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 growth and strong operating and financial performance for the three
months ended June 30, 2014.
FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS:
-- Peller Estates awarded prestigious honour as "Canadian Winery of the
Year"
-- Sales up 9.3% on strong growth across all trade channels and the
successful launch of new products
-- Profitability enhanced by ongoing production efficiencies and cost
savings
-- EBITA rises 5.1% compared to last year's first quarter
-- Adjusted net earnings up 11.4%
-- 5% increase in common share dividends announced
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.
"Everyone in our Peller family is thrilled that our winemakers at Peller Estates
have been recognized for their relentless pursuit of quality and commitment to
making great tasting wines," said John Peller, President & Chief Executive
Officer, Andrew Peller Limited.
Sales for the three months ended June 30, 2014 rose 9.3% to $79.5 million from
$72.7 million in the same quarter last year. The increase was due to strong
organic growth across all of the Company's established trade channels and the
launch of new products including the introduction of skinnygrape spritzers and
Panama Jack cocktails. The introduction in fiscal 2014 of Wayne Gretzky wines in
Western Canada and the launch of Black Cellar wines also contributed to the
strong performance. Sales growth was particularly strong through provincial
liquor control boards across the country and at the Company's network of retail
outlets in Ontario. Management believes that aggressive promotional initiatives
will continue to drive growth in sales going forward.
"We were very pleased with the strong sales growth generated across all of our
established trade channels in the first quarter of the new fiscal year,
including provincial liquor stores, our network of company-owned retail stores
in Ontario, our export business, our award-winning estate wineries, and our
consumer-made wine business," commented John Peller.
Gross margin was 36.8% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to
34.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and 38.2% in the same period last
year. Gross margin in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was impacted by continued
price competition in key markets, the timing of manufacturing expenses, and an
increase in sales of lower-margin wines. The decrease in gross margin was
partially offset by our continued success of cost control initiatives to improve
productivity.
Selling and administrative expenses increased marginally in the first quarter of
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 improved
for the three months ended June 30, 2014 to 24.1% from 24.9% in the same quarter
last year.
Earnings before interest, amortization, unrealized derivative losses (gains),
other expenses (income), and income taxes ("EBITA") rose 5.1% to $10.2 million
for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $9.7 million for the same period
in the prior year.
The Company recorded a non-cash loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related
to mark-to-market adjustments on an interest rate swap and foreign exchange
contracts aggregating approximately $1.1 million compared to a non-cash gain of
$0.7 million in the same prior-year period. 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 the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related to a write-down of
certain grapevines harmed by the extreme cold weather experienced over the last
winter season. In fiscal 2014 other income related to income from the
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 unrealized losses
and gains on derivative financial instruments and other expenses or income were
$5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $4.5 million
in the prior year.
Net earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were $4.1 million or $0.30
per Class A Share compared to $5.1 million or $0.37 per Class A Share for the
comparable prior year period. The reduction in net earnings in fiscal 2015 is
primarily due to the change in non-cash losses and gains on derivative financial
instruments between the two fiscal year periods.
Strong Financial Position
Working capital at June 30, 2014 increased to $65.0 million compared to $44.6
million at March 31, 2014. The Company's debt to equity ratio was 0.73:1 at June
30, 2014 unchanged from March 31, 2014. Shareholders' equity as at June 30, 2014
was $140.3 million or $9.81 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.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2015 the Company generated cash from operating
activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items, of $0.6 million
compared to $9.1 million in the same prior-year period. The change resulted from
an increase in income tax instalments compared to a refund received in the
prior-year period, a larger decrease in accounts payable due to the timing of
payments, and an increase in accounts receivable due to the quarter's strong
sales performance.
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.
Increase in Common Share Dividends
On June 4, 2014 the Company's Board of Directors announced a 5% increase in
common share dividends for shareholders of record on June 30, 2014 payable on
July 4, 2014. The annual dividends on Class A Shares were increased to $0.420
from $0.400 per share and the dividends on Class B Shares were increased to
$0.365 per share from $0.348 per share.
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
(Condensed consolidated financial statements to follow)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended June 30,
(in $000) 2014 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 79,517 72,718
Gross margin 29,298 27,810
Gross margin (% of sales) 36.8% 38.2%
Selling and administrative expenses 19,133 18,135
EBITA 10,165 9,675
Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives 1,125 (731)
Other expenses (income) 142 (32)
Adjusted net earnings 5,042 4,527
Net earnings 4,104 5,092
Earnings per share - Class A $ 0.30 $ 0.37
Earnings per share - Class B $ 0.26 $ 0.32
Dividend per share - Class A (annual) $ 0.420 $ 0.400
Dividend per share - Class B (annual) $ 0.365 $ 0.348
Cash provided by operations (after changes in non-cash
working capital items) 607 9,136
Working capital 64,967 44,300
Shareholders' equity per share $ 9.81 $ 9.38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company calculates adjusted earnings as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended June 30,
(in $000)
Unaudited 2014 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 4,104 5,092
Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives 1,125 (731)
Other expenses (income) 142 (32)
Income tax effect of the above (329) 198
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted earnings 5,042 4,527
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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 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, and Cellar Craft. The Company owns
and operates more 102 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario
under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants 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 an agreement to
produce and market the Wayne Gretzky 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. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30 March 31
2014 2014
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current Assets
Accounts receivable 27,456 22,693
Inventory 112,724 120,751
Current portion of biological assets 2,614 1,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,447 1,381
Income taxes recoverable - 240
----------------------
144,241 146,127
Property, plant, and equipment 89,371 90,152
Biological assets 13,944 14,054
Intangible assets 12,968 13,209
Goodwill 37,473 37,473
----------------------
297,997 301,015
----------------------
----------------------
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Bank indebtedness 42,155 54,407
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 29,305 37,371
Dividends payable 1,460 1,391
Income taxes payable 251 -
Current portion of derivative financial instruments 1,885 1,002
Current portion of long-term debt 4,218 7,392
----------------------
79,274 101,563
Long-term debt 55,328 38,328
Long-term derivative financial instruments 410 268
Post-employment benefit obligations 6,332 6,132
Deferred income 809 910
Deferred income taxes 15,515 15,811
----------------------
157,668 163,012
----------------------
Shareholders' Equity
Capital stock 7,026 7,026
Retained earnings 133,303 130,977
----------------------
140,329 138,003
----------------------
297,997 301,015
----------------------
----------------------
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 www.andrewpeller.com or at www.sedar.com on August
13, 2014.
ANDREW PELLER LIMITED
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings For the For the
Unaudited three three
These financial statements have not been reviewed by months months
our auditors ended ended
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, June 30,
2014 2013
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 79,517 72,718
Cost of goods sold 50,219 44,908
Amortization of plant and equipment used in
production 1,340 1,350
------------------------
Gross profit 27,958 26,460
Selling and administration 19,133 18,135
Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangibles
used in selling and administration 696 726
Interest 1,323 1,301
------------------------
Operating earnings 6,806 6,298
Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivative
financial instruments 1,125 (731)
Other expenses (income) 142 (32)
------------------------
Earnings before income taxes 5,539 7,061
------------------------
Provision for income taxes
Current 1,619 1,552
Deferred (184) 417
------------------------
1,435 1,969
------------------------
Net earnings for the period 4,104 5,092
Net earnings per share
Basic and diluted
Class A shares 0.30 0.37
------------------------
Class B shares 0.26 0.32
------------------------
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 on August
13, 2014.
ANDREW PELLER LIMITED
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income For the For the
Unaudited three three
These financial statements have not been reviewed by months months
our auditors ended ended
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, June 30,
2014 2013
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings for the period 4,104 5,092
Items that are never reclassified to net earnings
Net actuarial (losses) gains on post-employment
benefit plans (430) 921
Deferred income tax recovery (provision) 112 (239)
------------------------
Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (318) 682
------------------------
Net comprehensive income for the period 3,786 5,774
------------------------
------------------------
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 on August
13, 2014.
ANDREW PELLER LIMITED
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Unaudited
These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the For the
three three
months months
ended ended
June 30, June 30,
2014 2013
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net earnings for the period 4,104 5,092
Adjustments for:
Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangible
assets 2,036 2,076
Interest expense 1,323 1,301
Provision for income taxes 1,435 1,969
Revaluation of biological assets 186 33
Post-employment benefits (230) (222)
Deferred income (101) (101)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivative
financial instruments 1,125 (731)
Interest paid (1,221) (1,247)
Income taxes (paid) refunded (1,128) 1,124
------------------------
7,529 9,294
Changes in non-cash working capital items related to
operations (6,922) (158)
------------------------
607 9,136
------------------------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, equipment, and biological
assets (656) (1,030)
Purchase of intangibles (65) (615)
------------------------
(721) (1,645)
------------------------
Financing activities
Decrease in bank indebtedness (12,252) (5,148)
Issuance of long-term debt 15,020 586
Repayment of long-term debt (667) (1,677)
Dividends paid (1,391) (1,252)
Deferred financing costs (596) -
------------------------
114 (7,491)
------------------------
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 on August
13, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrew Peller Limited
Mr. Peter Patchet
CFO and EVP Human Resources
(905) 643-4131 Ext. 2210
peter.patchet@andrewpeller.com
www.andrewpeller.com
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