Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Reports Fiscal Q1 2024 Financial Results
August 28, 2023, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (“Diamond Estates” or “the Company”) (DWS-TSX Venture) today announced its financial results for the three-month period ending June 30, 2023 (“Q1 2024”).
Q1 2023 Summary:
· Revenue for Q1 2024 was $7.9 million, an increase of $0.4 million from $7.5 million in Q1 2023. The largest contribution to the increase in sales year-over-year came from the Winery division contributing $0.3 million and the Agency division contributed $0.1 million. The increase experienced at the Winery division came from $0.8 million in bulk wine sales at Backyard Vineyards and the moderate increase from the Agency came from several brands;
· Gross margin1 for Q1 2024 was $2.9 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from $3.0 million in Q1 2023, while gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 36.8% for Q1 2024 compared to 40.3% in Q1 2023. The decline is gross is attributed to the Winery division which experienced a decrease in gross margins because of a significant one-time sale in bulk wine and a general increase in cost of goods across all channels. When accounting for the depletion of the EWG inventory gross margins decreased by 10.2% from 46.6% in Q1 2023 to 36.4% in Q1 2024 and when removing the bulk wine sale gross margin decreases to 42.3% Q1 2024;
· EBITDA1 remained flat at negative $0.9 million in Q1 2024 relative to Q1 2023; however, when adjusting for the fair value of EWG inventories sold, Adjusted EBITDA1 decreased from a negative $0.7 million in Q1 2023 to a negative $0.9 million in Q1 2024; and
· Net loss was $1.6 million, compared to a net loss of $0.4 million in Q1 2022.
Subsequent Event
On August 22, 2023 the Company received notification from its largest supplier of import wines that the contract that was set to expire on October 1, 2023 is not being renewed. Further disclosure is outlined in the Management Discussion and Analysis. The Company is still assessing any mitigating actions that may be undertaken and looks to replace that business with a dedicated focus on its current and prospective supplier partners going forward.
President’s Quote
“We are experiencing an unprecedented time in the beverage alcohol industry here in Canada, and around the world. It is extremely rare to see consumers restricting dining out and alcohol consumption more broadly in order to afford the essentials of life,” said Andrew Howard, President and CEO.
“This has resulted in softer than anticipated topline results. Combined with continued expense pressure, our bottom line results have not improved vs last year with EBITDA essentially flat. While we are not satisfied with this result, we are pleased to see revenue growth of 7.5% and off-take results showing our business holding our own or out-performing industry in every major category over the past 12 months. I also believe the soft industry results will be short lived and that we are well positioned for growth with innovative ideas and products ready to capitalize as the industry rebounds, along with the beverage alcohol retail expansion and modernization that is expected in Ontario“.
About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.
Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates five production facilities, four in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Queenston Mile, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh, Proud Pour, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity, Persona and Backyard Vineyards.
Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Josh wines from California, Fat Bastard, Meffre, Pierre Chavin and Andre Lurton wines from France, Brimincourt Champagne from France, Merlet and Larsen Cognacs from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun and Erben wines from Germany, Calabria Family Estate Wines and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Saint Clair Family Estate Wines and Yealands Family Wines from New Zealand, Redemption Bourbon and Rye whiskies from the U.S., Gray Whale Gin from California, Storywood and Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Magnum Cream Liqueur from Scotland, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Waterloo Beer & Radlers from Canada, Landshark Lager from the USA, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single- malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Islay Mist, Grand MacNish and Waterproof whiskies from Scotland, C. Mondavi & Family wines including C.K Mondavi & Charles Krug from Napa, Wize Spirits, Hounds Vodka and Valley of Mother of God Gins from Canada, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Koyle Family Wines from Chile and Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: the economy generally; consumer interest in the services and products of the Company; financing; competition; and anticipated and unanticipated costs. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Non IFRS Financial Measure
Management uses net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as presented in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as well as "gross margin", "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA" as a measure to assess performance of the Company. The Company defines "gross margin" as gross profit excluding depreciation. EBITDA and "Adjusted EBITDA" are other financial measures and are reconciled to net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) below under "Results of Operations".
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures to further assist readers in assessing the Company’s ability to generate income from operations before considering the Company's financing decisions, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets. EBITDA comprises gross margin less operating costs before financial expenses, depreciation and amortization, non-cash expenses such as share-based compensation, one-time and other unusual items, and income tax. Adjusted EBITDA comprises EBITDA before non- recurring expenses including cost of sales adjustments related to inventory acquired in business combinations, EWG transaction costs expensed, government funding under CEWS and CERS programs, and other non-recurring adjustments included in the calculation of EBITDA. Gross margin is defined as gross profit excluding depreciation on property, plant and equipment used in production. Operating expenses exclude interest, depreciation on property, plant and equipment used in selling and administration, and amortization of intangible assets.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Howard
President & CEO
Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
ahoward@diamondwines.com
Ryan Conte, CPA, CA, CBV
CFO
Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
rconte@diamondwines.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
