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 For the nine
months ended months ended
December 31, 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
2012 2012
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 For the nine months
ended ended
December 31 December 31
(in thousands of Canadian 2012 2011 2012 2011
dollars) $ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 For the nine
months ended months ended
December 31 December 31
2012 2011 2012 2011
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) $ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 For the nine
months ended months ended
December 31, December 31,
2012 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.
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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