GRIMSBY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 11, 2015) -
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) ("APL" or the "Company") announced continued strong operating and financial performance for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2014.
NINE MONTHS FISCAL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sales up 6.5% on successful launch of new products and strong growth in all trade channels
- Gross margins continue to strengthen on production efficiencies and cost savings
- EBITA up 4.8% compared to first nine months of fiscal 2014
- Adjusted Net Earnings rise 7.0% compared to prior year
- Peller Estates awarded prestigious honour as "Canadian Winery of the Year"
"Overall, our business continues to perform very well. Sales are growing across all of our established trade channels as we capitalize on solid demand for our award-winning quality wines, while gross margins and profitability are benefiting from our focus on productivity and effective cost management," commented John Peller, President & Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Peller Limited. "We are very pleased with our results, and look for this solid growth and operating performance to continue."
Sales for the three months ended December 31, 2014 rose 3.4% to $84.6 million from $81.9 million in the same quarter last year. The increase was due to organic growth across all of the Company's trade channels and strong VQA sales in Western Canada. Sales growth was particularly strong through the Company's network of retail outlets in Ontario, export, agencies, and provincial liquor boards across the country. The third quarter of the Company's fiscal year is historically the strongest due to increased consumer purchasing of the Company's products during the holiday season. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015 sales increased 6.5% to $246.9 million.
Gross margin as a percentage of sales improved in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 to 36.9% compared to 36.0% in the same quarter last year. The increase resulted from the Company's productivity improvement initiatives and raw material cost savings partially offset by continued price competition in key markets. For the nine months ended December 31, 2014 gross margin was 36.7%, consistent with 36.8% last year.
Selling and administrative expenses have increased in fiscal 2015 due to increased advertising and promotional activities related to new product launches and other sales and marketing initiatives. Despite the increase, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales remained consistent for the nine months ended December 31, 2014 at 23.9%.
Earnings before interest, amortization, unrealized derivative losses (gains), other expenses (income), and income taxes ("EBITA") was $11.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, up 2.2% compared to $11.4 million for the same prior year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015 EBITA rose 4.8% to $31.5 million compared to $30.1 million last year.
The Company recorded a non-cash loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 of $0.1 million compared to a non-cash gain of $0.3 million in the same prior year period related to mark-to-market adjustments on an interest rate swap and foreign exchange contracts. For the nine months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company recorded non- cash gains of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. 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 during the year.
Other expenses in fiscal 2015 related to a write-down of certain grapevines harmed by the extreme cold weather experienced over the last winter season and non-recurring post-retirement benefit costs partially offset by income from the temporary expropriation of the Company's Port Moody facility. In fiscal 2014 other expenses related primarily to non-recurring post retirement benefit costs collectively bargained with the BC union partially offset by other income related to income from the temporary expropriation of the Port Moody facility. The property is temporarily being used as a staging area for the construction of a rapid transit project. Payments amounting to $2.0 million for the use of the property were received in advance and were recorded as deferred income and are being recognized as other income over the five-year term of the expropriation which began on July 1, 2012.
Adjusted net earnings, defined as net earnings not including restructuring charges, unrealized losses and gains on derivative financial instruments, and other expenses or income, increased 5.0% to $6.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to $6.0 million in the same prior year period. For the nine months ended December 31, 2014 adjusted net earnings were $15.7 million, up 7.0% compared to $14.7 million in the prior year.
Net earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $5.8 million or $0.41 per Class A Share compared to $6.0 million or $0.43 per Class A Share for the comparable prior year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015 net earnings were $15.0 million or $1.08 per Class A share compared to $14.6 million or $1.05 per class A share last year.
Strong Financial Position
Working capital at December 31, 2014 increased to $71.8 million compared to $44.6 million at March 31, 2014. Overall bank debt declined to $91.8 million as at December 31, 2014 compared to $100.1 million as at March 31, 2014 due to strong earnings and lower capital expenditures compared to prior years. As a result, the Company's debt to equity ratio decreased to 0.62:1 at December 31, 2014 compared to 0.73:1 at March 31, 2014. Shareholders' equity as at December 31, 2014 was $147.9 million or $10.34 per common share compared to $138.0 million or $9.65 per common share as at March 31, 2014. The increase in shareholders' equity is due to solid net earnings for the year partially offset by the payment of dividends.
Through the first nine months of fiscal 2015 the Company generated cash from operating activities after changes in non-cash working capital items of $17.6 million compared to $19.1 million in the same prior-year period. The change resulted from an increase in accounts receivable due to the strong sales performance and the timing of receipts, a decrease in accounts payable, and an increase in income tax instalments.,
On April 28, 2014 the Company renegotiated its credit facilities to support its strategic direction and to capitalize on lower debt service costs. These facilities now mature on April 28, 2019. The operating loan facility was increased to $90.0 million and the term loan was increased to $60.0 million. The interest rate on the term loan was effectively fixed at 4.93% through August 31, 2015 and at 3.91% for the period from September 1, 2015 to April 28, 2019. The Company also added a $15.0 million facility to fund future capital expenditures that will also mature on April 28, 2019. Monthly amortization payments on the term loan were reduced to $0.333 million.
Canadian Winery of the Year
Peller Estates was awarded the prestigious honour of "Canadian Winery of the Year" at the 2014 WineAlign National Wine Awards held in Penticton, B.C. in June, 2014. This year marked the 14th national competition judged by an extensive panel of the most respected wine writers, wine critics, retail buyers, Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wines in Canada. With 1,335 wines being reviewed from 189 wineries across Canada, the "Canadian Winery of the Year" is the highest distinction awarded in the Canadian wine industry.
| Financial Highlights (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| (Condensed consolidated financial statements to follow) | |||||||||||||
| For the three and nine months ended December 31, | Three Months | Nine months | |||||||||||
| (in $000) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Sales | $ | 84,630 | 81,854 | 246,906 | 231,798 | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 31,267 | 29,475 | 90,555 | 85,376 | |||||||||
| Gross margin (% of sales) | 36.9 | % | 36.0 | % | 36.7 | % | 36.8 | % | |||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 19,642 | 18,097 | 59,023 | 55,302 | |||||||||
| EBITA | 11,625 | 11,378 | 31,532 | 30,074 | |||||||||
| Restructuring charge | - | 254 | - | 353 | |||||||||
| Unrealized losses (gains) on financial instruments | 50 | (252 | ) | (50 | ) | (519 | ) | ||||||
| Other expenses (income) | 567 | (22 | ) | 911 | 242 | ||||||||
| Adjusted net earnings | 6,247 | 5,952 | 15,680 | 14,655 | |||||||||
| Net earnings | 5,790 | 5,967 | 15,043 | 14,599 | |||||||||
| Earnings per share - Class A | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.05 | |||||
| Earnings per share - Class B | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 0.91 | |||||
| Dividend per share - Class A (annual) | $ | 0.420 | $ | 0.400 | |||||||||
| Dividend per share - Class B (annual) | $ | 0.365 | $ | 0.348 | |||||||||
| Cash provided by operations | 17,587 | 19,148 | |||||||||||
| (after changes in non-cash working capital items) | |||||||||||||
| Working capital | 71,786 | 48,492 | |||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity per share | $ | 10.34 | $ | 9.89 | |||||||||
The Company calculates adjusted net earnings as follows:
| For the three and nine months ended December 31, | Three Months | Nine months | ||||||||||
| (in $000) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 5,790 | $ | 5,967 | $ | 15,043 | $ | 14,599 | ||||
| Restructuring costs | - | 254 | - | 353 | ||||||||
| Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives | 50 | (252 | ) | (50 | ) | (519 | ) | |||||
| Other expenses (income) | 567 | (22 | ) | 911 | 242 | |||||||
| Income tax effect of the above | (160 | ) | 5 | (224 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted net earnings | $ | 6,247 | $ | 5,952 | $ | 15,680 | $ | 14,655 | ||||
About Andrew Peller Limited
Andrew Peller Limited 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 brands including Peller Estates French Cross in the East, Peller Estates Proprietors Reserve in the West, Copper Moon, XOXO, skinnygrape, Black Cellar and Verano. Hochtaler, Domaine D'Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal, and Sommet are our key value priced brands. The Company produces wine based liqueurs and cocktails under the brand Panama Jack and wine based spritzers under the skinnygrape brand. The Company imports wines from major wine regions around the world to blend with domestic wine to craft these popularly priced and value priced 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 170 Winexpert authorized retailers 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, and Cellar Craft. The Company owns and operates over 100 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also owns Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker's Collection Inc.; both of these wine agencies are importers of premium wines from around the world and are marketing agents for these fine wines. The Company's products are sold predominantly in Canada with a focus on export sales for its icewine and personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at www.andrewpeller.com.
The Company utilizes EBITA (defined as earnings before interest, amortization, unrealized derivative losses (gains), 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 adjusted earnings as defined above. The Company's method of calculating EBITA, gross margin, and adjusted earnings 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 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 | |
| 2014 | 2014 | |
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ |
| Assets | ||
| Current Assets | ||
| Accounts receivable | 25,896 | 22,693 |
| Inventory | 120,220 | 120,751 |
| Current portion of biological assets | - | 1,062 |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 2,091 | 1,381 |
| Income taxes recoverable | - | 240 |
| 148,207 | 146,127 | |
| Property, plant, and equipment | 89,169 | 90,152 |
| Biological assets | 13,917 | 14,054 |
| Intangible assets | 12,689 | 13,209 |
| Goodwill | 37,473 | 37,473 |
| 301,455 | 301,015 | |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Bank indebtedness | 34,244 | 54,407 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 33,191 | 37,371 |
| Dividends payable | 1,460 | 1,391 |
| Income taxes payable | 2,316 | - |
| Current portion of derivative financial instruments | 992 | 1,002 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 4,218 | 7,392 |
| 76,421 | 101,563 | |
| Long-term debt | 53,344 | 38,328 |
| Long-term derivative financial instruments | 448 | 268 |
| Post-employment benefit obligations | 6,563 | 6,132 |
| Deferred income | 606 | 910 |
| Deferred income taxes | 16,172 | 15,811 |
| 153,554 | 163,012 | |
| Shareholders' Equity | ||
| Capital stock | 7,026 | 7,026 |
| Retained earnings | 140,875 | 130,977 |
| 147,901 | 138,003 | |
| 301,455 | 301,015 | |
| Commitments | ||
| 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 http://www.andrewpeller.com/ or at http://www.sedar.com/. |
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | |||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings | |||||||||||
| Unaudited | For the three | For the three | For the nine | For the nine | |||||||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | months ended | months ended | months ended | months ended | |||||||
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Sales | 84,630 | 81,854 | 246,906 | 231,798 | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 53,363 | 52,379 | 156,351 | 146,422 | |||||||
| Amortization of plant and equipment used in production | 1,283 | 1,205 | 3,800 | 3,600 | |||||||
| Gross profit | 29,984 | 28,270 | 86,755 | 81,776 | |||||||
| Selling and administration | 19,642 | 18,097 | 59,023 | 55,302 | |||||||
| Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangibles used in selling and administration | 815 | 732 | 2,442 | 2,367 | |||||||
| Interest | 1,166 | 1,241 | 3,722 | 3,834 | |||||||
| Restructuring costs | - | 254 | - | 353 | |||||||
| Operating earnings | 8,361 | 7,946 | 21,568 | 19,920 | |||||||
| Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments | 50 | (252 | ) | (50 | ) | (519) | |||||
| Other expenses (income) | 567 | (22 | ) | 911 | 242 | ||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 7,744 | 8,220 | 20,707 | 20,197 | |||||||
| Provision for (recovery of) income taxes | |||||||||||
| Current | 1,964 | 1,926 | 5,035 | 4,690 | |||||||
| Deferred | (10 | ) | 327 | 629 | 908 | ||||||
| 1,954 | 2,253 | 5,664 | 5,598 | ||||||||
| Net earnings for the period | 5,790 | 5,967 | 15,043 | 14,599 | |||||||
| Net earnings per share | |||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | |||||||||||
| Class A shares | 0.41 | 0.43 | 1.08 | 1.05 | |||||||
| Class B shares | 0.36 | 0.37 | 0.94 | 0.91 | |||||||
| 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 http://www.andrewpeller.com/ or at www.sedar.com. | |||||||||||
| ANDREW PELLER LIMITED | ||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||
| Unaudited | For the three | For the three | For the nine | For the nine | ||||||
| These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors | months ended | months ended | months ended | months ended | ||||||
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
| Net earnings for the period | 5,790 | 5,967 | 15,043 | 14,599 | ||||||
| Items that are never reclassified to net earnings | ||||||||||
| Net actuarial (losses) gains on post-employment benefit plans | (89 | ) | 499 | (1,033 | ) | 1,822 | ||||
| Deferred income tax recovery (provision) | 23 | (130 | ) | 268 | (474) | |||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period | (66 | ) | 369 | (765 | ) | 1,348 | ||||
| Net comprehensive income for the period | 5,724 | 6,336 | 14,278 | 15,947 | ||||||
| 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 http://www.andrewpeller.com/ or at http://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 | For the nine months | |||||
| ended | ended | |||||
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||
| (in thousands of Canadian dollars) | $ | $ | ||||
| Cash provided by (used in) | ||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||
| Net earnings for the period | 15,043 | 14,599 | ||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment | 22 | 63 | ||||
| Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangible assets | 6,242 | 5,967 | ||||
| Interest expense | 3,722 | 3,834 | ||||
| Provision for income taxes | 5,664 | 5,598 | ||||
| Revaluation of biological assets | 376 | 99 | ||||
| Post-employment benefits | (602 | ) | (341 | ) | ||
| Deferred income | (304 | ) | (304 | ) | ||
| Net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments | (50 | ) | (519 | ) | ||
| Interest paid | (3,548 | ) | (3,638 | ) | ||
| Income taxes paid | (2,479 | ) | (1,950 | ) | ||
| 24,086 | 23,408 | |||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations | (6,499 | ) | (4,260 | ) | ||
| 17,587 | 19,148 | |||||
| Investing activities | ||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | 11 | 18 | ||||
| Purchase of property, equipment, and biological assets | (4,408 | ) | (6,202 | ) | ||
| Purchase of intangible assets | (369 | ) | (1,512 | ) | ||
| (4,766 | ) | (7,696 | ) | |||
| Financing activities | ||||||
| Decrease in bank indebtedness | (20,163 | ) | (6,637 | ) | ||
| Issuance of long-term debt | 15,020 | 4,086 | ||||
| Repayment of long-term debt | (2,750 | ) | (4,868 | ) | ||
| Dividends paid | (4,311 | ) | (4,033 | ) | ||
| Deferred financing costs | (617 | ) | - | |||
| (12,821 | ) | (11,452 | ) | |||
| 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 http://www.andrewpeller.com/ or at http://www.sedar.com/. |
Contact Information:
Mr. Brian Athaide
CFO and EVP Human Resources
(905) 643-4131 Ext. 2210
brian.athaide@andrewpeller.com