PR Newswire
KINGSEY FALLS, QC, Aug. 3, 2023
Tissue Papers segment delivers strongest performance since 2020
KINGSEY FALLS, QC, Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS) reports its unaudited financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023.
Q2 2023 Highlights
- Sales of $1,168 million (compared with $1,134 million in Q1 2023 and $1,119 million in Q2 2022);
- Operating income of $64 million (compared with an operating loss of $(80) million in Q1 2023 and operating income of $32 million in Q2 2022);
- Net earnings per common share of $0.22 (compared with a net loss per common share of ($0.75) in Q1 2023 and net earnings per common share of $0.10 in Q2 2022);
- Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA (A)1) of $141 million (compared with $134 million in Q1 2023 and $91 million in Q2 2022);
- Adjusted net earnings per common share1 of $0.27 (compared with adjusted net earnings per common share1 of $0.32 in Q1 2023 and adjusted net earnings per common share1 of $0.10 in Q2 2022);
- Net debt1 of $2,076 million as of June 30, 2023 (compared with $2,070 million as of March 31, 2023). Net debt to EBITDA (A) ratio1 of 4.1x, down from 4.6x as of March 31, 2023;
- Total capital expenditures, net of disposals, of $104 million in Q2 2023, compared to $137 million in Q1 2023 and to $116 million in Q2 2022. The Corporation's 2023 forecasted net capital expenditures of approximately $325 million is unchanged.
Mario Plourde, President and CEO, commented: "We had a solid second quarter, with consolidated sales and EBITDA (A)1 levels increasing 4% and 55%, respectively, year-over-year. Results were driven by the Tissue Papers segment, which had its strongest performance since Q2 2020, reflecting benefits from commercial and operational initiatives. The repositioning of our Tissue Papers platform announced at the end of April 2023 progressed as planned in the second quarter, with the closures completed as scheduled in June and July. We anticipate that these decisions, combined with the ongoing productivity optimization initiatives, which are also progressing as expected, will continue to strengthen the performance of our Tissue Papers business going forward. Slightly softer results in the Containerboard segment largely reflect lower index-linked selling prices, the effects of which more than offset the beneficial effect of lower raw material costs. As expected, Containerboard results include costs related to Bear Island as the facility continues to be ramped up. Lastly, results in the Specialty Packaging business decreased slightly year-over-year, as softer volumes and higher production costs more than offset higher selling prices."
Discussing near-term outlook, Mr. Plourde commented, "On a consolidated basis, we are expecting a stable operational performance sequentially in the third quarter, with the Containerboard and Specialty Packaging businesses generating stable results and the Tissue Papers segment delivering a slightly stronger performance. Additionally, we anticipate continued progress in the ramp up of the Bear Island Mill. More broadly, while we are remaining prudent on the demand-side, raw material pricing for our Tissue business and lower transportation costs for all of our businesses are expected to be tailwinds in the third quarter. Production cost levels are expected to be stable sequentially while continuing to be more elevated than last year. Lastly, we anticipate that our leverage ratio will continue to improve in the coming quarters.
We will be hosting a Bear Island Mill tour and institutional investor day in Virginia on September 14, 2023, and look forward to showcasing this modernized recycled containerboard facility and elaborating on our businesses and strategies to the financial community."
1 Some information represents non-IFRS financial measures, other financial measures or non-IFRS ratios which are not standardized under IFRS and therefore might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other corporations. Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation. |
Financial Summary
Selected consolidated information
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except amounts per common share) (unaudited) | Q2 2023 | Q1 2023 | Q2 2022 |
Sales | 1,168 | 1,134 | 1,119 |
As Reported | |||
Operating income (loss) | 64 | (80) | 32 |
Net income (loss) | 22 | (75) | 10 |
per common share (basic) | $0.22 | ($0.75) | $0.10 |
Adjusted1 | |||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA (A)) | 141 | 134 | 91 |
Net earnings | 26 | 33 | 10 |
per common share (basic) | $0.27 | $0.32 | $0.10 |
Margin (EBITDA (A) / Sales) | 12.1 % | 11.8 % | 8.1 % |
Segmented sales
(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) | Q2 2023 | Q1 2023 | Q2 2022 |
Packaging Products | |||
Containerboard | 562 | 561 | 569 |
Specialty Products | 164 | 161 | 168 |
Inter-segment sales | (9) | (7) | (10) |
717 | 715 | 727 | |
Tissue Papers | 416 | 387 | 342 |
Inter-segment sales, Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities | 35 | 32 | 50 |
Sales | 1,168 | 1,134 | 1,119 |
Segmented operating income (loss)
(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) | Q2 2023 | Q1 2023 | Q2 2022 |
Packaging Products | |||
Containerboard | 62 | 38 | 69 |
Specialty Products | 19 | 21 | 20 |
Tissue Papers | 18 | (92) | (23) |
Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities | (35) | (47) | (34) |
Operating income (loss) | 64 | (80) | 32 |
Segmented EBITDA (A)1
(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) | Q2 2023 | Q1 2023 | Q2 2022 |
Packaging Products | |||
Containerboard | 96 | 126 | 99 |
Specialty Products | 24 | 27 | 25 |
Tissue Papers | 44 | 16 | (8) |
Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities | (23) | (35) | (25) |
EBITDA (A)1 | 141 | 134 | 91 |
1 Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation. |
Analysis of results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023 (compared to the same period last year)
The second quarter sales of $1,168 million increased by $49 million compared with the same period last year. This increase reflects a net benefit of $18 million that was driven by a beneficial impact from higher selling prices in Tissue Papers and Specialty Packaging, a favourable FX impact for all business segments, and higher volumes in Containerboard. These were partially offset by lower indexed selling prices in Containerboard and a lower contribution from Recovery and Recycling activities driven by recycled fibre material pricing changes.
The second quarter EBITDA (A)1 totaled $141 million, an increase of $50 million, or 55%, from the $91 million generated in the same period last year. This increase reflects stronger results in our Tissue Papers segment, the benefits of which were partially offset by slightly lower results in our Containerboard and Specialty Packaging businesses.
The main specific items, before income taxes, that impacted our second quarter 2023 operating income and/or net earnings were:
- $2 million of impairment charges on US assets in the Tissue Papers segment (operating income and net earnings);
- $6 million of restructuring costs related to the closure of Tissue Papers plants in the US (operating income and net earnings);
- $1 million unrealized loss on financial instruments (operating income and net earnings);
- $3 million foreign exchange gain on long-term debt and financial instruments (net earnings).
For the three-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Corporation posted net earnings of $22 million, or $0.22 per common share, compared to net earnings of $10 million, or $0.10 per common share, in the same period of 2022. On an adjusted basis1, the Corporation posted net earnings of $26 million in the second quarter of 2023, or $0.27 per common share, compared to net earnings of $10 million, or $0.10 per common share, in the same period of 2022.
1 Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation. |
Dividend on common shares and normal course issuer bid
The Board of Directors of Cascades declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per common share to be paid on September 1, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 18, 2023. This dividend is an "eligible dividend" as per the Income Tax Act (R.C.S. (1985), Canada). During the second quarter of 2023, Cascades purchased no common shares for cancellation.
2023 Second Quarter Results Conference Call Details
Management will discuss the 2023 second quarter financial results during a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The call can be accessed by dialing 1-888-390-0620 (international 1-416-764-8651). The conference call, including the investor presentation, will be broadcast live on the Cascades website (www.cascades.com) under the "Investors" section. A replay of the call will be available on the Cascades website and may also be accessed by phone until September 3, 2023 by dialing 1-888-390-0541 (international 1-416-764-8677), access code 259981.
Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions. The company employs approximately 10,000 women and men across a network of close to 80 facilities in North America. Driven by its participative management, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous research and development efforts, Cascades continues to provide innovative products that customers have come to rely on, while contributing to the well-being of people, communities and the entire planet. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS. Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding future results and performance, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, the effect of general economic conditions, decreases in demand for the Corporation's products, increases in raw material costs, fluctuations in selling prices and adverse changes in general market and industry conditions and other factors.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) | June 30, | December 31, |
Assets | ||
Current assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 41 | 102 |
Accounts receivable | 537 | 556 |
Current income tax assets | 11 | 11 |
Inventories | 611 | 587 |
Current portion of financial assets | 2 | 9 |
1,202 | 1,265 | |
Long-term assets | ||
Investments in associates and joint ventures | 92 | 94 |
Property, plant and equipment | 2,847 | 2,945 |
Intangible assets with finite useful life | 63 | 73 |
Financial assets | 1 | 4 |
Other assets | 73 | 70 |
Deferred income tax assets | 152 | 114 |
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful life | 482 | 488 |
4,912 | 5,053 | |
Liabilities and Equity | ||
Current liabilities | ||
Bank loans and advances | 4 | 3 |
Trade and other payables | 634 | 746 |
Current income tax liabilities | 4 | 4 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 75 | 134 |
Current portion of provisions for contingencies and charges | 8 | 8 |
Current portion of financial liabilities and other liabilities | 22 | 22 |
747 | 917 | |
Long-term liabilities | ||
Long-term debt | 2,038 | 1,931 |
Provisions for contingencies and charges | 41 | 41 |
Financial liabilities | 7 | 7 |
Other liabilities | 95 | 97 |
Deferred income tax liabilities | 145 | 132 |
3,073 | 3,125 | |
Equity | ||
Capital stock | 613 | 611 |
Contributed surplus | 14 | 14 |
Retained earnings | 1,138 | 1,212 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 14 | 34 |
Equity attributable to Shareholders | 1,779 | 1,871 |
Non-controlling interests | 60 | 57 |
Total equity | 1,839 | 1,928 |
4,912 | 5,053 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
For the 3-month periods | For the 6-month periods | |||
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts and number of | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 |
Sales | 1,168 | 1,119 | 2,302 | 2,157 |
Supply chain and logistic | 690 | 713 | 1,353 | 1,380 |
Wages and employee benefits expenses | 270 | 250 | 543 | 491 |
Depreciation and amortization | 68 | 63 | 130 | 123 |
Maintenance and repair | 60 | 50 | 118 | 106 |
Other | 7 | 15 | 13 | 31 |
Impairment charges | 2 | — | 154 | — |
Gain on acquisitions, disposals and others | — | (4) | (2) | (10) |
Restructuring costs | 6 | — | 7 | 1 |
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments | 1 | — | 2 | 7 |
Operating income (loss) | 64 | 32 | (16) | 28 |
Financing expense | 31 | 21 | 54 | 36 |
Share of results of associates and joint ventures | (3) | (6) | (15) | (10) |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 36 | 17 | (55) | 2 |
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes | 9 | 3 | (15) | (1) |
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests for the period | 27 | 14 | (40) | 3 |
Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests | 5 | 4 | 13 | 8 |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Shareholders for the period | 22 | 10 | (53) | (5) |
Net earnings (loss) per common share | ||||
Basic | $0.22 | $0.10 | ($0.53) | ($0.05) |
Diluted | $0.22 | $0.10 | ($0.53) | ($0.05) |
Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding | 100,447,357 | 100,588,470 | 100,404,729 | 100,705,048 |
Weighted average number of diluted common shares | 100,860,684 | 101,083,826 | 100,781,402 | 101,344,843 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the 3-month periods | For the 6-month periods | |||
(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 |
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests for the period | 27 | 14 | (40) | 3 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to earnings | ||||
Translation adjustments | ||||
Change in foreign currency translation of foreign subsidiaries | (22) | 32 | (24) | 21 |
Change in foreign currency translation related to net investment hedging activities | 8 | (9) | 9 | (6) |
Cash flow hedges | ||||
Change in fair value of commodity derivative financial instruments | 1 | 1 | (5) | 7 |
Recovery of (provision for) income taxes | (1) | 1 | — | (1) |
(14) | 25 | (20) | 21 | |
Items that are not released to earnings | ||||
Actuarial gain on employee future benefits | 2 | 12 | 3 | 31 |
Provision for income taxes | (1) | (3) | (1) | (8) |
1 | 9 | 2 | 23 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (13) | 34 | (18) | 44 |
Comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interests for the period | 14 | 48 | (58) | 47 |
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests for the period | 5 | 5 | 13 | 9 |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Shareholders for the period | 9 | 43 | (71) | 38 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the 6-month period ended June 30, 2023 | |||||||
(in millions of Canadian dollars) | CAPITAL STOCK | CONTRIBUTED | RETAINED | ACCUMULATED | TOTAL EQUITY | NON- | TOTAL EQUITY |
Balance - Beginning of period | 611 | 14 | 1,212 | 34 | 1,871 | 57 | 1,928 |