GRIMSBY, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 11, 2013) -
This news release contains forward-looking information that is based upon assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties as indicated in the cautionary note contained elsewhere in this news release.
Andrew Peller Limited (TSX:ADW.A)(TSX:ADW.B) (the "Company") announced today continued strong operating and financial performance for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012.
FISCAL 2013 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sales up 4.4% on solid growth through majority of trade channels
- Sales have increased in 41 of the last 43 quarters
- Net earnings up 14.9% to $15.6 million or $1.12 per Class A Share
- Launch of new brands to contribute to further organic growth
- Peller Estates remains top-selling wine brand across Canada
- Export sales bolstered by new business with Sunwing Vacations and prestigious international awards for ice wine
"The third quarter remains our strongest period of the year due to seasonal sales and we were very pleased to generate a solid 4.2% predominantly organic growth in sales for the quarter compared to last year," commented John Peller, President and CEO. "We expect to see another record year of growth and profitability for the 2013 fiscal year and continued strong performance going forward."
Sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 rose 4.2% to $79.8 million from $76.6 million in the prior year. For the nine months ended December 31, 2012 sales increased 4.4% to $225.6 million from $216.0 million last year. For the nine-month period, the increases in revenues are due primarily to the contribution from the licensing agreement with the Wayne Gretzky winery effective November 8, 2011, the acquisition of Cellar Craft that was effective October 28, 2011 as well as solid organic growth arising from new product introductions, particularly skinnygrape, increased sales of premium blended and varietal table wine brands sold through provincial liquor boards, growth in sales at the Company's retail store network, and strong export sales.
Gross margin was 38.6% of sales in the third quarter and for the first nine months of fiscal 2013 compared to 40.1% and 39.5% respectively in the same periods last year. Gross margin percentage was negatively affected by higher costs for wine purchased on international markets in fiscal 2013 as well as increased price competition in certain markets. The decrease in gross margin percentage was partially offset by the positive impact of sales of higher margin products and successful cost control initiatives to reduce distribution, operating, and packaging expenses. During fiscal 2013 the Company implemented programs to enhance a number of supply chain and distribution contracts that it expects will contribute to improved profitability over the long term. The special levy implemented by the Ontario government on July 1, 2010 served to reduce sales and gross margin by approximately $1.5 million and $1.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 respectively.
Selling and administrative expenses increased in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2013 due to an increase in advertising and promotional initiatives across all trade channels and an increase in consulting expenses incurred to implement cost control and information technology initiatives. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 were 25.1%, down marginally from 25.5% in the prior year.
Interest expense has declined in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year due to a decrease in short and long-term interest rates partially offset by higher debt levels.
The Company recorded a non-cash gain in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 related to mark-to-market adjustments on an interest rate swap and foreign exchange contracts aggregating approximately $1.1 million compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the prior year. The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting and accordingly these financial instruments are reflected in the Company's financial statements at fair value each reporting period. These instruments are considered to be effective economic hedges and have enabled management to mitigate the volatility of changing costs and interest rates.
Other income received in fiscal 2013 related to $0.5 million recorded upon expropriation of a small part of the property that surrounds the Company's Port Moody facility. The property is being temporarily used while construction of a rapid transit project takes place. Payments amounting to $2.0 million for the use of the property were received in advance and were recorded as deferred income. The amount received is being reported as other income over the five-year term of the expropriation, which started on July 1, 2012. Other expenses in fiscal 2013 include a $0.3 million fair value adjustment to vines. Other expenses in fiscal 2012 included a $0.6 million fair value adjustment to vines and $0.1 million in maintenance costs for the Company's Port Moody facility.
Net earnings excluding gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, other expenses, and the related income tax effect of these items for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012 were $6.3 million and $14.7 million, respectively compared to $6.3 million and $14.3 million in the same periods last year. Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 were $6.6 million or $0.47 per Class A Share compared to $6.3 million or $0.46 per Class A Share in the prior year. For the nine months ended December 31, 2012 net earnings were $15.6 million or $1.12 per Class A Share compared to $13.6 million or $0.98 per Class A Share last year. The third quarter of the Company's fiscal year is historically the strongest due to seasonal sales during the period.
Strong Financial Position
Working capital at December 31, 2012 increased to $45.0 million compared to $34.9 million at March 31, 2012. The change related to a larger harvest of grapes due to warmer summer temperatures, higher accounts receivable due to the seasonality of sales, and a reduction in accounts payable and accrued charges. These amounts were partially offset by an increase in bank indebtedness. The Company's debt to equity ratio was 0.85:1 at December 31, 2012 compared to 0.87:1 at March 31, 2012. Shareholders' equity as at December 31, 2012 was $131.0 million or $9.16 per common share compared to $120.6 million or $8.43 per common share as at March 31, 2012. The increase in shareholders' equity is primarily due to higher net earnings for the year partially offset by the payment of dividends.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2013 the Company generated cash from operating activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items, of $6.7 million compared to $0.7 million in the prior year. Cash flow from operating activities has increased in fiscal 2013 due to strong earnings performance, the advance payments received for the use of the Port Moody property, lower income tax installments and a smaller increase in working capital than in the prior year.
Recent Events
The Company is pleased to confirm that its popular Peller Estates wines remained the top-selling brand in Provincial liquor stores across Canada. In addition, the Company's Trius portfolio stands as one of the top-three Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA) brands in the country, and its new Crush brand was among the top new VQA product launches at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
The Company's strong export business will be augmented by new revenues supplying all of Sunwing Vacations' flights to southern holiday destinations from Canada. The Company estimates that approximately 1.4 million glasses of Peller Estates wines will be served on all Sunwing Vacation flights equaling approximately 284,000 bottles of wine served this season. The Canadian charter airline operates daily flights to over 12 favourite sun destinations including; Florida, Jamaica and Cuba.
In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that its Peller Estates Icewines have received a number of prestigious awards at international competitions, including Gold at the Icewine du Monde 2012 competition and Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards held in London, England. Judged by a panel of over 200 wine experts including wine merchants, sommeliers, journalists, Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, Peller Estates Vidal Icewine 2010 received these awards in competition against wines from 54 countries. In addition, at the Japan Wine Challenge, Peller Estates Vidal Icewine 2010 was awarded the coveted distinction of Best Sweet Wine in the competition from more than 1,300 wines entered representing 27 countries.
"These prestigious awards are a testament to the quality of our ice wines, and we expect this recognition will enhance our presence both in Canada and in our export markets around the world," Mr. Peller stated.
During fiscal 2013 the Company launched its new Verano wines imported from Spain, as well as skinnygrape, Canada's first low calorie wine. Thirty Bench's award-winning Riesling has been included in the "Vintages Essentials Collection" at the LCBO, while the Company's Red Rooster wines are now fully distributed and available in all British Columbia markets. In addition, the Company is now approaching the capability to harvest a full crop from its 300 acre vineyard that was recently planted in BC's Okanagan Valley, increasing the Company's VQA grape production by 50% in the Province.
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
(Complete condensed consolidated financial statements to follow)
| (in $000 except as otherwise stated) | Three Months | Nine Months | ||||||||||
| For the Period Ended December 31, | 2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
| Sales | 79,813 | 76,595 | 225,557 | 215,992 | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 30,812 | 30,719 | 87,141 | 85,304 | ||||||||
| Gross margin (% of sales) | 38.6 | % | 40.1 | % | 38.6 | % | 39.5 | % | ||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 18,942 | 18,861 | 56,697 | 55,159 | ||||||||
| EBITA | 11,870 | 11,858 | 30,444 | 30,145 | ||||||||
| Unrealized (gain) loss on financial instruments | (683 | ) | (117 | ) | (1,079 | ) | 296 | |||||
| Other (income) expenses | 214 | 44 | (213 | ) | 700 | |||||||
| Net earnings | 6,632 | 6,309 | 15,634 | 13,605 | ||||||||
| Earnings per share - Class A | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.98 | ||||
| Earnings per share - Class B | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.85 | ||||
| Dividend per share - Class A (annual) | $ | 0.360 | $ | 0.360 | ||||||||
| Dividend per share - Class B (annual) | $ | 0.314 | $ | 0.314 | ||||||||
| Cash provided by operations (after changes in non-cash working capital items) | (5,067 | ) | (9,460 | ) | 6,655 | 695 | ||||||
| Working capital | 45,000 | 39,654 | ||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity per share | $ | 9.16 | $ | 8.56 | ||||||||
The Company calculates net earnings excluding gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, other expenses, and the related income tax effect as follows:
| (Unaudited) | For the three months ended December 31, | For the nine months ended December 31, | ||||||
| (in thousands of $) | 2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||
| Net earnings | 6,632 | 6,309 | 15,634 | 13,605 | ||||
| Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives | (683 | ) | (117 | ) | (1,079 | ) | 296 | |
| Other expenses (income) | 214 | 44 | (213 | ) | 700 | |||
| Income tax effect of the above | 127 | 20 | 349 | (269 | ) | |||
| Net earnings excluding gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, other expenses, and the related income tax effect | 6,290 | 6,256 | 14,691 | 14,332 | ||||
Andrew Peller Limited ('APL' or the 'Company') is a leading producer and marketer of quality wines in Canada. With wineries in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, the Company markets wines produced from grapes grown in Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, British Columbia's Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and from vineyards around the world. The Company's award-winning premium and ultra-premium VQA brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Hillebrand, Thirty Bench, Crush, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Calona Vineyards Artist Series, and Red Rooster. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal wine brands including Peller Estates French Cross in the East, Peller Estates Proprietors Reserve in the West, Copper Moon, XOXO, skinnygrape and Verano. Hochtaler, Domaine D'Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal, and Sommet are our key value priced wine blends. The Company imports wines from major wine regions around the world to blend with domestic wine to craft these popularly priced and value priced wine brands. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc., the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. Global Vintners distributes products through over 250 Winexpert and Wine Kitz authorized retailers and franchisees and more than 600 independent retailers across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and China. Global Vintners award-winning premium and ultra-premium winemaking brands include Selection, Vintners Reserve, Island Mist, Kenridge, Cheeky Monkey, Ultimate Estate Reserve, Traditional Vintage, Cellar Craft, and Artful Winemaker. The Company owns and operates more than 100 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Aisle 43, and WineCountry Vintners store names. The Company also owns Grady Wine Marketing Inc. based in Vancouver and The Small Winemaker's Collection Inc. based in Ontario; both of these wine agencies are importers of premium wines from around the world and are marketing agents for these fine wines. The Company has entered into a partnership to market the Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery brands across Canada. The Company's products are sold predominantly in Canada with a focus on export sales for its icewine and personal winemaking products. Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B).
The Company utilizes EBITA (defined as earnings before interest, amortization, unrealized derivative (gain) loss, other expenses, and income taxes). EBITA is not a recognized measure under IFRS. Management believes that EBITA is a useful supplemental measure to net earnings, as it provides readers with an indication of cash available for investment prior to debt service, capital expenditures, and income taxes. Readers are cautioned that EBITA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company's performance or to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. The Company also utilizes gross margin (defined as sales less cost of goods sold, excluding amortization) and net earnings excluding gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, other expenses, and the related income tax effect as defined above. The Company's method of calculating EBITA, gross margin, and net earnings excluding gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, other expenses, and the related income tax effect may differ from the methods used by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B).
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements in this news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the "safe harbour provision" of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to Andrew Peller Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the growth of the business in light of the Company's recent acquisitions; its launch of new premium wines; sales trends in foreign markets; its supply of domestically grown grapes; and current economic conditions. These statements are subject to certain risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The words "believe", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "expect", or "anticipate" and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as "will", "should", "would", and "could" often identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions and applied certain factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle, and wine prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass, and its ability to obtain other raw materials; fluctuations in the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rates; its ability to market products successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within the domestic Canadian wine market; market trends; reliance on key personnel; protection of its intellectual property rights; the economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding producing, marketing, advertising, and labeling its products; the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; and the impact of increasing competition.
These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in this news release, in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the Company's MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts, or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | ||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
| Unaudited | ||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | ||
| December 31 | March 31 | |
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2012 $ |
2012 $ |
| Assets | ||
| Current Assets | ||
| Accounts receivable | 26,882 | 24,937 |
| Inventory | 114,694 | 110,256 |
| Current portion of biological assets | - | 881 |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 3,073 | 1,338 |
| 144,649 | 137,412 | |
| Property, plant, and equipment | 89,013 | 84,490 |
| Biological assets | 12,924 | 12,556 |
| Intangibles | 12,801 | 13,621 |
| Goodwill | 37,473 | 37,473 |
| 296,860 | 285,552 | |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Bank indebtedness | 62,284 | 57,495 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 26,723 | 37,118 |
| Dividends payable | 1,252 | 1,252 |
| Income taxes payable | 1,928 | 40 |
| Current portion of derivative financial instruments | 1,150 | 1,272 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 6,312 | 5,366 |
| 99,649 | 102,543 | |
| Long-term debt | 42,791 | 41,456 |
| Long-term derivative financial instruments | 1,297 | 1,943 |
| Post-employment benefit obligations | 8,119 | 7,151 |
| Deferred income | 1,415 | - |
| Deferred income taxes | 12,597 | 11,907 |
| 165,868 | 165,000 | |
| Shareholders' Equity | ||
| Capital stock | 7,026 | 7,026 |
| Retained earnings | 123,966 | 113,526 |
| 130,992 | 120,552 | |
| 296,860 | 285,552 | |
The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes.
They will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com or at www.sedar.com.
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | ||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings | ||||||||
| Unaudited | ||||||||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | ||||||||
| For the three months ended | For the nine months ended | |||||||
| December 31 | December 31 | |||||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2012 $ |
2011 $ |
2012 $ |
2011 $ |
||||
| Sales | 79,813 | 76,595 | 225,557 | 215,992 | ||||
| Cost of goods sold | 49,001 | 45,876 | 138,416 | 130,688 | ||||
| Amortization of plant and equipment used in production | 1,180 | 1,233 | 3,527 | 3,677 | ||||
| Gross profit | 29,632 | 29,486 | 83,614 | 81,627 | ||||
| Selling and administration | 18,942 | 18,861 | 56,697 | 55,159 | ||||
| Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangibles used in selling and administration | 646 | 688 | 2,426 | 2,119 | ||||
| Interest | 1,288 | 1,170 | 3,866 | 4,201 | ||||
| Operating earnings | 8,756 | 8,767 | 20,625 | 20,148 | ||||
| Net unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments | (683 | ) | (117 | ) | (1,079 | ) | 296 | |
| Other (income) expenses | 214 | 44 | (213 | ) | 700 | |||
| Earnings before income taxes | 9,225 | 8,840 | 21,917 | 19,152 | ||||
| Provision for income taxes | ||||||||
| Current | 2,140 | 1,879 | 5,089 | 4,706 | ||||
| Deferred | 453 | 652 | 1,194 | 841 | ||||
| 2,593 | 2,531 | 6,283 | 5,547 | |||||
| Net earnings for the period | 6,632 | 6,309 | 15,634 | 13,605 | ||||
| Net earnings per share | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted | ||||||||
| Class A shares | 0.47 | 0.46 | 1.12 | 0.98 | ||||
| Class B shares | 0.42 | 0.39 | 0.98 | 0.85 | ||||
The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes.
They will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com or at www.sedar.com.
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | ||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | ||||||||
| Unaudited | ||||||||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | ||||||||
| For the three months ended | For the nine months ended | |||||||
| December 31 | December 31 | |||||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | 2012 $ |
2011 $ |
2012 $ |
2011 $ |
||||
| Net earnings for the period | 6,632 | 6,309 | 15,634 | 13,605 | ||||
| Net actuarial losses on post-employment benefit plans | (133 | ) | (438 | ) | (1,941 | ) | (2,295 | ) |
| Deferred income taxes | 34 | 114 | 504 | 597 | ||||
| Other comprehensive loss for the period | (99 | ) | (324 | ) | (1,437 | ) | (1,698 | ) |
| Net comprehensive income for the period | 6,533 | 5,985 | 14,197 | 11,907 | ||||
The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes.
They will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com or at www.sedar.com.
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | |||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||
| Unaudited | |||||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | |||||
| For the nine months ended | For the nine months ended | ||||
| December 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | ||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | |||
| Cash provided by (used in) | |||||
| Operating activities | |||||
| Net earnings for the period | 15,634 | 13,605 | |||
| Adjustments for: | |||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment | (547 | ) | 158 | ||
| Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangibles | 5,953 | 5,796 | |||
| Interest expense | 3,866 | 4,201 | |||
| Provision for income taxes | 6,283 | 5,547 | |||
| Revaluation of biological assets | 295 | 563 | |||
| Post-employment benefits | (973 | ) | (647 | ) | |
| Deferred income | 1,819 | - | |||
| Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivative financial instruments | (1,079 | ) | 296 | ||
| Interest paid | (3,640 | ) | (4,043 | ) | |
| Income taxes paid | (3,201 | ) | (5,002 | ) | |
| 24,410 | 20,474 | ||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations | (17,755 | ) | (19,779 | ) | |
| 6,655 | 695 | ||||
| Investing activities | |||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | 514 | - | |||
| Purchase of property, equipment, and biological assets | (11,266 | ) | (5,097 | ) | |
| Purchases of intangibles | - | (1,039 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from disposal of a business | 1,000 | - | |||
| Acquisition of businesses | - | (600 | ) | ||
| (9,752 | ) | (6,736 | ) | ||
| Financing activities | |||||
| Decrease in bank indebtedness | 4,789 | 9,946 | |||
| Issuance of long-term debt | 6,500 | 50,263 | |||
| Repayment of long-term debt | (4,280 | ) | (49,611 | ) | |
| Deferred financing costs | (155 | ) | (904 | ) | |
| Dividends paid | (3,757 | ) | (3,653 | ) | |
| 3,097 | 6,041 | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash during the period | - | - | |||
| Cash, beginning of period | - | - | |||
| Cash, end of period | - | - | |||
The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes.
They will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com or at www.sedar.com.
Contact Information:
Mr. Peter Patchet
CFO and EVP Human Resources
(905) 643-4131 Ext. 2210
peter.patchet@andrewpeller.com
www.andrewpeller.com