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.