Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A:CA) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
Overview
The earnings call shows positive financial performance with EBITDA growth and reduced interest expense. The Q&A highlights strong revenue growth from innovation and market share gains. Despite some uncertainties like USMCA renewal, the company's diversified sourcing mitigates risk. Strategic investments and strong margins further support a positive outlook. However, vague responses on M&A and asset sales slightly temper enthusiasm. Overall, the positive financial metrics, strategic growth plans, and market opportunities suggest a likely positive stock price movement.
Key Financial Performance
Revenue Third quarter sales were up 3.3% year-over-year, led by strong performance in Western Canada, driven by the success of our BC replacement program. On a year-to-date basis, revenue was consistent with prior year. When normalized for the onetime impact of the LCBO strike in the second quarter of fiscal '25, revenue growth was between 1.5% and 2%.
Gross Margin Gross margin in the third quarter was $45.5 million or 41.8% as a percentage of revenue, up from 40.2% in the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis, margin improved to 43.3% from 40.4%. Margin improvements were driven by the success of the cost savings program, which materially lowered input costs for glass bottles and inbound freight, and the Ontario Grape Support Program, which was not in effect during the comparable periods in fiscal '25.
Selling and Administrative Expenses Selling and admin expenses were $25.8 million for the quarter, up 8% from prior year. This reflects an increase in investments for advertising and promotion, both for innovation and to support expanded distribution in Ontario as the market continues to evolve.
EBITDA EBITDA increased by 6% to $19.7 million in the quarter, up from $18.5 million in the prior year, reflecting top line growth and improved margins. For the year-to-date period, EBITDA was $57.1 million, an increase of close to 16%.
Interest Expense Q3 interest expense decreased by 26% compared to prior year, driven by reduced debt levels.
Net Debt Net debt position was roughly $164 million at the end of the quarter, down from $182 million at fiscal year-end. Debt-to-EBITDA ratio was about 2.3x on a rolling 12-month basis.
Inventory Inventory was $156 million at quarter end, a decrease from $170 million at the end of fiscal '25 due to a disciplined approach to inventory management. Inventory was up from Q2 levels consistent with historical patterns as the harvest season closed.
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Operating Highlights
LayLow launch: National launch of LayLow, a new product line with Pinot Grigio and Rose styles, offering fewer calories, less alcohol, and less sugar. Available in major markets and retailers across Canada.
Better-for-You space: Focus on high-quality, 0 sugar options with strong consumer resonance, including the fast-growing brand 'on a slot'.
Sparkling wine segment: Investments in operational and brand marketing capabilities for products like Trius traditional method, Trius Cuve Close, Peller Secco, and Peller Radiance 9%.
Western Canada market share: Improved market share across almost all markets and channels in Western Canada, driven by strong commercial execution.
Ontario retail modernization: Sustained momentum in big box, grocery, and liquor board channels, offset by softness in owned retail stores and wine kit business.
Margin improvements: Gross margin increased to 41.8% in Q3, driven by cost savings in glass bottles and inbound freight, and the Ontario Grape Support Program.
Debt reduction: Net debt reduced to $164 million, with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.3x, and a 26% decrease in interest expense.
Inventory management: Inventory decreased to $156 million due to disciplined management, despite seasonal increases.
Innovation and brand refresh: Planned brand refresh for Peller Estates to strengthen portfolio and enhance consumer engagement.
Long-term growth strategy: Focus on innovation, strategic investment, and potential acquisitions to accelerate growth and become the fastest-growing wine company in English Canada.
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Risk or Challenges
Softness in owned retail stores and wine kit business: The company experienced some softness in its owned retail stores and wine kit business, attributed to consumers adjusting to the new distribution landscape. This could impact revenue from these channels.
Increased selling and administrative expenses: Selling and administrative expenses increased by 8% year-over-year, driven by investments in advertising, promotion, and expanded distribution in Ontario. This rise in expenses could pressure profitability if not offset by revenue growth.
Dependence on Ontario Grape Support Program: Margin improvements were partially driven by the Ontario Grape Support Program, which was not in effect during the comparable periods in fiscal '25. Dependence on such programs could pose a risk if they are discontinued or reduced in the future.
Market evolution and consumer expectations: The evolving market and changing consumer expectations require the company to adapt quickly. Failure to do so could impact its competitive position and growth.
Inventory management challenges: Inventory levels decreased year-over-year but increased from Q2 levels due to seasonal patterns. Managing inventory effectively remains critical to avoid overstocking or stockouts, which could affect operations and cash flow.
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Guidance & Outlook
Sparkling and Better-for-You Segments: The company is focusing on growth in the Sparkling and Better-for-You wine segments. Investments are being made in operational and brand marketing capabilities to establish market leadership in the Sparkling category. New products and innovations are planned for the upcoming year.
LayLow Product Launch: The company has launched LayLow, a new product line offering low-calorie, low-alcohol, and low-sugar wines. The initial launch includes Pinot Grigio and Rosé, with plans to expand to more varietals and formats in the future. LayLow is being rolled out across major markets and retailers in Canada.
Peller Estates Brand Refresh: A brand refresh for Peller Estates is planned to strengthen its portfolio and enhance consumer engagement.
Fiscal 2026 and 2027 Growth: The company expects to deliver strong financial performance for fiscal 2026 and ongoing growth in fiscal 2027, supported by strategic initiatives and market evolution.
Revenue and Margin Projections: Revenue growth for fiscal 2026 is projected to be between 1.5% and 2% when normalized for one-time impacts. Margins are expected to continue improving due to cost-saving programs and operational efficiencies.
Debt Reduction and Financial Position: The company is focused on reducing debt levels, which has already led to a significant decrease in interest expenses. This positions the company well for future growth and strategic investments.
Market Adaptation and Consumer Trends: The company plans to adapt to evolving market conditions and consumer expectations, leveraging its agility to stay ahead of trends and pursue growth opportunities.
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Shareholder Return Plan
The selected topic was not discussed during the call.
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Key Q&A
Q:You had strong revenue growth in the quarter. Can you maybe talk about how much of that came from potentially new products and gaining market share?
A:The revenue growth of over 3% in the quarter was attributed to a combination of core portfolio performance and innovation. Strength was observed across the commercial business in the East and West, liquor boards, grocery, big box, estates, and the Wine Club business. The growth was driven by strategic investments and good execution by the team.
Q:You mentioned that margins are at or near all-time highs. How do you think about the sustainability of that and being able to maintain the margins where they are now?
A:Margins are up over 41% in the quarter and trending over 43% year-to-date. This improvement is due to a $25 million cost savings program and strategic investments in new products. While margins are expected to increase into FY27, the rate of increase will slow as the bulk of the cost improvement program has been completed.
Q:There are rumblings in the news that USMCA may not be renewed. How do you think about that as a potential risk for the business? And anything that you've done to mitigate that potential risk?
A:The company has navigated political noise and tension with minimal impact. They source products globally and can pivot sourcing to Canada if needed. Since they do not sell a substantial amount of product into the U.S. or internationally, they are not significantly exposed to this risk. The situation will continue to be monitored.
Q:In terms of M&A, how is the pipeline looking?
A:M&A remains a meaningful part of the company's growth strategy, historically split 50% organic and 50% acquisition. An active process is ongoing, but no specific timelines were provided. The focus is on acquiring assets and brands that align with the existing portfolio.
Q:How are you thinking about asset sales going forward?
A:The company is exploring ways to unlock value from its substantial asset base, including Port Moody and vineyard assets. Discussions have been ongoing, but there is nothing to report at this time. Updates will be provided when meaningful developments occur.
Q:Could you talk about the timing impact of R&D and marketing investments for Better-for-You and Sparkling new products as they get rolled out throughout the country?
A:R&D and development investments for these products fall within the normal cycle and are phased to align with reported results, avoiding any lumpiness. The Better-for-You Wine segment is growing at 60% year-over-year, and the new product LayLow is being rolled out across Canada in phases, starting with Ontario and expanding to other regions in the coming months.
Q:Has there been any shifts in customer consumption preferences or channel shifts, especially going into this quarter?
A:The domestic wine industry in Canada is performing strongly, driven by consumer affinity for locally produced wines and the Made in Canada movement. With U.S. wines off shelves in some provinces, consumers are trading into Canadian VQA and other domestic offerings. Global wine regions like Italy, France, Australia, and New Zealand are also seeing renewed momentum. The company’s size and scale allow it to meet consumer preferences across various channels and product categories.
Q:Have you had any expectations for this summer with the World Cup coming into North America?
A:The company is excited about the World Cup and sees it as an opportunity to position its products during celebrations and events. They anticipate economic momentum and a positive impact on their industry and products.
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:Management avoided providing specific timelines for M&A activities and asset sales, using vague language such as 'active process ongoing' and 'nothing to report at this time.' Additionally, while discussing the World Cup, the response was broad and lacked detailed plans or strategies.
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
BC
East Ontario
LCBO
LayLow
Margin
Ontario market
Ontario modernization
Peller
Sparkling
Trius
Western Canada
Wine Club
assumption
channel
consumer
date basis
date result
debt
estate
focus
format
increase
information
interest expense
inventory
landscape
month
product
program
replacement
risk uncertainty
sale
softness store
style
sugar
traffic
varietal
wine
HLT Transcript
Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A:CA) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive2-11
The earnings call shows positive financial performance with EBITDA growth and reduced interest expense. The Q&A highlights strong revenue growth from innovation and market share gains. Despite some uncertainties like USMCA renewal, the company's diversified sourcing mitigates risk. Strategic investments and strong margins further support a positive outlook. However, vague responses on M&A and asset sales slightly temper enthusiasm. Overall, the positive financial metrics, strategic growth plans, and market opportunities suggest a likely positive stock price movement.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive2-11
The earnings call presents a positive outlook with strong RevPAR growth in key regions, optimistic economic and industry forecasts, and strategic investments in AI and luxury segments. The Q&A reveals confidence in non-RevPAR fees and organic growth, despite some caution in business transient demand. The shareholder return plan is robust, and guidance suggests stable future growth. While management's lack of specifics on partnerships and credit terms could raise concerns, the overall sentiment and strategic direction are positive, likely leading to a stock price increase.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive10-22
The earnings call summary and Q&A indicate a generally positive outlook. Despite flat RevPAR expectations, the company projects growth in net unit and adjusted EBITDA, with significant shareholder returns planned. Optimistic guidance on future economic trends and a focus on AI and efficiency suggest potential growth. The Q&A reveals management's confidence in strategic initiatives and partnerships. Overall, the sentiment leans towards positive, with potential for stock price appreciation.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Neutral7-23
HLT Report
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