Saputo Inc. (TSX:SAP) (Saputo or the Company) reported today its financial
results for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, which ended on June 30, 2014. All
amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise
indicated, and are presented according to International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS).
-- Net earnings totalled $145.3 million, an increase of $8.6 million or
6.3%.
-- Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) amounted to $268.9 million, an increase of $26.8 million or
11.1%.
-- Revenues for the quarter amounted to $2.621 billion, an increase of
$447.3 million or 20.6%.
-- Basic earnings per share (EPS) was $0.74 and diluted EPS was $0.73 for
the quarter as compared to basic EPS of $0.70 and diluted EPS of $0.69
for the corresponding quarter last fiscal year, an increase of 5.7%.
(in millions of Canadian (CDN) dollars, except per share amounts)
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(unaudited) For the three-month periods ended
June 30, June 30, March 31,
2014 2013 2014
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Revenues 2,620.8 2,173.5 2,485.9
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 268.9 242.1 277.8
Net earnings 145.3 136.7 119.8
Adjusted net earnings(1) 145.3 136.7 152.8
EPS
Basic 0.74 0.70 0.61
Diluted 0.73 0.69 0.61
Adjusted EPS(1)
Basic 0.74 0.70 0.78
Diluted 0.73 0.69 0.78
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-- The acquisition of Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Company Holdings
Limited (Warrnambool Acquisition), for which operations have been
consolidated since January 21, 2014, contributed to revenues and EBITDA
in the International Sector for the full quarter.
-- On April 14, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the fluid
milk activities of Scotsburn Co-Operative Services Limited (Scotsburn
Acquisition), which contributed to the revenues and EBITDA of the Canada
Sector.
-- In the USA Sector, the average block market(2) per pound of cheese
increased by US$0.38 and the average butter market(3) price per pound
increased by US$0.51 compared to the same period last fiscal year,
increasing revenues. Market factors(4) in the USA Sector negatively
impacted EBITDA.
-- The Canada Sector EBITDA decreased mainly due to higher ingredients and
operational costs.
-- The International Sector EBITDA increased due to the contribution of the
Dairy Division (Australia) and higher selling prices in the export
market.
-- The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar and the
Argentinean peso during the quarter had a positive impact on revenues
and EBITDA, as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.
(1) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share
(basic and diluted) are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the section "Measurement
of Results not in Accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards" included on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis
included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report for the definition of these
terms.
(2) "Average block market" is the average daily price of a 40 pound block of
cheddar traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), used as the base
price for cheese.
(3) "Average butter market" is the average daily price for Grade AA Butter
traded on the CME, used as base price for butter.
(4) Market factors include the average block market per pound of cheese and
its effect on the absorption of fixed costs and on the realization of
inventories, the effect of the relationship between the average block market
per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material, the market pricing
impact related to sales of dairy ingredients as well as the impact of the
average butter market price related to dairy food product sales.
Dividend
Quarterly Dividend
The Board of Directors reviewed the dividend policy and increased the quarterly
dividend from $0.23 per share to $0.26 per share, representing a 13% increase.
The quarterly dividend will be payable on September 15, 2014 to common
shareholders of record on September 4, 2014.
Stock Dividend (2-For-1 Stock Split)
Saputo also announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a stock
dividend of one common share of Saputo per each issued and outstanding common
share, which has the same effect as a two-for-one stock split of Saputo's
outstanding common shares. Each shareholder will therefore receive one common
share for each common share held.
The stock dividend on the common shares will be paid on Monday, September 29,
2014 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Friday, September
19, 2014, the record date for the stock dividend. This stock dividend is subject
to obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.
Shareholders do not need to take any action in order to receive this stock
dividend. Saputo has recently moved to a direct registration system for its
common shares. Computershare Trust Company of Canada, Saputo's transfer agent,
will send to registered shareholders a notice under the direct registration
system indicating the number of additional shares that they receive as a result
of the stock dividend. These additional common shares will be held in book entry
form and registered electronically in the transfer agent's recordkeeping system,
unless a physical share certificate is requested by the registered shareholder.
Beneficial owners of common shares held through a brokerage account will have
their accounts automatically updated to reflect the stock dividend.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has determined to implement due bill trading in
connection with the stock dividend. A due bill is an entitlement attached to
listed securities undergoing a material corporate action, such as a stock split.
In this instance, anyone purchasing a common share of Saputo during the period
commencing two trading days before the record date (Wednesday, September 17,
2014) and ending on the payment date (Monday, September 29, 2014) inclusively,
shall receive a right, meaning the right to receive the stock dividend provided
that person still holds the common shares on the payment date. Any trades that
are executed on the Toronto Stock Exchange during this period will be flagged to
ensure purchasers receive the entitlement to the stock dividend. The common
shares will commence trading on an ex-dividend basis (split basis) on Tuesday,
September 30, 2014. The due bill redemption date will be Thursday, October 2,
2014.
For Canadian income tax purposes, the aggregate amount of the stock dividend is
nominal. Accordingly, there will be no Canadian income tax payable by the
shareholders with respect to the stock dividend. Also, the stock dividend will
not dilute shareholders' equity. All share and per share data for future periods
will reflect the stock dividend. For more information, shareholders and
beneficial owners should consult their own tax advisor.
Additional Information
For more information on the first quarter results of fiscal 2015, reference is
made to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements, the notes
thereto and to the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the first quarter of
fiscal 2015. These documents can be obtained on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in
the "Investors and Media" section of the Company's website, at www.saputo.com.
Conference Call
A conference call to discuss the fiscal 2015 first quarter results will be held
on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the
conference call, dial 1-800-621-6136. To ensure your participation, please dial
in approximately five minutes before the call.
To listen to this call on the Web, please enter http://www.gowebcasting.com/5683
in your Web browser.
For those unable to participate, a replay of the conference will be available
until 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2014. To access the replay, dial
1-800-558-5253, ID number 21728176. A webcast will also be archived on
www.saputo.com, in the "Investors and Media" section, under Press Releases.
About Saputo
Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the
utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream
products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. We are one of the top ten
dairy processors in the world, the largest in Canada, the third in Argentina and
the fourth in Australia. In the US, the Company ranks among the top three cheese
producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and
cultured dairy products. Our products are sold in more than 40 countries under
well-known brand names such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, Baxter,
Dairyland, Dragone, DuVillage 1860, Friendship, Frigo Cheese Heads, Great
Midwest, King's Choice, Kingsey, La Paulina, Milk2Go, Neilson, Nutrilait,
Ricrem, Salemville, Scotsburn, Stella, Sungold and Treasure Cave. Saputo Inc. is
a publicly traded company whose shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol "SAP".
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
securities laws. These statements are based, among other things, on Saputo's
assumptions, expectations, estimates, objectives, plans and intentions as of the
date hereof regarding projected revenues and expenses, the economic, industry,
competitive and regulatory environments in which the Company operates or which
could affect its activities, its ability to attract and retain customers and
consumers, as well as the availability and cost of milk and other raw materials
and energy supplies, its operating costs and the pricing of its finished
products on the various markets in which it carries on business.
These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect
to the Company's short and medium term objectives, outlook, business projects
and strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements with respect
to the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives and expectations. The words "may",
"should", "will", "would", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "anticipate",
"estimate", "foresee", "objective", "continue", "propose" or "target", or the
negative of these terms or variations of them, the use of conditional tense or
words and expressions of similar nature, are intended to identify
forward-looking statements.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of inherent
risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the
conclusion, forecast or projection stated in such forward-looking statements. As
a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will
materialize. Assumptions, expectations and estimates made in the preparation of
forward-looking statements and risks that could cause actual results to differ
materially from current expectations are discussed in the Company's materials
filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time,
including the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Management's Discussion
and Analysis included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report.
Forward-looking statements are based on Management's current estimates,
expectations and assumptions, which Management believes are reasonable as of the
date hereof, and, accordingly, are subject to changes after such date. You
should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not
rely upon this information as of any other date.
Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Saputo does not
undertake to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether written
or verbal, that may be made from time to time by itself or on its behalf,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OPERATING RESULTS
Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 amounted to $2.621
billion, an increase of $447.3 million or 20.6% in comparison to $2.174 billion
for the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. This increase is due to the
inclusion of the Dairy Division (Australia) / Warrnambool Acquisition in the
International Sector, which contributed to revenues for a full quarter. Also, a
higher average block market per pound of cheese as well as a higher average
butter market price in the USA Sector increased revenues as compared to the
corresponding quarter last fiscal year. Higher selling prices in relation to the
higher cost of milk in the Canada and International sectors, as well as higher
sales volumes in the Canada and USA sectors contributed to this increase. The
fluctuation of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar and Argentinean peso
increased revenues by approximately $34 million.
Consolidated earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 amounted to $268.9
million, an increase of $26.8 million or 11.1% in comparison to $242.1 million
for the same quarter last fiscal year. Included in EBITDA is the contribution of
the Dairy Division (Australia) for a full quarter. Higher selling prices in the
export market as well as higher sales volumes in Canada were partially offset by
higher ingredients and operational costs in both the Canada and International
Sectors. Unfavourable market factors in the USA Sector negatively affected
EBITDA, and were partially offset by increased sales volumes and a decrease in
operational costs. The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar had a favourable
impact on EBITDA, as compared to the same period last fiscal year.
OTHER CONSOLIDATED RESULTS ITEMS
Depreciation and amortization for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 totalled
$38.9 million, an increase of $4.6 million, as compared to $34.3 million for the
corresponding period last fiscal year. This increase is essentially related to
the additional depreciation and amortization expense from the Warrnambool
Acquisition. It also reflects fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the
Canadian and the US dollar.
Net interest expense for the three-month period ended June 30, 2014 increased by
$4.2 million in comparison to the same period last fiscal year. This increase is
mainly attributed to a higher level of debt resulting from the Warrnambool
Acquisition.
Income taxes for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 totalled $65.1 million,
reflecting an effective tax rate of 30.9% compared to 29.0% for the same quarter
last fiscal year. The income tax rate varies and could increase or decrease
based on the amount of taxable income derived and from which source, any
amendments to tax laws and income tax rates and changes in assumptions and
estimates used for tax assets and liabilities by the Company and its affiliates.
Net earnings totalled $145.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014,
compared to $136.7 million for the same quarter last fiscal year. These reflect
the various factors analyzed in this news release.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)
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Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
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Revenues 2,620.8 2,485.9 2,343.2 2,230.3 2,173.5
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 268.9 277.8 260.0 240.4 242.1
Net earnings 145.3 119.8 144.1 133.3 136.7
Adjusted net
earnings(1) 145.3 152.8 144.1 133.3 136.7
EPS
Basic 0.74 0.61 0.74 0.68 0.70
Diluted 0.73 0.61 0.73 0.67 0.69
Adjusted EPS(1)
Basic 0.74 0.78 0.74 0.68 0.70
Diluted 0.73 0.78 0.73 0.67 0.69
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(in millions of CDN dollars, except per share amounts)
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Fiscal years 2013
Q4 Q3 Q2
--------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 2,053.3 1,800.6 1,745.4
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 229.7 212.5 215.6
Net earnings 100.5 130.0 129.7
Adjusted net
earnings(1) 129.2 130.0 129.7
EPS
Basic 0.51 0.66 0.66
Diluted 0.51 0.65 0.65
Adjusted EPS(1)
Basic 0.65 0.66 0.66
Diluted 0.65 0.65 0.65
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(1) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share
(basic and diluted) are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the section "Measurement
of Results not in Accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards" included on page 6 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis
included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report for the definition of these
terms.
Consolidated selected factors positively (negatively) affecting EBITDA
(in millions of CDN dollars)
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Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
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Market factors(1)(2) (35) 16 9 (17) 12
US currency exchange(1) 7 9 5 4 1
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(1) As compared to same quarter of previous fiscal year.
(2) Market factors include the average block market per pound of cheese and
its effect on the absorption of fixed costs and on the realization of
inventories, the effect of the relationship between the average block market
per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material, the market pricing
impact related to sales of dairy ingredients as well as the impact of the
average butter market price related to dairy food product sales.
INFORMATION BY SECTOR
Canada Sector
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(in millions of CDN dollars)
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Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
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Revenues 949.1 881.4 955.6 920.5 896.0
EBITDA 113.3 108.9 116.1 116.7 115.7
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The Canada Sector includes the Dairy Division (Canada) and the Bakery Division.
The Bakery Division represents less than 5% of the Sector's revenues.
USA Sector
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(in millions of CDN dollars)
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Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
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Revenues 1,291.9 1,220.0 1,138.0 1,078.6 1,053.3
EBITDA 117.8 128.1 121.1 107.9 112.6
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Selected factors positively (negatively) affecting EBITDA
(in millions of CDN dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market factors(1)(2) (35) 16 9 (17) 12
US currency exchange(1) 7 9 5 4 1
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(1) As compared to same quarter of previous fiscal year.
(2) Market factors include the average block market per pound of cheese and
its effect on the absorption of fixed costs and on the realization of
inventories, the effect of the relationship between the average block market
per pound of cheese and the cost of milk as raw material, the market pricing
impact related to sales of dairy ingredients as well as the impact of the
average butter market price related to dairy food product sales.
Other pertinent information
(in US dollars, except for average exchange rate)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
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Average block market per pound of
cheese 2.161 2.178 1.836 1.735 1.779
Closing block price(1) per pound of
cheese 2.000 2.385 2.000 1.765 1.638
Average butter market price per
pound 2.123 1.832 1.579 1.467 1.610
Closing butter market(2) price per
pound 2.500 2.000 1.533 1.610 1.428
Average whey market(3) price per
pound 0.660 0.620 0.570 0.580 0.580
Spread(4) (0.008) 0.012 0.044 0.041 0.046
US average exchange rate to Canadian
dollar(5) 1.091 1.104 1.042 1.039 1.023
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(1) Closing block price is the price of a 40 pound block of cheddar traded
on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) on the last business day of each
quarter.
(2) Closing butter market price is the price for Grade AA Butter traded on
the CME, on the last business day of each quarter.
(3) Average whey market price is based on Dairy Market News published
information.
(4) Spread is the average block market per pound of cheese less the result
of the average cost per hundredweight of Class III and/or Class 4b milk
price divided by 10.
(5) Based on Bank of Canada published information.
The USA Sector includes the Cheese Division (USA) and the Dairy Foods Division
(USA).
International Sector
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(in millions of CDN dollars)
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Fiscal years 2015 2014
Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 379.7 384.5 249.5 231.2 224.2
EBITDA 37.8 40.8 22.8 15.8 13.8
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The International Sector includes the Dairy Division (Argentina), the Dairy
Division (Australia) and the Dairy Ingredients Division. The Dairy Ingredients
Division includes national and export ingredients sales from the North American
divisions, as well as cheese exports from these same divisions.
OUTLOOK
The Dairy Division (Canada) continues to pursue volume growth in commodity and
specialty-type cheeses and in the fluid milk category. The Division will seek
opportunities in the value-added milk category, which offers growth potential in
a category in which the Company is well-positioned. We will pursue investments
in product categories such as specialty cheeses, for which the intention is to
maximize exposure across Canada, with coast-to-coast distribution capabilities.
The Scotsburn Acquisition, completed on April 14, 2014, enables the Dairy
Division (Canada) to increase its presence in Atlantic Canada. The Division has
integrated systems and processes in the first quarter and will evaluate
opportunities and possible synergies in an effort to improve and expand its
product offerings to its customers during the rest of fiscal 2015.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Dairy Division (Canada) closed two
facilities, as announced in fiscal 2013 and 2014. These measures are part of the
Company's continuing effort to pursue additional efficiencies and decrease
costs. Annual after tax savings should be approximately $8 million, of which
approximately $6 million should commence in fiscal 2015. Innovation continues to
be a priority, enabling us to offer products that meet the needs of today's
consumers. Accordingly, we are allocating resources to product innovation
allowing us to forge and secure long-term relationships with both customers and
consumers. The Division will complete, in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the
project to consolidate distribution activities of the Greater Montreal Area into
one distribution center located in Saint-Laurent, Quebec. This initiative was
announced in fiscal 2013 and is a result of the Company's ongoing evaluation of
activities aimed at cost reduction and productivity enhancements. In addition,
the Company will continue to focus on increasing sales volumes in the snack-cake
category in Canada and to develop sales in the US market.
The Company will continue to move forward with the integration of the Dairy
Foods Division (USA) with a primary focus on implementing the Division's
processes and systems. The Sector intends to capitalize on this Division's
national manufacturing and distribution footprint and benefit from possible
synergies. Additionally, in fiscal 2015, we will continue to focus on
recuperating lost volumes in the Cheese Division (USA), with cooperative efforts
of our International Sector, geared towards growing the export sales market. The
Cheese Division (USA) plans to continue to gain distribution and market share
for its premium lines of snack cheeses and flavoured blue cheese offerings.
The closure of two plants in the USA Sector in fiscal 2015, announced in March
2014, is in line with the Company's continuing review of operations in order to
maximize return on capital and seek additional efficiencies. Annual after tax
savings should be approximately $3 million. The Sector will continue to evaluate
opportunities to improve efficiencies in both manufacturing and distribution
facilities across the US, as well as monitor fluctuations in dairy markets and
take appropriate decisions to mitigate the impact on operations. As a result of
last fiscal year's capital expenditures at a Midwest facility, we will focus on
decreasing operational costs due to increased manufacturing capacity. The Dairy
Foods Division (USA) will focus on volume growth by aligning with strong and
growing customers and bringing innovative products to market.
The International Sector continues to pursue sales volume growth in existing
markets, as well as develop additional international markets from its
Argentinean operations for which capacity has increased over the last two years.
Also, the Sector will pursue growth of cheese export sales volumes from the
Cheese Division (USA). The inclusion of the Dairy Division (Australia) has
provided the International Sector an additional platform to seek long-term
growth as a dairy player on a global scale. We intend to accelerate growth in
Australia, by making necessary capital investments and devoting resources to
increase manufacturing capacity, grow milk intake and create new opportunities.
The Sector will continue to evaluate overall activities in an effort to improve
efficiencies.
Our goal remains to continue to improve overall efficiencies in all sectors and
pursue growth internally and through acquisitions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Media and Investor Relations
Sandy Vassiadis
Director, Corporate Communications
514-328-3347
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