384,181

Major customer
During 2016, the Company reported revenue to one customer representing 18 percent of total revenue (2015 - 18 percent). 

27.  Contingencies:

In the normal course of business activities, the Company may be subject to various legal actions.  Management contests these actions and believes 
resolution of the actions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition.

28.  Related party transactions:

The Company had revenue of $0 (2015 - $13), purchases of $3,706 (2015 - $4,191) and commission income of $295 (2015 - $602) with its majority 
shareholder company.  Trade and other receivables and trade payables and other liabilities include amounts of $205 (2015 - $136) and $83 (2015 - $353) 
respectively with the majority shareholder company.  These transactions were completed at market values with normal payment terms.

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company.  
The Board of Directors and Executive Committee are key management personnel.  The following table details the compensation earned by these key 
management personnel:

Salaries, fees and short-term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

2016

(4,652)

(443)

(2,289)

(7,384)

2015

(5,160)

(459)

(4,657)

(10,276)

No loans were advanced to key management personnel during the year.

The aggregate remuneration earned by the Board of Directors in 2016 was $541 (2015 - $548).  As a group, the Board of Directors hold, directly or 
indirectly, 52.5 percent (2015 - 52.7 percent) of the outstanding shares of the Company.  The members of the Executive Committee hold, directly or 
indirectly, 0.4 percent (2015 - 0.4 percent) of the outstanding shares of the Company.

35

WAnnual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
at The Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Canada

Listing
Winpak Ltd. shares are listed WPK on the Toronto Stock Exchange

Transfer Agent
Computershare Investor Services Inc.

Annual Information Form
The most recent version of the Annual Information Form for Winpak Ltd.
is available by contacting Winpak’s Corporate Office 
100 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg, Canada  R3J 3T3
info@winpak.com

Board of Directors
Chairman, A.I. Aarnio-Wihuri (2), Kaarina, Finland; Chairman, Wihuri International Oy
Vice Chairman, J.M. Hellgren (2), Lahti, Finland; President and Chief Executive Officer, Wihuri International Oy
M.H. Aarnio-Wihuri (2), Kaarina, Finland; Manager, Sustainability Program, Wihuri International Oy
K.A. Albrechtsen (1), Winnipeg, Canada
D.R.W. Chatterley (1), Winnipeg, Canada
D. Spiring (2), Winnipeg, Canada; President and Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
I.T. Suominen (1), Helsinki, Finland; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Wihuri International Oy

(1)  Member of the Audit Committee
(2)  Member of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee

Executive Committee
The  Executive  Committee,  in  consultation  with  the  Board  of  Directors,  establishes  the  objectives  and  the  long-term  direction  of  the  Company.   The 
Committee  meets  regularly  throughout  the  year  to  review  progress  towards  achievement  of  the  Company’s  goals  and  to  implement  policies  and 
procedures directed at optimizing performance.

B.J. Berry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Winpak Ltd.
K.M. Byers, President, Winpak Films Inc.
D.A. Johns, President, Winpak Division, a division of Winpak Ltd.
T.L. Johnson, President, Winpak Heat Seal Packaging 
K.P. Kuchma, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Winpak Ltd.
O.Y. Muggli, Vice President, Technology, Winpak Ltd.
D.J. Stacey, President, Winpak Portion Packaging

Auditors
KPMG LLP, Winnipeg, Canada

Legal Counsel
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, Winnipeg, Canada 
Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC, Buffalo, U.S.A. 

36

CORPORATE INFORMATION