SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2016
Commission File Number 001-35672


 
BERRY PLASTICS GROUP, INC.
 
 A Delaware corporation
 
 101 Oakley Street, Evansville, Indiana, 47710
(812) 424-2904
 IRS employer identification number
20-5234618
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   No   
  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes No    
  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):   
 
    Large accelerated filer           Accelerated filer          Non-accelerated filer   Small reporting company   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  
Yes     No  
 
Class
 
Outstanding at February 3, 2017
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
 
128.8 million shares
 
1

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events.  The forward-looking statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".  These statements contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "outlook," "anticipates" or "looking forward" or similar expressions that relate to our strategy, plans, intentions, or expectations.  All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results or to our expectations regarding future industry trends are forward-looking statements.  In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected.  We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions.  While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.  All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this Form 10-Q. 
 
Readers should carefully review the factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K in the section titled "Risk Factors" and other risk factors identified from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
Form 10-Q Index
For Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2016
 
Part I.
Financial Information
Page No.
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
Part II.
Other Information
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 6.
 
 
3

Part I. Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Net sales 
 
$
1,502
   
$
1,612
 
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of goods sold 
   
1,206
     
1,320
 
Selling, general and administrative 
   
113
     
154
 
Amortization of intangibles 
   
33
     
36
 
Restructuring and impairment charges
   
4
     
16
 
Operating income 
   
146
     
86
 
Other (income) expense, net 
   
(1
)
   
4
 
Interest expense, net 
   
68
     
75
 
Income before income taxes 
   
79
     
7
 
Income tax expense 
   
28
     
3
 
Net income 
 
$
51
   
$
4
 
 
               
Net income per share:
               
Basic 
 
$
0.42
   
$
0.03
 
Diluted 
   
0.40
     
0.03
 
Outstanding weighted-average shares:
               
Basic 
   
122.0
     
120.1
 
Diluted 
   
127.8
     
124.9
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)
(in millions of dollars) 
 
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Net income 
 
$
51
   
$
4
 
Currency translation 
   
(45
)
   
(29
)
Interest rate hedges 
   
17
     
4
 
Provision for income taxes related to other comprehensive income items
   
(6
)
   
(1
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
(34
)
   
(26
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
17
   
$
(22
)
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
October 1, 2016
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
       
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents 
 
$
331
   
$
323
 
Accounts receivable (less allowance of $8 and $8, respectively)
   
622
     
704
 
Inventories:
               
Finished goods 
   
410
     
397
 
Raw materials and supplies 
   
276
     
263
 
 
   
686
     
660
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
   
104
     
105
 
Total current assets 
   
1,743
     
1,792
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net 
   
2,182
     
2,224
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
   
3,556
     
3,606
 
Other assets 
   
30
     
31
 
Total assets 
 
$
7,511
   
$
7,653
 
                 
Liabilities
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable 
 
$
503
   
$
539
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
   
434
     
449
 
Current portion of long-term debt 
   
43
     
43
 
Total current liabilities 
   
980
     
1,031
 
Long-term debt, less current portion 
   
5,710
     
5,712
 
Deferred income taxes 
   
281
     
272
 
Other long-term liabilities 
   
294
     
417
 
Total liabilities 
   
7,265
     
7,432
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
 
               
Common stock (122.3 and 122.0 million shares issued, respectively)
   
1
     
1
 
Additional paid-in capital 
   
457
     
449
 
Non-controlling interest 
   
3
     
3
 
Accumulated deficit 
   
(33
)
   
(84
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
   
(182
)
   
(148
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
246
     
221
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
7,511
   
$
7,653
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
 
$
51
   
$
4
 
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation 
   
87
     
103
 
Amortization of intangibles 
   
33
     
36
 
Non-cash interest expense 
   
1
     
3
 
Deferred income tax 
   
14
     
(8
)
Stock compensation expense 
   
3
     
4
 
Other non-cash operating activities, net 
   
(1
)
   
7
 
Changes in working capital 
   
(43
)
   
37
 
Changes in other assets and liabilities 
   
(2
)
   
5
 
Net cash from operating activities 
   
143
     
191
 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment 
   
(65
)
   
(93
)
Proceeds from sale of assets 
   
2
     
4
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
   
     
(2,286
)
Other investing activities, net
   
(1
)
   
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
(64
)
   
(2,375
)
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 
   
     
2,492
 
Repayments on long-term borrowings 
   
(10
)
   
(100
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
   
5
     
7
 
Payment of tax receivable agreement 
   
(60
)
   
(57
)
Debt financing costs 
   
     
(36
)
Purchase of non-controlling interest 
   
     
(66
)
Net cash from financing activities 
   
(65
)
   
2,240
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
   
(6
)
   
(2
)
Net change in cash 
   
8
     
54
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
   
323
     
228
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 
 
$
331
   
$
282
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


6

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(tables in millions of dollars, except per share data)
 
1. 
Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Berry Plastics Group, Inc. ("the Company" or "Berry") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, and all subsequent events up to the time of the filing have been evaluated.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
2.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification.  During fiscal 2017, there have been no developments to the recently adopted accounting pronouncements from those disclosed in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K that are considered to have a material impact on our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3. 
Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreements
 
A number of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have entered into factoring agreements to sell certain receivables to unrelated third-party financial institutions.  The Company accounts for these transactions in accordance with ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing" ("ASC 860").  ASC 860 allows for the ownership transfer of accounts receivable to qualify for sale treatment when the appropriate criteria is met, which permits the Company to present the balances sold under the program to be excluded from Accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Receivables are considered sold when (i) they are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, (ii) the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables, and (iii) the Company has surrendered control over the transferred receivables.  In addition, the Company provides no other forms of continued financial support to the purchaser of the receivables once the receivables are sold. The table below summarizes the total amount of accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, sold under these factoring arrangements as of the end of the first fiscal quarter:
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
October 1, 2016
 
Trade receivables sold to financial institutions
 
$
23
   
$
23
 
Net amounts advanced from financial institutions
   
(19
)
   
(18
)
Amounts due from financial institutions
 
$
4
   
$
5
 
 
In addition to the programs described above, the Company has a U.S. based program where certain U.S. based receivables are sold to unrelated third-party financial institutions.  There were no amounts outstanding from the financial institutions related to U.S. based programs at December 31, 2016.  The fees associated with transfer of receivables for all programs were not material for any of the periods presented.

4. 
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
 
The Company incurred restructuring costs related to severance, asset impairment, and facility exit costs of $4 million and $16 million for the quarterly periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The tables below set forth the significant components of the restructuring charges recognized, by segment:
 
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
   
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Consumer Packaging 
 
$
2
   
$
3
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties 
   
2
     
12
 
Engineered Materials 
   
     
1
 
Consolidated 
 
$
4
   
$
16
 

7

The table below sets forth the activity with respect to the restructuring accrual at December 31, 2016:

 
 
Employee Severance
   
Facilities Exit
Costs
   
Total
 
Balance at October 1, 2016
 
$
7
   
$
6
   
$
13
 
Charges 
   
3
     
1
     
4
 
Cash payments 
   
(5
)
   
(2
)
   
(7
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
5
   
$
5
   
$
10
 

5.
Accrued Expenses, Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
The following table sets forth the totals included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
October 1, 2016
 
Employee compensation, payroll and other
 
$
105
   
$
152
 
Interest 
   
44
     
53
 
Rebates 
   
56
     
54
 
Restructuring 
   
10
     
13
 
Accrued taxes 
   
45
     
40
 
Tax receivable agreement obligation
   
100
     
60
 
Accrued operating expenses 
   
74
     
77
 
 
 
$
434
   
$
449
 
 
The following table sets forth the totals included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
October 1, 2016
 
Lease retirement obligation 
 
$
35
   
$
34
 
Sale-lease back deferred gain
   
25
     
26
 
Pension liability 
   
85
     
88
 
Deferred purchase price 
   
42
     
41
 
Tax receivable agreement obligation
   
14
     
114
 
Interest rate swaps 
   
26
     
45
 
Other 
   
67
     
69
 
 
 
$
294
   
$
417
 
 
The Company made $60 million of payments related to the income tax receivable agreement ("TRA") in the December 31, 2016 quarter, of which Apollo Global Management, LLC received $48 million. The TRA provides for an annual payment to TRA holders at 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, foreign, state and local income tax that are actually realized as a result of the utilization of our net operating losses attributable to periods prior to the initial public offering.

6.  Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
   
Maturity Date
   
December 31, 2016 
     
October 1, 2016 
 
Term loan 
February 2020
 
$
1,348
   
$
1,351
 
Term loan 
January 2021
   
814
     
814
 
Term loan 
October 2022
   
1,895
     
1,895
 
Revolving line of credit 
May 2020
   
     
 
5 1/8% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes
July 2023
   
700
     
700
 
5 1/2% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes
May 2022
   
500
     
500
 
6% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes
October 2022
   
400
     
400
 
Debt discounts and deferred fees 
     
(52
)
   
(58
)
Capital leases and other 
Various
   
148
     
153
 
Total long-term debt 
 
   
5,753
     
5,755
 
Current portion of long-term debt 
 
   
(43
)
   
(43
)
Long-term debt, less current portion
 
 
$
5,710
   
$
5,712
 
 
8

The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2016.

Debt discounts and deferred financing fees are presented net of Long-term debt, less the current portion on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to Interest expense through maturity.

7.
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
 
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to certain risks arising from business operations and economic factors.  The Company may use derivative financial instruments to help manage market risk and reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies.  These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes.  For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.  To the extent hedging relationships are found to be effective, as determined by FASB guidance, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are offset by changes in the fair value of the related hedged item and recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Management believes hedge effectiveness is evaluated properly in preparation of the financial statements.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges
 
The primary purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to manage the potential changes in value associated with the changes in foreign currencies on future foreign cash movements for certain jurisdictions.  The changes in fair value of these derivative contracts are recognized in Other (income) expense, net, on our Consolidated Statements of Income and are largely offset by the remeasurement of the underlying intercompany loan.  The foreign currency forward contracts are Level 2 fair value measurements and we use a discounted cash flow analysis along with significant other observable inputs to determine the fair value of the foreign currency forward contract if it is outstanding at the end of the period.  These contracts are typically entered into and settled within the given quarterly reporting period.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategy
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The categorization of the framework used to price these derivative instruments is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement, and we utilize a discounted cash flow calculation along with significant other observable inputs to determine the fair value.
 
In February 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt. The agreement swapped the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 2.355% with an effective date in May 2016 and expiration in May 2019.  In June 2013, the Company elected to settle this derivative instrument and received $16 million as a result of this settlement.  The effective portion of the interest rate swap is included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized to Interest expense from May 2016 through May 2019, the original term of the swap agreement.
 
In March 2014, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt.  The agreement swaps the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 2.59%, with an effective date in February 2016 and expiration in February 2019.
 
In September 2015, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt.  The agreement swapped the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 1.7185%, with an effective date in December 2015 and expiration in June 2019.
 
The Company records the changes in fair value of derivative instruments designated for hedge accounting as prescribed in ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, which are included in Deferred income taxes.  All other changes in derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments flow through the Consolidated Statement of Income.  The Company has designated all of their interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.
 
9

Balance Sheet Location
December 31, 2016
 
October 1, 2016
 
Interest rate swaps 
Other long-term liabilities
 
$
26
   
$
45
 
 
The effect of the Company's derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income is as follows:
 
   
Quarterly Period Ended
 
Derivatives instruments
Statement of Operations Location
December 31, 2016
 
January 2, 2016
 
Interest rate swaps 
Interest expense, net
 
$
5
   
$
 
Foreign currency swaps 
Other (income) expense, net
 
$
1
   
$
 
 
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when impairment indicators are present or when the Company completes an acquisition.  The Company adjusts certain long-lived assets to fair value only when the carrying values exceed the fair values.  The categorization of the framework used to value the assets is considered Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.  These assets that are subject to our annual impairment analysis primarily include our definite lived and indefinite lived intangible assets, including Goodwill and our property, plant and equipment.  The Company reviews Goodwill and other indefinite lived assets for impairment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year, and more frequently if impairment indicators exist.  The Company determined Goodwill and other indefinite lived assets were not impaired in our annual fiscal 2016 assessment.  No impairment indicators were identified in the current quarter.

Included in the following table are the major categories of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, along with the impairment loss recognized on the fair value measurement during the period:
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Impairment
 
Indefinite-lived trademarks
 
$
   
$
   
$
248
   
$
248
   
$
 
Goodwill 
   
     
     
2,394
     
2,394
     
 
Definite lived intangible assets
   
     
     
914
     
914
     
 
Property, plant, and equipment
   
     
     
2,182
     
2,182
     
 
Total 
 
$
   
$
   
$
5,738
   
$
5,738
   
$
 
 
 
 
As of October 1, 2016
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Impairment
 
Indefinite-lived trademarks
 
$
   
$
   
$
248
   
$
248
   
$
 
Goodwill 
   
     
     
2,406
     
2,406
     
 
Definite lived intangible assets
   
     
     
952
     
952
     
 
Property, plant, and equipment
   
     
     
2,224
     
2,224
     
3
 
Total 
 
$
   
$
   
$
5,830
   
$
5,830
   
$
3
 
 
The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, long-term debt, interest rate swap agreements and capital lease obligations.  The fair value of our long-term indebtedness exceeded book value by $63 million as of December 31, 2016.  The Company's long-term debt fair values were determined using Level 2 inputs as other significant observable inputs were not available.  

8. 
Income Taxes
 
The Company's effective tax rate was 35% and 43% for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively.  Within the quarter, the effective tax rate was favorably impacted primarily by the discrete item related to share based compensation excess tax benefit of 4%, partially offset by foreign valuation allowance and other discrete items.
9. 
Operating Segments
 
The Company's operations are organized into three operating segments: Consumer Packaging, Health, Hygiene & Specialties, and Engineered Materials.  The structure is designed to align us with our customers, provide improved service, and drive future growth in a cost efficient manner.  In October 2016, the Company realigned portions of our operating segments in order to leverage geographic management teams and commercial activities.  In the prior year quarter $36 million of Net sales from the Retail & Industrial product line, which is primarily international, was moved from Engineered Materials to the Specialties product line within Health, Hygiene & Specialties.  Additionally, with the intent that the announced AEP Industries Inc. acquisition will be operated within the Engineered Materials segment, $79 million of Core Films Net sales were moved from Consumer Packaging to Engineered Materials.  As result of these organizational realignments, we have recast prior period segment amounts.  Selected information by reportable segment is presented in the following tables: 

10

 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Net sales:
           
Consumer Packaging 
 
$
549
   
$
604
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties 
   
570
     
600
 
Engineered Materials 
   
383
     
408
 
Total net sales 
 
$
1,502
   
$
1,612
 
Operating income:
               
Consumer Packaging 
 
$
34
   
$
39
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties 
   
59
     
13
 
Engineered Materials 
   
53
     
34
 
Total operating income
 
$
146
   
$
86
 
Depreciation and amortization:
               
Consumer Packaging 
 
$
59
   
$
62
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties 
   
44
     
55
 
Engineered Materials 
   
17
     
22
 
 Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
120
   
$
139
 

 
 
December 31, 2016
   
October 1, 2016
 
Total assets:
           
Consumer Packaging 
 
$
3,254
   
$
3,315
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties 
   
3,439
     
3,504
 
Engineered Materials 
   
818
     
834
 
Total assets 
 
$
7,511
   
$
7,653
 
 
Selected information by geography is presented in the following tables:
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
January 2, 2016
 
Net sales:
       
North America
 
$
1,204
   
$
1,307
 
South America
   
80
     
79
 
Europe
   
149
     
165
 
Asia
   
69
     
61
 
Total net sales
 
$
1,502
   
$
1,612
 
                 
 
December 31, 2016
 
October 1, 2016
 
Long-lived assets:
               
North America
 
$
4,677
   
$
4,724
 
South America
   
375
     
386
 
Europe
   
431
     
462
 
Asia
   
285
     
289
 
Total long-lived assets:
 
$
5,768
   
$
5,861
 

Selected information by product line is presented in the following tables:
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Net sales:
           
Rigid Open Top
   
42
     
42
 
Rigid Closed Top
   
58
     
58
 
Consumer Packaging
   
100
%
   
100
%
                 
Health
   
20
     
17
 
Hygiene
   
46
     
45
 
Specialties
   
34
     
38
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
100
%
   
100
%
                 
Core Films
   
73
     
71
 
Retail & Industrial
   
27
     
29
 
Engineered Materials
   
100
%
   
100
%

11

Goodwill  

In connection with the change in reporting segments, the Company reallocated goodwill to the segments under the provisions of ASC 350.  The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment are as follows: 
 
 
 
Consumer Packaging
   
Health, Hygiene
& Specialties
   
Engineered
Materials
   
Total
 
Balance as of October 1, 2016
 
$
1,520
   
$
801
   
$
85
   
$
2,406
 
Segment realignment
   
(110
)
   
7
     
103
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(1
)
   
(11
)
   
     
(12
)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
 
$
1,409
   
$
797
   
$
188
   
$
2,394
 


10. 
Contingencies and Commitments
 
The Company is party to various legal proceedings in addition to the above involving routine claims which are incidental to its business. Although the Company's legal and financial liability with respect to such proceedings cannot be estimated with certainty, management believes that any ultimate liability would not be material to its financial statements.
 
The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, supplies, and property and equipment incidental to the ordinary conduct of business.
 
11. 
Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share
 
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents.  Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method and the if-converted method.  For purposes of this calculation, stock options are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net income per share when their effect is dilutive.
 
The following tables and discussion provide a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations. The calculation below provides net income per share on both a basic and diluted basis for the quarterly periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016:
 
 
 
Quarterly Period Ended
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
December 31, 2016
   
January 2, 2016
 
Numerator
           
Consolidated net income
 
$
51
   
$
4
 
Denominator
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
   
122.0
     
120.1
 
Dilutive shares
   
5.8
     
4.8
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted
   
127.8
     
124.9
 
                 
Per common share income
               
Basic
 
$
0.42
   
$
0.03
 
Diluted
 
$
0.40
   
$
0.03
 

12

12.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The components and activity of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: 
   
Currency Translation
   
Defined Benefit Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Plans
   
Interest Rate Hedges
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at October 1, 2016 
 
$
(82
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(148
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 
   
(45
)
   
     
12
     
(33
)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  
   
     
     
5
     
5
 
Provision for income taxes related to other comprehensive income items
   
     
     
(6
)
   
(6
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
(127
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(182
)
 
   
Currency Translation
   
Defined Benefit
Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Plans
   
Interest Rate
Hedges
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at September 26, 2015
 
$
(81
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(119
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
(29
)
   
     
4
     
(25
)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
     
     
     
 
Provision for income taxes related to other comprehensive income items
   
     
     
(1
)
   
(1
)
Balance at January 2, 2016 
 
$
(110
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(145
)
 
13. 
Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information 
 
Berry Plastics Corporation ("Issuer") has notes outstanding which are fully, jointly, severally, and unconditionally guaranteed by its parent, Berry Plastics Group, Inc. (for purposes of this Note, "Parent") and substantially all of Issuer's domestic subsidiaries.  Separate narrative information or financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries have not been included because they are 100% owned by Parent and the guarantor subsidiaries unconditionally guarantee such debt on a joint and several basis.  A guarantee of a guarantor subsidiary of the securities will terminate upon the following customary circumstances:  the sale of the capital stock of such guarantor if such sale complies with the indentures, the designation of such guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary, the defeasance or discharge of the indenture, as a result of the holders of certain other indebtedness foreclosing on a pledge of the shares of a guarantor subsidiary or if such guarantor no longer guarantees certain other indebtedness of the issuer.  The guarantees of the guarantor subsidiaries are also limited as necessary to prevent them from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law and any guarantees guaranteeing subordinated debt are subordinated to certain other of the Company's debts.  Parent also guarantees the Issuer's term loans and revolving credit facilities.  The guarantor subsidiaries guarantee our term loans and are co-borrowers under our revolving credit facility.  Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, Issuer, guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries.  The Issuer and guarantor financial information includes all of our domestic operating subsidiaries; our non-guarantor subsidiaries include our foreign subsidiaries, certain immaterial domestic subsidiaries and the unrestricted subsidiaries under the Issuer's indentures.  The Parent uses the equity method to account for its ownership in the Issuer in the Condensed Consolidating Supplemental Financial Statements.  The Issuer uses the equity method to account for its ownership in the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.  All consolidating entries are included in the eliminations column along with the elimination of intercompany balances.

Condensed Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet

 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Parent
   
Issuer
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non—
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Current assets
   
     
226
     
879
     
638
     
     
1,743
 
Intercompany receivable
   
275
     
2,840
     
     
     
(3,115
)
   
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
   
     
74
     
1,416
     
692
     
     
2,182
 
Other assets
   
365
     
4,142
     
4,070
     
533
     
(5,524
)
   
3,586
 
Total assets
 
$
640
   
$
7,282
   
$
6,365
   
$
1,863
   
$
(8,639
)
 
$
7,511
 
 
                                               
Current liabilities
   
100
     
226
     
419
     
235
     
     
980
 
Intercompany payable
   
     
66
     
2,926
     
123
     
(3,115
)
   
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
294
     
5,822
     
104
     
65
     
     
6,285
 
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
   
246
     
1,168
     
2,916
     
1,440
     
(5,524
)
   
246
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)
 
$
640
   
$
7,282
   
$
6,365
   
$
1,863
   
$
(8,639
)
 
$
7,511
 

13

 
 
October 1, 2016
 
 
 
Parent
   
Issuer
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non—
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Current assets
   
     
161
     
945
     
686
     
     
1,792
 
Intercompany receivable
   
364
     
2,797
     
     
     
(3,161
)
   
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
     
76
     
1,434
     
714
     
     
2,224
 
 Other assets
   
302
     
4,101
     
4,094
     
557
     
(5,417
)
   
3,637
 
 Total assets
 
$
666
   
$
7,135
   
$
6,473
   
$
1,957
   
$
(8,578
)
 
$
7,653
 
 
                                               
Current liabilities
   
60
     
207
     
480
     
284
     
     
1,031
 
Intercompany payable
   
     
     
2,992
     
169
     
(3,161
)
   
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
385
     
5,822
     
126
     
68
     
     
6,401
 
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
   
221
     
1,106
     
2,875
     
1,436
     
(5,417
)
   
221
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)
 
$
666
   
$
7,135
   
$
6,473
   
$
1,957
   
$
(8,578
)
 
$
7,653
 
 
Condensed Supplemental Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
 
Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Parent
   
Issuer
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Net sales
 
$
   
$
143
   
$
979
   
$
380
   
$
   
$
1,502
 
Cost of goods sold
   
     
116
     
789
     
301
     
     
1,206
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
     
42
     
75
     
(4
)
   
     
113
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
     
2
     
25
     
6
     
     
33
 
Restructuring and impairment charges
   
     
     
4
     
     
     
4
 
Operating income
   
     
(17
)
   
86
     
77
     
     
146
 
Other expense (income), net
   
     
4
     
     
(5
)
   
     
(1
)
Interest expense, net
   
     
6
     
45
     
17
     
     
68
 
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
   
(79
)
   
(92
)
   
     
     
171
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
79
     
65
     
41
     
65
     
(171
)
   
79
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
28
     
14
     
     
14
     
(28
)
   
28
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
 
$
51
   
$
51
   
$
41
   
$
51
   
$
(143
)
 
$
51
 
Comprehensive net income (loss)
 
$
51
   
$
62
   
$
41
   
$
6
   
$
(143
)
 
$
17
 
                                                 
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                                               
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
 
$
   
$
(19
)
 
$
120
   
$
42
   
$
   
$
143
 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
                                               
Additions to  property, plant, and equipment
   
     
(2
)
   
(50
)
   
(13
)
   
     
(65
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
     
1
     
1
     
     
     
2
 
(Contributions) distributions to/from subsidiaries
   
(5
)
   
5
     
     
     
     
 
Intercompany advances (repayments)
   
     
39
     
     
     
(39
)
   
 
Other investing activities, net
   
     
(1
)
   
     
     
     
(1
)
Net cash from investing activities
   
(5
)
   
42
     
(49
)
   
(13
)
   
(39
)
   
(64
)
 
                                               
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
                                               
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Repayments on long-term borrowings
   
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
   
     
     
(10
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
5
     
     
     
     
     
5
 
Payment of tax receivable agreement
   
(60
)
   
     
     
     
     
(60
)
Changes in intercompany balances
   
60
     
     
(67
)
   
(32
)
   
39
     
 
Net cash from financing activities
   
5
     
(9
)
   
(68
)
   
(32
)
   
39
     
(65
)
 
                                               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
     
     
     
(6
)
   
     
(6
)
 
                                               
Net change in cash
   
     
14
     
3
     
(9
)
   
     
8
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
     
102
     
5
     
216
     
     
323
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
   
$
116
   
$
8
   
$
207
   
$
   
$
331
 
 
14


 
 
Quarterly Period Ended January 2, 2016
 
 
 
Parent
   
Issuer
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non—
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Net sales
 
$
   
$
150
   
$
992
   
$
470
   
$
   
$
1,612
 
Cost of goods sold
   
     
123
     
815
     
382
     
     
1,320
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
     
56
     
75
     
23
     
     
154
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
     
2
     
26
     
8
     
     
36
 
Restructuring and impairment charges
   
     
     
15
     
1
     
     
16
 
Operating income (loss)
   
     
(31
)
   
61
     
56
     
     
86
 
Other income, net
   
     
(1
)
   
(4
)
   
9
     
     
4
 
Interest expense, net
   
     
9
     
46
     
20
     
     
75
 
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
   
(7
)
   
(33
)
   
     
     
40
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
7
     
(6
)
   
19
     
27
     
(40
)
   
7
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
3
     
(8
)
   
     
12
     
(4
)
   
3
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
 
$
4
   
$
2
   
$
19
   
$
15
   
$
(36
)
 
$
4
 
Comprehensive net income (loss)
 
$
4
   
$
5
   
$
19
   
$
(14
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(22
)
                                                 
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                                               
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
 
$
   
$
(30
)
 
$
153
   
$
68
   
$
   
$
191
 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
                                               
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
   
     
(3
)
   
(80
)
   
(10
)
   
     
(93
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
     
     
4
     
     
     
4
 
(Contributions) distributions to/from subsidiaries
   
(7
)
   
(2,253
)
   
     
     
2,260
     
 
Intercompany advances (repayments)
   
     
(162
)
   
     
     
162
     
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
   
     
     
(291
)
   
(1,995
)
   
     
(2,286
)
Net cash from investing activities
   
(7
)
   
(2,418
)
   
(367
)
   
(2,005
)
   
2,422
     
(2,375
)
 
                                               
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
                                               
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
   
     
2,489
     
     
3
     
     
2,492
 
Repayments on long-term borrowings
   
     
(70
)
   
     
(30
)
   
     
(100
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
7
     
     
     
     
     
7
 
Payment of tax receivable agreement
   
(57
)
   
     
     
     
     
(57
)
Contributions from parent
   
     
     
291
     
1,969
     
(2,260
)
   
 
Debt financing costs
   
     
(36
)
   
     
     
     
(36
)
Purchase of non-controlling interest
   
     
     
(66
)
   
     
     
(66
)
Changes in intercompany balances
   
57
     
     
7
     
98
     
(162
)
   
 
Net cash from financing activities
   
7
     
2,383
     
232
     
2,040
     
(2,422
)
   
2,240
 
 
                                               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
     
(2
)
 
                                               
Net change in cash
   
     
(65
)
   
18
     
101
     
     
54
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
     
163
     
     
65
     
     
228
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
   
$
98
   
$
18
   
$
166
   
$
   
$
282
 

15

14. Subsequent Events

AEP Industries Inc.

In January 2017, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of AEP Industries Inc. ("AEP") for a purchase price of approximately 6.5 million Berry common shares and approximately $297 million in cash to the former holders of AEP Common stock and equity awards.  Additionally, Berry paid $164 million to retire outstanding AEP debt.  AEP manufactures and markets an extensive and diverse line of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride flexible plastic packaging products with consumer, industrial, and agricultural applications.  The acquired business will be operated in Berry's Engineered Materials segment.  To finance the purchase, the Company entered into an incremental assumption agreement to increase the commitments under the Company's existing term loan credit agreement by $500 million due 2024.

Term Loan

In January 2017, the Company entered into an incremental assumption agreement and amendment to lower the interest rates under certain of the term loans maturing in October 2022 from LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum with a LIBOR floor of 1% to LIBOR plus 2.50% with no LIBOR floor.

Interest Rate Swap

In January 2017, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with $450 million of outstanding variable rate term loan debt from future interest rate volatility.  The agreement swaps a one-month variable LIBOR contract for a fixed annual rate of 2.00%, with an effective date in May 2017 and expiration in May 2022.

16

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in our most recent Form 10-K in the section titled "Risk Factors" and other risk factors identified from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.  As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements referenced within this report should be read with the explanation of the qualifications and limitations included herein.
 
The Company's fiscal year is based on fifty-two or fifty-three week periods.  Fiscal 2017 is a fifty-two week period and fiscal 2016 was a fifty-three week period.
 
Executive Summary
 
Business.  The Company's operations are organized into three operating segments: Health, Hygiene & Specialties, Consumer Packaging, and Engineered Materials.  The structure is designed to align us with our customers, provide improved service, and drive future growth in a cost efficient manner.  The Consumer Packaging segment primarily consists of containers, foodservice items, closures, overcaps, bottles, prescription containers, and tubes.  The Health, Hygiene & Specialties segment primarily consists of nonwoven specialty materials used in hygiene, infection prevention, personal care, industrial, construction, filtration applications, personal care films, and pipeline corrosion protection solutions.  The Engineered Materials segment primarily consists of tapes and adhesives, polyethylene based film products, can liners, printed films, and specialty coated and laminated products. 

In October 2016, the Company realigned portions of our operating segments in order to leverage geographic management teams and commercial activities.  $36 million of Net sales from the Retail & Industrial product line, which are primarily international, were moved from Engineered Materials to the Specialties product line within Health, Hygiene & Specialties. Additionally, with the intent that the announced AEP Industries Inc. acquisition will be operated within the Engineered Materials segment, $79 millions of Core Films Net sales were moved from Consumer Packaging to Engineered Materials.  As result of these organizational realignments, we have recast prior period segment amounts.

Acquisitions.  Our acquisition strategy is focused on improving our long-term financial performance, enhancing our market positions, and expanding our existing and complementary product offerings. We seek to obtain businesses for attractive post-synergy multiples, creating value for our stockholders from synergy realization, leveraging the acquired products across our customer base, creating new platforms for future growth, and assuming best practices from the businesses we acquire. The Company has included the expected benefits of acquisition integrations and restructuring plans within our unrealized synergies, which are in turn recognized in earnings after an acquisition has been fully integrated or the restructuring plan is completed. While the expected benefits on earnings is estimated at the commencement of each transaction, once the execution of the plan and integration occur, we are generally unable to accurately estimate or track what the ultimate effects have been due to system integrations and movements of activities to multiple facilities. As historical business combinations and restructuring plans have not allowed us to accurately separate realized synergies compared to what was initially identified, we measure the synergy realization based on the overall segment profitability post integration.
 
Avintiv Inc.
 
In October 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of AVINTIV Inc. ("Avintiv") for a purchase price of $2.26 billion, net of cash acquired.  Avintiv was one of the world's leading developers, producers, and marketers of nonwoven specialty materials used in hygiene, infection prevention, personal care, industrial, construction, and filtration applications.  To finance the purchase, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.0% second priority senior secured notes due 2022 and entered into an incremental assumption agreement to increase the commitments under the Company's existing term loan credit agreement by $2.1 billion due 2022.  The Company expects to realize annual cost synergies of approximately $80 million related to the Avintiv acquisition with full realization expected in fiscal 2017.

AEP Industries Inc.
 
In January 2017, the Company completed the previously announced acquisition of AEP Industries Inc. ("AEP") for a purchase price of approximately 6.5 million Berry common shares and approximately $297 million in cash to the former holders of AEP Common stock and equity awards.  Additionally, Berry paid $164 million to retire outstanding AEP debt.  AEP manufactures and markets an extensive and diverse line of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride flexible plastic packaging products with consumer, industrial, and agricultural applications.  The acquired business will be operated in Berry's Engineered Materials segment.  To finance the purchase, the Company entered into an incremental assumption agreement to increase the commitments under the Company's existing term loan credit agreement by $500 million due 2024.  The Company expects to realize annual cost synergies of approximately $50 million from the AEP transaction with full realization expected in fiscal 2018.

17

Raw Material Trends.  Our primary raw material is plastic resin consisting primarily of polypropylene and polyethylene. Plastic resins are subject to price fluctuations, including those arising from supply shortages and changes in the prices of natural gas, crude oil and other petrochemical intermediates from which resins are produced. The three month simple average price per pound, as published by U.S. market indexes, were as follows:
 
 
 
Polyethylene Butene Film
   
Polypropylene
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2015
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
1st quarter
 
$
.75
   
$
.69
   
$
.86
   
$
.69
   
$
.70
   
$
.92
 
2nd quarter
   
     
.66
     
.75
     
     
.75
     
.73
 
3rd quarter
   
     
.73
     
.76
     
     
.71
     
.68
 
4th quarter
   
     
.75
     
.73
     
     
.71
     
.66
 
 
Due to differences in the timing of passing through resin cost changes to our customers on escalator/de-escalator programs, segments are negatively impacted in the short term when plastic resin costs increase and are positively impacted when plastic resin costs decrease. This timing lag in passing through raw material cost changes could affect our results as plastic resin costs fluctuate. 
 
Outlook.  The Company is impacted by general economic and industrial growth, plastic resin availability and affordability, and general industrial production.  Our business has both geographic and end-market diversity, which reduces the effect of any one of these factors on our overall performance.  Our results are affected by our ability to pass through raw material cost changes to our customers, improve manufacturing productivity and adapt to volume changes of our customers.  Historically, there has been a very tight correlation between oil prices and the cost of our key raw materials, polyethylene and polypropylene.  Overall, we continue to believe that these current trends in global oil and resin markets will be positive for the Company.  We continue to believe the fiscal 2017 volume environment in the markets we serve will remain consistent with fiscal 2016 which will be partially offset by one less week of operations in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016.  In the near term, increase in resin costs in Europe, weakness in the Euro versus the dollar, sharp increases in the value of the Brazilian Real and market pressure in South America could temporarily create a headwind for the Company, which we believe will ultimately be offset within the fiscal year by maximizing the synergies from the AEP acquisition and growth opportunities within the health, pharmaceuticals, personal care and food packaging markets, particularly in Asia, where expected per capita consumption increases should result in organic market growth.  For fiscal 2017, we project cash flow from operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $925 million and $550 million, respectively.  These estimates assume $80 million of tax payments, $60 million of business integration costs, constant currency rates, no impact to working capital, and no change in short term interest rates.  The $550 million of Adjusted Free Cash Flow includes $315 million of additions to property, plant and equipment and $60 million of payments under our tax receivable agreement.  For the definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow and further information related to Adjusted Free Cash Flow as a non-GAAP financial measure, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
Results of Operations
 
Comparison of the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2016 (the "Quarter") and the Quarterly Period Ended January 2, 2016 (the "Prior Quarter")
 
As a reminder, fiscal 2016 was a fifty-three week period compared to a fifty-two week period in fiscal 2017.  The negative impact from the extra days in the Prior Quarter disclosed within this section has been presented on a net basis.  Business integration expenses consist of restructuring and impairment charges, acquisition related charges, and other business optimization costs.
 
Consolidated Overview
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
1,502
   
$
1,612
   
$
(110
)
   
(7
%)
Operating income
 
$
146
   
$
86
   
$
60
     
70
%
Operating income percentage of net sales
   
10
%
   
5
%
               
 
The net sales decrease of $110 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $98 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter, a $7 million decline in selling prices and a small unfavorable impact from currency translation.

The operating income increase of $60 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $40 million decrease in business integration costs including a $12 million decline in restructuring and impairment costs due to the Avintiv acquisition in the Prior Quarter, a $12 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, a $9 million decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses related to synergies from cost reductions, a $4 million improvement in our product mix and price/cost spread, a small favorable impact from currency translation, and a slight improvement in productivity in manufacturing.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is a result of the Avintiv acquisition's purchase accounting adjustments recorded in fiscal 2016.  These improvements are partially offset by a $10 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter.
18

Consumer Packaging
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
549
   
$
604
   
$
(55
)
   
(9
%)
Operating income
 
$
34
   
$
39
   
$
(5
)
   
(13
%)
Percentage of net sales
   
6
%
   
6
%
               
 
Net sales in the Consumer Packaging segment decreased by $55 million from Prior Quarter primarily attributed to a $43 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter, and an $18 million negative impact from a 3% base volume decline, partially offset by $6 million of selling price increases.  The base volume decline is primarily related to soft customer demand in portions of our Rigid Open Top product line and general market softness.
 
The operating income decrease of $5 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $5 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter, a $3 million negative impact from base volume declines, and a $3 million negative impact from productivity in manufacturing primarily related to plant consolidation activities, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Health, Hygiene, & Specialties
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
570
   
$
600
   
$
(30
)
   
(5
%)
Operating income
 
$
59
   
$
13
   
$
46
     
354
%
Percentage of net sales
   
10
%
   
2
%
               
 
Net sales in the Health, Hygiene & Specialties segment decreased by $30 million from Prior Quarter primarily attributed to a $26 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter, a $19 million decline in selling prices due to the pass through of lower raw material costs, and a $5 million unfavorable impact from currency translation, partially offset by a $20 million impact from a 3% volume improvement from growth in all product lines. 
 
The operating income increase of $46 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $28 million decrease in business integration costs resulting from the Avintiv acquisition in the Prior Quarter, including a $10 million decrease in restructuring costs, an $8 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, a $4 million improvement in productivity in manufacturing, a $3 million favorable impact from organic volume improvement, a $3 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, and a small favorable impact from currency translation.  These improvements are partially offset by a negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is a result of the Avintiv acquisition's purchase accounting adjustments recorded in fiscal 2016.
 
Engineered Materials
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
383
   
$
408
   
$
(25
)
   
(6
%)
Operating income
 
$
53
   
$
34
   
$
19
     
56
%
Percentage of net sales
   
14
%
   
8
%
               
 
Net sales in the Engineered Materials segment decreased by $25 million from Prior Quarter primarily attributed to a $29 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter, partially offset by selling price increases of $6 million.
 
The operating income increase of $19 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $10 million decrease in business integration costs, a $6 million improvement in our product mix and price/cost spread, a $4 million decline in depreciation and amortization, and lower selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a $4 million negative impact from extra days in the Prior Quarter.
 
Other (income) expense, net
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Other (income) expense, net
 
$
(1
)
 
$
4
   
$
(5
)
   
(125
%)
 
The other (income) expense improvement of $5 million is primarily attributed to favorable foreign currency changes related to the remeasurement of non-operating intercompany balances.
 
Interest expense, net
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Interest expense, net
 
$
68
   
$
75
   
$
(7
)
   
(9
%)
 
19

The interest expense decrease of $7 million from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to the June 2016 incremental assumption agreement and amendment which reduced interest rates on two of our term loans, as well as free cash flow used throughout the prior year to reduce our indebtedness.

Income tax expense
               
 
Quarter
 
Prior Quarter
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
Income tax expense
 
$
28
   
$
3
   
$
25
     
833
%
 
The income tax expense increase of $25 million from the Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to an increase in Net income before income taxes.  Within the quarter, the effective tax rate was favorably impacted primarily by the discrete item related to share based compensation excess tax benefit of 4%, partially offset by foreign valuation allowance and other discrete items.
 
Changes in Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The $39 million improvement in Comprehensive income (loss) from Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to a $47 million improvement in Net income and a $8 million favorable change in the fair value of interest rate hedges, net of tax, partially offset by a $16 million unfavorable change in currency translation.  Currency translation gains and losses are primarily related to non-U.S. subsidiaries with a functional currency other than U.S. Dollars whereby assets and liabilities are translated from the respective functional currency into U.S. Dollars using period-end exchange rates.  The change in currency translation in the Quarter was primarily attributed to locations utilizing the Euro and Pound Sterling as the functional currency.  As part of the overall risk management, the Company uses derivative instruments to reduce exposure to changes in interest rates attributed to the Company's floating-rate borrowings and records changes to the fair value of these instruments in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The $8 million favorable change in fair value of these instruments in the Quarter versus Prior Quarter is primarily attributed to an increase in the forward interest curve between measurement dates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of the end of the quarter, we had cash and cash equivalents of $331 million, of which approximately 64% was located outside of the U.S.  Our primary sources of cash are the collection of trade receivables generated from the sales of our products and services to our customers and amounts available under our existing lines of credit.  Our primary uses of cash are payments for operating expenses, investments in working capital, capital expenditures, interest, taxes, debt obligations, restructuring expenses and other long-term liabilities.  Based on our current level of operations, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, will be adequate to meet our short-term liquidity needs over the next twelve months.  We base such belief on historical experience and the funds available under the revolving credit facility.  However, we cannot predict our future results of operations and our ability to meet our obligations involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  In particular, increases in the cost of resin which we are unable to pass through to our customers on a timely basis or significant acquisitions could severely impact our liquidity.

Senior Secured Credit Facility
 
We manage our global cash requirements considering (i) available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct business, (ii) the geographic location of our liquidity needs, and (iii) the cost to access international cash balances.  We have a $650 million asset-based revolving line of credit that matures in May 2020.  At the end of the Quarter, the Company had no outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at the end of the Quarter.
  
A key financial metric utilized in the calculation of our debt covenants is adjusted EBITDA (defined as "EBITDA" in the Company's debt agreements, but referred herein as Adjusted EBITDA). The following table reconciles (i) our net income to Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) our cash flow from operating activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow for the four quarters ended December 31, 2016:
 
20

 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Four Quarters Ended
 
Net income
 
$
283
 
Income tax expense
   
97
 
Interest expense, net
   
284
 
Debt extinguishment
   
4
 
Other income (expense), net
   
(27
)
Other non-cash charges (a)
   
28
 
Restructuring and impairment 
   
20
 
Business optimization and other expense (b) 
   
16
 
Depreciation and amortization  
   
506
 
Unrealized cost savings
   
19
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
1,230
 
Cash flow from operating activities 
 
$
809
 
Net additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(257
)
Payments of tax receivable agreement
   
(60
)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow 
 
$
492
 
Cash flow from investing activities 
   
(268
)
Cash flow from financing activities 
   
(488
)
 
(a)
Primarily includes stock compensation expense of $19 million and other non-cash charges
(b)
Includes business optimization and integration expenses
 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, as presented in this document, are supplemental financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP").  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are not GAAP financial measures and should not be considered as an alternative to operating or net income or cash flows from operating activities, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.  Adjusted EBITDA is used by our lenders for debt covenant compliance.

We define "Adjusted Free Cash Flow" as cash flow from operating activities less additions to property, plant and equipment and payments of the tax receivable agreement.  We believe Adjusted Free Cash Flow is useful to an investor in evaluating our liquidity because Adjusted Free Cash Flow and similar measures are widely used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in our industry to measure a company's liquidity.
 
These non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently by other companies, including other companies in our industry, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
 
Tax Receivable Agreement
 
The Company made $60 million of payments related to the income tax receivable agreement ("TRA") in the first fiscal quarter of 2017.  The $60 million payment represents the only TRA payment required in fiscal 2017.
 
Cash Flows
 
Net cash from operating activities decreased $48 million from the Prior Quarter primarily attributed to a decrease in working capital due to timing, partially offset by higher net income and decreased depreciation and amortization.
 
Net cash from investing activities decreased $2,311 million from the Prior Quarter primarily attributed to the Avintiv acquisition and decreased capital expenditures compared to the Prior Quarter.

Net cash from financing activities decreased $2,305 million from the Prior Quarter primarily attributed to the incremental financing and related costs incurred related to the Avintiv acquisition and the Providência tender offer in the Prior Quarter.

21

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates primarily through our senior secured credit facilities.  At December 31, 2016, our senior secured credit facilities are comprised of (i) $4.1 billion term loans and (ii) a $650 million revolving credit facility with no borrowings outstanding.  Borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities bear interest, at our option, at either (1) an alternate base rate or (2) an adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-, two-, three- or six month interest period, or a nine- or twelve-month period, if available to all relevant lenders, in each case, plus an applicable margin.  The alternate base rate is the greater of (i) in the case of our term loans, Credit Suisse's prime rate or, in the case of our revolving credit facility, Bank of America's prime rate and (ii) one-half of 1.0% over the weighted average of rates on overnight Federal Funds as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  At December 31, 2016, the LIBOR rate of approximately 1.00% applicable to the term loans was equal to the LIBOR floor of 1.00%.  A 0.25% change in LIBOR would increase our annual interest expense by $5 million on variable rate term loans.

In February 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt. The agreement swapped the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 2.355%, with an effective date in May 2016 and expiration in May 2019.  In June 2013, the Company elected to settle this derivative instrument and received $16 million as a result of this settlement.  The effective portion of the interest rate swap is included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized to Interest expense from May 2016 through May 2019, the original term of the swap agreement.

In March 2014, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt.  The agreement swaps the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 2.59%, with an effective date in February 2016 and expiration in February 2019.  The Company records changes in fair value in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In September 2015, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to manage cash flow variability associated with interest rate volatility on $1 billion of outstanding variable rate term loan debt. The agreement swapped the greater of a three-month variable LIBOR contract or 1.00% for a fixed annual rate of 1.7185%, with an effective date in December 2015 and expiration in June 2019. The Company records changes in fair value in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
 
As a global company, we face foreign currency risk exposure from fluctuating currency exchange rates, primarily the U.S. dollar against the euro, Brazilian real, Argentine peso, Chinese yuan, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.  Significant fluctuations in currency rates can have a substantial impact, either positive or negative, on our revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses.  As there is uncertainty in the future movements in foreign exchange rates, significant fluctuations could negatively impact our future consolidated results of operations.  Currency translation gains and losses are primarily related to non-U.S. subsidiaries with a functional currency other than U.S. Dollars whereby assets and liabilities are translated from the respective functional currency into U.S. Dollars using period-end exchange rates and impact our Comprehensive income (loss).  While future consolidated results of operations could be materially impacted by fluctuations in currency rates, we attempt to manage our foreign currency risk on our anticipated cash movements by entering into foreign currency forward contracts to offset potential foreign exchange gains or losses.  A 10% change in our foreign currency forward contracts would not result in a material change to our financial statements.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
 
Under applicable SEC regulations, management of a reporting company, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, must periodically evaluate the company's "disclosure controls and procedures," which are defined generally as controls and other procedures of a reporting company designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the reporting company in its periodic reports filed with the commission (such as this Form 10-Q) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.
As reported in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Berry's management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of October 1, 2016.  This conclusion was specifically impacted by deficiencies in the design and operating effectiveness related to the timeliness of Berry's annual income tax provision process and the adequacy of written documentation around aspects of its foreign tax provisions resulting primarily from the increased complexity in the legal entity structure following the acquisition of Avintiv.  As there were no errors in the accounting or adjustments to the consolidated financial statements as a result of these identified deficiencies, management concluded that there was no impact on Berry's prior or current period consolidated financial statements and that Berry's financial statements were presented fairly in all material respects.  Since October 1, 2016, Berry's management has taken remedial actions, and in that regard, has allocated resources internally that we believe will allow us to accelerate the timing of the completion of foreign tax provisions and increase the level of written documentation related to all aspects of the income tax provision.
22

The Company's management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016.  Because many of the controls in the income tax provision process operate on an annual basis, the assessment of the remediation of the above referenced material weakness will not be fully completed until the Company's fiscal year-end.  As a result, management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the last day of the period covered by this report.
 
(b)
Changes in internal controls.
 
Except as set forth above, there were no material changes in our internal control over financial  reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
There have been no material changes in legal proceedings from the items disclosed in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Before investing in our securities, it is recommended to carefully consider the risks described in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC, including those under the heading "Risk Factors" and other information contained in this Quarterly Report.  Realization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. There were no material changes in the Company's risk factors since described in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
 
All forward-looking information and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or to persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include: 
 
risks associated with our substantial indebtedness and debt service; 
changes in prices and availability of resin and other raw materials and our ability to pass on changes in raw material prices on a timely basis; 
performance of our business and future operating results; 
risks related to our acquisition strategy and integration of acquired businesses; 
reliance on unpatented know-how and trade secrets; 
increases in the cost of compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental, safety, and production and product laws and regulations; 
risks related to disruptions in the overall economy and the financial markets that may adversely impact our business; 
catastrophic loss of one of our key manufacturing facilities, natural disasters, and other unplanned business interruptions; 
risks of competition, including foreign competition, in our existing and future markets; 
risks related to the market acceptance of our developing technologies and products;
general business and economic conditions, particularly an economic downturn; 
risks that our restructuring program may entail greater implementation costs or result in lower cost savings than anticipated;
the ability of our insurance to cover fully our potential exposures; and
the other factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K in the section titled "Risk Factors." 

We caution readers that the foregoing list of important factors may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q may not in fact occur.  Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on those statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
 
23

Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
2.1
Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 7, 2016, by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation, Berry Plastics Acquisition Corporation XVI, Berry Plastics Acquisition Corporation XV, LLC and AEP Industries Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex A of Amendment No. 2 to Berry's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-213803) filed on December 9, 2016).  
3.1
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended on December 6, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 6, 2016).
10.1
Incremental Assumption Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2017, by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Citibank, N.A., as initial Term I lender and Citibank, N.A., as incremental term J lender.*
10.2
Berry Plastics Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan, amended and restated December 22, 2015, effective as of September 27, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2015).
31.1 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.*
31.2 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.*
32.1 
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.*
32.2 
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.*
101. 
Interactive Data Files.
 
Filed herewith.

24

SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Berry Plastics Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
February 3, 2017
By:
/s/ Mark W. Miles
 
 
 
Mark W. Miles
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 

25