PREMIUM BRANDS HOLDINGS CORPORATION REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS AND ANNOUNCES A 10.4% DIVIDEND INCREASE
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
- Record revenue of
$6.3 billion representing a 3.8%, or$231.2 million , increase as compared to 2022 despite 2022 having an extra week of sales - Record adjusted EBITDA1 of
$559.1 million representing a 10.9%, or$54.9 million , increase as compared to 2022 despite 2022 having an extra week of sales - An 8.9% adjusted EBITDA margin, up from 8.4% in 2022
- 2023 adjusted EPS1 of
$4.03 per share representing a 16.4%, or$0.79 per share decrease as compared to 2022, with the decrease being driven by higher interest costs
FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Fourth quarter revenue of
$1.55 billion representing a 4.9%, or$80.1 million , decrease as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. Normalizing for the extra week in 2022, fourth quarter revenue was up$1.4 million - Solid progress on
Specialty Foods' coreU.S. growth initiatives in sandwiches, protein and baked goods, which for the quarter generated an organic volume growth rate of 9.3% and total sales of$580.9 million despite delays in new capacity coming online and the fourth quarter being slower for seasonal reasons. For the year, these initiatives generated an organic volume growth rate of 10.1% and total sales of$2.3 billion - Record fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA1 of
$137.2 million representing a 0.6%, or$0.8 million , increase as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. Normalizing for the extra week in 2022, fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was up$3.2 million - An 8.8% adjusted EBITDA margin, up from 8.3% in the fourth quarter of 2022
-
Specialty Foods' adjusted EBITDA margin continues to normalize reaching 9.2% for the quarter, a 100-basis point improvement as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 - Fourth quarter adjusted EPS1 of
$0.85 per share representing a 28.6%, or$0.34 per share decrease as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, with the decrease being driven by higher interest costs - Issued revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2024. Excluding potential acquisitions, the Company expects to generate revenue of
$6.65 billion to$6.85 billion , and adjusted EBITDA of$630 million to$650 million in 2024 - Declared a dividend of
$0.85 per share for the first quarter of 2024, representing a 10.4% increase from the previous quarter's dividend rate
1
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION
The Company will hold a Q&A session on its fourth quarter 2023 results today at
Access to the Q&A session may be obtained by calling the operator at (289) 514-5100 or (800) 717-1738 (Conference ID: 66569) up to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. For those who are unable to participate, a recording of the conference call will be available through to 10:30 a.m. Toronto time on April 15, 2024 at (888) 660-6264 (passcode: 66569#). Alternatively, a recording of the conference call will be available at the Company's website at www.premiumbrandsholdings.com.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In millions of dollars except per share amounts and ratios)
|
|
|
13 weeks ended
2023 |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
Revenue |
|
|
1,554.7 |
1,634.8 |
6,261.0 |
6,029.8 |
Adjusted EBITDA 1 |
|
|
137.2 |
136.4 |
559.1 |
504.2 |
Earnings |
|
|
15.0 |
30.9 |
94.2 |
160.1 |
EPS |
|
|
0.34 |
0.69 |
2.12 |
3.59 |
Adjusted earnings 1 |
|
|
37.9 |
52.9 |
179.1 |
215.0 |
Adjusted EPS 1 |
|
|
0.85 |
1.19 |
4.03 |
4.82 |
|
|
|
Trailing Four Quarters Ended |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
2022 |
Free cash flow 1 |
|
|
253.0 |
285.8 |
Free cash flow per share |
|
|
5.70 |
6.41 |
Declared dividends |
|
|
137.5 |
125.3 |
Declared dividend per share |
|
|
3.08 |
2.8 |
Payout ratio 1 |
|
|
54.3 % |
43.8 % |
1 Reconciliations for all non-IFRS measures are included in the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of this press release. |
"We made solid progress during the quarter towards achieving several of our core long-term goals and remain on track to meet our 2027 targets of
"Our success in the U.S. market was partially offset by several of our Canadian businesses underperforming due to an increasingly challenging consumer environment in Canada. We are confident, however, that as inflation and interest rates normalize over the course of 2024, we will see progressively improving results from these businesses," said
"Overall for 2024, we are projecting sales of
FIRST QUARTER 2024 DIVIDEND
The Company also announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of
"This will be our tenth consecutive year of rewarding our shareholders with a dividend increase of 10% or more," said
Unless indicated otherwise in writing at or before the time the dividend is paid, each dividend paid by the Company in 2024 or a subsequent year is an eligible dividend for the purposes of the Enhanced Dividend Tax Credit System.
ABOUT
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company reports on two reportable segments,
As part of a realignment of certain businesses and management responsibilities, starting in fiscal 2023 the Company reclassified a business from the Premium Food Distribution segment to the
Revenue
(in millions of dollars except percentages) |
||||||||
|
13 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
Revenue by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,005.2 |
64.7 % |
1,040.9 |
63.7 % |
4,097.0 |
65.4 % |
3,801.1 |
63.0 % |
Premium Food Distribution |
549.5 |
35.3 % |
593.9 |
36.3 % |
2,164.0 |
34.6 % |
2,228.7 |
37.0 % |
Consolidated |
1,554.7 |
100.0 % |
1,634.8 |
100.0 % |
6,261.0 |
100.0 % |
6,029.8 |
100.0 % |
(1) Expressed as a percentage of consolidated revenue |
SF's OVGR was driven by its core
The solid growth generated by SF's core
SF's revenue for 2023 increased by
Premium Food Distribution's (PFD) revenue for the quarter decreased by
The contraction in PFD's sales volume was primarily due to: (i) lobster supply shortages caused mainly by a decline in the
PFD's revenue for 2023 decreased by
Gross Profit
(in millions of dollars except percentages) |
||||||||
|
13 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
Gross profit by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210.5 |
20.9 % |
214.1 |
20.6 % |
882.0 |
21.5 % |
773.2 |
20.3 % |
Premium Food Distribution |
84.7 |
15.4 % |
91.9 |
15.5 % |
326.4 |
15.1 % |
330.5 |
14.8 % |
Consolidated |
295.2 |
19.0 % |
306.0 |
18.7 % |
1,208.4 |
19.3 % |
1,103.7 |
18.3 % |
(1) Expressed as a percentage of the corresponding segment's revenue |
SF's gross profit as a percentage of its revenue (gross margin) for the quarter increased by 30 basis points primarily due to: (i) the moderation of certain raw material input costs; (ii) production efficiency improvements resulting from investments in automation, continuous improvement projects and a more stable labor market; and (iii) the extra week of operations in 2022 having, for seasonal reasons, relatively low sales and therefore lower margins after accounting for production overheads. These factors were partially offset by: (i) wage inflation; and (ii) investments in additional plant infrastructure to support future growth.
SF's gross margin for 2023 increased by 120 basis points primarily due to the factors impacting the fourth quarter of 2023.
PFD's gross margin for the quarter decreased by 10 basis points primarily due to: (i) the reclass of warehouse rental income in the fourth quarter of 2022, which included a retroactive component; and (ii) increased plant overhead driven primarily by inflationary cost increases. These factors were partially offset by: (i) higher margins on lobster-based products resulting from a stronger pricing environment; (ii) the extra week of operations in 2022 having, for seasonal reasons, relatively low sales and therefore lower margins after accounting for production and warehousing overheads; and (iii) production efficiency improvements.
PFD's gross margin for 2023 increased by 30 basis points primarily due to: (i) higher margins on lobster-based products combined with the moderation of certain raw material costs earlier in the year; and (ii) improved production efficiencies; partially offset by an increase in production overhead.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)
(in millions of dollars except percentages) |
||||||||
|
13 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
% (1) |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
% (1) |
SG&A by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118.0 |
11.7 % |
128.5 |
12.3 % |
482.5 |
11.8 % |
450.3 |
11.8 % |
Premium Food Distribution |
51.4 |
9.4 % |
50.1 |
8.4 % |
199.3 |
9.2 % |
185.9 |
8.3 % |
Corporate |
3.9 |
|
7.5 |
|
28.4 |
|
25.1 |
|
Consolidated |
173.3 |
11.1 % |
186.1 |
11.4 % |
710.2 |
11.3 % |
661.3 |
11.0 % |
(1) Expressed as a percentage of the corresponding segment's revenue |
SF's SG&A as a percentage of sales (SG&A ratio) for the quarter decreased by 60 basis points primarily due to: (i) lower incentive-based compensation accruals; and (ii) sales leveraging benefits associated with its organic growth.
SF's SG&A ratio for 2023 was relatively stable as the sales leveraging benefits associated with its organic growth were largely offset by: (i) higher promotion costs relating to a variety of new sales initiatives; and (ii) wage inflation and general cost inflation.
PFD's SG&A ratio for the quarter and for 2023 increased by 100 basis points and 90 basis points, respectively primarily due to: (i) the impact of lower sales relative to a relatively fixed cost base; and (ii) wage and general cost inflation.
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
(in millions of dollars except percentages) |
||||||||
|
13 weeks ended
2023 |
% (2) |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
% (2) |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
% (2) |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
% (2) |
Adjusted EBITDA by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92.5 |
9.2 % |
85.6 |
8.2 % |
399.5 |
9.8 % |
322.9 |
8.5 % |
Premium Food Distribution |
33.3 |
6.1 % |
41.8 |
7.0 % |
127.1 |
5.9 % |
144.6 |
6.5 % |
Corporate |
(3.9) |
|
(7.5) |
|
(28.4) |
|
(25.1) |
|
Interest Income from Investments |
15.3 |
|
16.5 |
|
60.9 |
|
61.8 |
|
Consolidated |
137.2 |
8.8 % |
136.4 |
8.3 % |
559.1 |
8.9 % |
504.2 |
8.4 % |
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Reconciliation and explanations are included in the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of this press release (2) Expressed as a percentage of the corresponding segment's revenue |
Plant Start-up and Restructuring Costs
Plant start-up and restructuring costs consist of expenses associated with: (i) the start-up of new production capacity; (ii) the reconfiguration of existing capacity to gain efficiencies and/or additional capacity; and/or (iii) the restructuring of a business to improve its profitability. The Company expects (see Forward Looking Statements) these investments to result in improvements in its future earnings and cash flows.
During 2023, the Company incurred
- Reconfiguration and 8,000 square foot expansion of its cooked protein facility in
Versailles, Ohio - Reconfiguration of its cooked protein facility in
Scranton, Pennsylvania , including the addition of another cooked products production line - Construction of a new 91,000 square foot artisan bakery in
San Francisco, California - Reconfiguration of its meat snack facility in
Kent, Washington - 107,000 square foot expansion and reconfiguration of its meat snack and processed meats facility in
Ferndale, Washington - Construction of a new 67,000 square foot sandwich production facility in
Edmonton, Alberta in combination with the shutdown of a sandwich production facility inLaval, Quebec - Construction of a new 165,000 square foot distribution center and the related reconfiguration of its sandwich production facility in
Columbus, Ohio - Reconfiguration of its kettle cooking facility in
Richmond, British Columbia - Shutdown of an unprofitable prepared foods production facility in
Richmond, British Columbia - Construction of a new 60,000 square foot value-added seafood processing facility in
Auburn, Maine
Equity Earnings (Loss) in Investment in Associates
Equity earnings (loss) in investment in associates includes the Company's proportionate share of the earnings and losses of its investments in associates.
(in millions of dollars) |
13 weeks ended
2023 |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
|
||||
Revenue |
168.1 |
192.5 |
580.1 |
604.5 |
Earnings before payments to shareholders |
3.7 |
15.5 |
28.3 |
47.0 |
Net loss |
(8.5) |
(6.9) |
(48.1) |
(37.5) |
The Company: |
|
|
|
|
Equity loss in |
(4.3) |
(3.5) |
(24.1) |
(18.8) |
Other net equity gains |
0.8 |
2.0 |
1.6 |
3.0 |
Equity loss in investment in associates |
(3.5) |
(1.5) |
(22.5) |
(15.8) |
Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Outlook
See Forward Looking Statements for a discussion of the risks and assumptions associated with forward looking statements.
2024 Outlook
(in millions of dollars) |
Bottom of Range |
Top of Range |
Revenue guidance range |
6,650 |
6,850 |
Adjusted EBITDA guidance range |
630 |
650 |
For 2024, the Company expects its sales to be between
The Company's sales and adjusted EBITDA outlooks for 2024 do not incorporate any provisions for potential future acquisitions, however, it remains active on this front and expects (see Forward Looking Statements) to complete several transactions during the year.
5 Year Plan
(in millions of dollars) |
|
5-Year Target (2027) |
Revenue |
|
10,000 |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
1,000 |
The Company remains on track (see Forward Looking Statements) to meet or exceed the five-year targets it set at the beginning of 2023.
|
||
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
||
(in millions of Canadian dollars) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
27.6 |
11.4 |
Accounts receivable |
509.9 |
590.8 |
Inventories |
746.7 |
786.1 |
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
43.8 |
38.0 |
|
1,328.0 |
1,426.3 |
|
|
|
Capital assets |
1,163.9 |
862.2 |
Right of use assets |
565.3 |
576.0 |
Intangible assets |
540.6 |
558.5 |
|
1,084.1 |
1,093.0 |
Investment in and advances to associates |
453.5 |
538.9 |
Other assets |
22.7 |
23.7 |
|
|
|
|
5,158.1 |
5,078.6 |
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
Cheques outstanding |
16.4 |
19.3 |
Bank indebtedness |
- |
18.0 |
Dividends payable |
34.4 |
31.3 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
470.9 |
419.4 |
Current portion of puttable interest in subsidiaries |
30.4 |
23.1 |
Current portion of long-term debt |
2.0 |
6.5 |
Current portion of lease obligations |
53.9 |
45.4 |
Current portion of p rovisions |
29.9 |
1.8 |
|
637.9 |
564.8 |
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
1,510.4 |
1,421.4 |
Lease obligations |
583.4 |
589.3 |
Puttable interest in subsidiaries |
42.4 |
43.9 |
Deferred revenue |
2.8 |
2.8 |
Provisions |
14.5 |
44.2 |
Deferred income taxes |
115.7 |
120.6 |
|
2,907.1 |
2,787.0 |
|
|
|
Convertible unsecured subordinated debentures |
484.5 |
478.6 |
|
|
|
Equity attributable to shareholders: |
|
|
Retained earnings |
18.8 |
63.8 |
Share capital |
1,703.9 |
1,702.6 |
Reserves |
43.8 |
46.6 |
|
1,766.5 |
1,813.0 |
|
|
|
|
5,158.1 |
5,078.6 |
|
||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
||||
(in millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts) |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 weeks
2023 |
14 weeks |
52 weeks
2023 |
53 weeks |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
1,554.7 |
1,634.8 |
6,261.0 |
6,029.8 |
Cost of goods sold |
1,259.5 |
1,328.8 |
5,052.6 |
4,926.1 |
Gross profit before depreciation, amortization, and plant start-up |
295.2 |
306.0 |
1,208.4 |
1,103.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income from investment in associates |
15.3 |
16.5 |
60.9 |
61.8 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
173.3 |
186.1 |
710.2 |
661.3 |
Operating profit before depreciation, amortization, and plant start-up |
137.2 |
136.4 |
559.1 |
504.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of capital assets |
23.5 |
22.0 |
86.5 |
79.5 |
Amortization of intangible assets |
2.8 |
5.8 |
13.3 |
28.8 |
Amortization of right of use assets |
15.2 |
18.4 |
60.2 |
52.0 |
Accretion of lease obligations |
6.7 |
8.2 |
26.4 |
24.5 |
Plant start-up and restructuring costs |
17.3 |
13.2 |
45.3 |
27.2 |
Interest and other financing costs |
40.4 |
31.7 |
150.9 |
81.4 |
Acquisition transaction costs |
1.1 |
1.2 |
4.4 |
6.2 |
Change in value of puttable interest in subsidiaries |
1.0 |
5.5 |
10.2 |
5.5 |
Accretion of provisions |
0.3 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
6.8 |
Remeasurement of provisions |
- |
(21.8) |
- |
(21.8) |
Equity loss in investments in associate s |
3.5 |
1.5 |
22.5 |
15.8 |
Change in value of investments in associates |
2.5 |
16.0 |
2.5 |
16.0 |
Fair value gains on investments in associates |
- |
(0.1) |
- |
(19.9) |
Other |
1.5 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
Earnings before income taxes |
21.4 |
33.6 |
133.2 |
201.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes (recovery) |
|
|
|
|
Current |
4.0 |
(1.7) |
43.1 |
36.4 |
Deferred |
2.4 |
4.4 |
(4.1) |
5.0 |
|
6.4 |
2.7 |
39.0 |
41.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings |
15.0 |
30.9 |
94.2 |
160.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
Basic |
0.34 |
0.69 |
2.12 |
3.59 |
Diluted |
0.34 |
0.69 |
2.11 |
3.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
Basic |
44.4 |
44.6 |
44.4 |
44.6 |
Diluted |
44.6 |
44.8 |
44.6 |
44.8 |
|
|
||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
|
||||
(in millions of Canadian dollars) |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 weeks
2023 |
14 weeks |
52 weeks
2023 |
53 weeks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings |
15.0 |
30.9 |
94.2 |
160.1 |
|
Items not involving cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of capital assets |
23.5 |
22.0 |
86.5 |
79.5 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
2.8 |
5.8 |
13.3 |
28.8 |
|
Amortization of right of use assets |
15.2 |
18.4 |
60.2 |
52.0 |
|
Accretion of lease obligations |
6.7 |
8.2 |
26.4 |
24.5 |
|
Change in value of puttable interest in subsidiaries |
1.0 |
5.5 |
10.2 |
5.5 |
|
Accretion of provisions |
0.3 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
6.8 |
|
Remeasurement of provisions |
- |
(21.8) |
- |
(21.8) |
|
Equity loss in investment in associate s |
3.5 |
1.5 |
22.5 |
15.8 |
|
Change in value of investments in associates |
2.5 |
16.0 |
2.5 |
16.0 |
|
Fair value gains on investments in associates |
- |
(0.1) |
- |
(19.9) |
|
Non-cash financing costs |
1.8 |
2.1 |
7.9 |
6.8 |
|
Deferred income taxes (recovery) |
2.4 |
4.4 |
(4.1) |
5.0 |
|
Other |
1.5 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
|
|
76.2 |
94.1 |
323.3 |
359.8 |
|
Change in non-cash working capital |
4.3 |
40.1 |
110.6 |
(263.3) |
|
|
80.5 |
134.2 |
433.9 |
96.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net |
(10.1) |
(40.1) |
112.2 |
297.1 |
|
Payments for lease obligations |
(19.3) |
(21.4) |
(74.0) |
(64.2) |
|
Bank indebtedness and cheques outstanding |
(0.3) |
1.9 |
(20.9) |
2.3 |
|
Dividends paid to shareholders |
(34.4) |
(31.3) |
(134.4) |
(122.5) |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures – net of |
- |
- |
- |
143.0 |
|
Common shares purchased for cancellation |
- |
(13.7) |
(1.4) |
(13.7) |
|
|
(64.1) |
(104.6) |
(118.5) |
242.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital asset additions |
(131.6) |
(73.7) |
(399.7) |
(228.4) |
|
Business and asset acquisitions |
(5.5) |
(2.4) |
(5.5) |
(122.9) |
|
Payment of provisions |
- |
(3.0) |
(4.3) |
(14.5) |
|
Payments to shareholders of non-wholly owned subsidiaries |
- |
- |
(1.2) |
(0.6) |
|
Payments for settlement of puttable interest of non-wholly |
- |
(1.0) |
(2.3) |
(1.7) |
|
Net change in share purchase loans and notes receivable |
- |
(2.6) |
0.5 |
(5.4) |
|
Investment in and advances to associates – net of |
107.6 |
26.2 |
113.3 |
29.9 |
|
|
(29.5) |
(56.5) |
(299.2) |
(343.6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
(13.1) |
(26.9) |
16.2 |
(5.1) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period |
40.7 |
38.3 |
11.4 |
16.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period |
27.6 |
11.4 |
27.6 |
11.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and other financing costs paid |
36.8 |
31.1 |
145.3 |
70.0 |
|
Income taxes paid |
8.6 |
13.3 |
33.2 |
81.2 |
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures including adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share, which are not defined under IFRS and, as a result, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded entities, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other earnings measures determined in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures are calculated as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA
(in millions of dollars) |
13 weeks ended
2023 |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
Earnings before income taxes |
21.4 |
33.6 |
133.2 |
201.5 |
Plant start-up and restructuring costs |
17.3 |
13.2 |
45.3 |
27.2 |
Depreciation of capital assets |
23.5 |
22.0 |
86.5 |
79.5 |
Amortization of intangible assets |
2.8 |
5.8 |
13.3 |
28.8 |
Amortization of right of use assets |
15.2 |
18.4 |
60.2 |
52.0 |
Accretion of lease obligations |
6.7 |
8.2 |
26.4 |
24.5 |
Interest and other financing costs |
40.4 |
31.7 |
150.9 |
81.4 |
Acquisition transaction costs |
1.1 |
1.2 |
4.4 |
6.2 |
Change in value of puttable interest in subsidiaries |
1.0 |
5.5 |
10.2 |
5.5 |
Accretion of provisions |
0.3 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
6.8 |
Remeasurement of provisions |
- |
(21.8) |
- |
(21.8) |
Equity loss in investments in associates |
3.5 |
1.5 |
22.5 |
15.8 |
Change in value of investments in associates |
2.5 |
16.0 |
2.5 |
16.0 |
Fair value gains on investments in associates |
- |
(0.1) |
- |
(19.9) |
Other |
1.5 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
Adjusted EBITDA |
137.2 |
136.4 |
559.1 |
504.2 |
Free Cash Flow
(in millions of dollars) |
|
|
52 weeks ended
2023 |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
Cash flow from operating activities |
|
|
433.9 |
96.5 |
Changes in non-cash working capital |
|
|
(110.6) |
263.3 |
Lease obligation payments |
|
|
(74.0) |
(64.2) |
Acquisition transaction costs |
|
|
4.4 |
6.2 |
Plant start-up and restructuring costs |
|
|
45.3 |
27.2 |
Maintenance capital expenditures |
|
|
(46.0) |
(43.2) |
Free cash flow |
|
|
253.0 |
285.8 |
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings per Share
(in millions of dollars except per share amounts) |
13 weeks ended
2023 |
14 weeks ended
2022 |
52 weeks ended
2023 |
53 weeks ended
2022 |
Earnings |
15.0 |
30.9 |
94.2 |
160.1 |
Plant start-up and restructuring costs |
17.3 |
13.2 |
45.3 |
27.2 |
Amortization of intangible assets |
2.8 |
5.8 |
13.3 |
28.8 |
Acquisition transaction costs |
1.1 |
1.2 |
4.4 |
6.2 |
Change in value of puttable interest in subsidiaries |
1.0 |
5.5 |
10.2 |
5.5 |
Accretion of provisions |
0.3 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
6.8 |
Remeasurement of provisions |
- |
(21.8) |
- |
(21.8) |
Equity loss in investments in associates |
3.5 |
1.5 |
22.5 |
15.8 |
Change in value of investments in associates |
2.5 |
16.0 |
2.5 |
16.0 |
Fair value gains on investments in associates |
- |
(0.1) |
- |
(19.9) |
Other |
1.5 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
0.7 |
|
45.0 |
53.4 |
196.1 |
225.4 |
Current and deferred income tax effect of above items, and |
(7.1) |
(0.5) |
(17.0) |
(10.4) |
Adjusted earnings |
37.9 |
52.9 |
179.1 |
215.0 |
Weighted average shares outstanding |
44.4 |
44.6 |
44.4 |
44.6 |
Adjusted earnings per share |
0.85 |
1.19 |
4.03 |
4.82 |
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward looking statements with respect to the Company, including, without limitation, statements regarding its business operations, strategy and financial performance and condition, cash distributions, proposed acquisitions, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. While management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable and represent the Company's internal expectations and belief as of
Forward looking statements generally can be identified by the use of the words "may", "could", "should", "would", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the Company's expectations and/or projections on its: revenue; adjusted EBITDA; plant start-up and restructuring costs; income tax rates; dividends and dividend policy; capital expenditures and business acquisitions; convertible debentures; net working capital; liquidity outlook; provisions; financial leverage ratios; value of puttable interests; and sale and leaseback and lease renewal transactions.
Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are outlined below under Risks and Uncertainties section in the Company's MD&A for the 13 and 52 Weeks Ended
Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this press release based on information currently available to it and include those outlined below as well as those outlined elsewhere in this document. Readers are cautioned that this information is not exhaustive.
- Economic conditions in
the United States will remain relatively stable and inCanada will improve in the later part of 2024. - The average cost of the basket of procured products and raw materials purchased by the Company will remain relatively stable.
- The Company will be able to access sufficient goods and services for its manufacturing and distribution operations.
- Labor availability will continue to improve in
Canada and the U.S., enabling the Company to access sufficient skilled and unskilled labor at reasonable wage levels. - The value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will continue to fluctuate in line with the levels seen over the last several months.
- The Company's major capital projects, plant start-up and restructuring, and business acquisition initiatives will progress in line with its expectations.
- The Company will be able to achieve its projected operating efficiency improvements.
- There will not be any material changes in the competitive environment of the markets in which the Company's various businesses compete.
- There will not be any material changes in the long-term food trends that have been driving growth in many of the Company's businesses. These include: (i) growing demand for higher quality foods made with simpler, more wholesome ingredients and/or with differentiated attributes such as antibiotic free, no added hormones or use of organic ingredients; (ii) increased reliance on healthier and less processed convenience-oriented foods both for on-the-go snacking as well as easy meal preparation, both at home and in foodservice; (iii) healthier eating, including reduced sugar consumption and an increased emphasis on animal protein and seafood; (iv) increased snacking in between and in place of meals; (v) increased interest in understanding the provenance of individual food products; and (vi) increased social awareness of issues such as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, sustainability, and ethical supply chain practices.
- Weather conditions in the Company's core markets will not have a significant impact on any of its businesses.
- There will not be any material changes in the Company's relationships with its larger customers including the loss of a major product listing and/or being forced to give significant product pricing concessions.
- There will not be any material changes in the trade relationship between
Canada and the U.S. - The Company will be able to negotiate new collective agreements with no labor disruptions.
- The Company will be able to access reasonably priced debt and equity capital.
- Contractual counterparties will continue to fulfill their obligations to the Company.
- There will be no material changes to the tax and other regulatory requirements governing the Company.
Management has set out the above summary of assumptions related to forward looking statements included in this press release to provide a more complete perspective on the Company's future operations. Readers are cautioned that these statements may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Unless otherwise indicated, the forward looking statements in this press release are made as of
SOURCE