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.

GRIMSBY, Ontario, Nov. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andrew Peller Limited (TSX:ADW.A) (TSX:ADW.B) (“APL” or the “Company”) announced strong growth and operating performance for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Sales up 4.0% in second quarter, 2.4% year-to-date on strong organic growth.
• Gross margin strengthens further on revenue increase and cost efficiencies.
• Net earnings of $17.4 million or $0.42 per Class A share through first six months of year.
• Acquired three British Columbia premium estate wineries in early October 2017 for $95 million.
• 10.3% increase in common share dividends effective June 30, 2017.
• New Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery and Craft Distillery opened in Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 7, 2017.

“Our growth and strong operating performance continued in the second quarter of fiscal 2018,” commented John Peller, Chief Executive Officer. “With the acquisition of three estate wineries in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in October, we have significantly strengthened our high margin VQA portfolio and enhanced our long-term growth prospects.”

“We continue to execute our proven value-enhancing strategies to build sales of our premium and ultra-premium brands, driving increased profitability to generate the resources to invest in further marketing programs to drive our long-term growth,” added Randy Powell, President. “Looking ahead, we are confident fiscal 2018 will be another record year for the Company.”

Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 rose 4.0% to $91.9 million from $88.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 due to solid organic growth across the majority of the Company’s trade channels, selective price increases and the introduction of new products and new product categories. For the first six months of fiscal 2018 sales rose to $180.5 million, up 2.4% from $176.3 million last year.  

Gross margin as a percentage of sales continued to strengthen in fiscal 2018, rising to 42.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from 38.1% in the second quarter of the prior year. For the six months ended September 30, 2017 gross margin rose to 41.2% of sales from 38.5% of sales in the comparable prior year period. The Company continues to benefit from its ongoing initiatives to improve sales mix, reduce costs, and enhance production efficiencies.

Selling and administrative expenses have increased in fiscal 2018 compared to the prior year due primarily to increased costs related to an increase in marketing activities and support for new launches across the Company’s product portfolio. The second quarter of fiscal 2018 included approximately $0.6 million in professional fees related to the acquisition of three estate wineries completed in early October 2017 which is comparable to the $0.8 million recognized in the second quarter of 2017 for professional services fees related to a strategic acquisition that was not completed. These non-recurring costs in fiscal 2018 have been partially offset by a decrease in compensation expense of approximately $0.7 million due to a change in long-term incentive plan from a cash based annual plan to a share compensation plan. The Company continues to invest in its successful sales and marketing programs, however remains focused on ensuring such expenses are tightly controlled.

Earnings before interest, amortization, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other income or expenses, and income taxes (“EBITA”) were $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $12.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. For the six months ended September 30, 2017 EBITA was $30.7 million, up from $27.4 million last year. The increases are driven by the increased sales and strengthened gross margins, partially offset by increased investments in marketing programs in fiscal 2018.

The Company recorded net unrealized non-cash gains in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 related to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts. The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting and accordingly the change in fair value of these financial instruments is reflected in the Company’s statement of earnings each reporting period. These instruments are considered to be effective economic hedges and have enabled management to mitigate the volatility of changing foreign exchange and interest rates.

Adjusted earnings, defined as net earnings not including net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other income or expenses, non-recurring, non-operating gains or losses, and the related income tax effect, were $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $6.8 million in the same period last year. For the six months ended September 30, 2017 adjusted earnings were $17.3 million compared to $15.4 million last year.

Net earnings for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 were $9.2 million or $0.22 per Class A Share and $17.4 million or $0.42 per Class A share, respectively, compared to $7.6 million or $0.18 per Class A Share and $16.2 million or $0.39 per Class A share, respectively,  in the same periods last year.

Strong Financial Position
On September 29, 2017, the Company amended and restated its debt facilities.  Amendments include a revised maturity date of September 29, 2022, revised financial covenants and updated applicable margins based on the Company’s leverage.  Additionally, the total borrowing limit was increased to $310 million and separated into two facilities: a revolving, non-amortizing facility with a borrowing limit of $90 million to be used for day-to-day operations, distributions and capital expenditures and a revolving, amortizing investment facility with a borrowing limit of $220 million to be used for acquisitions or capital expenditures.  The initial draw on the investment facility was used to refinance the previous operating and capital term loans and fund the acquisitions of the three British Columbia premium estate wineries in early October 2017.

Overall bank debt increased to $125.7 million as at September 30, 2017 compared to $87.7 million at March 31, 2017. The increase is due primarily to $48.0 million drawn on the Company’s credit facility related to the three estate winery acquisitions completed in early October 2017, of which $46.6 million was held in escrow as at September 30, 2017. The increase in bank debt has been partially offset by the strong earnings in fiscal 2018, the positive impact of working capital management, and regularly scheduled debt repayments. An additional $31.0 million was drawn on the Company’s credit facility subsequent to September 30, 2017 to complete the three acquisitions. With the increase in debt, the Company’s debt to equity ratio increased to 0.66:1 at September 30, 2017 compared to 0.49:1 at March 31, 2017. At September 30, 2017, the Company had unutilized debt capacity in the amount of approximately $61.0 million on its operating loan facility and approximately $122.5 million on its investment facility (not including the $31.0 million drawn subsequent to September 30, 2017 to complete the acquisitions).

Shareholders’ equity as at September 30, 2017 increased to $190.9 million or $4.48 per common share, up from $177.3 million or $4.16 per common share at March 31, 2017.  The increase in shareholders’ equity is due to the strong net earnings partially offset by the payment of dividends and net actuarial losses on post-employment benefit plans.

For the six months ended September 30, 2017, the Company generated cash from operating activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items, of $22.8 million compared to $20.3 million in the prior year. Investing activities of $56.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 compared to $11.2 million in the prior year. The advance of $46.6 million shown in restricted cash relates to the investment in the three acquired wineries completed subsequent to September 30, 2017. The remaining investing activities related to capital expenditures to sustain operations, as well as costs incurred related to the completion of the new Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery and Craft Distillery, which officially opened on June 7, 2017.

Subsequent Events
On October 1, 2017 the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Gray Monk Cellars Ltd. and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Ltd. and, on October 10, 2017, acquired 100% of the operating assets of Black Hills Estate Winery, all located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Wine Valley. The three wineries complement the Company’s VQA portfolio and significantly strengthen its presence in Western Canada. The combined purchase price of the acquisitions was approximately $94.8 million, funded by cash of $77.6 million from the Company’s debt facilities and the issuance of approximately 1.6 million Class A common shares with an aggregate value of approximately $17.2 million. The Company has created an Integration Management Team and believes that it is on track to deliver the expected financial results for the acquired companies.

Investor Conference Call
An investor conference call hosted by the company’s management team will be held this afternoon, Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 3.30 p.m. EST.  The telephone numbers for the conference call are: Local/International: (416) 340-2216, North American Toll Free: (866) 223-7781.  The telephone numbers to listen to the call after it is completed (Instant Replay) are local/international (905) 694-9451 or North American toll free (800) 408-3053.  The Passcode for the Instant Replay is 4283240#.  The Instant Replay will be available until midnight, November 9, 2017. The call will also be archived on the Company’s website at www.andrewpeller.com

Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
(Condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements to follow)

For the three and six months ended September 30,	Three Months						Six Months
(in $000 )		2017			2016			2017			2016
Sales		91,857			88,357			180,497			176,263
Gross margin		38,693			33,644			74,297			67,787
Gross margin  (% of sales)		42.1	%		38.1	%		41.2	%		38.5	%
Selling and administrative expenses		22,403			21,061			43,549			40,401
EBITA		16,290			12,583			30,748			27,386
Net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments		(285	)		(1,128	)		(351	)		(1,175	)
Other expenses		70			56			215			83
Adjusted net earnings		9,067			6,837			17,316			15,395
Net earnings		9,226			7,630			17,417			16,203
Earnings per share – Class A	$0.22			$0.18			$0.42			$0.39
Earnings per share –  Class B	$0.19			$0.16			$0.37			$0.34
Dividend per share – Class A (annual)							$0.180			$0.163
Dividend per share – Class B (annual)							$0.157			$0.142
Cash provided by operations (after changes in non-cash working capital items)								22,758			20,256
Shareholders’ equity per share							$4.48			$3.97

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 Vintners’ Quality Alliance (“VQA”) brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate, Tinhorn Creek, Gray Monk Estates, Raven Conspiracy and Conviction. 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, Black Cellar, and XOXO. Hochtaler, Domaine D’Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal, and Sommet are our key value priced brands. The Company imports wines from major wine regions around the world to blend with domestic wine to craft these quality and value priced brands. The Company also produces wine based liqueurs and cocktails under the brand Panama Jack and a craft cider called No Boats on Sunday.  In October 2016, the Company launched its new Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask Canadian Whisky in certain markets across Canada and in 2017, expanded the Spirits portfolio with No. 99 Ice Cask, 99 Proof and No. 99 Canadian Whisky Cream products.  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 170 Winexpert authorized retailers and more than 500 independent retailers across Canada, with additional distributors in 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, Traditional Vintage, and Cellar Craft.  The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker’s Collection Inc.; both of these wine agencies are importers of premium wines from around the world and are marketing agents for these fine wines. 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, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes) to measure its financial performance.  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 and spirits; 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 and spirits prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass, and other raw materials; fluctuations in the U.S./Canadian dollar, Euro/Canadian dollar, and Australian/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 “Risks and Uncertainties” 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
		September 30		March 31
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)		2017		2017
		$		$
Assets
Current Assets
Restricted cash (note 10)		46,556		-
Accounts receivable		33,306		26,973
Inventory		122,868		129,088
Biological assets		3,264		1,400
Prepaid expenses and other assets		2,947		3,106
		208,941		160,567
Property, plant, and equipment		123,123		118,838
Intangibles		10,186		10,600
Goodwill		37,473		37,473
Derivative financial instruments (note 7)		184		-
		379,907		327,478
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Bank indebtedness (note 8)		28,954		36,620
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		36,686		36,260
Dividends payable		1,864		1,690
Income taxes payable		2,898		2,348
Current portion of derivative financial instruments (note 7)		901		418
Current portion of long-term debt (note 8)		4,980		4,406
		76,283		81,742
Long-term debt (note 8)		91,761		46,678
Derivative financial instruments (note 7)		-		642
Post-employment benefit obligations		5,061		5,279
Deferred income taxes		15,880		15,820
		188,985		150,161
Shareholders' Equity
Capital stock		6,967		6,967
Contributed surplus (note 9)		35		-
Retained earnings		187,883		174,193
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3,963	)	(3,843	)
		190,922		177,317
		379,907		327,478

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes, which will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com and at www.sedar.com.

ANDREW PELLER LIMITED
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Unaudited	For the three			For the three			For the six			For the six
These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors	months ended			months ended			months ended			months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)	$			$			$			$
Sales	91,857			88,357			180,497			176,263
Cost of goods sold (note 4)	53,164			54,713			106,200			108,476
Amortization of plant and equipment used in production	1,709			1,601			3,381			3,187
Gross profit	36,984			32,043			70,916			64,600
Selling and administration (note 4)	22,403			21,061			43,549			40,401
Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangibles used in selling and administration	856			838			1,666			1,668
Interest	1,157			780			1,940			1,563
Net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments (note 7)	(285	)		(1,128	)		(351	)		(1,175	)
Other expenses	70			56			215			83
Earnings before income taxes	12,783			10,436			23,897			22,060
Provision for income taxes
Current	3,445			2,299			6,378			5,308
Deferred	112			507			102			549
	3,557			2,806			6,480			5,857
Net earnings for the period	9,226			7,630			17,417			16,203
Net earnings per share
Basic
Class A shares	0.22			0.18			0.42			0.39
Class B shares	0.19			0.16			0.37			0.34
Diluted
Class A shares	0.22			0.18			0.42			0.39
Class B shares	0.19			0.16			0.37			0.34

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes, which will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com and at www.sedar.com.

ANDREW PELLER LIMITED										0
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Unaudited	For the three			For the three			For the six			For the six
These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors	months ended			months ended			months ended			months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)	$			$			$			$
Net earnings for the period	9,226			7,630			17,417			16,203
Items that are never reclassified to net earnings
Net actuarial gains (losses) on post-employment benefit plans	1,237			(551	)		(162	)		(1,974	)
Deferred income taxes	(322	)		143			42			513
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	915			(408	)		(120	)		(1,461	)
Net comprehensive income for the period	10,141			7,222			17,297			14,742

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes, which will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com and at www.sedar.com.

ANDREW PELLER LIMITED
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
Unaudited
These financial statements have not been reviewed by our auditors
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
	Capital stock	Contributed surplus	Retained earnings		Accumulated other comprehensive loss		Total shareholders' equity
	$	$	$		$		$
Balance at April 1, 2016	6,967	-	154,605		(3,836	)	157,736
Net earnings for the period	-	-	16,203		-		16,203
Net actuarial losses (net of deferred tax recovery)	-	-	-		(1,461	)	(1,461	)
Net comprehensive income for the period	-	-	16,203		(1,461	)	14,742
Dividends (Class A $0.0816 per share, Class B $0.0710 per share)	-	-	(3,382	)	-		(3,382	)
Balance at September 30, 2016	6,967	-	167,426		(5,297	)	169,096
Balance at April 1, 2017	6,967	-	174,193		(3,843	)	177,317
Net earnings for the period	-	-	17,417		-		17,417
Net actuarial losses (net of deferred tax recovery)	-	-	-		(120	)	(120	)
Net comprehensive income for the period	-	-	17,417		(120	)	17,297
Share-based compensation (note 9)	-	35	-		-		35
Dividends (Class A $0.090 per share, Class B $0.0783 per share)	-	-	(3,727	)	-		(3,727	)
Balance at September 30, 2017	6,967	35	187,883		(3,963	)	190,922

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the entire interim consolidated financial statements and notes, which will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com and 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 six			For the six
	months ended			months ended
	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)	$			$
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating activities
Net earnings for the period	17,417			16,203
Adjustments for:
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	32			(175	)
Amortization of plant, equipment, and intangible assets	5,047			4,855
Interest expense	1,940			1,563
Provision for income taxes	6,480			5,857
Post-employment benefits	(380	)		(365	)
Deferred income	-			(102	)
Net unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	(351	)		(1,175	)
Share-based compensation	35			-
Interest paid	(1,387	)		(1,486	)
Income taxes paid	(5,828	)		(5,305	)
	23,005			19,870
Changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations (note 5)	(247	)		386
	22,758			20,256
Investing activities
Increase in restricted cash	(46,556	)		-
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	-			175
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(9,941	)		(11,360	)
Purchase of intangibles	(205	)		-
	(56,702	)		(11,185	)
Financing activities
Decrease in bank indebtedness	(7,666	)		(3,827	)
Drawings of long-term debt	48,000			-
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,792	)		(2,000	)
Deferred financing costs	(1,045	)		-
Dividends paid	(3,553	)		(3,244	)
	33,944			(9,071	)
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, which will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.andrewpeller.com and at www.sedar.com.

For more information, please contact:       
Mr. Brian Athaide, CFO and EVP Human Resources and Information Technology
(905) 643-0187 - E-mail:  brian.athaide@andrewpeller.com

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