Maple Leaf Reports Strong 2004 Year-End And Fourth Quarter Financial Results
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2005--Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX:MFI) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004.
"Our performance in 2004 reflects the underlying strength of our balanced portfolio of bakery and protein value chain operations," said Michael McCain, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our earnings from operations for the year increased 68% and earnings per share increased from $0.36 to $0.90 on a comparable basis. We significantly strengthened our balance sheet through debt and equity refinancing. We are maintaining our disciplined focus on earnings growth, increasing our value-added product mix and successfully integrating the Schneider Foods organization into Maple Leaf."
Sales for the fourth quarter increased 40% to $1.8 billion compared to $1.3 billion last year. Sales for the year were $6.4 billion compared to $5.0 billion for 2003. The increase in 2004 sales was primarily due to the acquisition of Schneider Foods on April 5, 2004. Excluding Schneider Foods, sales increased 11% in the fourth quarter and 5% in 2004.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $33.2 million ($0.28 per share) compared to $27.0 million ($0.23 per share) for 2003, an increase of 23%. Net earnings for 2004 were $106.8 million ($0.90 per share) compared to $45.5 million ($0.36 per share) last year, before $11.7 million ($17.7 million pre-tax) of restructuring costs in 2003.
Operating Review
Comparisons of earnings from operations exclude $17.7 million ($11.7 million after tax) of restructuring costs in 2003. Management believes that this is the most appropriate basis on which to evaluate operating results, as restructuring costs are not representative of ongoing operating earnings. Earnings comparisons for the fourth quarter and year were also effected by income in 2003 related to sales of poultry production quota and a gain related to the wind up of a pension plan, all of which are more fully explained in previous quarterly reports and the 2003 Annual Financial Statements. The following table reflects earnings from operations by business group before these items, and forms the basis for discussion in this news release.
Earnings from Operations before Restructuring Costs
($ millions) Fourth Quarter Full Year
--------------------------------------------
2004 2003 Change 2004 2003 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Meat Products Group 30.6 30.4 1% 68.5 14.8 363%
Agribusiness Group 21.0 13.1 59% 93.5 58.2 61%
----------- -----------
Total Protein Value
Chain 51.6 43.5 18% 162.0 73.0 122%
Bakery Products Group 23.1 14.6 59% 89.2 58.1 53%
----------- -----------
74.7 58.1 28% 251.2 131.1 92%
Sale of poultry
production quota 0.6 5.5 5.2 11.8
Pension wind-up gain - - - 9.5
---------- ----------
Earnings from operations
before restructuring
costs 75.3 63.6 18% 256.4 152.4 68%
---- ---- --- ----- -----
---- ---- ----- -----
Earnings from operations for the fourth quarter increased by 28%, driven by strong improvements in both the Protein Value Chain and Bakery operations. This improvement was achieved despite the negative affect of a significant decline in pork processor and commodity poultry margins and a 4.7% increase in the value of the Canadian dollar in the fourth quarter, and reflects the benefit of a well balanced portfolio of protein and bakery operations, and the Company's improved value added sales mix.
Meat Products Group (branded value-added prepared meat products; fresh, frozen and branded value-added pork products; fresh, frozen and branded value-added chicken and turkey products; and global food marketing, distribution and trading)
Meat Products Group sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 were $1.2 billion compared to $728.6 million in 2003, while sales for the year were $4.1 billion compared to $2.9 billion last year. The increase in sales was largely due to the contribution of Schneider Foods and increased sales from fresh pork and poultry operations. Excluding Schneider Foods sales increased 13.0% in the fourth quarter and 6.4% in 2004.
Earnings from operations for the fourth quarter were $30.6 million compared to $30.4 million last year, with the increased contribution from the Schneider Foods and the Consumer Foods processed meats operations, offset by a significant decline in industry pork and poultry processor margins. The Company's fresh pork and poultry operations performed well against these industry conditions due to improved manufacturing efficiencies and an increased valued added sales mix. Operating earnings for the year more than quadrupled to $68.5 million from $14.8 million in 2003. The processed meats operations benefited from a significant increase in sales and earnings in the fourth quarter driven by strong ham and bacon sales, and continued market growth through new product innovation. In the fourth quarter the Company launched four new varieties of Maple Leaf Fully Cooked Roasts, further solidifying its leadership in this premium convenience market. Schneider Foods benefited from continued strong growth of its recently launched Schneiders Hot n'Hearty sandwich makers and very strong Schneiders Lunchmate sales. Schneider Foods was accretive to earnings per share for the fourth quarter and the year.
Agribusiness Group: (research, development and supply of quality livestock nutrition products and services; pet food; swine production; and animal by-products recycling)
Agribusiness Group sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 were $238.9 million compared to $234.8 million last year, while sales for the year increased to $924.9 million compared to $918.8 million in 2003. Operating earnings for the fourth quarter of 2004 increased to $21.0 million from $13.1 million last year, while operating earnings for the year increased 61% to $93.5 million from $58.2 million last year.
The improvement in profitability in the fourth quarter and for the year was primarily due to continued strong hog prices and cost reductions in the Company's hog production operations. In December 2004, the Company had an effective hog ownership interest of approximately 21%. Earnings from feed operations were largely consistent with last year, while profits from rendering operations declined from the fourth quarter last year due to reductions in the price of competing feed ingredients.
Bakery Products Group: (fresh, frozen and branded value-added bakery products, including frozen par-baked bakery products; and specialty pasta and sauces)
Bakery Products Group sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 were $345.9 million compared to $310.1 million last year, while sales for the year of $1.31 billion compared to $1.25 billion in 2003. Earnings from operations for the fourth quarter were $23.1 million compared to $14.6 million last year, while operating earnings for the year increased to $89.2 million from $58.1 million in 2003.
The Bakery Group benefited significantly from a sales mix that is weighted towards health and well-being categories. Strong sales of branded whole grain, whole wheat and specialty breads, and price increases implemented to offset rising input costs contributed to increased earnings for the quarter. Product line extensions for the quarter supporting this focus included national expansion of Dempsters Whole Grains bagels. Fresh Bakery operations realized improved operating performance and efficiencies quarter-over quarter, benefiting from the application of Six Sigma to reduce manufacturing and distribution costs. The Bakery Group also benefited from increased demand for bread products, as the low carbohydrate trend continued to abate. Frozen Bakery sales and earnings increased for the year, due to ongoing growth in the U.K. bakery operations. Earnings from North American Frozen Bakery operations declined for the fourth quarter and year due to increased distribution costs and a stronger Canadian dollar, although volumes increased for the year. The Company is launching a revolutionary new line of FroBake(R) products that complement its par-baked product line and provide a superior alternative to frozen dough by offering a product that is more moist and crusty while eliminating the need to proof the bread. FroBake(R) products will be produced on a commercial basis at the Company's bakery in Roanoke, Virginia commencing in the second quarter of 2005.
Cash Flow and Financing: Total debt, net of cash balances, of $1,046.3 million at the end of the year increased from $696.7 million last year. The primary drivers of the increase was debt incurred to purchase Schneider Foods, offset partly by the proceeds of an equity issue in the fourth quarter. Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter increased to $144.2 million from $111.2 million last year. Cash flow from operating activities for the year was $239.1 million compared to $76.6 million in 2003. The increase for the year was primarily the result of higher earnings and a significant improvement in working capital performance.
Interest expense for the fourth quarter increased to $23.4 million from $18.1 million last year, while interest expense for 2004 was $83.5 million compared to $68.4 million last year. The increase for the quarter and year was primarily due to higher average debt incurred to finance the acquisition of Schneider Foods.
During the fourth quarter the Company completed three separate financing transactions that enabled the Company to refinance short-term debt incurred to acquire Schneider Foods and redeem a significant portion of its convertible debenture for cash. These transactions have provided the Company with long-term liquidity at investment grade financing rates. As a result of these transactions, the Company had invested cash balances in excess of $100 million as at December 31, 2004, of which $79.8 million was employed on January 7, 2005 to redeem convertible debentures.
As noted above, on December 9th, the Company completed $500 million in long-term debenture financings for terms of seven, ten and twelve years. The notes were issued to institutional investors in Canada and the United States at fixed interest rates between 5.21% and 6.22%.
Also on December 9th, Maple Leaf Foods completed an agreement with its principal bank syndicate to renew the Company's primary revolving credit facility. This renewal increased the maximum available amount from $635 million to $700 million, and extended the maturity from October 3, 2005 to December 6, 2007. The new bank facility is an unsecured revolving credit arrangement and bears interest based on short term interest rates.
Finally, on December 20th, the Company completed a common share offering of 11,340,000 shares at a price of $14.55 for net proceeds of approximately $160 million after costs of $5 million.
Other Matters
The Company declared a dividend of $0.04 per share payable on March 31, 2005 to shareholders of record on March 11, 2005.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading Canadian food processing company committed to delivering quality food products to consumers around the world. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the Company employs approximately 23,000 people at its operations across Canada and in the United States, Europe and Asia.
A web cast and conference call will be held at 2:30 p.m. (EST) on February 23, 2005. To view the webcast, please log on to http://www.mapleleaf.com/investor/default.aspx
A replay of the webcast will be available through the same webcast site later in the day, or at www.mapleleaf.com under the Investor Relations section.
To participate in the conference call, please dial in to 1-416-470-1140 or 877-793-3791.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (For the quarters ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003) (Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)
1. Significant accounting policies
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles using the same accounting policies as were applied in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003.
a) Hedging relationships
As discussed in note 2(m)(i) of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company is in compliance with Canadian Accounting Guideline 13 relating to hedging and the implementation of Accounting Guideline 13, effective January 1, 2004, had no impact on the Company.
b) Accounting for asset retirement obligations
The application of new accounting standard, Section 3110, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" as disclosed in note 2(m)(ii) of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.
c) Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenues from product sales upon transfer of title to customers. Revenue is recorded at the invoice price for each product net of estimated returns. An estimate of sales incentives provided to customers is also recognized at the time of sale and is classified as cost of sales. Sales incentives include various rebate and promotional programs with the Company's customers, primarily rebates based on achievement of specified volume levels.
d) Comparative figures
Certain 2003 comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted in 2004.
2. Accounts receivable
Under revolving securitization programs, the Company has sold, with limited recourse, certain of its trade accounts receivable to financial institutions. The Company retains servicing responsibilities and assumes limited recourse obligations for delinquent receivables. At December 31, 2004, trade accounts receivable amounting to $209.7 million (December 31, 2003: $186.8 million) had been sold under these programs.
3. Restructuring costs
During the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded $7.4 million in restructuring costs ($4.8 million, net of tax), relating to plant closures and operational restructuring in the Bakery Products Group.
During the third quarter of 2003, the Company recorded $10.3 million in restructuring costs ($6.9 million, net of tax), relating to plant closures and operational restructuring of several businesses, primarily consolidation of feed mill operations in the Maritimes and reorganization of Atlantic Canada meat processing operations.
4. Other income (expense)
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Quarter ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
Earnings (losses) from
associated companies $ 286 $ (57) $ 985 $ 51
Rental income 178 54 458 337
Dividends received 32 - 144 39
Fees related to bakery
reorganization - (283) - (1,832)
Loss from real estate
operations (50) (734) (246) (192)
Gain (loss) on sale of
investments, net (95) 362 417 362
Gain (loss) on sale of
property and equipment (220) (229) 892 (142)
--------------------------------------
$ 131 $ (887) $ 2,650 $ (1,377)
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5. Stock-based compensation
Stock options
The fair value of the total stock options issued in a quarter is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
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Quarters ended December 31,
2004 2003
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Expected option life (years) 4.2 4.2
Risk-free interest rate 4.2% 4.2%
Expected annual volatility 32.8% 35.1%
Dividend yield 1.1% 1.5%
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During the quarter, the Company granted 23,750 stock options (2003: 85,000) at a weighted average price per share of $14.56 (2003: $10.85). Year-to-date, the Company granted 1,416,600 stock options (2003: 2,742,000) at a weighted average price per share of $13.09 (2003: $10.34).
The estimated fair value of the options issued during the fourth quarter of 2004 and the prior year comparable quarter was minimal and $4.5 million year-to-date (2003: $5.8 million year-to-date). The value is amortized to income over the vesting period of the related options. The charge to earnings in the quarter was $1.0 million (2003: $0.5 million) and for the year was $3.4 million (2003: $0.8 million).
Restricted stock units ("RSUs")
In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company granted 12,625 RSUs (789,000 year-to-date) to its employees under the Company's Share Incentive Plan. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive one common share in the capital of the Company at specified future dates. The issuance of these shares is dependent upon the achievement of specified performance targets relative to an index and continued employment with the Company at the end of the third and fifth years.
The fair value of the total RSUs granted in a quarter is determined using a present value calculation with an assumed forfeiture rate. The fair value of the RSUs granted in the quarter was $0.1 million ($7.7 million year-to-date). This amount is amortized to income on a pro rata basis over the vesting periods of the related RSUs. The amortization of the fair value of the RSUs had an earnings impact in the quarter of $0.6 million ($0.7 million year-to-date).
Pro forma impact on earnings
In 2003, the Company elected to early adopt the new "Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments" accounting rules on a prospective basis for awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003. During 2002, the Company granted 2,503,500 stock options at a weighted average price per share of $14.36. The effect of these stock option awards, had they been charged to earnings during the year on a fair value basis, would have been an expense of $3.4 million (2003: $3.5 million) with a related reduction to basic and diluted earnings per common share of $0.03 (2003: $0.03).
6. Pensions
During the quarter, the Company recorded income of $4.3 million related to net benefit plan income including post-retirement benefit costs (2003: $9.5 million). For the full year, the Company recorded $11.1 million in net benefit plan income (2003: $16.2 million). These amounts exclude gains from plan wind-up.
7. Investment in Canada Bread Company Limited ("Canada Bread")
During 2004, the Company acquired 490,400 shares (2003: 6,887,800) in Canada Bread for $18.9 million (2003: $180.8 million). This increased Maple Leaf's ownership to 86.6%. Subsequently, in January 2005, the Company purchased an additional 66,900 shares for $2.7 million, increasing its ownership to 86.9%.
8. Acquisitions
On April 5, 2004, the Company acquired Schneider Corporation ("Schneider Foods") for cash consideration of $376.7 million including transaction costs of $8.1 million and the assumption of Schneider Foods' debt.
As at December 31, 2004, a preliminary purchase price allocation (including fair value assigned to intangible assets, certain fixed assets, legal claims, investments, long-term debt, pensions, post-retirement benefits and taxes) has been completed, but the Company has not yet finalized all of its restructuring and integration plans for the operations acquired. Accordingly, the allocation of the purchase cost to the assets and liabilities acquired is still subject to change. Goodwill resulting from the above transaction is included in the total assets of the Meat Products Group.
Details of net assets acquired and purchase adjustments made in 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
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Schneider 2004 2003
Foods Other Total Total
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Net working capital (deficit) $ 79,590 $ (304) $ 79,286 $ (9,915)
Investments 21,191 - 21,191 56
Property and equipment 152,604 - 152,604 (2,524)
Other assets 7,689 - 7,689 -
Goodwill 291,402 1,976 293,378 17,162
Other intangibles 72,480 - 72,480 -
Long-term debt (146,691) - (146,691) -
Future income taxes 27,014 - 27,014 2,985
Pension benefit liability (75,993) - (75,993) -
Post employment benefit
liability (49,631) - (49,631) -
Other long-term liabilities (1,255) - (1,255) -
Minority interest (1,737) - (1,737) (762)
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Total purchase cost 376,663 1,672 378,335 7,002
Consideration:
Cash 376,663 6,003 382,666 7,002
Accounts payable, accrued
charges, and long-term debt - 4,331 4,331 -
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$ 376,663 $ 1,672 $ 378,335 $ 7,002
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9. Long-term debt
In December 2004, the Company completed the following re-financing transactions:
(a) In December 2004, the Company renegotiated its primary bank debt facility. The principal changes were an increase in the size of the facility from $635.0 million to $700.0 million and the maturity date was extended from October 3, 2005 to December 6, 2007.
This facility can be drawn in either Canadian or U.S. dollars and bears interest based on bankers' acceptance rates for Canadian dollar loans and LIBOR for U.S. dollar loans.
As at December 31, 2004, $66.0 million (2003: $207.8 million) of the revolving facility was utilized, of which the full amount was in respect of letters of credit and trade finance (2003: $55.8 million).
(b) In December 2004, the Company issued $500.0 million of notes payable. The notes were issued in tranches of U.S. and Canadian dollar denominations, with maturity dates from seven to twelve years and bearing interest at fixed annual coupon rates. Details of the five tranches are:
--------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal Maturity Date Annual Coupon --------------------------------------------------------------------- US $207 million 2011 5.2% US $98 million 2014 5.6% US $7 million 2016 5.8% CAD $105 million 2014 6.1% CAD $20 million 2016 6.2% --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest is payable semi-annually. Through the use of cross-currency swaps and forwards (note 10), the Company effectively converted: U.S. $177.0 million of debt maturing in 2011 into Canadian dollar-denominated debt of $227.4 million bearing interest at an annual fixed rate of 5.6%, U.S. $98 million of debt maturing in 2014 into Canadian dollar-denominated debt of $135.3 million bearing interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.0%, and U.S. $2 million of debt maturing in 2016 into Canadian dollar-denominated debt of $2.7 million bearing interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.1%. The financial impact of currency rate changes on the swaps are reported as other liabilities. At December 31, 2004, the swap liabilities were $31.9 million based on year-end exchange rates.
(c) At December 31, 2004, the Company had convertible debentures with a principal amount of $91.3 million outstanding. These convertible debentures previously had a maturity date of December 2005 and were recorded as equity. On December 8, 2004, the Company issued a cash redemption notice with payment due on January 7, 2005. Accordingly, as of that date, the Company reclassified $90.0 million of the convertible debentures to current debt. On January 7, 2005, certain of the debenture holders tendered $79.8 million for cash redemption and the remaining debenture holders tendered $11.5 million of the debentures for conversion to common equity (see notes 11 and 12).
The required repayments of long-term debt are as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 $ 105,910 2006 11,977 2007 84,110 2008 10,957 2009 178,415 Thereafter 766,736 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total long-term debt $ 1,158,105 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Derivatives
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to reduce underlying fair value and cash flow risks associated with foreign currency, interest rates and commodity prices. If the Company had not entered into these contracts, operating earnings for the fourth quarter 2004 would have been higher by $5.5 million ($16.3 million year-to-date) and interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2004 would have been lower by $5.1 million ($17.7 million lower year-to-date).
In the second quarter, the Company entered into a series of interest rate and cross currency swaps to hedge the interest rate on the anticipated debt issue (see note 9). The swaps that were originally issued for notional amounts of $50.0 million and US$185.0 million, have terms of seven and ten years and fixed interest rates that range between 6.0% and 6.7%. Concurrent with the debt issue in December 2004, the Company terminated a portion of the swaps relating to the debt issue for $16.1 million. This amount will be deferred and amortized as interest expense over the life of the hedged debt (7 to 12 years). In addition, the Company modified the remaining swaps to match the coupon payments on the hedged debt. These remaining swaps have notional amounts of US$185.0 million and have terms of seven to ten years and fixed interest rates that range between 5.6% and 6.1%. As at December 31, 2004, these swaps had a market value loss of $37.5 million (2003: nil).
11. Shareholders' equity
On December 20, 2004, the Company issued 11.3 million common shares pursuant to a public offering at $14.55 per share for net proceeds to the Company of $160.0 million (after costs of $5.0 million). McCain Capital Corporation ("MCC") acquired 5,154,639 shares pursuant to this equity offering, increasing MCC share ownership as at December 31, 2004 to 33.2%.
On January 7, 2005, certain convertible debenture holders exercised their conversion right and the Company issued 763,933 common shares from Treasury at a price of $15 per share (see note 12).
12. Convertible debentures
On December 8, 2004, the Company issued a redemption notice for the aggregate principal amount on the debentures of $91.3 million for cash at par plus accrued interest with a date fixed for redemption of January 7, 2005. As a result, the Company no longer had the option to satisfy repayment on redemption with common shares. Accordingly, as of that date the Company reclassified $90.0 million of the convertible debentures to current debt, leaving $7.3 million related to the debenture holders' conversion option within shareholders' equity. For the period from the date of the reclassification to December 31, 2004, the carrying charges, including coupon interest, were classified as interest expense.
On January 7, 2005, certain of the debenture holders exercised their conversion rights and the Company issued 763,933 common shares from Treasury for a reduction in the total cash to be paid by the Company upon redemption of approximately $11.5 million. Accordingly, the Company paid $79.8 million to redeem the remaining debentures outstanding resulting in a net loss on redemption of $1.1 million in 2005.
13. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and fully diluted earnings per share:
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Quarter ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2004 2003
------------------- --------------------
Numerator:
Net earnings $ 33,240 $ 26,988 $ 106,759 $ 35,068
Convertible debenture charge (817) (1,214) (4,476) ( 4,851)
------------------- --------------------
Earnings available to
common shareholders
- basic 32,423 25,774 102,283 30,217
Effect on earnings of
dilutive securities:
Convertible debt (ii) 1,222 - 4,882 -
------------------- --------------------
Earnings available to
common shareholders -
fully diluted $ 33,645 $ 25,774 $ 107,165 $ 30,217
------------------- --------------------
------------------- --------------------
Denominator:
Weighted average common
shares outstanding (in
millions) 114.435 113.100 113.623 113.064
Effect of dilutive
securities (in millions):
Employee stock options(i) 1.775 0.000 1.095 0.226
Convertible debt(ii)
6.087 0.000 6.087 0.000
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Weighted average shares -
diluted (in millions) 122.297 113.100 120.805 113.290
------------------- --------------------
------------------- --------------------
(i) Excludes the effect of 11.4 million options and restricted stock
units (2003: 5.4 million) to purchase common shares that are
anti-dilutive.
(ii) For 2003, the convertible debt is anti-dilutive.
Earnings per share (basic) 0.28 0.23 0.90 0.27
Earnings per share (diluted) 0.28 0.23 0.89 0.27
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14. Supplemental information
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Quarter ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------- --------------------
2004 2004
Cash interest paid 20,971 77,585
Cash taxes paid 14,464 44,910
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Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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In thousands of Canadian dollars As at December 31,
2004 2003
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ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,770 $ 38,908
Accounts receivable (Note 2) 292,462 242,306
Inventories 385,128 259,758
Future tax asset - current 6,708 4,854
Prepaid expenses and other assets 13,218 9,355
----------------------------
809,286 555,181
Investments in associated companies 82,302 58,189
Property and equipment 973,718 802,332
Other long-term assets 230,201 171,262
Future tax asset - non-current 26,976 29,906
Goodwill 816,408 523,561
Other intangible assets 82,840 8,290
----------------------------
$ 3,021,731 $ 2,148,721
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued charges $ 621,564 $ 501,997
Income and other taxes payable 27,651 12,212
Current portion of long-term debt
(Note 9) 105,910 4,959
----------------------------
755,125 519,168
Long-term debt (Note 9) 1,052,195 730,627
Future tax liability 29,207 50,397
Other long-term liabilities 205,542 35,274
Minority interest 74,109 70,068
Shareholders' equity (Note 11): 905,553 743,187
----------------------------
$ 3,021,731 $ 2,148,721
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The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are
an integral part of this statement.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
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In thousands of
Canadian dollars, Quarter ended Twelve months ended
except per share December 31, December 31,
amounts 2004 2003 2004 2003
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(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Sales $ 1,782,254 $ 1,273,450 $ 6,364,983 $ 5,041,896
Earnings from
operations before
restructuring costs 75,271 63,586 256,364 152,428
Restructuring costs
(Note 3) - - - (17,732)
------------------------------------------------
Earnings from
operations 75,271 63,586 256,364 134,696
Other income
(expense) (Note 4) 131 (887) 2,650 (1,377)
------------------------------------------------
Earnings before interest
and income taxes 75,402 62,699 259,014 133,319
Interest expense 23,419 18,066 83,478 68,369
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Earnings before income
taxes 51,983 44,633 175,536 64,950
Income taxes 16,042 15,591 58,862 22,879
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Earnings before
minority interest 35,941 29,042 116,674 42,071
Minority interest 2,701 2,054 9,915 7,003
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Net earnings for the
period $ 33,240 $ 26,988 $ 106,759 $ 35,068
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------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share
(basic) (Note 13) $ 0.28 $ 0.23 $ 0.90 $ 0.27
Earnings per share
(diluted) (Note 13) $ 0.28 $ 0.23 $ 0.89 $ 0.27
Dividends per share
declared 0.04 0.04 0.16 0.16
Weighted average number
of shares (millions) 114.4 113.1 113.6 113.1
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are
an integral part of this statement.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
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In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per Twelve Months
share amounts. ended December 31,
2004 2003
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Retained earnings, beginning of period $ 74,982 $ 63,758
Net earnings for the period 106,759 35,068
Dividends declared ($0.16 per share; 2003:
$0.16 per share) (18,136) (18,094)
Convertible debenture charge (Note 12) (4,476) (4,851)
Premium on repurchase of share capital - (899)
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Retained earnings, end of period $ 159,129 $ 74,982
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The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are
an integral part of this statement.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
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In thousands of Quarter ended Twelve months ended
Canadian dollars December 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2004 2003
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CASH PROVIDED BY
(USED IN): (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Operating activities
Net earnings for the
period $ 33,240 $ 26,988 $ 106,759 $ 35,068
Add (deduct) items not
affecting cash:
Depreciation and
amortization 34,230 26,462 125,494 101,230
Stock based compensation
(Note 5) 1,590 499 4,095 849
Minority interest 2,701 2,054 9,915 7,003
Future income taxes (9,051) 12,180 7,985 580
Increase in pension asset
(Note 6) 516 (12,267) (24,977) (29,501)
Undistributed (earnings)
losses of associated
companies (2,985) 1,776 (6,289) 1,483
(Gain) loss on sale of
property and equipment 220 229 (892) 142
(Gain) loss on sale of
investments 95 (362) (417) (362)
Other (6,873) (2,686) (17,515) (7,648)
Change in other long-term
receivables (493) (3,914) (6,018) (3,856)
Proceeds from pension
plan wind-up - 27,251 - 27,251
Change in non-cash
operating working capital 91,027 33,032 40,963 (55,637)
-----------------------------------------
144,217 111,242 239,103 76,602
-----------------------------------------
Financing activities
Dividends paid (4,547) (4,527) (18,136) (18,094)
Dividends paid to
minority interest (234) (234) (956) (1,663)
Increase in long-term debt 575,523 (117,297) 1,023,007 69,338
Decrease in long-term
debt (729,577) (7,510) (772,101) (20,332)
Convertible debenture
interest paid (1,369) (1,369) (5,478) (5,478)
Increase in share
capital 165,030 346 166,243 3,118
Changes in deferred
financing costs
(Note 10) (17,934) (1,657) (17,934) (1,657)
Shares repurchased for
cancellation - - - (1,829)
Other 866 465 2,250 1,858
-----------------------------------------
(12,242) (131,783) 376,895 25,261
-----------------------------------------
Investing activities
Additions to property
and equipment (48,669) (39,708) (156,777) (132,607)
Proceeds from sale of
property and equipment 3,583 717 12,649 1,933
Investment in Canada Bread
(Note 7) (18,909) - (18,909) (74,831)
Purchase of net assets of
businesses (Note 8) (1,767) (1,416) (382,666) (7,002)
Change in other
investments, net (1,443) 1,488 1,111 (6,196)
Other 274 (1,535) 1,456 (1,118)
-----------------------------------------
(66,931) (40,454) (543,136) (219,821)
-----------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 65,044 (60,995) 72,862 (117,958)
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period 46,726 99,903 38,908 156,866
-----------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents,
end of period 111,770 38,908 111,770 38,908
-----------------------------------------
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are
an integral part of this statement.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Segmented Financial Information
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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In thousands of Quarter ended Twelve months ended
Canadian dollars December 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2004 2003
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales
Meat Products Group $ 1,197,449 $ 728,578 $4,127,255 $ 2,869,866
Agribusiness Group 238,911 234,762 924,912 918,820
Bakery Products Group 345,894 310,110 1,312,816 1,253,210
---------------------- -----------------------
$ 1,782,254 $1,273,450 $6,364,983 $ 5,041,896
---------------------- -----------------------
---------------------- -----------------------
Earnings from
operations, before
restructuring costs(1)
Meat Products Group $ 30,607 30,402 $ 68,440 $ 24,341
Agribusiness Group 21,585 18,624 98,736 69,927
Bakery Products Group 23,079 14,560 89,188 58,160
---------------------- -----------------------
$ 75,271 $ 63,586 $ 256,364 $ 152,428
---------------------- -----------------------
---------------------- -----------------------
Capital expenditures
Meat Products Group $ 15,471 $ 7,600 $ 51,832 $ 36,782
Agribusiness Group 9,268 8,067 34,879 31,033
Bakery Products Group 23,930 24,041 70,066 64,792
---------------------- -----------------------
$ 48,669 $ 39,708 $ 156,777 $ 132,607
---------------------- -----------------------
---------------------- -----------------------
Depreciation and
amortization
Meat Products Group $ 17,420 $ 10,922 $ 60,816 $ 41,703
Agribusiness Group 5,484 4,944 21,323 18,835
Bakery Products Group 11,326 10,596 43,355 40,692
---------------------- -----------------------
$ 34,230 $ 26,462 $ 125,494 $ 101,230
---------------------- -----------------------
---------------------- -----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
As at
In thousands of Canadian dollars, December 31,
2004 2003
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets
Meat Products Group $ 1,452,100 $ 666,489
Agribusiness Group 597,806 555,693
Bakery Products Group 702,137 716,463
Non-allocated assets 269,688 210,076
-----------------------------
$ 3,021,731 $ 2,148,721
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are
an integral part of this statement.
(1) Prior to 2004, the Company included the cost of production contracts with hog producers in the Meat Products Group. Management considers it more appropriate to include these impacts in the Agribusiness Group operating results. Therefore, 2003 segmented operating earnings before restructuring costs have been restated to reflect this change in presentation and make them comparable with 2004.
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX:MFI)
CONTACT: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Lynda Kuhn
Vice-President, Public & Investor Relations
(416) 926-2026
www.mapleleaf.com
SOURCE: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.