CCL Industries Reports Record Net Earnings of $1.01 Per Share for the First Quarter and Declares Dividend

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 2, 2013) - CCL Industries Inc. (TSX:CCL.A)(TSX:CCL.B) -

Results Summary
For periods ended March 31			Three months unaudited
			2013			2012			% Change			% Change Excl. FX*
(in millions of Cdn dollars, except per share data)
Sales			$	363.6		$	341.4		6.5	%		6.2	%
EBITDA(1)			$	81.0		$	71.2		13.8	%		13.3	%
Operating income(2)			$	61.9		$	52.6		17.7	%		17.1	%
Earnings in equity accounted investments			$	0.4		$	0.8		(50.0	%)
Restructuring and other items - loss			$	1.3		$	-		n.m.
Net earnings			$	34.1		$	30.4		12.0	%		11.4	%
Per Class B share
	Basic earnings per share		$	1.01		$	0.91		11.0	%
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.99		$	0.89		11.2	%
Restructuring and other items - net loss			$	0.03		$	-		n.m.
Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share(3)			$	1.04		$	0.91		14.3	%
Number of outstanding shares (in 000's)
	Weighted average for the period - basic			33,838			33,427
	Actual at period end			34,143			33,751

* - Change over prior year's comparative period excludes estimated impact of foreign currency translation.

CCL Industries Inc. ("CCL" or "the Company") is a world leader in the development of label solutions for global producers of consumer brands in the home & personal care, healthcare, durable goods, and premium food & beverage sectors; and a specialty supplier of aluminum containers for the same customers in North America.

First Quarter 2013 Results

Sales for the first quarter of 2013 were $363.6 million, an increase of 6.5%, compared to the $341.4 million for the first quarter of 2012. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased 5.6% organically with an additional 0.6% increase from the acquisition of Graphitype in July 2012.

Operating income (a non-IFRS measure; see note 2 below) for the first quarter of 2013 was $61.9 million, an improvement of 17.7% compared to $52.6 million for the first quarter of 2012. Both the Label and Container segments contributed to the increase in operating income.

Earnings before net finance cost, taxes, earnings in equity accounted investments, depreciation and amortization and restructuring and other items ("EBITDA", a non-IFRS measure; see note 1 below) was $81.0 million for the first quarter of 2013, compared to $71.2 million for the first quarter of 2012.

The overall effective income tax rate was 29.2% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to 27.6% for the first quarter of 2012. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a higher portion of the Company's income being earned in higher tax jurisdictions.

Net earnings for the 2013 first quarter increased 12.0% to $34.1 million, compared to $30.4 million recorded for the first quarter of 2012. This resulted in basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.01 and $0.99, respectively, for the first quarter of 2013 compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.91 and $0.89, respectively, for the first quarter of 2012.

Adjusted basic earnings per Class B share (a non-GAAP measure; see note 3 below) were $1.04 for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 14.3% compared to $0.91 in the corresponding quarter of 2012. The adjustment to basic earnings per Class B share includes the after tax costs of $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for restructuring a small label plant in France and transaction costs related to the proposed acquisition of the Office & Consumer Products and Designed & Engineered businesses from Avery Dennison Corporation, announced on January 30, 2013.

Geoffrey T. Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are delighted to report record quarterly results and our tenth consecutive period of year-over-year improvement that broke the one dollar earnings per share milestone for the first time. Operating income increased 18% over the prior year and both the Label and Container Segments contributed to the record performance. Results were nominally improved by foreign currency translation compared to the prior year period."

Mr. Martin continued, "CCL Label, which now includes our Tube business, posted a good first quarter increasing sales 5.7% with all geographies contributing and highlighted by strong growth in emerging markets. Operating income increased 12.7% with return on sales reaching a record 18%. North American sales were up low single digits on top of the strong double digit advance reached during the first quarter of 2012; we also matched the substantially improved profitability achieved in the prior year period. European sales gains were also low single digits but profitability advanced significantly on turnarounds and a strong performance in Food & Beverage. Latin America and Asia both delivered double digit revenue growth with particularly strong results in China and a rebound from the slow second half of 2012 in Brazil. Profit improvement in Asia and Latin America was robust; performance in Australia was solid. Our joint ventures contributed very good results in the Middle East, offset by tough comparisons in Russia, where the prior year benefitted from currency movements, and start-up costs at the new plant in Santiago. The Chilean operation continues to exceed expectations."

Mr. Martin then added, "CCL Container sales were up 11% for the current quarter in part due to the peak sun care season that was delayed to the second quarter in 2012 returning to the first quarter of 2013. Profitability more than doubled compared to the prior year with all of our operations delivering broad based operational gains. Cash flow was excellent and returns are now considerably above our cost of capital hurdle."

Mr. Martin continued, "Order intake levels were very solid for the first quarter but did slow in late March, perhaps due to the early Easter vacation period. We continue to expect low single digit growth rates in developed economies as long as the macro environment remains fragile but still see opportunities to augment that in higher growth emerging markets. Currency markets have moved very slightly in our favour and we could progressively benefit from this as the year unfolds if current rates for the Canadian dollar are sustained or weaken. The input cost situation remains stable."

Mr. Martin also stated, "The Company finished the quarter with a healthy balance sheet, $190 million of cash on hand and a net debt to total book capitalization of 13.4% compared to 19.3% at March 31, 2012. On April 3, 2013, utilizing our cash on hand, we announced the acquisition of INT Autotechnik perfectly complementing our existing CCL Design business, which supplies the German automotive industry with tread plates, badges, decals and functional die cut pressure sensitive films. We have committed credit facilities of $700 million for our planned Avery Dennison transaction and to provide for future flexibility. Based on our strong cash flow and prospects for the remainder of the year, your Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.2150 per Class B non-voting share and $0.2025 per Class A voting share payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 14, 2013, to be paid on June 28, 2013."

Mr. Martin concluded, "We have now received all the required regulatory approvals to complete the Avery Dennison Office & Consumer Products and Designed & Engineered Solutions transaction. Current transition and business planning activities are targeting a close early in the third quarter of 2013."

With headquarters in Toronto, Canada, CCL Industries now employs approximately 6,700 people and operates 74 production facilities globally located to meet the sourcing needs of large international customers. CCL Label is the world's largest converter of pressure sensitive and film materials for a wide range of decorative, instructional and functional applications in consumer packaging, healthcare, automotive and consumer durables markets. Extruded plastic tubes, folded instructional leaflets, precision printed & die cut metal components with LED displays and other complimentary products and services are sold in parallel to specific end use markets. CCL Container is a leading producer of impact extruded aluminum aerosol cans and bottles for consumer packaged goods customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

1. EBITDA is a critical non-IFRS financial measure used extensively in the packaging industry and other industries to assist in understanding and measuring operating results. It is also considered as a proxy for cash flow and a facilitator for business valuations. This non-IFRS financial measure is defined as earnings before net finance cost, taxes, depreciation and amortization, goodwill impairment loss, earnings in equity accounted investments and restructuring and other items. See section entitled "Supplementary Information" below for a reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA. The Company believes that it is an important measure as it allows management to assess CCL's ongoing business without the impact of net finance cost, depreciation and amortization and income tax expenses, as well as non-operating factors and one-time items. As a proxy for cash flow, it is intended to indicate CCL's ability to incur or service debt and to invest in property, plant and equipment, and it allows management to compare CCL's business to those of CCL's peers and competitors who may have different capital or organizational structures. EBITDA is a measure tracked by financial analysts and investors to evaluate financial performance and is a key metric in business valuations. EBITDA is considered an important measure by lenders to the Company and is included in the financial covenants of CCL's senior notes and bank lines of credit.
   
   
2. Operating Income is a key non-IFRS financial measure used to assist in understanding the profitability of the Company's business units. This non-IFRS financial measure is defined as income before corporate expenses, net finance cost, goodwill impairment loss, earnings in equity accounted investments, restructuring and other items and taxes.
   
   
3. Adjusted Basic Earnings per Class B Share is an important non-IFRS financial measure used to assist in understanding the ongoing earnings performance of the Company excluding items of a one-time or non-recurring nature. It is not considered a substitute for basic net earnings per Class B share but it does provide additional insight into the ongoing financial results of the Company. This non-IFRS financial measure is defined as basic net earnings per Class B share excluding gains on dispositions, goodwill impairment loss, restructuring and other items and tax adjustments.
   

Supplementary Information

For periods ended March 31st
Reconciliation of Operating Income to EBITDA
Unaudited
(In millions of Canadian dollars)
		Three months ended March 31 st
Operating Income
		2013				2012
Label		$	56.6			$	50.2
Container			5.3				2.4
Total operating income			61.9				52.6
Less: Corporate expenses			(7.5	)			(6.5	)
Add: Depreciation & amortization			26.6				25.1
EBITDA		$	81.0			$	71.2

The financial information presented herein has been prepared on the basis of IFRS for financial statements and is expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (hereinafter collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements"), as defined under applicable securities laws, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are predictive in nature or depend on future events or conditions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans" or similar expressions. Statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, priorities, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of the Company, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated growth in sales, income and profitability of the Company's segments; and the Company's expectations regarding general business and economic conditions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties relating to future events and conditions including, but not limited to, the after-effects of the global financial crisis and its impact on the world economy and capital markets; the impact of competition; consumer confidence and spending preferences; general economic and geopolitical conditions; currency exchange rates; interest rates and credit availability; technological change; changes in government regulations; risks associated with operating and product hazards; and CCL's ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements as the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about the following: global economic recovery and higher consumer spending; improved customer demand for the Company's products; continued historical growth trends, market growth in specific sectors and entering into new sectors; the Company's ability to provide a wide range of products to multinational customers on a global basis; the benefits of the Company's focused strategies and operational approach; the achievement of the Company's plans for improved efficiency and lower costs, including stable aluminum costs; the availability of cash and credit; fluctuations of currency exchange rates; the Company's continued relations with its customers; the Company's expectation to close the announced purchase of the Office & Consumer Products and Designed & Engineered Solutions businesses of Avery Dennison Corporation within the predicted timeframe and expected terms; and general business and economic conditions. Should one or more risks materialize or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further details on key risks can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of CCL's 2012 Annual Report, particularly under Section 4: "Risks and Uncertainties." CCL's annual and quarterly reports can be found online at www.cclind.com and www.sedar.com or are available upon request.

Except as otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions or non-recurring or other special items announced or occurring after the statements are made may have on CCL's business. Such statements do not, unless otherwise specified by the Company, reflect the impact of dispositions, sales of assets, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or transactions, asset write-downs or other charges announced or occurring after forward-looking statements are made. The financial impact of these transactions and non-recurring and other special items can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them and therefore cannot be described in a meaningful way in advance of knowing specific facts.

The forward-looking statements are provided as of the date of this press release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Note:		CCL will hold a conference call at 2:30 p.m. EDT on May 2, 2013, to discuss these results. The analyst presentation will be posted on the Company's website.
		To access this call, please dial:
		416-340-2218 - Local
		866-226-1792 - Toll Free
		Audio replay service will be available from May 2, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. EDT until May 16, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
		To access Conference Replay, please dial:
		905-694-9451 - Local
		800-408-3053 - Toll Free
		Access Code: 8428715

For more details on CCL, visit our website - www.cclind.com.

CCL Industries Inc.
Consolidated condensed interim statements of financial position
Unaudited
In thousands of Canadian dollars
				As at March 31				As at December 31
				2013				2012
Assets
Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	189,647			$	188,972
	Trade and other receivables			227,892				191,538
	Inventories			96,624				90,194
	Prepaid expenses			6,402				6,205
Total current assets				520,565				476,909
	Property, plant and equipment			704,040				679,857
	Goodwill			355,095				353,350
	Deferred tax assets			54,034				54,686
	Equity accounted investments			43,573				42,878
	Intangible assets			28,509				29,620
	Other assets			17,024				16,783
Total non-current assets				1,202,275				1,177,174
Total assets			$	1,722,840			$	1,654,083
Liabilities
Current liabilities
	Trade and other payables		$	235,386			$	226,248
	Current portion of long-term debt			85,107				84,701
	Income taxes payable			19,884				10,771
	Derivative instruments			923				435
Total current liabilities				341,300				322,155
	Long-term debt			248,395				244,332
	Deferred tax liabilities			107,299				110,607
	Employee benefits			85,313				81,082
	Provisions and other long-term liabilities			10,308				8,720
Total non-current liabilities				451,315				444,741
Total liabilities				792,615				766,896
Equity
	Share capital			243,960				226,702
	Contributed surplus			3,568				9,584
	Retained earnings			722,043				697,937
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(39,346	)			(47,036	)
Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company				930,225				887,187
Total liabilities and equity			$	1,722,840			$	1,654,083

CCL Industries Inc.
Consolidated condensed interim income statements
Unaudited
In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data
			Three Months Ended
			March 31
			2013				2012				% Change
Sales			$	363,643			$	341,396			6.5
Cost of sales				267,913				257,620
Gross profit				95,730				83,776
Selling, general and administrative				41,307				37,720
Restructuring and other items				1,322				-
Earnings in equity accounted investments				(377	)			(830	)
Results from operating activities				53,478				46,886
Finance cost				5,367				5,511
Finance income				(160	)			(308	)
Net finance cost				5,207				5,203
Earnings before income taxes				48,271				41,683			15.8
Income tax expense				14,189				11,261
Net earnings			$	34,082			$	30,422			12.0
Attributable to:
	Shareholders of the Company		$	34,082			$	30,422
Net earnings for the period			$	34,082			$	30,422
Basic earnings per Class B share			$	1.01			$	0.91			11.0
Diluted earnings per Class B share			$	0.99			$	0.89			11.2

CCL Industries Inc.
Consolidated condensed interim statements of cash flows
Unaudited
In thousands of Canadian dollars
					Three Months Ended
					March 31
					2013				2012
Cash provided by (used for)
Operating activities
	Net earnings				$	34,082			$	30,422
	Adjustments for:
		Depreciation and amortization				26,633				25,109
		Earnings in equity accounted investments,
			net of dividends received			(377	)			(438	)
		Net finance cost				5,207				5,203
		Current income tax expense				16,771				14,386
		Deferred taxes				(2,582	)			(3,125	)
		Equity-settled share-based payment transactions				521				1,081
		Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment				(135	)			(114	)
						80,120				72,524
		Change in inventories				(6,430	)			(3,776	)
		Change in trade and other receivables				(36,354	)			(26,708	)
		Change in prepaid expenses				(197	)			961
		Change in trade and other payables				10,978				(2,332	)
		Change in income taxes payable				701				1,565
		Change in employee benefits				4,231				2,586
		Change in other assets and liabilities				1,924				607
						54,973				45,427
	Net interest paid					(10,065	)			(10,332	)
	Income taxes paid					(8,359	)			(4,980	)
Cash provided by operating activities						36,549				30,115
Financing activities
	Repayment of long-term debt					(2,639	)			(1,246	)
	Proceeds from issuance of shares					11,087				1,552
	Repayment of executive share purchase plan loans					-				233
	Dividends paid					(7,322	)			(6,550	)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities						1,126				(6,011	)
Investing activities
	Additions to property, plant and equipment					(39,250	)			(23,300	)
	Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment					241				572
Cash used for investing activities						(39,009	)			(22,728	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents					(1,334	)			1,376
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period					188,972				140,698
	Translation adjustment on cash and cash equivalents					2,009				(150	)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period					$	189,647			$	141,924

CCL Industries Inc.
Segment information
Unaudited
In thousands of Canadian dollars
					Three Months Ended March 31
				Sales				Operating income
		2013			2012			2013				2012
Label		$	312,264		$	295,250		$	56,579			$	50,188
Container			51,379			46,146			5,317				2,416
Total operations		$	363,643		$	341,396			61,896				52,604
Corporate expense									(7,473	)			(6,548	)
Restructuring and other items									(1,322	)			-
Earnings in equity accounted investments									377				830
Finance cost									(5,367	)			(5,511	)
Finance income									160				308
Income tax expense									(14,189	)			(11,261	)
Net earnings								$	34,082			$	30,422

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company changed its operating segments to incorporate all the entities previously reported within the Tube segment in the Label segment, to more closely represent the current management structure and reporting. Comparative segment information has been restated to conform with current year presentation.