Cascades Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2024

KINGSEY FALLS, QC, May 9, 2024 /CNW/ - Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS) reports its unaudited financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.

Q1 2024 Highlights

  • Sales of $1,109 million (compared with $1,138 million in Q4 2023 and $1,134 million in Q1 2023);
     
  • Operating income of $9 million (compared with operating loss of $(24) million in Q4 2023 and operating loss of $(80) million in Q1 2023);
     
  • Net loss per common share of ($0.20) (compared with ($0.57) in Q4 2023 and ($0.75) in Q1 2023);
     
  • Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA (A)1) of $103 million (compared with $122 million in Q4 2023 and $134 million in Q1 2023);
     
  • Adjusted net earnings (loss) per common share1 of $0.00 (compared with adjusted net earnings per common share1 of $0.05 in Q4 2023 and adjusted net earnings per common share1 of $0.32 in Q1 2023);
     
  • Net debt1 of $2,020 million as of March 31, 2024 (compared with $1,882 million as of December 31, 2023). Net debt to EBITDA (A) ratio1 of 3.8x, up from 3.4x as of December 31, 2023;
     
  • On April 12, 2024, the Corporation entered into a $175 million delayed draw unsecured term loan credit facility to manage upcoming maturities;
     
  • Total capital expenditures, net of disposals, of $41 million in Q1 2024, compared to $46 million in Q4 2023 and $137 million in Q1 2023. The Corporation's 2024 forecasted net capital expenditures of approximately $175 million is unchanged.

Mario Plourde, President and CEO, commented: "First quarter 2024 results met expectations, considering the context of elevated raw material prices, and ongoing inflationary pressure on operational costs. Sequentially, Tissue Papers executed well, with increased average selling prices partially offsetting the impacts from higher maintenance costs and softer seasonal volumes. Results in Containerboard decreased from the previous quarter, as spreads remained under pressure due to cost headwinds, most noticeably in raw materials and energy, and lower selling prices prior to the implementation of published index price increases effective in the second quarter. The softer results similarly reflect costs associated with the Trenton mill, which ceased operations at the end of January prior to its permanent closure at the end of February. Conversely, Specialty Products had a solid quarter, driven by favourable sequential raw material and selling prices, and operational cost benefits reflecting efficiency and productivity initiatives. Lower consolidated profitability levels, higher seasonal working capital requirements and a less favourable exchange rate during the quarter resulted in our leverage ratio1 increasing to 3.8x from 3.4x at the end of 2023."

Discussing near-term outlook, Mr. Plourde commented, "Consolidated second quarter results are expected to be stronger sequentially, driven by improved performance in our Containerboard segment as index price increases are implemented, and stable results in the Tissue Papers and Specialty Packaging businesses. We are continuing to advance the Bear Island facility ramp-up. It is progressing well, and we are pleased that the mill has achieved production levels above its rated daily capacity on several occasions. Broadly, we are cautiously optimistic for near-term volumes in our packaging businesses given continued economic uncertainty, and remain focused on profitability, efficiency and productivity initiatives and the ramp-up of Bear Island to create value throughout our operations."

1

Some information represents non-IFRS Accounting Standards Financial measures, other financial measures or non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios which are not standardized under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other corporations. Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards 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)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

    

Sales

1,109

1,138

1,134

As Reported

   

Operating income (loss)

9

(24)

(80)

Net loss

(20)

(57)

(75)

per common share (basic)

($0.20)

($0.57)

($0.75)

Adjusted1

   

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA (A)) 

103

122

134

Net earnings (loss)

5

33

per common share (basic)

$—

$0.05

$0.32

Margin (EBITDA (A) / Sales)

9.3 %

10.7 %

11.8 %

Segmented sales

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

    

Packaging Products

   

Containerboard

556

561

561

Specialty Products

160

160

161

Inter-segment sales

(7)

(8)

(7)

 

709

713

715

Tissue Papers

367

390

387

Inter-segment sales, Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities

33

35

32

Sales

1,109

1,138

1,134

Segmented operating income (loss)

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

    

Packaging Products

   

Containerboard

(7)

(33)

38

Specialty Products

19

13

21

    

Tissue Papers

31

34

(92)

    

Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities

(34)

(38)

(47)

Operating income (loss)

9

(24)

(80)

Segmented EBITDA (A)1

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

    

Packaging Products

   

Containerboard

50

67

126

Specialty Products

25

19

27

    

Tissue Papers

50

61

16

    

Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities

(22)

(25)

(35)

EBITDA (A)1

103

122

134

1

Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation.

Analysis of results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 (compared to the same period last year)

The first quarter sales of $1,109 million decreased by $25 million compared with the same period last year. This decrease was driven by a $64 million impact from lower selling prices in all of our business segments. This was partially offset by a $23 million benefit from a more favourable sales mix in the Tissue segment, and a $16 million benefit from higher volume, the latter of which was a net result of a $46 million volume benefit in our packaging businesses and a $30 million negative volume impact in our Tissue business that reflects operational platform changes including closures completed in the past year.

The first quarter EBITDA (A)1 totaled $103 million, a decrease of $31 million, or 23%, from the $134 million generated in the same period last year. This decrease was largely driven by lower selling prices, primarily in the Containerboard segment, and higher raw material costs in our packaging businesses, the effects of which were partially offset by stronger volumes in these businesses. Production and freight costs were a headwind in Containerboard but were a tailwind for the Tissue Papers business, largely attributable to the optimization of this segment's operational base.

The main specific items, before income taxes, that impacted our first quarter 2024 operating income and/or net loss were:

  • $28 million of impairment charges on assets, restructuring costs and other costs related to the closure of plants in Canada and the USA (operating income and net loss);
  • $1 million unrealized gain on financial instruments (operating income and net loss);
  • $2 million unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (net loss);
  • $1 million foreign exchange loss on long-term debt and financial instruments (net loss);

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, the Corporation posted a net loss of $(20) million, or ($0.20) per common share, compared to a net loss of $(75) million, or ($0.75) per common share, in the same period of 2023. On an adjusted basis1, the Corporation posted a net loss of less than a million dollars in the first quarter of 2024, or $0.00 per common share, compared to net earnings of $33 million, or $0.32 per common share, in the same period of 2023.

1

Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards 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 June 6, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 23, 2024. This dividend is an "eligible dividend" as per the Income Tax Act (R.C.S. (1985), Canada). During the first quarter of 2024, Cascades purchased no common shares for cancellation.

2024 First Quarter Results Conference Call Details

Management will discuss the 2024 first quarter financial results during a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET. 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 June 9, 2024 by dialing 1-888-390-0541 (international 1-416-764-8677), access code 655937.

Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions. The company employs approximately 9,800 women and men across a network of close to 70 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)

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

Assets

  

Current assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents 

31

54

Accounts receivable

469

453

Current income tax assets

11

12

Inventories

645

568

Current portion of financial assets

1

 

1,156

1,088

Long-term assets

  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

98

94

Property, plant and equipment

2,770

2,808

Intangible assets with finite useful life

51

55

Financial assets

1

Other assets

83

78

Deferred income tax assets

169

167

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful life

488

482

 

4,816

4,772

Liabilities and Equity

  

Current liabilities

  

Bank loans and advances

2

Trade and other payables

654

703

Current income tax liabilities

3

6

Current portion of Unsecured senior notes of $175 million to be refinanced

175

Current portion of long-term debt

58

67

Current portion of provisions for contingencies and charges

22

14

Current portion of financial liabilities and other liabilities

27

29

 

941

819

Long-term liabilities

  

Long-term debt

1,816

1,869

Provisions for contingencies and charges

63

61

Financial liabilities

2

5

Other liabilities

91

94

Deferred income tax liabilities

134

143

 

3,047

2,991

Equity

  

Capital stock

613

613

Contributed surplus

16

15

Retained earnings

1,067

1,096

Accumulated other comprehensive income

31

15

Equity attributable to Shareholders

1,727

1,739

Non-controlling interests 

42

42

Total equity

1,769

1,781

 

4,816

4,772

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

 

For the 3-month periods
ended March 31,

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts and number of common shares) (unaudited)

2024

2023

Sales

1,109

1,134

   

Supply chain and logistic

668

663

Wages and employee benefits expenses

267

273

Depreciation and amortization

67

62

Maintenance and repair

62

58

Other operational costs

9

6

Impairment charges

2

152

Other loss (gain)

3

(2)

Restructuring costs

23

1

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

1

Operating income (loss)

9

(80)

Financing expense

35

23

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

(3)

(12)

Loss before income taxes

(23)

(91)

Recovery of income taxes

(6)

(24)

Net loss including non-controlling interests for the period

(17)

(67)

Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests

3

8

Net loss attributable to Shareholders for the period

(20)

(75)

Net loss per common share

  

Basic

($0.20)

($0.75)

Diluted

($0.20)

($0.75)

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding

100,703,177

100,361,627

Weighted average number of diluted common shares

101,216,020

100,701,239

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

For the 3-month periods
ended March 31,

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

2024

2023

Net loss including non-controlling interests for the period

(17)

(67)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to earnings

  

Translation adjustments

  

Change in foreign currency translation of foreign subsidiaries

26

(2)

Change in foreign currency translation related to net investment hedging activities

(10)

1

Cash flow hedges

  

Change in fair value of commodity derivative financial instruments

(6)

Recovery of income taxes

1

1

 

17

(6)

Items that are not released to earnings

  

Actuarial gain on employee future benefits

7

1

Provision for income taxes

(2)

 

5

1

Other comprehensive income (loss)

22

(5)

Comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interests for the period

5

(72)

Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests for the period

4

8

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Shareholders for the period

1

(80)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

For the 3-month period ended March 31, 2024

(in millions of Canadian dollars)
    (unaudited)

CAPITAL STOCK

CONTRIBUTED
SURPLUS

RETAINED
EARNINGS

ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME

TOTAL EQUITY
ATTRIBUTABLE TO
SHAREHOLDERS

NON-
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS

TOTAL EQUITY

Balance - Beginning of period

613

15

1,096

15

1,739

42

1,781

Comprehensive income (loss)

       

Net earnings (loss)

(20)

(20)

3

(17)

Other comprehensive income

5

16

21

1

22

 

(15)

16

1

4

5

Dividends

(12)

(12)

(3)

(15)

Stock options expense

1

1

1

Acquisition of non-controlling
   interests

(2)

(2)

(1)

(3)

Balance - End of period

613

16

1,067

31

1,727

42

1,769

 

 

For the 3-month period ended March 31, 2023

(in millions of Canadian dollars)
    (unaudited)

CAPITAL STOCK

CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS

RETAINED EARNINGS

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

TOTAL EQUITY
ATTRIBUTABLE TO
SHAREHOLDERS

NON-CONTROLLING
INTERESTS

TOTAL EQUITY

Balance - Beginning of period

611

14

1,212

34

1,871

57

1,928

Comprehensive income (loss)

       

Net earnings (loss)

(75)

(75)

8

(67)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

1

(6)

(5)

(5)

 

(74)

(6)

(80)

8

(72)

Dividends

(12)

(12)

(3)

(15)

Stock options expense

1

1

1

Balance - End of period

611

15

1,126

28

1,780

62

1,842

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

For the 3-month periods
ended March 31,

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

2024

2023

Operating activities

  

Net loss attributable to Shareholders for the period

(20)

(75)

Adjustments for:

  

Financing expense

35

23

Depreciation and amortization

67

62

Impairment charges

2

152

Other loss (gain)

3

(2)

Restructuring costs

23

1

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

1

Recovery of income taxes

(6)

(24)

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

(3)

(12)

Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests

3

8

Net financing expense paid

(47)

(44)

Net income taxes paid

(5)

(2)

Dividends received

1

1

Provisions for contingencies and charges and other liabilities

(20)

 

32

89

Changes in non-cash working capital components

(70)

(46)

 

(38)

43

Investing activities

  

Disposals in associates and joint ventures

10

Payments for property, plant and equipment

(41)

(140)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

3

Change in intangible and other assets

(2)

 

(41)

(129)

Financing activities

  

Bank loans and advances

2

(1)

Change in credit facilities

77

122

Change in credit facilities without recourse to the Corporation

15

Payments of other long-term debt, including lease obligations (2024 - $20 million for the 3-month period; 2023 -
$14 million for the 3-month period)

(21)

(57)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(3)

(3)

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

(3)

Dividends paid to the Corporation's Shareholders

(12)

(12)

 

55

49

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during the period

(24)

(37)

Currency translation on cash and cash equivalents

1

(1)

Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of the period

54

102

Cash and cash equivalents - End of the period

31

64

SEGMENTED INFORMATION

The Corporation's operations are managed in three segments: Containerboard and Specialty Products (which constitutes the Corporation's Packaging Products) and Tissue Papers. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Corporation's accounting policies described in Note 2.

The Corporation's operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (CODM). The Chief Executive Officer has authority for resource allocation and management of the Corporation's performance and is therefore the CODM. The CODM assesses the performance of each reportable segment based on sales and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude specific items (EBITDA (A)). The CODM considers EBITDA (A) to be the best performance measure of the Corporation's activities.

Sales for each segment are prepared on the same basis as those of the Corporation. Inter-segment operations are recorded on the same basis as sales to third parties, which are at fair market value.

EBITDA (A) does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards; accordingly, it may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Investors should not view EBITDA (A) as an alternative measure to, for example, net earnings, or as a measure of operating results, which are IFRS Accounting Standards measures.

Sales by country by business segment are presented in the following table:

       

SALES TO

   

For the 3-month periods ended March 31,

 

Canada

United States

Other countries

Total

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

Packaging Products

        

Containerboard

322

329

232

231

2

1

556

561

Specialty Products

60

56

100

104

1

160

161

Inter-segment sales

(3)

(4)

(4)

(3)

(7)

(7)

 

379

381

328

332

2

2

709

715

Tissue Papers

135

126

232

261

367

387

Inter-segment sale, Corporate, Recovery and Recycling
   activities

26

25

7

6

1

33

32

 

540

532

567

599

2

3

1,109

1,134

EBITDA (A) by business segment is reconciled to IFRS Accounting Standards measure, namely operating income (loss), and is presented in the following table:

 

For the 3-month period ended March 31, 2024

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Containerboard

Specialty
Products

Tissue Papers

Corporate,
Recovery and
Recycling
activities

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

(7)

19

31

(34)

9

Depreciation and amortization

37

6

13

11

67

Impairment charges

2

2

Other loss

3

3

Restructuring costs

16

6

1

23

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

(1)

(1)

EBITDA (A)

50

25

50

(22)

103

 

 

For the 3-month period ended March 31, 2023

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Containerboard

Specialty
Products

Tissue Papers

Corporate,
Recovery and
Recycling
activities

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

38

21

(92)

(47)

(80)

Depreciation and amortization

30

5

17

10

62

Impairment charges

59

1

92

152

Other gain

(2)

(2)

Restructuring costs

1

1

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

2

1

EBITDA (A)

126

27

16

(35)

134

Payments for property, plant and equipment by business segment are presented in the following table:

 

PAYMENTS FOR PROPERTY, PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT

 

For the 3-month periods
ended March 31,

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

2024

2023

Packaging Products

  

Containerboard

11

89

Specialty Products

3

4

 

14

93

Tissue Papers

8

9

Corporate, Recovery and Recycling activities

6

3

Total acquisitions

28

105

Right-of-use assets acquisitions (non-cash)

(3)

(8)

 

25

97

Acquisitions for property, plant and equipment included in "Trade and other payables"

  

Beginning of the period

45

106

End of the period

(29)

(63)

Payments for property, plant and equipment

41

140

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

(3)

Payments for property, plant and equipment net of proceeds from disposals

41

137

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON NON-IFRS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS MEASURES AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

SPECIFIC ITEMS

The Corporation incurs some specific items that adversely or positively affect its operating results. We believe it is useful for readers to be aware of these items as they provide additional information to measure performance, compare the Corporation's results between periods, and assess operating results and liquidity, notwithstanding these specific items. Management believes these specific items are not necessarily reflective of the Corporation's underlying business operations in measuring and comparing its performance and analyzing future trends. Our definition of specific items may differ from that of other corporations and some of these items may arise in the future and may reduce the Corporation's available cash.

They include, but are not limited to, charges for (reversals of) impairment of assets, restructuring gains or costs, loss on refinancing and repurchase of long-term debt, some deferred tax asset provisions or reversals, premiums paid on repurchase of long-term debt, gains or losses on the acquisition or sale of a business unit, gains or losses on the share of results of associates and joint ventures, unrealized gains or losses on derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps and option fair value revaluation, foreign exchange gains or losses on long-term debt and financial instruments, fair value revaluation gains or losses on investments, specific items of discontinued operations and other significant items of an unusual, non-cash or non-recurring nature.

RECONCILIATION AND USES OF NON-IFRS ACCOUNTING STANDARDS MEASURES AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

To provide more information for evaluating the Corporation's performance, the financial information included in this analysis contains certain data that are not performance measures under IFRS Accounting Standards ("non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures"), which are also calculated on an adjusted basis to exclude specific items. We believe that providing certain key performance and capital measures, as well as non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures, is useful to both Management and investors, as they provide additional information to measure the performance and financial position of the Corporation. This also increases the transparency and clarity of the financial information. The following non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures and other financial measures are used in our financial disclosures:

Non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures

  • Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA (A): represents the operating income (as published in Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) of the Consolidated Financial Statements) before depreciation and amortization excluding specific items. Used to assess recurring operating performance and the contribution of each segment on a comparable basis.
  • Adjusted net earnings: Used to assess the Corporation's consolidated financial performance on a comparable basis.
  • Adjusted cash flow: Used to assess the Corporation's capacity to generate cash flows to meet financial obligations and/or discretionary items such as share repurchases, dividend increases and strategic investments.
  • Free cash flow: Used to measure the excess cash the Corporation generates by subtracting capital expenditures (excluding strategic projects) from the EBITDA (A).
  • Working capital: Used to assess the short-term liquidity of the Corporation.

Other financial measures

  • Total debt: Used to calculate all the Corporation's debt, including long-term debt and bank loans. Often put in relation to equity to calculate the debt-to-equity ratio.
  • Net debt: Used to calculate the Corporation's total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Often put in relation to EBITDA (A) to calculate net debt to EBITDA (A) ratio.

Non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios

  • Net debt to EBITDA (A) ratio: Ratio used to assess the Corporation's ability to pay its debt and evaluate financial leverage.
  • EBITDA (A) margin: Ratio used to assess operating performance and the contribution of each segment on a comparable basis calculated as a percentage of sales.
  • Adjusted net earnings per common share: Ratio used to assess the Corporation's consolidated financial performance on a comparable basis.
  • Net debt / Net debt + Shareholders' equity: Ratio used to evaluate the Corporation's financial leverage and thus the risk to Shareholders.
  • Working capital as a percentage of sales: Ratio used to assess the Corporation's operating liquidity performance.
  • Adjusted cash flow per common share: Ratio used to assess the Corporation's financial flexibility.
  • Free cash flow ratio: Ratio used to measure the liquidity and efficiency of how much more cash the Corporation generates than it uses to run the business by subtracting capital expenditures (excluding strategic projects) from the EBITDA (A) calculated as a percentage of sales.

Non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures and other financial measures are mainly derived from the consolidated financial statements, but do not have meanings prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. These measures have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered on their own or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards. In addition, our definitions of non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures and other financial measures may differ from those of other corporations. Any such modification or reformulation may be significant.

The CODM assesses the performance of each reportable segment based on sales and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude specific items (EBITDA (A)1). The CODM considers EBITDA (A)1 to be the best performance measure of the Corporation's activities.

EBITDA (A)1 by business segment is reconciled to IFRS Accounting Standards measure, namely operating income (loss), and is presented in the following table:

 

Q1 2024

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Containerboard

Specialty
Products

Tissue Papers

Corporate,
Recovery and
Recycling
activities

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

(7)

19

31

(34)

9

Depreciation and amortization

37

6

13

11

67

Impairment charges

2

2

Other loss

3

3

Restructuring costs

16

6

1

23

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

(1)

(1)

EBITDA (A)1

50

25

50

(22)

103

 

 

Q4 2023

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Containerboard

Specialty
Products

Tissue Papers

Corporate,
Recovery and
Recycling

 activities

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

(33)

13

34

(38)

(24)

Depreciation and amortization

39

5

17

12

73

Impairment charges

43

1

4

48

Other loss (gain)

18

(1)

(4)

13

Restructuring costs

1

1

10

12

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

1

EBITDA (A)1

67

19

61

(25)

122

 

 

Q1 2023

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Containerboard

Specialty
Products

Tissue Papers

Corporate,
Recovery and
Recycling
activities

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

38

21

(92)

(47)

(80)

Depreciation and amortization

30

5

17

10

62

Impairment charges

59

1

92

152

Other gain

(2)

(2)

Restructuring costs

1

1

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

2

1

EBITDA (A)1

126

27

16

(35)

134

1

Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation.

The following table reconciles net loss and net loss per common share, as reported, with adjusted net earnings (loss)1 and adjusted net earnings (loss) per common share1:

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts and number of
    common shares) (unaudited)

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

 

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) 

PER COMMON SHARE2

 

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

 

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

As reported

(20)

(57)

(75)

 

($0.20)

($0.57)

($0.75)

Specific items:

       

Impairment charges

2

48

152

 

$0.01

$0.35

$1.14

Other loss (gain)

3

13

(2)

 

$0.02

$0.10

($0.01)

Restructuring costs

23

12

1

 

$0.18

$0.10

$0.01

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

(1)

1

 

($0.01)

Unrealized loss (gain) on interest rate swaps

(2)

1

 

($0.01)

$0.01

Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term debt and financial
   instruments

1

1

 

$0.01

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

(1)

(9)

 

($0.01)

($0.07)

Tax effect on specific items, other tax adjustments and
   attributable to non-controlling interest2

(6)

(12)

(35)

 

$0.07

 

20

62

108

 

$0.20

$0.62

$1.07

Adjusted1

5

33

 

$0.05

$0.32

Weighted average basic number of common shares
   outstanding

    

100,703,177

100,685,574

100,361,627

 

The following table reconciles cash flow from operating activities with EBITDA (A)1:

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

Cash flow from operating activities

(38)

240

43

Changes in non-cash working capital components

70

(149)

46

Net income taxes paid

5

2

Net financing expense paid

47

20

44

Provisions for contingencies and charges and other liabilities, net of dividends received

19

11

(1)

EBITDA (A)1

103

122

134

 

The following table reconciles cash flow from operating activities with cash flow from operating activities (excluding changes in non-cash working capital components) and adjusted cash flow from operating activities1. It also reconciles adjusted cash flow from operating activities1 to adjusted cash flow generated (used)1, which is also calculated on a per common share basis:

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts or otherwise noted) (unaudited)

Q1 2024

Q4 2023

Q1 2023

Cash flow from operating activities

(38)

240

43

Changes in non-cash working capital components

70

(149)

46

Cash flow from operating activities (excluding changes in non-cash working capital components)

32

91

89

Restructuring costs paid

14

12

1

Adjusted cash flow from operating activities1

46

103

90

Payments for property, plant and equipment

(41)

(47)

(140)

Change in intangible and other assets

(2)

Lease obligation payments

(20)

(15)

(14)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

1

3

 

(15)

42

(63)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(3)

(3)

(3)

Dividends paid to the Corporation's Shareholders and to non-controlling interests

(12)

(12)

(12)

Adjusted cash flow generated (used)1

(30)

27

(78)

Adjusted cash flow generated (used) per common share1

 (in Canadian dollars)

($0.30)

$0.27

($0.78)

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding

100,703,177

100,685,574

100,361,627

1

Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation.

2

Specific amounts per common share are calculated on an after-tax basis and are net of the portion attributable to non-controlling interests. Per share amounts in line item ''Tax effect on specific items, other tax adjustments and attributable to non-controlling interests'' only include the effect of tax adjustments. Please refer to "Recovery of income taxes" section for more details.

The following table reconciles total debt1 and net debt1 with the ratio of net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA (A))1:

(in millions of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)

March 31, 

2024

December 31,

 2023

March 31,

2023

Long-term debt

1,816

1,869

2,044

Current portion of Unsecured senior notes of $175 million to be refinanced

175

Current portion of long-term debt

58

67

88

Bank loans and advances

2

2

Total debt1

2,051

1,936

2,134

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

(31)

(54)

(64)

Net debt1 as reported

2,020

1,882

2,070

Last twelve months EBITDA (A)1

527

558

452

Net debt / EBITDA (A)  ratio1

              3.8x 

              3.4x 

              4.6x 

1

Please refer to the "Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures and Other Financial Measures" section for a complete reconciliation.

SOURCE Cascades Inc.

Media: 
Hugo D'Amours
Vice-President, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development
Cascades Inc.
819-363-5164
hugo_damours@cascades.com

Investors: 
Jennifer Aitken, MBA, Director, Investor Relations
Cascades Inc.
514-282-2697
jennifer_aitken@cascades.com

Source: 
Allan Hogg
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
Cascades Inc.