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Saputo Inc.: Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2014

T.SAP

Adjusted net earnings at $567.0 million, up 11.0% Net earnings at $534.0 million, up 10.8% Revenues at $9.233 billion, up 26.5%

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 5, 2014) - Saputo Inc. (TSX:SAP) (Saputo or the Company) reported today its financial results for fiscal 2014, which ended on March 31, 2014. All amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated, and are presented according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in millions of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)

Fiscal years 2014 2013 Variance  
Revenues 9,232.9 7,297.7 26.5 %
Adjusted EBITDA1 1,020.3 860.8 18.5 %
Net earnings 534.0 481.9 10.8 %
Acquisition costs2 9.2 6.1    
Restructuring costs2 19.9 22.6    
Other costs2 3.9 -    
Adjusted net earnings3 567.0 510.6 11.0 %
  Attributable to:        
    Shareholders of Saputo Inc. 566.1 510.6    
    Non-controlling interest 0.9 -    
  567.0 510.6    
Per Share:        
Adjusted net earnings3        
    Basic 2.90 2.58 12.4 %
    Diluted 2.87 2.55    
Net earnings        
    Basic 2.73 2.44 11.9 %
    Diluted 2.70 2.41    
  1. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring and other costs. Refer to "Measurements not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of this term.
  2. Net of income taxes.
  3. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share (basic and diluted) are non-IFRS measures. Adjusted net earnings is defined as net earnings prior to the inclusion of acquisition, restructuring, and other costs, net of applicable income taxes, if any. Adjusted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of Saputo Inc. per basic and diluted common share. Refer to "Measurements not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of these terms.
  • As of April 1, 2013, the Company realigned its reporting structure consistent with its operating structure and reports under three geographic sectors: the Canada Sector, the USA Sector and the International Sector. The comparative figures have been reclassified to reflect this reporting structure.
  • During the third quarter, the Company announced a takeover bid to buy all the shares of Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Company Holdings Limited (Warrnambool Acquisition), a dairy processor in Australia. At the closing of the bid on February 12, 2014, the Company held an 87.92% interest in Warrnambool shares and its operations are consolidated since January 21, 2014.
  • The acquisition of Morningstar Foods, LLC (Morningstar Acquisition) on January 3, 2013, renamed Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC (Dairy Foods Division (USA)), contributed to revenues and EBITDA in the USA Sector for the full fiscal year.

SELECTED SEGMENTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in millions of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)

Fiscal years 2014 2013 Variance  
    (Reclassified)    
Revenues        
  Canada 3,653.5 3,578.1 2.1 %
  USA 4,489.9 2,849.2 57.6 %
  International 1,089.4 870.4 25.2 %
  9,232.9 7,297.7 26.5 %
Adjusted EBITDA1        
  Canada 457.4 476.2 (4.0 %)
  USA 469.8 344.3 36.5 %
  International 93.2 40.3 131.3 %
  1,020.3 860.8 18.5 %
1. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring and other costs. Refer to "Measurements not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of this term.
 
 
 
FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
 
Adjusted net earnings at $152.8 million, up 18.3%
 
Net earnings at $119.8 million, up 19.2%
 
Revenues at $2.486 billion, up 21.1%

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in millions of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)

Fiscal years 2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Revenues 2,485.9 2,343.2 2,230.3 2,173.5 2,053.3 1,800.6 1,745.4 1,698.3
Adjusted EBITDA1 277.8 260.0 240.4 242.1 229.7 212.5 215.6 203.0
Net earnings 119.8 144.1 133.3 136.7 100.5 130.0 129.6 121.8
Acquisition costs2 9.2 - - - 6.1 - - -
Restructuring costs2 19.9 - - - 22.6 - - -
Other costs2 3.9 - - - - - - -
Adjusted net earnings3 152.8 144.1 133.3 136.7 129.2 130.0 129.6 121.8
  Attributable to:                
    Shareholders of Saputo Inc. 151.9 144.1 133.3 136.7 129.2 130.0 129.6 121.8
    Non-controlling interest 0.9 - - - - - - -
  152.8 144.1 133.3 136.7 129.2 130.0 129.6 121.8
Per Share                
  Adjusted net earnings3                
    Basic 0.78 0.74 0.68 0.70 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.61
    Diluted 0.78 0.73 0.67 0.69 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.60
  Net earnings                
    Basic 0.61 0.74 0.68 0.70 0.51 0.66 0.66 0.61
    Diluted 0.61 0.73 0.67 0.69 0.51 0.65 0.65 0.60
  1. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring and other costs. Refer to "Measurements not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of this term.
  2. Net of income taxes.
  3. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share (basic and diluted) are non-IFRS measures. Adjusted net earnings is defined as net earnings prior to the inclusion of acquisition, restructuring, and other costs, net of applicable income taxes, if any. Adjusted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of Saputo Inc. per basic and diluted common share. Refer to "Measurements not in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of these terms.

SELECTED FACTORS POSITIVELY (NEGATIVELY) AFFECTING EBITDA

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal year 2014
  Q4 Q3 Q2   Q1
Market factors1, 2 16 9 (17 ) 12
US currency exchange1 9 5 4   1
  1. As compared to the same quarter of the last fiscal year.
  2. Market factors include the average block market per pound of cheese and its effect on the absorption of fixed costs and on the realization of inventories, the effect of the relationship between the average block market per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material as well as market pricing impact related to sales of dairy ingredients.

INFORMATION BY SECTOR

Canada Sector

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal years   2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Revenues 881.4 955.6 920.5 896.0 856.0 937.9 892.2 891.9
EBITDA 108.9 116.1 116.7 115.7 119.1 123.2 116.2 118.0

The Canada Sector includes the Dairy Division (Canada) and the Bakery Division.

USA Sector

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal years   2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Revenues 1,220.0 1,138.0 1,078.6 1,053.3 971.3 663.6 632.7 581.5
EBITDA 128.2 121.1 107.9 112.6 103.1 81.0 89.1 70.8

Selected factors positively (negatively) affecting EBITDA

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal years   2014 2013  
  Q4 Q3 Q2   Q1 Q4 Q3   Q2 Q1  
Market factors1, 2 16 9 (17 ) 12 5 8   10 (14 )
US currency exchange1 9 5 4   1 - (3 ) 2 3  
  1. As compared to the previous fiscal year.
  2. Market factors include the average block market per pound of cheese and its effect on the absorption of fixed costs and on the realization of inventories, the effect of the relationship between the average block market per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material as well as market pricing impact related to sales of dairy ingredients.

Other pertinent information

(in US dollars, except for average exchange rate)

Fiscal years   2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Average block market per pound of cheese 2.178 1.836 1.735 1.779 1.668 1.955 1.750 1.539
Closing block price1 per pound of cheese 2.385 2.000 1.765 1.638 1.693 1.760 2.075 1.650
Average whey market price2 per pound 0.620 0.570 0.580 0.580 0.580 0.620 0.550 0.500
Spread3 0.012 0.044 0.041 0.046 0.017 0.028 0.060 0.072
US average exchange rate to Canadian dollar4 1.104 1.042 1.039 1.023 1.009 0.991 0.995 1.010
  1. Closing block price is the price of a 40 pound block of cheddar traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) on the last business day of the fiscal year.
  2. Average whey powder market price is based on Dairy Market News published information.
  3. Spread is the average block market per pound of cheese less the result of the average cost per hundredweight of Class III and/or Class 4b milk price divided by 10.
  4. Based on Bank of Canada published information.

The USA Sector includes the Cheese Division (USA) and the Dairy Foods Division (USA).

International Sector

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal years   2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Revenues 384.5 249.5 231.2 224.2 226.0 199.1 220.5 225.0
EBITDA 40.8 22.8 15.8 13.8 7.5 8.3 10.3 14.2

Selected factors positively (negatively) affecting EBITDA

(in millions of CDN dollars)

Fiscal years   2014 2013
  Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Inventory write-down - - - - - - - (3)

The International Sector includes the Dairy Division (Argentina), the Dairy Division (Australia) and the Dairy Ingredients Division. The Dairy Ingredients Division includes national and export ingredients sales from the North American divisions, as well as cheese exports from these same divisions. The Dairy Division (Europe) ceased operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, as announced in late fiscal 2013, and its results are included in the comparative figures.

Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 amounted to $2.486 billion, an increase of $432.6 million or 21.1% compared to $2.053 billion for the same quarter last fiscal year.

The USA Sector revenues increased by approximately $249 million as compared to the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. A more favourable average block market per pound of cheese in the fourth quarter of US$2.18 compared to US$1.67 during the same quarter of fiscal 2013 increased revenues by approximately $106 million. Contributing to the increase was an increase in sales volumes as well as higher selling prices. The weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar added approximately $91 million in revenues as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

In the Canada Sector, revenues increased by approximately $25 million in the fourth quarter as compared to last fiscal year. Higher selling prices relating to the cost of milk as raw material, in addition to increases in sales volumes in both the retail and foodservice segments in Canada were the primary reasons for the increase as compared to last fiscal year. Sales volumes of traditional milk and cheese categories were higher, while value-added milk and butter categories experienced a decrease in sales volumes.

Revenues from the International Sector increased by approximately $159 million as compared to the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. The Sector benefitted from the contribution of the Dairy Division (Australia) since January 21, 2014. Additionally, selling price increases relating to the cost of milk as raw material in Argentina as well as price increases in dairy ingredients in the international market added to revenues. Sales volume increases in Argentina and a more favourable dairy ingredients product mix offset lower sales volumes in the Dairy Ingredients Division. The Dairy Division (Europe) ceased operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, and as a result negatively impacted revenues by approximately $15 million when compared to last fiscal year.

Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring, and other costs (adjusted EBITDA1) totalled $277.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $48.1 million or 20.9% compared to the $229.7 million for the same quarter last fiscal year.

The EBITDA of the USA Sector increased by approximately $25 million in the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter last fiscal year. An increase in the average block market per pound of cheese to US$2.18 in the fourth quarter, as compared to US$1.67 in the same quarter last fiscal year, positively affected the absorption of fixed costs. During the quarter, the block price opened at US$2.00 and closed at US$2.39, an increase of US$0.39, compared to opening at US$1.76 and closing at US$1.69, a decrease of US$0.07 for the same period last fiscal year. This positive difference had a favourable impact on the realization of inventories. The relationship between the average block market per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material was unfavourable as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year. These combined market factors, including unfavourable margins associated with higher commodity prices in the Dairy Foods Division, increased EBITDA by approximately $16 million, as compared to the same period last fiscal year. Increased sales volumes and lower promotional costs were offset by higher ingredients, fuel and conversion costs as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, negatively affecting EBITDA. The weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar added approximately $10 million in EBITDA as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

EBITDA for the Canada Sector decreased by approximately $10 million in comparison to the same quarter last fiscal year. Higher ingredients and operational costs in the Dairy Division (Canada) offset increased sales volumes, in both retail and foodservice segments.

The EBITDA of the International Sector increased by approximately $33 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 in comparison to the same quarter last fiscal year. Contributing to this increase is the inclusion of EBITDA from the Dairy Division (Australia) since January 21, 2014. EBITDA of the Dairy Division (Argentina) increased, as compared to the corresponding period last fiscal year, mainly due to higher selling prices in the export market. This increase was slightly offset by an increase in operational costs.

Depreciation and amortization for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 totalled $39.5 million, an increase of $3.9 million compared to $35.6 million for the same quarter last fiscal year. The increase is mainly due to the inclusion of Dairy Division (Australia)'s results beginning on January 21, 2014.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company incurred acquisition costs relating to the Warrnambool Acquisition, which closed on February 12, 2014, and the Scotsburn Acquisition, finalized on April 14, 2014, totalling $9.5 million ($9.2 million after tax), restructuring costs in relation to plant closures in the United States and Canada totalling $30.7 million ($19.9 million after tax), as well as other costs totalling $5.5 million ($3.9 million after tax) relating to amendments to pension plans for executive officers. In connection with the restructuring costs, the Company has incurred $7.8 million in severance costs, $0.8 million in other closure costs and $22.1 million in impairment charges to property, plant and equipment.

In the last quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company incurred acquisition costs relating to the Morningstar Acquisition, totalling $9.6 million ($6.1 million after tax), as well as restructuring costs in relation to plant closures in Europe and Canada totalling $32.6 million ($22.6 million after tax). In connection with the restructuring costs, the Company had incurred $7.8 million in severance costs, $2.8 million in other closure costs, $21.7 million in impairment charges to property, plant and equipment, and $0.3 million in other charges.

Net interest expense increased to $19.3 million compared to $14.9 million for the corresponding period last fiscal year. The increase is mainly attributed to a higher level of debt resulting from the Warrnambool Acquisition, as well as a general increase in interest rates in Argentina, as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

With respect to income taxes, the effective tax rate for the current quarter was 30.2% compared to 27.9% for the same quarter last fiscal year, excluding acquisition, restructuring and other costs in fiscal 2014 and restructuring and acquisition costs in fiscal 2013. The income tax rate varies and could increase or decrease based on the amount of taxable income derived and from which source, any amendments to tax laws and income tax rates and changes in assumptions and estimates used for tax assets and liabilities by the Company and its affiliates.

Net earnings amounted to $119.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $19.3 million compared to the net earnings of $100.5 million for the same quarter last fiscal year. This is due to the factors mentioned above.

Adjusted net earnings1 amounted to $152.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $23.6 million compared to the same quarter last fiscal year. This increase is due to the factors mentioned above, without considering acquisition, restructuring and other costs.

During the quarter, the Company added approximately $80 million in property, plant and equipment, issued shares for a cash consideration of $17.7 million as part of the stock option plan and paid out $44.8 million in dividends to its shareholders. For the same quarter, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $144.6 million, a decrease from the $160.1 million generated for the corresponding period last fiscal year.

  1. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings represent non-IFRS measures. Refer to "Measurement of Results not in Accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards" on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, for the definition of these terms.

OUTLOOK

In fiscal 2015, the Company intends to continue to improve its efficiencies, while remaining committed to producing quality products, innovation and internal growth. It will continue to analyze its activities, invest in capital projects and identify opportunities. The Company's flexible capital structure and low debt levels allow it to actively evaluate and pursue strategic acquisition opportunities, with the goal of expanding its presence in key markets.

Fiscal 2015 will bring another year of continuous challenges in Canada due to the competitive nature of the market. Despite these difficult conditions, the Dairy Division (Canada) will continue to pursue volume growth in commodity and specialty-type cheeses and in the fluid milk category. The Division will seek opportunities in the value-added milk category, which offers growth potential, and one in which the Company is well-positioned. The Dairy Division (Canada) will pursue investments in product categories such as specialty cheeses, for which the intention is to maximize exposure across Canada, with coast-to-coast distribution capabilities.

The Dairy Division (Canada) will complete, in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the project to consolidate distribution activities of the Greater Montreal area into one distribution center located in Saint-Laurent, Québec. This initiative was announced in fiscal 2013 and is a result of the Company's ongoing evaluation of activities aimed at cost reduction and productivity enhancements.

The recent Scotsburn Acquisition will enable the Dairy Division (Canada) to increase its presence in Atlantic Canada. The Division will evaluate opportunities and possible synergies in an effort to improve and expand its product offerings to all customers.

In fiscal 2015, the Company will close three facilities, as announced in fiscal 2013 and 2014. These measures are part of the Company's continual effort to pursue additional efficiencies and decrease costs. Annual after tax savings should be approximately $8 million, of which approximately $6 million should commence in fiscal 2015.

Innovation has always been a priority, enabling the Company to offer products that meet the needs of today's consumers. Accordingly, resources were allocated to product innovation allowing it to forge and secure long-term relationships with both customers and consumers.

In fiscal 2015, the Company will continue the integration of the Dairy Foods Division (USA) and will focus on implementing the Company's processes and systems. The USA Sector intends to capitalize on the Division's national manufacturing and distribution footprint and benefit from possible synergies. An analysis of administrative and information technology will be done in order to effectively integrate central functions, streamline systems, and adopt an efficient working environment.

Additionally, in fiscal 2015, the Company will attempt to recuperate lost volumes in the Cheese Division (USA) and should also benefit from the effort of the International Sector, towards growing the export sales market.

The Cheese Division (USA) plans to continue to gain distribution and market share for its premium lines of snack cheeses and flavoured blue cheese offerings.

The closure of two plants in the US in fiscal 2015, which was announced in March 2014, is in line with the Company's continual review of operations in order to maximize return on capital and seek additional efficiencies. Annual after tax savings should be approximately $3 million.

The USA Sector will continue to evaluate opportunities to improve efficiencies in both manufacturing and distribution facilities across the US. The Sector will also continue to monitor fluctuations in dairy markets and take appropriate decisions to mitigate the impact on operations.

The International Sector will continue to pursue sales volume growth in existing markets, as well as develop additional international markets from its operations in Argentina for which capacity was increased over the last two years. Also, the Company will pursue growth of cheese export sales volumes out of the Cheese Division (USA). The inclusion of the Dairy Division (Australia) has given the International Sector an additional platform and will be key for the long-term growth of this Sector as a dairy player on a global scale. The Company intends to accelerate growth in Australia, by making necessary capital investments and devoting resources to increase manufacturing capacity, grow milk intake and create new opportunities. The International Sector will continue to evaluate overall activities in an effort to improve efficiencies.

Additional Information

For more information on the results of fiscal 2014 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, reference is made to the audited consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and to the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. These documents can be obtained on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the "Investors and Media" section of the Company's website, at www.saputo.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. These statements are based, among other things, on Saputo's assumptions, expectations, estimates, objectives, plans and intentions as of the date hereof regarding projected revenues and expenses, the economic, industry, competitive and regulatory environments in which the Company operates or which could affect its activities, its ability to attract and retain customers and consumers, as well as the availability and cost of milk and other raw materials and energy supplies, its operating costs and the pricing of its finished products on the various markets in which it carries on business.

These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to the Company's short and medium term objectives, outlook, business projects and strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives and expectations. The words "may", "should", "will", "would", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "estimate", "foresee", "objective", "continue", "propose" or "target", or the negative of these terms or variations of them, the use of conditional tense or words and expressions of similar nature, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the conclusion, forecast or projection stated in such forward-looking statements. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will materialize. Assumptions, expectations and estimates made in the preparation of forward-looking statements and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report.

Forward-looking statements are based on Management's current estimates, expectations and assumptions, which Management believes are reasonable as of the date hereof, and, accordingly, are subject to changes after such date. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not rely upon this information as of any other date.

Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Saputo does not undertake to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether written or verbal, that may be made from time to time by itself or on its behalf, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Dividends

The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.23 per share, payable on July 17, 2014, to common shareholders of record on July 7, 2014.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and year-end results for fiscal 2014 will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To participate in the conference call, dial 1-800-732-8470. To ensure your participation, please dial in approximately five minutes before the call.

To listen to this call on the Web, please enter www.gowebcasting.com/5544 in your Web browser.

For those unable to participate, a replay of the conference will be available until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2014. To access the replay, dial 1-800-558-5253, ID number 21716568. A webcast will also be archived on www.saputo.com, in the "Investors and Media" section, under News Releases.

About Saputo

Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. We are one of the top ten dairy processors in the world, the largest in Canada, the third in Argentina and the fourth in Australia. In the US, the Company ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products. Our products are sold in more than 40 countries under well-known brand names such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, Baxter, Dairyland, Dragone, DuVillage 1860, Friendship, Frigo Cheese Heads, Great Midwest, King's Choice, Kingsey, La Paulina, Milk2Go, Neilson, Nutrilait, Ricrem, Salemville, Scotsburn, Stella, Sungold and Treasure Cave. Saputo Inc. is a publicly traded company whose shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SAP".

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)

  For the three-month periods ended March 31
(unaudited)
For the years ended March 31
(audited)
 
  2014 2013 2014 2013
         
Revenues $ 2,485,864 $ 2,053,326 $ 9,232,889 $ 7,297,677
Operating costs excluding depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring and other costs 2,208,041 1,823,646 8,212,544 6,436,905
Earnings before interest, depreciation, amortization, acquisition, restructuring, other costs and income taxes
277,823

 229,680

 1,020,345

860,772
Depreciation and amortization 39,451 35,568 146,607 116,629
Acquisition costs 9,459 9,646 9,459 9,646
Restructuring costs 30,739 32,631 30,739 32,631
Other costs 5,465 - 5,465 -
Interest on long-term debt 14,355 12,515 53,239 29,896
Other financial charges 4,942 2,345 15,846 4,203
Earnings before income taxes 173,412 136,975 758,990 667,767
Income taxes 53,626 36,506 225,024 185,846
Net earnings $ 119,786 $ 100,469 $ 533,966 $ 481,921
         
Attributable to:        
  Shareholders of Saputo Inc. 118,917 100,469 533,097 481,921
  Non-controlling interest 869 - 869 -
  $ 119,786 $ 100,469 $ 533,966 $ 481,921
         
Earnings per share        
  Net earnings        
    Basic $ 0.61 $ 0.51 $ 2.73 $ 2.44
    Diluted $ 0.61 $ 0.51 $ 2.70 $ 2.41

Note: These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and with the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report. These documents can be obtained on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the "Investors and Media" section of the Company's website, at www.saputo.com.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of CDN dollars)

(audited)

As at March 31, 2014 March 31, 2013
ASSETS    
Current assets    
  Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,346 $ 43,177
  Receivables 807,409 624,553
  Inventories 933,232 770,158
  Income taxes 30,867 2,786
  Prepaid expenses and other assets 84,992 71,882
  1,895,846 1,512,556
Property, plant and equipment 1,928,761 1,617,195
Goodwill 1,954,691 1,569,592
Trademarks and other intangibles 484,830 454,876
Other assets 79,968 29,962
Deferred income taxes 12,796 9,459
Total assets $ 6,356,892 $ 5,193,640
     
LIABILITIES    
Current liabilities    
  Bank loans $ 310,066 $ 181,865
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 897,222 748,318
  Income taxes 124,206 144,064
  Current portion of long-term debt 393,600 152,400
  1,725,094 1,226,647
Long-term debt 1,395,694 1,395,900
Other liabilities 48,396 74,101
Deferred income taxes 348,548 191,320
Total Liabilities $ 3,517,732 $ 2,887,968
EQUITY    
  Share capital 703,111 663,275
  Reserves 242,282 38,049
  Retained earnings 1,830,911 1,604,348
Equity attributable to shareholders of Saputo Inc. 2,776,304 2,305,672
Non-controlling interest 62,856 -
Total equity $ 2,839,160 $ 2,305,672
Total liabilities and equity $ 6,356,892 $ 5,193,640

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of CDN dollars)

  For the three-month periods
ended March 31
 
 
 For the twelve-month periods
ended March 31
 
 
      (unaudited)       (audited)  
  2014   2013   2014   2013  
                 
Cash flows related to the following activities:                
  Operating                
    Net earnings $ 119,786   $ 100,469   $ 533,966   $ 481,921  
    Adjustments for:                
      Stock-based compensation 6,137   3,611   22,084   17,537  
      Interest and other financial charges 19,297   14,860   69,085   34,099  
      Income tax expense 53,626   36,506   225,024   185,846  
      Depreciation and amortization 39,451   35,568   146,607   116,629  
      Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 122   (12 ) (122 ) (53 )
      Restructuring charges related to plant closures 22,096   23,820   22,096   23,820  
      Share of joint venture earnings (1,406 ) -   (1,406 ) -  
    Funding of employee plans in excess of costs 2,687   (4,030 ) (6,486 ) (12,485 )
  261,796   210,792   1,010,848   847,314  
    Changes in non-cash operating working capital items (76,459 ) (3,744 ) (129,363 ) (4,425 )
    Cash generated from operating activities 185,337   207,048   881,485   842,889  
    Interest and other financial charges paid (10,880 ) (9,859 ) (65,837 ) (34,953 )
    Income taxes paid (29,830 ) (37,138 ) (159,338 ) (162,144 )
    Net cash generated from operating activities 144,627   160,051   656,310   645,792  
                 
  Investing                
    Business acquisition (449,578 ) (1,433,945 ) (449,578 ) (1,433,945 )
    Portfolio investment 4,088   -   -   -  
    Additions to property, plant and equipment (79,989 ) (81,582 ) (223,624 ) (178,237 )
    Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment (208 ) 76   253   901  
    Other (124 ) (11,038 ) 803   (13,719 )
  (525,811 ) (1,526,489 ) (672,146 ) (1,625,000 )
                 
  Financing                
    Bank loans 26,668   51,754   77,810   21,884  
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 390,000   1,198,565   390,000   1,198,565  
    Repayment of long-term debt (57,081 ) (38,100 ) (175,045 ) (38,100 )
    Issuance of share capital 17,749   12,504   41,861   38,468  
    Repurchase of share capital -   (58,173 ) (154,371 ) (190,404 )
    Dividends (44,812 ) (41,326 ) (175,321 ) (161,651 )
  332,524   1,125,224   4,934   868,762  
                 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (48,660 ) (241,214 ) (10,902 ) (110,446 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 3,138   10,327   7,071   9,486  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 84,868   274,064   43,177   144,137  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 39,346   $ 43,177   $ 39,346   $ 43,177  

Media and Investor Relations
Sandy Vassiadis
Director, Corporate Communications
514-328-3347



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