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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FY2018 Annual Report · Winpak Limited
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TOTAL
PACKAGING
SOLUTIONS

2 0 1 8   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS 

2018  marked  a  change  in  food  and  even  drug  retail  with  the  absence  of  growth  or  expansion  at  less  than  population  growth  or  inflation  in  North 
America.  The net income attributable to equity holders of the Company attained $108.9 million, better than planned, yet shy of last year’s $119.3 million, 
while revenue grew slightly to $889.6 million.  This achievement was a blend of revenue growth in the modified atmosphere packaging, lidding and 
machinery product groups while our rigid container business receded as a result of transitioning to less costly plastic materials in our largest rigid container 
applications.  However, with the lack of retail growth and competitive selling price pressures intensifying in 2018, gross profit margins contracted 0.8 
percent.  Unlike the prior year, raw material price pressures remained relatively tame.

Overall, with the challenging rigid packaging transition initiated towards sustainable offerings, more than half of Winpak’s product portfolio is recycle-ready 
with further advances in material sciences being developed to offer ground-breaking recycle-ready high barrier flexible and rigid solutions based upon 
renewable materials.  The Company’s direction is set towards advancement while consciously reducing the environmental impact.  Our manufacturing 
processes and sites are relentlessly searching for ways to reduce their impact and incorporate new processes with the latest technologies to reduce 
emissions, energy consumption and production waste.  We strive to design our new processes to use green energy wherever possible, such as hydro 
electricity in Canada and avoiding natural gas.

The continued progression at the Winnipeg, Manitoba facility relies largely on the capabilities of Winpak’s latest and largest, high barrier cast co-extrusion 
technology expansion along with re-engineering existing lines to meet the new state of the art technology.  In addition, different product designs are being 
considered for a new generation of films as an upgrade to the most recently installed line.  The step-ups in productivity and quality consistency have been 
instrumental in mitigating the impact of raw material price increases and further steps in automation utilization will also contribute to maintaining low costs.  
Additional high barrier co-extruded blown film capacity was added mid-year to keep up with the demand in sophisticated high barrier pouch structures.  
These new capabilities enhance the Company’s portfolio of high barrier films for modified atmosphere packaging.

Similarly, Winpak’s specialty films business in Senoia, Georgia which benefited from an 80,000 square foot building expansion, has been ramping up 
with a new blown film co-extrusion line and will be proceeding with additional capacity in early 2020 to keep up with demand for sophisticated high barrier 
food and medical films.  To streamline the marketing of Winnipeg and Senoia’s complementary product portfolio, the two teams are now under a single 
management structure.  The shrink bag co-extrusion lines from our first expansion are all undergoing significant re-design and technology improvements 
towards new state of the art capabilities for the speciality meat and cheese markets.

2018 was again remarkable for the Winpak–Sojitz Corporation of Japan business venture producing biaxially oriented polyamide (nylon) films.   American 
Biaxis  achieved record productivity in the latter part of the year to counteract elevated raw material costs and increased selling price competition, whereas 
the beginning of the year had proven challenging from a productivity standpoint.  Once more, the focus on quality and customer service outweighed 
competitive selling price pressures from offshore suppliers.  The announced building and equipment capacity expansion will break ground in early 2019.

Overall, Winpak’s flexible packaging business grew slightly in 2018, in the face of stronger than ever selling pricing competition and surprisingly low retail 
growth.  Going forward, Winpak’s offering in high barrier recycle-ready flexible packaging will expand, relying on our uniquely sophisticated infrastructure.

In 2018, the Company’s rigid container business which consists of the production of plastic sheets and thermoformed barrier containers in two locations 
in Chicago, Illinois and one in Toronto saw the start-up of a new sheet and in-line thermoforming line in the newly expanded 348,000 square foot site and 
the engineering of two more lines to be installed in 2019 and 2020.  The mentioned contraction of the rigid container revenue is not the result of a loss of 
business, but the transition to less costly and lighter plastics, mainly moving out of polystyrene for materials that are easier to recycle, such as from the 
family of polyolefins (polypropylene and polyethylene) and to some extent due to competitive selling price pressures.  To date, more than half our portfolio 
of rigid containers are so called recycle-ready and this will continue to increase, while solutions from renewable resources are actively being pursued and 
developed.  The rationale of expanding the rigid container capacity is driven by growth in condiments for convenience with ready-to-serve meals and meal 
kits as well as a return to single portion containers away from multi-pocket solutions in dairy and dessert offerings.

The Company’s product offering as a system of high-tech flexible lidding solutions combined with rigid containers, whether in die-cut or roll-fed form, 
aluminum-based or high barrier plastics sets Winpak apart in the industry.  At the Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec facility, the newly re-engineered tandem 
extrusion line and new printing press have proven instrumental in growing the range of new generation roll-fed flexible lidding products to complement 
our large die-cut lid presence.  The vast expansion of our Mexican operations is nearing completion with the die-cut business already in operation while 
equipment for the converting portion of the plant is being assembled for start-up in the second quarter of 2019.  Together with the newly re-organized 
healthcare team, modest revenue growth was achieved in 2018.

Winpak’s  packaging  machinery  division  in  San  Bernardino,  California  contributed  in  2018  with  significant  revenue  momentum,  establishing  another 
milestone year for both machinery and services.  Even more significant to Winpak is the packaging film system sales approach and improved customer 
service with in-house lab testing providing a full range of sachet packaging machines available for customers to perform product testing.  Not to mention, 
the launch of a commercial relationship with Unifill Srl. of Italy producing highly specialized blown thermoformed single serve containers.  Going forward, 
the machinery operations will relocate to a more spacious site to allow it to grow and set the stage for new equipment designs and enhanced manufacturing 
and assembly capabilities.

Overall,  2018  yielded  several  Company  records  despite  very  challenging  competitive  market  pressures  and  disappointing  retail  consumption  thus 
demonstrating the sound nature of the infrastructure and equipment investments coming to fruition across the Company.  Key capital investment decisions 
for future growth throughout the business are under way to continue the momentum going forward, under the lens of reducing our environmental footprint 
and impact.

O.Y. Muggli
President and Chief Executive Officer
Winnipeg, Canada  
February 26, 2019

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
 
(Values expressed in US dollars)

Operating results ($ million except earnings per share)

Revenue

Income from operations

EBITDA (1)

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company

Earnings per share (cents) (2)

Investments and assets ($ million)

Investments in property, plant and equipment

Total assets

Financial position

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014 

889.6

150.1

190.2

108.9

168

71.2

1,088.9

886.8

162.7

200.2

119.3

184

51.1

976.0

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

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

Return on opening invested capital (3)

13.3%

24.7%

16.9%

28.3%

17.3%

30.8%

17.0%

29.1%

13.6%

24.2%

($US Millions)

900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Basis of Presentation
• 

The Company’s fiscal year is usually 52 weeks in duration, but includes a 53rd week every five to six years.  All years presented on pages 2 and 3 
were 52 weeks in duration, with the exception of 2012 and 2017, which were 53 weeks in duration.
All years presented on pages 2 and 3 are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with the exception of 2008 and 
2009, which are as previously reported under Canadian GAAP.

• 

Definitions
(1)  EBITDA (income before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) is not a recognized measure under 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 4 of this document for the 
calculation of EBITDA from 2016 to 2018.
(2)  In 2017, a one-time income tax recovery of 17 cents per share was recorded due to the revaluation of deferred tax asset and liability balances within 
the US operations as a result of US tax reform enacted in December 2017.
(3)  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 
REVIEW

($US Millions)

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

12.0%

10.0%

8.0%

6.0%

4.0%

2.0%

0.0%

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

EBITDA

EBITDA Margin

(Cents)

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Earnings Per Share

($US Millions)

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

CAPEX

% of Revenue

3

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Forward-looking  statements:  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.  Factors that could cause 
results to differ from those expected include, but are not limited to: the terms, availability and costs of acquiring raw materials and the ability to pass on 
price increases to customers; ability to negotiate contracts with new customers or renew existing customer contracts with less favorable terms; timely 
response to changes in customer product needs and market acceptance of our products; the potential loss of business or increased costs due to customer 
or vendor consolidation; competitive pressures, including new product development; industry capacity, and changes in competitors’ pricing; ability to 
maintain  or  increase  productivity  levels;  contain  or  reduce  costs;  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations;  changes  in  governmental  regulations, 
including environmental, health and safety; changes in Canadian and foreign income tax rates, income tax laws and regulations.  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 26, 2019 was prepared by management and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated 
financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  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 2018, which 
is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.  

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 2018 fiscal year comprised 52 weeks and the 2017 fiscal year comprised 53 weeks.

Company Overview 
The Company provides three distinct types of packaging technologies: a) rigid packaging and flexible lidding, b) flexible packaging and c) packaging 
machinery.  Each of the three are deemed to be a separate operating segment.

The rigid packaging and flexible  lidding segment includes  the rigid containers and lidding  product groups.  Rigid containers  includes  portion control 
and single-serve containers, as well as plastic sheet, custom and 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.

The  flexible  packaging  segment  includes  the  modified  atmosphere  packaging,  specialty  films  and  biaxially  oriented  nylon  product  groups.    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.  Biaxially oriented nylon film is stretched by length and width 
to add stability for further conversion using printing, metalizing or laminating processes and are ideal for food packaging applications such as cheese, fluid 
and viscous liquids, and industrial applications such as book covers and balloons.

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

Revenue

Income from operations

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company

Gross profit margin

Earnings per share (cents)

Reconciliation of EBITDA

Net income

Income tax expense

Net finance (income) expense

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

4

2018

889.6

150.1

108.9

30.4%

168

111.6

40.0

(1.5)

40.1

190.2

2017

886.8

162.7

119.3

31.2%

184

122.7

38.8

1.2

37.5

200.2

2016 

822.5

157.8

104.3

32.7%

161

108.2

49.8

(0.2)

34.2

192.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
Overall Performance

 ∆ Revenue grew by $2.9 million or 0.3 percent from 2017 to an all-time high of $889.6 million.  Normalizing for the additional week in 2017, 
volumes were essentially flat.  Revenue growth reflected the positive impact of selling price and mix changes and a stronger Canadian dollar 
which resulted in revenue advances of $12.4 million and $0.9 million respectively.

 ∆ Gross profit margins declined by under one percentage point from the prior year to 30.4 percent.  Cost efficiencies were gained by limiting the 
expenses relating to production waste and inventory obsolescence.  This achievement, in combination with the implementation of favorable 
selling  price  adjustments  for  customers  on  raw  material  price-indexing  arrangements,  served  to  mitigate  the  headwinds  caused  by  the 
competitive pressures on core product markets’ selling prices and the rise in the Company’s recently added manufacturing capacity. 

 ∆ Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company of $108.9 million decreased from the prior year’s net income of $119.3 million by 
8.7 percent.  Excluding the $11.1 million income tax recovery recorded in 2017 due to US tax reform, an increase of $0.7 million was realized.  
Significantly lower income taxes were partially offset by diminished gross profit margins and higher operating expenses.

 ∆ Cash and cash equivalents ended the year at $344.3 million even though property, plant and equipment additions of $71.2 million represented 
the second highest annual outlay in the Company’s history.  Winpak continued to generate buoyant cash flow from operating activities.  There 
are no short-term borrowings or long-term debt outstanding.

Highlights

 ∆ Raw materials:  In 2018, the annual average cost of raw materials climbed by 2.5 percent from the prior year average.  As the year was ending, 

select resins experienced notable decreases in tandem with the decline in world oil prices.

 ∆ Operating expenses:  Greater personnel costs and the expansion in freight costs were the driving force between the growth in operating 

expenses compared to relatively stagnant sales volumes.   

 ∆ Foreign  exchange:    Minor  losses  were  realized  on  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  in  2018  whereas  in  2017,  significant  gains  were 
recorded.  Coupled with foreign exchange losses in 2018 on translation of Canadian dollar net monetary items, foreign exchange dampened 
earnings per share by 4.5 cents. 

 ∆ Income taxes:  The sizeable reduction in the Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate in the current year, attributable to the US federal 

statutory income tax rate decreasing from 35.0 percent to 21.0 percent, raised earnings per share by 10.0 cents.

 ∆ Capital expenditures:  Capital expenditures in 2018 amounted to $71.2 million, providing the foundation from which the Company can pursue 
its long-term compound rate of organic growth that has been realized over the past 10 years.                                                                   

 ∆ Financing and investing:  Winpak generated $130.1 million in cash flow from operating activities, which was more than sufficient to fund $71.2 
million in capital projects and $6.1 million in regular dividends, resulting in an improvement in the net cash position of $52.4 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 2019.  In addition, management will continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that align strategically 
with Winpak’s core competencies in concert with executing upon its organic capital expenditure program, all focused on providing long-term 
shareholder value.  

5

 
 
                                                                                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations

Components of total (decrease) increase in earnings per share (EPS)

Organic growth

Gross profit margins

Operating expenses, finance expense and non-controlling interests

Income taxes

Foreign exchange

Total (decrease) increase in EPS (cents)

2018

(2.0)

(3.5)

1.0

(7.0)

(4.5)

(16.0)

2017

10.0

(8.5)

0.5

18.5

2.5

23.0

2016

11.0

(7.0)

0.5

(1.5)

5.0

8.0

Ongoing operations 
Organic growth is the impact on net income due exclusively to increased sales volumes and excludes the influence of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign 
exchange.  In 2018, this subtracted 2.0 cents from EPS in comparison to the prior year.  However, the 2017 fiscal year included 53 weeks instead of the 
more customary 52 weeks.  The additional week was essentially the last week of the 2016 calendar year which contained several statutory holidays.  As 
a consequence, it is estimated that the 2017 sales volumes and net income results were positively affected by 2.0 percent.    

Gross profit margins contracted in 2018, reflective of competitive conditions in strategic product markets, increased raw material costs compared to 2017 
and the addition of manufacturing capacity in recent years in comparison to relatively unchanged sales volumes.  

The expansion in net finance income and a smaller proportion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests provided an additional 3.0 cents and 
1.0 cent to EPS respectively.  On the other hand, operating expenses, exclusive of foreign exchange, expanded by 1.6 percent whereas sales volumes 
were virtually unchanged, lowering EPS by 3.0 cents.       

The US tax reform that was enacted in the previous year had a favorable influence on EPS in both 2018 and 2017.  It was more significant in the prior 
year due to the revaluation of deferred tax balances within the US operations which elevated EPS by 17.0 cents per share.  In the current year, the US 
federal statutory income tax rate decreased from 35.0 percent to 21.0 percent, augmenting EPS by 10.0 cents.

Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 4.5 cents on EPS versus the previous year.  The maturation of foreign exchange contracts at less favorable 
rates than was experienced in 2017 was compounded by converting the Company’s net Canadian dollar expenses into US funds at a higher average rate. 

Revenue

Revenue Change

Volume (decrease) increase

Price and mix gains (losses)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Total increase in revenue

Millions of US dollars

2017

50.4

11.9

1.9

64.2

2018

(10.4)

12.4

0.9
2.9

2016

54.2

(24.4)

(4.4)

25.4

For 2018, revenue reached an all-time high of $889.6 million, up by 0.3 percent from the $886.8 million recorded in the previous year.  After taking the 
additional week of revenues in the first quarter of 2017 into account, volumes were virtually unchanged.  The rigid containers and flexible lidding operating 
segment experienced a negligible drop in volumes.  For the lidding product group, rollstock materials in combination with yogurt and dessert die-cut 
lidding were the main factors leading the positive performance.  Conversely, sheet and dessert container shipments receded in the current year and led 
to an overall contraction in volumes for the rigid container product group.  The flexible packaging operating segment realized a limited uptick in volumes.  
Within the modified atmosphere packaging product group, growth was challenging due to tempered demand levels at major US protein processors.  For 
the packaging machinery operating segment, growth was exceptional at 14 percent.  In relation to 2017, selling price and mix changes had a favorable 
influence on revenue of 1 percent.  The average value of the Canadian dollar in comparison to the US dollar during 2018 was essentially on par with the 
2017 level.  Accordingly, foreign exchange had little impact on reported revenue. 

6

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS        
Gross profit margins
For the current year, gross profit margins reached a level of 30.4 percent of revenue, falling short of the 31.2 percent realized in 2017, culminating in a 
decrease in EPS of 3.5 cents.  Competitive pressures in key product markets were prevalent during the year.  This margin erosion was compounded 
by the rise in raw material costs compared to 2017.  These negative factors were essentially nullified through the qualification of more cost efficient raw 
materials and the implementation of selling price adjustments for customers on raw material price-indexing programs.  This was complemented by the 
significant progress that has been made in curtailing expenses relating to production waste and inventory obsolescence.  As part of the Company’s long-
term organic growth aspirations, sizeable investments in capital have been made in recent years, expanding the manufacturing footprint.  Consequently, 
the cost structure has risen whereas sales volumes remained relatively the same in the current year leading to a narrowing of gross profit margins. 

Winpak’s average raw material index, which represents the weighted cost of a basket of the Company’s eight principal raw materials, rose by 2.5 percent 
from the 2017 average.  The change in raw material pricing varied amongst the different materials.  Polypropylene experienced an increase of 17 percent 
whereas polystyrene recorded a decrease of 8 percent.   

Raw Material Index

Increase (decrease) in index compared to prior year

2018

2.5%

2017

9.5%

2016

(5.6%)

Expenses 
For the 2018 fiscal year, operating expenses, adjusted for foreign exchange, advanced by 1.6 percent whereas sales volumes were virtually unchanged, 
subtracting 3.0 cents from EPS.  Greater personnel expenses and strategic product development activities were the main catalysts.  The expansion in 
freight costs due to elevated fuel charges also played a role.      

Foreign Exchange

Year-end exchange rate of CDN dollar to US dollar

Year-end exchange rate of US dollar to CDN dollar

(Depreciation) appreciation 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

Appreciation (depreciation) of CDN dollar vs. US dollar average

2018

0.733

1.365

(7.8%)

0.776

1.289

2017

0.795

1.258

7.6%

0.769

1.301

2016

0.739

1.354

2.4%

0.751

1.332

exchange rate compared to the prior year

0.9%

2.4%

(4.8%)

Winpak utilizes the US currency as both its reporting and functional currency.  However, with approximately 60 percent 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 minor.

On a net basis, foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact on EPS of 4.5 cents in 2018 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 appreciation in the average exchange rate of the Canadian dollar in relation to the US 
dollar in 2018 of 0.9 percent decreased EPS by 0.5 cents compared to 2017.  As part of the Company’s hedging program to manage this risk, the foreign 
exchange contracts that matured during 2018 were at a less advantageous average exchange rate, generating foreign exchange losses.  In contrast, 
foreign exchange gains were incurred on these financial instruments in the prior year and the relative change decreased EPS by 2.0 cents.  Furthermore, 
translation differences, which arise when Canadian dollar monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates that change over time, lowered 
EPS by an additional 2.0 cents in the current year in comparison to 2017.

7

 
 
  
 
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

2018

2017

April 1

July 1

September 30

December 30

221,665

225,191

220,647

222,138

889,641

26,361

28,042

27,835

26,683

108,921

April 2

July 2

October 1

December 31

41

43

43

41

168

228,351

217,752

218,348

222,323

886,774

28,552

25,745

25,368

39,633

119,298

44

40

39

61

184

*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 commercializing new manufacturing equipment can cause revenue and 
net income to depart from established trends.

The following items influenced the timing of the Company’s reported results beyond historic trends.  Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2018 
were impacted by higher personnel costs and employee benefit expenses, reducing net income.  The additional week included in the 2017 first quarter 
favorably influenced both revenue and net income.  First quarter revenues in the prior year were elevated primarily due to the timing of specialty beverage 
container shipments.  The fourth quarter of 2017 included the 17 cents in additional EPS recorded as a result of the US tax reform.

Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 30, 2018, Winpak’s cash and cash equivalents balance totaled $344.3 million, an increase of $52.4 million from the prior year-end.  This 
reflected cash provided by operating activities of $130.1 million less disbursements for investing activities of $71.6 million and financing activities of $6.1 
million.

Operating activities
Cash from operating activities reached $130.1 million.  Cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital was $191.4 million 
and represented a decrease of $8.5 million from 2017.  Working capital additions utilized cash of $27.7 million.  During 2018, the tariffs implemented by 
the US government on aluminum products caused demand for aluminum to outpace supply with the Company’s aluminum foil suppliers.  To minimize the 
disruption on operations, alternate sources of supply were secured and the level of inventory kept on hand was increased.  This item was the overriding 
factor causing inventories to advance by $15.6 million.  The timing of selling extended term accounts receivable without recourse to finance institutions in 
exchange for cash raised trade and other receivables by $14.9 million.  Coinciding with the much lower US federal statutory income tax rate, income tax 
payments were $33.2 million, a drop of $12.0 million from the previous year.     

Investing activities
Investing  activities  in  the  current  year  amounted  to  $71.6  million,  of  which  property,  plant  and  equipment  additions  represented  $71.2  million.   The 
major expenditures included the acquisition of the building and property adjacent to the Winnipeg, Manitoba plant and a new Mexican facility which will 
house state of the art printing and converting technology.  Furthermore, the building expansion of the Company’s biaxially oriented nylon operations and 
incremental extrusion capacity began during the second half of 2018.  Over the long term, Winpak’s expenditures for maintaining the existing equipment’s 
capabilities have averaged approximately 2 percent of revenue. 

Financing activities
Financing activities in 2018 included dividends to common shareholders of $6.1 million.  A regular quarterly dividend of $0.03 Canadian was paid.  The 
Company’s objectives in managing capital are to have sufficient liquidity to pursue its strategy of organic growth along with strategic acquisitions so that 
an appropriate return on investments is provided to shareholders.     

8

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS       Resources
Investments to drive organic and acquisitive growth can be significant, requiring substantial financial resources.  A range of funding alternatives is available 
including cash and cash equivalents, cash flow provided by operations, additional debt facilities, 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 unused operating lines of 
$38 million, which are believed adequate for liquidity purposes.  Based on discussions with various financial institutions, Winpak believes that additional 
credit can be arranged from banks and other major lenders as required.  The Company is confident that all 2019 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 nine 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 0.8 of a US cent per share.  

During  2018,  certain  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  matured  and  the  Company  realized  pre-tax  foreign  exchange  losses  of  $0.4  million.   As  at 
December 30, 2018, the Company had US to CDN dollar foreign currency forward contracts outstanding with notional amounts of $58.0 million.  The pre-
tax unrealized foreign exchange loss on these contracts of $2.7 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 3-4 month time lag.  For 2018, 73 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 also sells certain extended term trade receivables 
without recourse to financial institutions in exchange for cash.  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’ 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 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.  

9

 
The  Company  enters  into  contractual  obligations  in  the  normal  course  of  business  operations.    These  obligations,  as  at  December  30,  2018,  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

835

31,157

31,992

673

26,531

27,204

162

4,626

4,788

-

-

-

-

-

-

The following accounting standards came into effect commencing in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year:

Financial instruments
The Company has adopted IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.  IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for 
the classification and measurement of financial assets, amends the requirements related to hedge accounting, and introduces a forward-looking expected 
loss impairment model.  

The standard contains three classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income 
(FVOCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).  The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is based on the business model in which a 
financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics.  The standard eliminates the previous IAS 39 categories of held to maturity, loans 
and receivables and available for sale.  Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward 
in IFRS 9 and the adoption of IFRS 9 did not change the Company’s accounting policies for financial liabilities.  Upon adoption, trade and other receivables 
that may be subject to factoring arrangements are now classified as FVOCI.  The classification changes for each class of the Company’s financial assets 
and financial liabilities upon adoption at January 1, 2018 had no impact on the measurement of financial instruments.  

The Company has adopted the new general hedge accounting model in IFRS 9.  The adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any changes in the eligibility of 
existing hedge relationships, the accounting for derivative financial instruments designated as effective hedging instruments or the line items in which they 
are included in the consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of income.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9, the Company’s accounting policies for financial instruments have been updated (see note 4 to the consolidated 
financial statements) and applied from January 1, 2018 and in accordance with the transitional provisions in IFRS 9, comparative figures have not been 
restated.  The Company has adopted IFRS 9 retrospectively, other than the hedge accounting provisions of IFRS 9 that have been applied prospectively 
effective January 1, 2018, and accordingly the comparative figures do not reflect the requirements of IFRS 9.  The adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any 
transition adjustments being recognized as at January 1, 2018.  There was no impact on the 2018 consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from contracts with customers 
The Company has adopted IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.  IFRS 15 includes a 
single, five-step revenue recognition model that requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to 
customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.  The 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.  

The Company has applied IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method (without practical expedients) and therefore the comparative information has 
not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 11 and IAS 18.  The adoption of IFRS 15 did not result in any transition adjustments being 
recognized as at January 1, 2018.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15, the Company’s accounting policies have been updated (see note 4 to the consolidated financial statements).  As 
of January 1, 2018, the Company has made changes with respect to the presentation of refund and contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.  
Under IFRS 15, the Company has presented its refund liabilities within ‘Trade payables and other liabilities’.  Previously, refund liabilities were presented 
within ‘Trade and other receivables’.  The Company continues to present the amounts with respect to the rights to recover products from customers with 
a right of return within ‘Inventories’.  The Company has presented its customer deposits within ‘Contract liabilities’ under IFRS 15.  Previously, customer 
deposits were presented within ‘Trade payables and other liabilities’.  These changes in presentation consequently impacted the amounts reported on 
the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 30, 2018.  IFRS 15 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated 
statement of income for the year ended December 30, 2018.

10

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS       Future Accounting Changes
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued the following standards that have not been applied in preparing the consolidated financial 
statements and notes thereto, for the year ended December 30, 2018 as their effective dates fall within annual periods beginning subsequent to the 
current reporting period: IFRS 16 “Leases”, IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” and amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”.  

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 
balance sheet.  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 and interim reporting periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively.  The Company has undertaken a preliminary review of lease contracts and 
applied the new measurement model for lessees.  The standard will be implemented by the Company in 2019.  The Company expects the new lease 
measurement model for lessees will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.  The Company intends to adopt the standard 
retrospectively with the modified retrospective approach of initially applying the standard recognized at December 31, 2018 in opening retained earnings.

In June 2017, IFRIC Interpretation 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” was issued and aims to reduce diversity in how companies recognize and 
measure a tax liability or tax asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.  The Interpretation is effective for annual and interim reporting 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively.  The Company does not expect IFRIC 23 to have a significant impact 
on the consolidated financial statements when it is adopted in 2019.

In February 2018, amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” were issued to specify how an entity determines pension expenses when changes to 
a defined benefit plan occur.  When a change to a plan takes place, including an amendment, curtailment or settlement, IAS 19 requires an entity to 
remeasure its employee benefit plan liability or asset.  The amendments require an entity to use the updated assumptions from this remeasurement to 
determine current service cost and the net finance cost for the remainder of the reporting period after the change to the plan.  The amendments are 
effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and are to be applied prospectively.  The Company does not 
expect the amendments to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements when they are adopted in 2019.

Looking Forward

Business Outlook
Entering 2019, the Company is cautiously optimistic on realizing positive overall growth in terms of sales volumes.  Mixed results were encountered in 
2018 with modest volume growth in certain product markets and contractions in other product markets resulting in 2018 sales volumes being virtually 
unchanged.  The growth in the North American food packaging industry was slightly negative in 2018, due in part to changing consumer patterns, this 
may influence revenue growth to some degree with existing customers moving forward.  The Company is continuing to develop new sales opportunities 
however, the timing for conversion of these into new business remains uncertain as customers’ protocols for new supply control the process.  Competitive 
pressures are expected to persist in the coming year and could negatively impact selling prices for existing products or anticipated prices for new product 
initiatives.  In 2018, positive selling price and mix changes were realized with the recovery of resin price increases incurred in the past year due to 73 
percent of the Company’s revenues being indexed to the price of raw materials albeit with a 3 to 4 month time lag. The decline and volatility in world oil 
prices in recent months and new resin capacity (polyethylene) coming on stream has reduced the cost of certain resins and this should translate into 
lower raw material prices for these resins in the first 6 months of 2019.  However, early in 2019, there has been some announced cost increases for 
certain resins.  Currently, there is uncertainty whether these resin increases will hold in the market and be implemented.  Given these raw material cost 
uncertainties, it is difficult to predict the magnitude and effect these may have on gross profit margins in first half of 2019.  As in 2018, the Company will 
remain focused on reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational performance, particularly in those areas where new products and processes 
require more refinement and experience to optimize production.

Capital expenditures of approximately $70 - $80 million are forecasted for 2019 due in part to certain progress payments on extrusion capacity expected 
to be incurred in late 2018 being delayed until early 2019.  New extrusion capacity is planned to be fully operational by mid 2019 at the rigid container 
facility in Sauk Village, Illinois.  The new Mexican plant which will accommodate increased production capacity and new capabilities in printing technology 
for  flexible  packaging  products  is  planned  to  be  fully  operational  early  in  the  second  quarter  of  2019.    In  addition,  the  building  expansion  and  new 
biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) line capacity in Winnipeg, Manitoba is progressing with an anticipated commercial start-up in the latter half of 2020.  
The Company will stay the course on capital deployment and invest in organic growth opportunities including new technologies and expanded product 
offerings  while  continuing  to  remain  patient  and  evaluate  acquisition  prospects  that  align  strategically  with  Winpak’s  core  strengths  in  sophisticated 
packaging for food, beverage and health care applications.

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,  
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.

11

 
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 
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.

Timing of revenue recognition – Significant judgment is required to determine whether revenue should be recognized over time or at a point in time.  To 
assess whether any revenue should be recognized over time, the Company analyzes customer-specific products without alternative use to determine 
whether a legally enforceable right to payment exists as performance is completed, including a reasonable return.

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 30, 2018 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 IFRS.  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 30, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information being 
reported is materially accurate.  During the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2018, 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 26, 2019.

12

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 management and an internal audit team to evaluate internal 
controls, systems and procedures.

The  Board,  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.

O.Y. Muggli 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
February 26, 2019 

L.A. Warelis
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
February 26, 2019

13

REPORTING            Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders

Independent Auditors’ Report

To the Shareholders of Winpak Ltd.

Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Winpak Ltd. (the Entity), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 
30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then 
ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies (hereinafter referred to as the “financial statements”).

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position  of  the  Entity  as  at 
December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the “Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements” section of our auditors’ report.

We are independent of the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada and we 
have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

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

Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information.  Other information comprises:
• 
• 

The information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions.
The information, other than the financial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in the Annual Report.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated.

We obtained the information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions, and information, 
other than the financial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in the Annual Report as at the date of this auditors’ report.  If, based on the 
work we have performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report 
that fact in the auditors’ report.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such internal control as 
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, 
matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Entity or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Entity‘s financial reporting process.

Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional 
skepticism throughout the audit.

14

REPORTING            We also:
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit 
procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, 
forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Entity’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by 
management.

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained,  
whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Entity’s ability to continue as a going 
concern.  If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures 
in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion.  Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence 
obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report.  However, future events or conditions may cause the Entity to cease to continue as a going 
concern.

Evaluate  the  overall  presentation,  structure  and  content  of  the  financial  statements,  including  the  disclosures,  and  whether  the  financial 
statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

Communicate  with  those  charged  with  governance  regarding,  among  other  matters,  the  planned  scope  and  timing  of  the  audit  and 
significant  audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, 
and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where 
applicable, related safeguards.

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group Entity to 
express an opinion on the financial statements.  We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit.  We 
remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

Chartered Professional Accountants

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this auditors’ report is Austin Abas.

Winnipeg, Canada

February 26, 2019

15

REPORTING             
 
Years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)

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

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 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(thousands of US dollars)

Net income for the year

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

Cash flow hedge losses (gains) transferred to the statements of income

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive loss for the year - net of income tax

Comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Note

7

10

11

11

12

23

18

12

10

12

2018

889,641

(619,582)

270,059

(69,533)

(31,845)

(16,640)

(115)

(1,840)

150,086

5,276

(3,833)

151,529

(39,952)

111,577

108,921

2,656

111,577

168

2018

111,577

(1,260)

47

2,269

(613)

443

(2,580)

331

602

(1,647)

(1,204)

110,373

107,717

2,656

110,373

2017*

886,774

(609,748)

277,026

(67,190)

(32,725)

(15,602)

(446)

1,668

162,731

1,974

(3,164)

161,541

(38,831)

122,710

119,298

3,412

122,710

184

2017*

122,710

133

-

(56)

(1,003)

(926)

2,089

(1,417)

(180)

492

(434)

122,276

118,864

3,412

122,276

*The Company has initially applied IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” at January 1, 2018.  Under 
the transition methods chosen by the Company, comparative information has not been restated.  See note 3.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

16

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

Contract 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

December 30

December 31

Note

2018

2017*

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

7

18

19

22

22

344,322

131,851

1,294

132,318

2,761

-

612,546

453,867

14,311

7,507

707

476,392

1,088,938

63,687

3,031

3,753

2,697

73,168

11,108

14,786

660

41,313

67,867

141,035

29,195

(2,264)

893,279

920,210

27,693

947,903

1,088,938

291,959

116,955

1,994

116,720

2,320

863

530,811

422,989

14,444

6,935

818

445,186

975,997

63,670

-

1,555

98

65,323

10,522

15,272

760

40,656

67,210

132,533

29,195

596

788,636

818,427

25,037

843,464

975,997

*The Company has initially applied IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” at January 1, 2018.  Under 
the transition methods chosen by the Company, comparative information has not been restated.  See note 3.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

Director 

Director

17

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS            
(thousands of US dollars)

Note

Capital Reserves

Earnings

Total

Interests

Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company

Share

Retained

Non-

Controlling

Total

Equity

Balance at December 26, 2016*

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 gains transferred to the statements

of income, net of tax

Employee benefit plan remeasurements, net of tax

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Net income for the year

Comprehensive income for the year

Dividends

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,664

(1,039)

-

625

-

-

-

(1,059)

(1,059)

1,664

(1,039)

(1,059)

(434)

119,298

119,298

625

118,239

118,864

-

-

-

-

1,664

(1,039)

(1,059)

(434)

3,412

3,412

122,710

122,276

-

(6,081)

(6,081)

-

(6,081)

Balance at December 31, 2017*

29,195

596

788,636

818,427

25,037

843,464

Balance at January 1, 2018

29,195

596

788,636

818,427

25,037

843,464

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

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,149)

242

47

-

(2,860)

-

-

-

1,656

1,656

(3,149)

242

47

1,656

(1,204)

-

-

-

-

-

(3,149)

242

47

1,656

(1,204)

-

108,921

108,921

(2,860)

110,577

107,717

2,656

2,656

111,577

110,373

-

(5,934)

(5,934)

-

(5,934)

Balance at December 30, 2018

29,195

(2,264)

893,279

920,210

27,693

947,903

*The Company has initially applied IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” at January 1, 2018.  Under 
the transition methods chosen by the Company, comparative information has not been restated.  See note 3.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

18

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY          Years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(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

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

Contract liabilities

Employee defined benefit plan contributions

Income tax paid

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities:

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment - net

Acquisition of intangible assets

Financing activities:

Dividends paid

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Note

2018

2017*

111,577

122,710

16

17

18

11

12

7

18

17

22

13

41,143

(1,586)

511

3,650

(1,443)

39,952

(2,383)

191,421

(14,896)

(15,598)

(441)

189

3,031

(2,056)

(33,248)

5,100

(3,479)

130,023

(71,227)

(378)

(71,605)

38,565

(1,704)

632

3,346

1,190

38,831

(3,675)

199,895

7,193

(13,204)

704

(7,893)

-

(2,093)

(45,276)

1,856

(2,816)

138,366

(51,084)

(575)

(51,659)

(6,055)

(5,973)

52,363

291,959

344,322

80,734

211,225

291,959

*The Company has initially applied IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” at January 1, 2018.  Under 
the transition methods chosen by the Company, comparative information has not been restated.  See note 3.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

19

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 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  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 2018 fiscal year comprised 52 weeks and the 2017 fiscal year comprised 53 weeks.

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the US dollar.  The US dollar is the reporting currency as more than 80 percent 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 26, 2019.

3.  Accounting standards implemented in 2018

The following accounting standards came into effect commencing in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year:

(a)  Financial instruments
The Company has adopted IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.  IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for 
the classification and measurement of financial assets, amends the requirements related to hedge accounting, and introduces a forward-looking expected 
loss impairment model.  

The standard contains three classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income 
(FVOCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).  The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is based on the business model in which a 
financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics.  The standard eliminates the previous IAS 39 categories of held to maturity, loans 
and receivables and available for sale.  Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward 
in IFRS 9 and the adoption of IFRS 9 did not change the Company’s accounting policies for financial liabilities.  Upon adoption, trade and other receivables 
that may be subject to factoring arrangements are now classified as FVOCI.

The classification changes for each class of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities upon adoption at January 1, 2018 had no impact on 
the measurement of financial instruments, which are summarized in the following table:

Financial assets and liabilities

IAS 39

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables

IFRS 9

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Trade and other receivables - factoring arrangements Loans and receivables

FVOCI

Derivative financial instrument assets

Fair value - hedging instrument

Fair value - hedging instrument

Trade payables and other liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Amortized cost

Derivative financial instrument liabilities

Fair value - hedging instrument

Fair value - hedging instrument

Total trade and other receivables

IAS 39 / IFRS 9

Carrying Value

291,959

104,730

12,225

116,955

863

(63,670)

(98)

The Company has adopted the new general hedge accounting model in IFRS 9.  The adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any changes in the eligibility of 
existing hedge relationships, the accounting for derivative financial instruments designated as effective hedging instruments or the line items in which they 
are included in the consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of income.  

20

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9, the Company’s accounting policies for financial instruments have been updated (see note 4) and applied from 
January 1, 2018 and in accordance with the transitional provisions in IFRS 9, comparative figures have not been restated.  The Company has adopted 
IFRS  9  retrospectively,  other  than  the  hedge  accounting  provisions  of  IFRS  9  that  have  been  applied  prospectively  effective  January  1,  2018,  and 
accordingly the comparative figures do not reflect the requirements of IFRS 9.  The adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any transition adjustments being 
recognized as at January 1, 2018.  There was no impact on the 2018 consolidated financial statements.

(b)  Revenue from contracts with customers
The Company has adopted IFRS 15 “Revenue From Contracts With Customers” with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.  IFRS 15 includes 
a single, five-step revenue recognition model that requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred 
to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.  The 
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.  In 2017, revenue was measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, 
net of returns, rebates and discounts and was recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership had transferred to the customer.  No revenue was 
recognized if there were significant uncertainties regarding recovery of the consideration due, the costs incurred or to be incurred could not be measured 
reliably, or there was continuing management involvement with the goods.

The Company has applied IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method (without practical expedients) and therefore the comparative information has 
not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 11 and IAS 18.  The adoption of IFRS 15 did not result in any transition adjustments being 
recognized as at January 1, 2018.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15, the Company’s accounting policies have been updated (see note 4).  Revenue disclosures are presented in note 7.

As of January 1, 2018, the Company has made changes with respect to the presentation of refund and contract liabilities on the consolidated balance 
sheet.  Under IFRS 15, the Company has presented its refund liabilities within ‘Trade payables and other liabilities’.  At December 30, 2018, the balance 
was  $540.    Previously,  refund  liabilities  were  presented  within  ‘Trade  and  other  receivables’.   The  Company  continues  to  present  the  amounts  with 
respect to the rights to recover products from customers with a right of return within ‘Inventories’.  The Company has presented its customer deposits 
within ‘Contract liabilities’ under IFRS 15.  At December 30, 2018, the balance was $3,031.  Previously, customer deposits were presented within ‘Trade 
payables and other liabilities’.  These changes in presentation consequently impacted the amounts reported on the Company’s consolidated statement of 
cash flows for the year ended December 30, 2018.

IFRS 15 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 30, 2018.

(c)  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  was  implemented  with  prospective 
application, effective January 1, 2018, and had no 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.

21

 
(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
The  Company  determines  revenue  recognition  through  the  following  steps:  a)  identification  of  the  contract  with  a  customer,  b)  identification  of  the 
performance obligations in the contract, c) determination of the transaction price, d) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations 
in the contract and e) recognition of revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.  Revenue is recognized when control of a product 
is transferred to a customer.  Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer, net of variable consideration, 
including rebates, returns and discounts.  Rebates are accrued using sales data and rebate percentages specific to each customer contract.  Accruals 
for sales returns are calculated based on the best estimate of the amount of product that will ultimately be returned by customers, reflecting historical 
experience and the magnitude of non-conforming inventory claims made by customers that have either been approved or are pending review.  For 
customer contracts where the Company expects to be paid within one year, the consideration is not adjusted for the effects of a financing component.  
Packaging machinery contract liabilities are recorded when cash payments are received or due in advance of the Company’s performance.

(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)  Trade and other receivables
The Company applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses, which requires the use of the lifetime expected credit loss provision 
for all trade and other receivables.  Expected credit losses are measured as the difference in the present value of the contractual cash flows that are 
due under the contract and the cash flows that the Company expects to receive.  The expected cash flows reflect all available information, including the 
Company’s historical experience, the past due status, the existence of third-party insurance and forward-looking macroeconomic factors.  

22

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       The Company has ongoing agreements in place with financial institutions whereby certain extended term trade receivables are sold without recourse 
in exchange for cash.  When the trade receivable is sold, the Company removes them from the balance sheet, recognizes the amount received as the 
consideration for the transfer and records the corresponding costs within finance expense and general and administrative expenses.  The Company 
assumes the risk on trade receivables not sold, and accordingly, the amounts are included within trade and other receivables.

(l)  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(p) 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.

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.

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

Intangible assets

(n) 
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.  See note 4(p) 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

(o)  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(p)).   

Impairment

(p) 
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.

23

 
 
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

(q) 
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.

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.

(r)	 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.

24

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       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.

(s)  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.

(t)  Financial assets and liabilities
Financial  assets  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value.    On  initial  recognition,  the  Company  classifies  its  financial  assets  at  either  amortized  cost,  fair 
value through other comprehensive income or fair value through profit or loss, depending on its business model for managing the financial assets and 
the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets.  Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition, unless the 
Company changes its business model for managing financial assets.  Financial liabilities are classified at amortized cost.

A financial asset is classified as measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions: a) the asset is held within a business model whose 
objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows and b) the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows 
that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. 

A financial asset is classified as measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions: a) it is held within a business model whose objective is 
achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets and b) its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that 
are solely payments of principal  and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

All financial instruments, including derivatives, are included in the consolidated balance sheet and are measured at fair value except cash and cash 
equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables and other 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.

(u)  Hedge accounting
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, property, plant and equipment expenditures, and dividend payments to be incurred in Canadian dollars and equipment       
expenditures to be incurred in other foreign currencies.  The Company has elected to designate these instruments in their entirety as hedging instruments 
for hedge accounting purposes, including both the spot and forward elements of the contract in the valuation of the instrument.  

25

 
With respect to hedges of foreign currency exposure, the Company determines the existence of an economic relationship between the hedging instrument 
and hedged item based on the currency, amount and timing of their respective cash flows.  An assessment is made whether the derivative designated in 
each hedging relationship is expected to be and has been effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item using the hypothetical derivative 
method.  

The fair value of each contract is included on the consolidated 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 consolidated statement of income when the hedged item affects income or 
loss.  In the case of property, 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.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or the hedging instrument is sold, expires, is terminated or is exercised, then hedge 
accounting is discontinued prospectively.  When hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in the 
hedging reserve remains in equity until, for a hedge of a transaction resulting in recognition of a non-financial item, it is included in the non-financial item’s 
cost on its initial recognition or, for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to the consolidated statement of income in the same period or periods as the 
hedged expected future cash flows affects income or loss.

If the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, then the amounts that have been accumulated in the hedging reserve are immediately 
reclassified to the consolidated statement of income.

(v)  Share-based payments
The Company maintained a share-based compensation plan, which provided restricted share units under the President’s Incentive Plan.  Units under 
the plan vested immediately, and were 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 
was recognized as a personnel expense, with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period that the units pertained.  The liability was remeasured 
at each reporting date.  Any changes in the fair value of the liability were recognized as a personnel expense in the statement of income.  See note 21.

(w)  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 management 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.

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.

26

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       (d)  Timing of revenue recognition
Significant judgment is required to determine whether revenue should be recognized over time or at a point in time.  To assess whether any revenue 
should be recognized over time, the Company analyzes customer-specific products without alternative use to determine whether a legally enforceable 
right to payment exists as performance is completed, including a reasonable return.

6.  Future accounting standards

(a)  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 
balance sheet.  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 and interim reporting periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively.

The  Company  has  undertaken  a  preliminary  review  of  lease  contracts  and  applied  the  new  measurement  model  for  lessees.   The  standard  will  be 
implemented by the Company in 2019.  The Company expects the new lease measurement model for lessees will not have a material impact on the 
consolidated  financial  statements.    The  Company  intends  to  adopt  the  standard  retrospectively  with  the  modified  retrospective  approach  of  initially 
applying the standard recognized at December 31, 2018 in opening retained earnings.

(b)  Uncertainty over income tax treatments
In June 2017, IFRIC Interpretation 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments” was issued and aims to reduce diversity in how companies recognize and 
measure a tax liability or tax asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.  The Interpretation is effective for annual and interim reporting 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively.  The Company does not expect IFRIC 23 to have a significant impact 
on the consolidated financial statements when it is adopted in 2019.

(c)	 Employee	benefit	plan	amendment,	curtailment	or	settlement
In February 2018, amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” were issued to specify how an entity determines pension expenses when changes to 
a defined benefit plan occur.  When a change to a plan takes place, including an amendment, curtailment or settlement, IAS 19 requires an entity to 
remeasure its employee benefit plan liability or asset.  The amendments require an entity to use the updated assumptions from this remeasurement to 
determine current service cost and the net finance cost for the remainder of the reporting period after the change to the plan.  The amendments are 
effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and are to be applied prospectively.  The Company does not 
expect the amendments to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements when they are adopted in 2019.

7.  Revenue

Operating segments and product groups
The Company provides three distinct types of packaging technologies: a) rigid packaging and flexible lidding, b) flexible packaging and c) packaging 
machinery.  Each of the three are deemed to be a separate operating segment.

The rigid packaging and flexible  lidding segment includes  the rigid containers and lidding  product groups.  Rigid containers  includes  portion control 
and single-serve containers, as well as plastic sheet, custom and 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.

The  flexible  packaging  segment  includes  the  modified  atmosphere  packaging,  specialty  films  and  biaxially  oriented  nylon  product  groups.    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.  Biaxially oriented nylon film is stretched by length and width 
to add stability for further conversion using printing, metalizing or laminating processes and are ideal for food packaging applications such as cheese, fluid 
and viscous liquids, and industrial applications such as book covers and balloons.

Packaging machinery includes a full line of horizontal fill/seal machines for preformed containers and vertical form/fill/seal pouch machines for pumpable 
liquid and semi-liquid products and certain dry products.

Most of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods.  Revenue for each of the three 
operating segments is recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of a product, which typically takes place when legal title and 
physical possession of the product is transferred to the customer.  These conditions are usually fulfilled upon shipment, however, in some instances, upon 
delivery.  Invoices are generated when control has transferred and are usually payable within 30 to 60 days.

27

 
Disaggregation of revenue

Operating segment

Rigid packaging and flexible lidding
Flexible packaging
Packaging machinery

Geographic segment

United States
Canada
Other

2018

2017

430,310
433,944
25,387
889,641

735,906
112,314
41,421
889,641

443,367
419,510
23,897
886,774

713,947
131,730
41,097
886,774

The Company’s products are primarily used for the packaging of perishable foods and beverages, which accounted for more than 90 percent of sales 
during 2018 and 2017.  Other markets include medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, industrial, and other consumer goods.

Major customer
During 2018, the Company reported revenue to one customer representing 16 percent of total revenue (2017 - 18 percent).
.
Contract balances
The following table provides information about trade receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

Trade receivables, which are included in ‘Trade and other receivables’ (note 14)
Contract liabilities

Changes in contract liabilities during the period
Opening balance, January 1, 2018, reclassification from ‘Trade payables and other liabilities’
Revenue recognized during the year that was included in the opening balance
Increases due to cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the year
Closing balance, December 30, 2018

December 30
2018

December 31
2017

124,376
(3,031)

110,145
-

(1,996)
1,996
(3,031)
(3,031)

Performance obligations
No revenue was recognized in 2018 relating to performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied in previous years.  Similarly, no revenue 
will be recognized in subsequent years relating to unsatisfied performance obligations as at December 30, 2018.

Significant	judgments	in	applying	revenue	accounting	policy
Significant judgment is required to determine whether revenue should be recognized over time or at a point in time.  To assess whether any revenue 
should be recognized over time, the Company analyzes customer-specific products without alternative use to determine whether a legally enforceable 
right to payment exists as performance is completed, including a reasonable return.  During 2018, no material arrangements satisfied these criteria, 
and as a result, the Company did not recognize any revenue over time.  Accordingly, all revenue was recognized at a point in time giving consideration 
to whether the customer has: a) assumed the risks and rewards of ownership, b) a present obligation to pay and c) obtained legal title and physical 
possession.  These conditions are usually fulfilled upon shipment of products.

For customer contracts that include a volume rebate program, judgment is required to estimate the eventual amount that will be paid to the customer.  
Most volume rebate programs entitle a customer to an increasing rebate percentage based upon the attainment of purchase level thresholds.    Estimated 
amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is highly probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur 
when the uncertainty associated with the volume rebate is resolved.  At each reporting date, the Company updates its estimates regarding variable 
consideration. 

28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS        
8.  Expenses by nature

Raw materials and consumables used

Depreciation and amortization

Personnel expenses (note 9)

Freight

Other expenses

Foreign exchange and cash flow hedge (losses) gains transferred from other comprehensive income (note 10)

9.  Personnel expenses

Wages and salaries

Social security

Employee defined benefit plan expenses

Employee defined contribution plan expenses

Share-based payments

10.  Other (expenses) income

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

Cash flow hedge (losses) gains transferred from other comprehensive income

11.  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

Finance expense on sale of extended term trade receivables

Net finance expense on defined benefit plans

Finance expense

Net finance income (expense)

2018

2017

(443,970)

(40,068)

(182,713)

(24,674)

(46,290)

(1,840)

(739,555)

(158,909)

(14,234)

(3,650)

(5,920)

-

(439,833)

(37,493)

(180,131)

(23,669)

(44,585)

1,668

(724,043)

(153,960)

(14,022)

(3,346)

(5,467)

(3,336)

(182,713)

(180,131)

(1,509)

(331)

(1,840)

5,134

142

5,276

(6)

(3,456)

(371)

(3,833)

1,443

251

1,417

1,668

1,827

147

1,974

(80)

(2,713)

(371)

(3,164)

(1,190)

29

 
12.  Income tax expense

Current tax expense

Current year

Deferred tax (expense) recovery

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Income tax expense

Income tax recovery (expense) 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 (lower) higher than Canadian tax rates

Change in enacted United States federal income tax rate

Permanent differences and other

Effective income tax rate

2018

2017

(39,195)

(42,602)

(757)

(39,952)

602

(613)

(11)

26.8%

(0.1)

-

(0.3)

26.4%

3,771

(38,831)

(180)

(1,003)

(1,183)

26.8%

5.2

(6.9)

(1.1)

24.0%

As  a  result  of  United  States  tax  reform  in  2017,  the  US  federal  statutory  income  tax  rate  decreased  from  35.0%  to  21.0%.    In  2017,  the  Company 
recalculated the deferred tax asset and liability amounts pertaining to the temporary differences within its US subsidiaries.  This resulted in an income tax 
recovery of $11,090, reducing the effective income tax rate by 6.9%.  

13.  Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances

Money market and short-term deposits

14.  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Less: Allowance for expected credit losses

Net trade receivables

Other receivables

15.  Inventories

Raw materials

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Spare parts

December 30

December 31

2018

2017

24,056

320,266

344,322

124,376

(956)

123,420

8,431

131,851

44,179

22,365

55,329

10,445

132,318

13,533

278,426

291,959

110,145

(655)

109,490

7,465

116,955

33,459

16,496

57,053

9,712

116,720

During 2018, the Company recorded, within cost of sales, inventory write-downs for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $7,681 (2017 - $7,887) and 
reversals of previously written-down items of $1,835 (2017 - $2,324).

30

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       16.  Property, plant and equipment

Land

Buildings

Equipment

Machines

In Progress

Total

Packaging

Capital

Net book value

At December 26, 2016

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

2017 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Depreciation

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2017

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net book value

At January 1, 2018

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

2018 Activity

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Depreciation

At December 30, 2018

At December 30, 2018

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

9,273

144,793

539,330

(46,174)

(292,689)

22,953

(22,157)

53,818

-

98,619

246,641

796

53,818

5,004

(7)

28,920

(5,146)

31,712

(316)

21,997

(33,096)

266,938

285

(23)

-

(323)

735

15,752

-

(50,917)

-

18,653

9,273

127,390

-

9,273

-

-

-

-

9,273

178,676

588,530

-

(51,286)

(321,592)

23,159

(22,424)

18,653

-

9,273

127,390

266,938

735

18,653

9,273

178,676

588,530

-

(51,286)

(321,592)

23,159

(22,424)

18,653

-

9,273

127,390

266,938

735

18,653

12,213

-

-

-

5,014

-

1,560

(5,966)

21,486

127,998

19,108

(137)

17,093

(34,932)

268,070

203

(169)

-

(245)

524

35,789

-

(18,653)

-

35,789

21,486

185,152

617,988

-

(57,154)

(349,918)

22,981

(22,457)

35,789

-

21,486

127,998

268,070

524

35,789

770,167

(361,020)

409,147

52,753

(346)

-

(38,565)

422,989

818,291

(395,302)

422,989

818,291

(395,302)

422,989

72,327

(306)

-

(41,143)

453,867

883,396

(429,529)

453,867

Government grants/tax credits in respect of property, plant and equipment were recognized within deferred income totaling $1,100 in 2018 (2017 - $1,553).  
No impairment losses or impairment reversals were recorded during 2018 and 2017.  No borrowing costs were capitalized during 2018 and 2017.

31

 
17.  Intangible assets

Net book value

At December 26, 2016

Cost

Accumulated amortization

2017 Activity

Additions

Amortization

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2017

Cost

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

At January 1, 2018

Cost

Accumulated amortization

2018 Activity

Additions

Amortization

At December 30, 2018

At December 30, 2018

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

9,803

(8,213)

1,590

569

(543)

1,616

10,371

(8,755)

1,616

10,371

(8,755)

1,616

378

(465)

1,529

10,287

(8,758)

1,529

20

(8)

12

6

(1)

17

26

(9)

17

26

(9)

17

-

(1)

16

26

(10)

16

881

(748)

133

-

(88)

45

881

(836)

45

881

(836)

45

-

-

(45)

881

(881)

-

23,470

(8,969)

14,501

575

(632)

14,444

24,044

(9,600)

14,444

24,044

(9,600)

14,444

378

(511)

14,311

23,960

  (9,649)

14,311

The 2018 goodwill balance includes $12,542 (2017 - $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 11.5 percent (2017 - 9.3 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 5.7 percent (2017 - 6.0 percent) and the average gross 
profit percentage projected over the same time-frame was equivalent to (2017 - one percentage point higher 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 (2017 - 1.5 percent).  

As of December 30, 2018, 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 2018 and 2017.

32

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       18.  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.  

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 $7,980 (2017 - $7,494).

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 $5,920 (2017 - $5,467).

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, 2018 for 
one plan, January 1, 2017 for one plan, December 31, 2016 for one plan, and October 31, 2017 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 30, 2018.  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 $2,608 in cash to its defined benefit plans in 2019.  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 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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

33

December 30

December 31

2018

2017

(90,947)

90,463

(484)

(1,838)

(2,322)

(1,279)

(3,601)

(100,306)

99,762

(544)

(2,048)

(2,592)

(995)

(3,587)

 
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) losses recognized in other comprehensive income

Benefits paid

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 (losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

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 losses recognized in other comprehensive income

Foreign exchange

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

34

December 30

December 31

2018

2017

7,507

(11,108)

(3,601)

102,354

3,286

3,650

(8,228)

(3,535)

(4,742)

92,785

99,762

3,421

(5,597)

2,056

(3,535)

(364)

(5,280)

90,463

995

362

(78)

1,279

(52,913)

(39,872)

(92,785)

(53,534)

(35,354)

(3,279)

(618)

(92,785)

45%

50%

5%

100%

6,935

(10,522)

(3,587)

87,879

3,035

3,547

6,634

(2,798)

4,057

102,354

85,420

3,323

7,494

2,093

(2,798)

(311)

4,541

99,762

73

916

6

995

(59,730)

(42,624)

(102,354)

(59,782)

(38,126)

(3,764)

(682)

(102,354)

54%

41%

5%

100%

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       Net benefit plan expense

Current service cost

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 gains (losses) arising from changes in financial assumptions

Actuarial gains arising from experience adjustments

Remeasurement of benefit plan assets - actuarial (losses) gains 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

2018

2017

(3,286)

(364)
(3,650)
142

(371)

(3,879)

(2,176)

(3,035)

(311)
(3,346)
147

(371)

(3,570)

10,817

1,919

1,975

399

7,376

453

8,228

(5,597)

(362)

2,269

4,188

-

(6,838)

204

(6,634)

7,494

(916)

(56)

1,919

December 30

December 31

2018

2017

4.1%

3.6%

3.6%

3.6%

Assumptions regarding future mortality were based on the following mortality tables: Canada - CPM - RPP2014 private generational (2017 - CPM - 
RPP2014 private generational) and United States - RP2018 (2017 - RP2016).

At December 30, 2018, the weighted average duration of the benefit obligations was 14.6 years (2017 - 15.3 years).

Sensitivity analysis

At December 30, 2018, the present value of the benefit obligation was $92,785.  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

81,465
95,139

93,463

106,824
90,377

92,183

35

 
19.  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 30

December 31

December 30

December 31

December 30

December 31

2018

156

3,698

-

434
702
4

2,901

1,133

178

9,206

(8,499)

707

2017

180

3,149

-

-
814
4

2,768

689

244

7,848

(7,030)

818

2018

2017

-

-

(92)

-
(45,413)
(2,326)

(1,920)

(61)

-

(49,812)

8,499

(41,313)

-

-

(85)

(168)
(43,344)
(2,221)

(1,786)

(82)

-

(47,686)

7,030

(40,656)

2018

156

3,698

(92)

434
(44,711)
(2,322)

981

1,072

178

2017

180

3,149

 (85)

(168)
(42,530)
(2,217)

982

607

244

(40,606)

(39,838)

-

-

(40,606)

(39,838)

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:

2017

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

2018

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

405

4,504

(68)

12

(49,545)

(2,359)

1,878

2,503

244

(42,426)

180

3,149

(85)

(168)

(42,530)

(2,217)

982

607

244

(39,838)

(225)

(1,355)

(17)

-

7,015

142

107

(1,896)

-

3,771

(24)

549

(7)

-

(2,181)

(105)

612

465

(66)

(757)

-

-

-

(180)

-

-

(1,003)

-

-

180

3,149

(85)

(168)

(42,530)

(2,217)

982

607

244

(1,183)

(39,838)

-

-

-

602

-

-

(613)

-

-

156

3,698

(92)

434

(44,711)

(2,322)

981

1,072

178

(11)

(40,606)

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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       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 $537,933 (2017 
- $497,185).  Temporary differences relating to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries which would be subject to withholding and other taxes totaled 
$398,449 (2017 - $352,518).

20.  Trade payables and other liabilities

Trade payables

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

21.  Share-based payments

December 30

December 31

2018

39,146

24,541

63,687

2017

36,123

27,547

63,670

Effective January 1, 2004, the Board of Directors established the President’s Incentive Plan (Plan), whereby the Company granted to the former President 
& Chief Executive Officer, 60,000 restricted share units (RSUs) upon completion of each year of service.  There was no cost to him for the RSUs and the 
RSUs vested immediately.  The Company paid the cash value of the RSUs based on the closing share price on a date selected by him 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 could not be selected during periods 
in which insiders were not allowed to trade Winpak shares.  The cash value of a RSU was the market value of the common shares of the Company on 
the day prior to the date of payment.  In addition, the Company was required to pay 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.  Coinciding with the retirement of the former President & Chief Executive Officer, 
effective July 31, 2017, the outstanding liability with respect to the Plan was settled.  

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

2018

-

-

-

-

-

2017

180,000

(214,849)

34,849

-

-

The personnel expense recorded in the statement of income under the Plan in 2017 was $3,336.  The average settlement price in 2017 was $45.80 US 
per RSU.

22.  Share capital and reserves

Share capital
At December 30, 2018, the authorized voting common shares were unlimited (2017 - unlimited).  The issued and fully paid voting common shares at 
December 30, 2018 were 65,000,000 (2017 - 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 2018, dividends in Canadian dollars of 12 cents per common share were declared (2017 - 12 cents).

23.  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

37

2018

108,921

65,000

168

2017

119,298

65,000

184

 
24.  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

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Trade and other receivables - factoring arrangements

FVOCI

Trade payables and other liabilities

Amortized cost

Derivative financial instrument liabilities

Fair value - hedging instrument

Total trade and other receivables

Carrying /

Fair Value

344,322

112,038

19,813

131,851

(63,687)

(2,697)

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, including trade and other receivables subject to factoring arrangements and 
classified  as  measured  at  FVOCI,  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

Total

At December 30, 2018

Foreign currency forward contracts - net

At December 31, 2017

Foreign currency forward contracts - net

-

-

(2,697)

765

-

-

(2,697)

765

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 
30, 2018, the supplier rebate receivable balance that was offset was $5,166 (2017 - $6,191).

25.  Commitments and guarantees

(a)  Commitments
At December 30, 2018, the Company has commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment of $31,157 (2017 - $14,336).

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

2019

673

2020

162

2021

-

2022

-

2023

Thereafter

-

-

Total

835

During 2018, $1,028 was recognized as an expense in the statement of income in respect of operating leases (2017 - $1,031).

(b)  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.

38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       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.

26.  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) income.  As a result of the Company’s CDN dollar net asset monetary position as 
at December 30, 2018, a one-cent change in the year-end foreign exchange rate from 0.7326 to 0.7226 (CDN to US dollars) would have decreased net 
income by $114 for 2018.  Conversely, a one-cent change in the year-end foreign exchange rate from 0.7326 to 0.7426 (CDN to US dollars) would have 
increased net income by $114 for 2018.

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 of the highly probable CDN dollar expenditures.  These derivatives meet the hedge effectiveness criteria as a result of 
the following factors

a) An economic relationship exists between the hedged item and the hedging instrument as notional amounts match and both the hedged item and hedging 
instrument fair values move in response to the same risk - foreign exchange rates.  There are no significant reasons or causes for the designated hedged 
item and hedging instrument to be mismatched since the hedging instrument matures during the same month as the expected hedged expenditures 
are incurred.  The correlation between the foreign exchange rate of the hedged item and the hedged instrument should be highly correlated and closely 
aligned as the maturity and the notional amount are the same.

b) The hedge ratio is one to one for this hedging relationship as the hedged item is foreign currency risk that is hedged with a foreign currency hedging 
instrument.

c) Credit risk is not material in the fair value of the hedging instrument.

The Company has identified two sources of potential ineffectiveness: a) the timing of cash flow differences between the expenditure and the related 
derivative and b) the inclusion of credit risk in the fair value of the derivative not replicated in the hedged item.  The Company expects the impact of these 
sources of hedge ineffectiveness to be minimal.  The timing of hedge settlements and incurred expenditures are closely aligned as they are expected to 
occur within 30 days of each other.  Credit risk is not a material component of the fair value of the Company’s hedging instruments as all counterparties 
are Schedule 1 Canadian financial institutions, which are highly rated.

Certain foreign currency forward contracts matured during the year and the Company realized pre-tax foreign exchange losses of $378 (2017 gains - 
$1,417).  Of these foreign exchange differences, losses of $331 (2017 gains - $1,417) were recorded in other (expenses) income and losses of $47 were 
recorded in property, plant and equipment (2017 - $0).

39

 
   
As at December 30, 2018, the Company had US to CDN dollar foreign currency forward contracts outstanding with a notional amount of US $58.0 million 
at an average exchange rate of 1.2957 maturing between January and November 2019.  The fair value of these financial instruments was negative 
$2,697 US and the corresponding unrealized loss has been recorded in other comprehensive income.  During 2018, the Company did not recognize any 
ineffectiveness on the hedging instruments.

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 30, 2018 cash and cash equivalents balance 
of $344.3 million, a 1.0 percent increase/decrease in interest rate fluctuations would increase/decrease income before income taxes by $3,443 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 2018, 73 percent (2017 - 71 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 
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 30

December 31

2018

344,322

131,851

-

476,173

2017

291,959

116,955

863

409,777

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.  

During 2017, the Company entered into ongoing agreements to sell certain extended term trade receivables without recourse to financial institutions in 
exchange for cash.  During 2018, the Company incurred costs on the sale of trade receivables of $4,843 (2017 - $4,094).  Of these costs, $3,456 was 
recorded in finance expense (2017 - $2,713) and $1,387 was recorded in general and administrative expenses (2017 - $1,381).

As at December 30, 2018, 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  (2017  -  98  percent)  of  the  gross  trade  and  other 
receivable balance is within 30 days of the agreed upon payment terms with customers, c) the sale of certain extended term trade receivables without 
recourse and (d) 36 percent (2017 - 32 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 41 percent (2017 - 38 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 for expected credit losses 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 expected credit losses.  Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against general and administrative 
expenses in the statement of income.  During 2018, the Company recorded impairment losses on trade and other receivables of $256 (2017 - $(106)).

40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       The following table sets out the aging details of the Company’s trade and other receivables balances outstanding based on when the receivable was due 
and payable and related allowance for expected credit losses:

Current (not past due)

1 - 30 days past due

31 - 60 days past due

More than 60 days past due

Less: Allowance for expected credit losses

Total trade and other receivables, net

December 30

December 31

2018

112,953

16,636

2,022

1,196

132,807

(956)

131,851

2017

99,073

16,633

1,383

521

117,610

(655)

116,955

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 $344.3 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 2019.  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 30, 2018, 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 30, 
2018, the ratio was 32.27:1.    

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during 2018.

27.  Segment reporting

In conjunction with the adoption of IFRS 15 the Company realigned its segment reporting effective in 2018, transitioning from six operating segments 
to three operating segments.  The rigid packaging and flexible lidding segment includes the rigid containers and lidding product groups.  The flexible 
packaging segment includes the modified atmosphere packaging, specialty films and biaxially oriented nylon product groups.  Lastly, the packaging 
machinery segment remains unchanged.  Due to similar economic characteristics, including long-term sales volumes growth and long-term average 
gross profit margins, and having similar products, production processes, types of customers and distribution methods, the rigid packaging and flexible 
lidding and flexible packaging operating segments have been aggregated as one reportable segment.  In addition, the packaging machinery operating 
segment has been aggregated with these two segments as the segment’s revenue and assets represents less than 3 percent of total Company revenues 
and assets. 

The Company operates principally in Canada and the United States.  See note 7 for a breakdown of revenue by operating and geographic segment.  The 
following summary presents property, plant and equipment and intangible assets information by geographic segment:

United States

Canada

Other

2018

223,446

229,094

15,638

468,178

2017

218,540

217,695

1,198

437,433

41

 
28.  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.

29.  Related party transactions

The Company had purchases of $2,733 (2017 - $2,386) and commission income of $488 (2017 - $576) with its majority shareholder company.  Trade 
and other receivables and trade payables and other liabilities include amounts of $101 (2017 - $92) and $610 (2017 - $43) 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

2018

(4,857)

(299)

-

(5,156)

2017

(4,297)

(466)

(3,336)

(8,099)

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

The aggregate remuneration earned by the Board of Directors in 2018 was $830 (2017 - $545).  As a group, the Board of Directors hold, directly or 
indirectly, 52.5 percent (2017 - 52.5 percent) of the outstanding shares of the Company.  The members of the Executive Committee hold, directly or 
indirectly, 0.0 percent (2017 - 0.0 percent) of the outstanding shares of the Company.

42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 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 CEO, 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 Corporate Governance, Sustainability, Compensation and Nomination 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.

J.C. Holland, President, Winpak Division, a division of Winpak Ltd. and President, Winpak Films Inc.
S.K. Hooper, Vice President, Human Resources, Winpak Ltd.
T.L. Johnson, President, Winpak Heat Seal
O.Y. Muggli, President and Chief Executive Officer, Winpak Ltd.
D.J. Stacey, President, Winpak Portion Packaging
L.A. Warelis, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Winpak Ltd.

Auditors
KPMG LLP, Winnipeg, Canada

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

43

CORPORATE INFORMATION             
 
 
  
 
YOU HAVE CHALLENGES

Winpak Ltd. Corporate Office, 100 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3J 3T3
T: (204) 889-1015  F: (204) 888-7806
www.winpak.com

Winpak Group www.winpak.com

Winpak Division,
A division of Winpak Ltd.
100 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg, MB  R3J 3T3
Canada
T: (204) 889-1015
F: (204) 832-7781

American Biaxis Inc.
100 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg, MB  R3J 3T3
Canada
T: (204) 837-0650
F: (204) 837-0659

Winpak Inc.
P.O. Box 14748
Minneapolis, MN  55414
U.S.A
T: (204) 889-1015
F: (204) 832-7781

Embalajes Winpak de México S.A. de C.V.
Avenida Jalpan de Serra #140
Ampliación Parque Industrial Querétaro
Santa Rosa Jáuregui 76220
Querétaro, Querétaro
México
T: (52) 442-256-1900

Winpak Portion Packaging Ltd.
26 Tidemore Avenue
Toronto, ON  M9W 7A7
Canada
T: (416) 741-6182
F: (416) 741-2918

Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc.
3345 Butler Avenue
South Chicago Heights, IL  60411
U.S.A.
T: (708) 755-4483
F: (708) 755-7257

Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc.
828A Newtown-Yardley Road, Suite 101
Newtown, PA  18940
U.S.A.
T: (267) 685-8200
F: (267) 685-8243

Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc.
1111 Winpak Way
Sauk Village, IL  60411
U.S.A.
T: (708) 753-5700
F: (708) 757-2447

Winpak Heat Seal Packaging Inc.
21919 Dumberry Road
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC  J7V 8P7
Canada
T: (450) 424-0191
F: (450) 424-0563

Winpak Heat Seal Corporation
1821 Riverway Drive
Pekin, IL  61554
U.S.A.
T: (309) 477-6600
F: (309) 477-6699

Winpak Films Inc.
100 Wihuri Parkway
Senoia, GA  30276
U.S.A.
T: (770) 599-6656
F: (770) 599-8387

Winpak Lane, Inc.
998 S. Sierra Way
San Bernardino, CA  92408
U.S.A.
T: (909) 885-0715
F: (909) 381-1934

TOTAL PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

44

            WE PROVID E SOLUTIONS

Wihuri Group, Head Office, Wihurinaukio 2, FI-00570 Helsinki, Finland
T: +358 20 510 10  F: +358 20 510 2658
www.wihuri.com

Wipak Group www.wipak.com

Wipak Oy
Wipaktie 2
FI-15560 Nastola
Finland
T: +358 20 510 311
F: +358 20 510 3300

Wipak Gryspeert S.A.S
Zone des Bois, CS 20006
59558 Bousbecque Cédex
France
T: +33 320 115 656
F: +33 320 115 670

Wipak Oy
Kaivolankatu 5
FI-37630 Valkeakoski
Finland
T: +358 20 510 311
F: +358 20 510 3444

Wipak Bordi s.r.l.
Via Ungaretti, 3
IT-29012 Caorso
Italy
T: +39 523 821 382
F: +39 523 822 185

Wipak Walsrode GmbH & Co. KG
Bahnhofstrasse 13
DE-29699 Bomlitz
Germany
T: +49 5161 4880 0
F: +49 5161 4880 100

Wipak UK Ltd.
Buttington Business Park, Unit 3
UK-Welshpool, Powys SY21 8SL
United Kingdom
T: +44 1938 555 255
F: +44 1938 555 277

Wipak Polska Sp z.o.o
Ul. Smakow 10
PL-49-318 Skarbimierz Osiedle
Poland
T: +48 77 404 2000

Wipak B.V.
Nieuwstadterweg 17
NL-6136 KN Sittard
Netherlands
T: +31 46 420 2999
F: +31 46 458 1311

Wipak Iberica S.L.
C/Sant Celoni, n°76, P.I. Can Prat
08450 Llinars del Vallés, Barcelona
Spain
T: +34 937 812 020
F: +34 937 812 033

Wipak Packaging (Changshu) Co. Ltd. Biaxis Oy Ltd.
Teknikonkatu 2
No. 88 Fuchunjiang Road
FI-15520 Lahti
Changshu New & Hi-Tech
Finland
Industrial Development Zone
T: +358 20 510 312
CN-215533 Jiangsu, China
T: +86 512 82365958
F: +358 20 510 3500
F: +86 512 82365957

            TOTAL PACKAGING SOLUTIONS