CSW.A Corby Spirit and Wine Limited

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company") (TSX: CSW.A, CSW.B) announced today that Corby has entered into an amending agreement with Pernod Ricard S.A. ("Pernod Ricard") and certain affiliates whereby Corby would provide more specialized marketing, advertising and promotion services for the Pernod Ricard and affiliate brands in exchange for an increase to the rate of commission payable by such entities.   Pernod Ricard indirectly owns in excess of 50% of the issued and outstanding Voting Class A Common Shares of Corby and is considered to be Corby's ultimate parent. Since the agreement with Pernod Ricard and the affiliates constitute related party transactions, they were approved by the Independent Committee of the Corby Board of Directors following an extensive financial and legal review.

George McCarthy, Corby's Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that "We are very pleased to enter into the amending agreement allowing Corby to leverage its existing resources and increase its returns on representing Pernod Ricard's premium brands, delivering even more value to our shareholders.  We're confident that such specialized services will benefit the entire Corby portfolio."

Corby also today declared a dividend of $0.19 per share payable on September 30, 2015 on the Voting Class A Common Shares and Non-voting Class B Common Shares of the Company to shareholders of record as at the close of business on September 16, 2015. The Company also reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended June 30, 2015.

Q4 Highlights (vs. Q4 Last Year)

Net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 totalled $7.3 million (or $0.26 per share), representing an increase of $0.4 million or 7%, when compared with the same quarter last year. This includes the non-repeat of severance and termination payments as a result of a cost reduction programme recognized in the fourth quarter last year.  As well, advertising and promotion spend was lower, as investment in the United States phased evenly throughout the year cycled against initial brand building investment in the prior period.  Lower topline revenue was impacted by phasing of shipments, affecting Lamb's Rum in particular.

Year End Highlights (vs. Last Year)

Net earnings for the year ended June 30, 2015 decreased $4.6 million or 18%, when compared to last year.  The decline is attributable to lapping the non-repeat of inventory pipe-line build-up for the United States' launch of J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced whiskies and related A&P investment.  Reduced commission income due to discontinued representation of certain agency brands in December 2013 was offset by positive contributions from the Pernod Ricard portfolio of brands in Canada. 

"While our actions to exploit long-term opportunities for J.P. Wiser's in international markets have affected our financial results over the last two years, we will continue to pursue this strategic priority for developing sustainable growth and profit streams outside the mature Canadian spirits market." remarked Patrick O'Driscoll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corby.  He continued, "However, we remain committed to maximizing returns from domestic operations.  We go to market with an optimized and specialized organizational structure, create exciting new news with our innovation pipeline, including the recently launched J.P. Wiser's Hopped, and continue to explore opportunities to maximize revenues."

For further details, please refer to Corby's management's discussion and analysis and annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the three-month and year ended June 30, 2015, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

About Corby

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian marketer of spirits and imported wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser's® Canadian whisky, Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka and McGuinness® liqueurs. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, Graffigna®, and Kenwood® wines.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning possible or assumed future results of Corby's operations. Forward-looking statements typically are preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and, as such, the Company's results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All financial results are reported in Canadian dollars.

CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED
Management's Discussion and Analysis
June 30, 2015

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") dated August 26, 2015, should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended June 30, 2015, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company"), including the statements made under the headings "Strategies and Outlook", "Liquidity and Capital Resources", "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" and "Risks and Risk Management." Forward-looking statements typically are preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the impact of competition; business interruption; trademark infringement; consumer confidence and spending preferences; regulatory changes; general economic conditions; and the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified employees. 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. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company and other factors could also affect Corby's results. For more information, please see the "Risk and Risk Management" section of this MD&A.

This document has been reviewed by the Audit Committee of Corby's Board of Directors and contains certain information that is current as of August 26, 2015. Events occurring after that date could render the information contained herein inaccurate or misleading in a material respect. Corby will provide updates to material forward-looking statements, including in subsequent news releases and its interim management's discussion and analyses filed with regulatory authorities as required under applicable law. Additional information regarding Corby, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, all comparisons of results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 (three months ended June 30, 2015) are against results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 (three months ended June 30, 2014). All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Business Overview

Corby is a leading Canadian marketer of spirits and importer of wines. Corby's national leadership is sustained by a diverse brand portfolio that allows the Company to drive profitable organic growth with strong, consistent cash flows. Corby is a publicly traded company, with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "CSW.A" (Voting Class A Common Shares) and "CSW.B" (Non-Voting Class B Common Shares). Corby's Voting Class A Common Shares are majority-owned by Hiram Walker & Sons Limited ("HWSL") (a private company) located in Windsor, Ontario. HWSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international spirits and wine company Pernod Ricard S.A. ("PR") (a French public limited company), which is headquartered in Paris, France. Therefore, throughout the remainder of this MD&A, Corby refers to HWSL as its parent, and to PR as its ultimate parent. Affiliated companies are those that are also subsidiaries of PR.

The Company derives its revenues from the sale of its owned-brands ("Case Goods"), as well as earning commission income from the representation of selected non-owned brands in Canada ("Commissions"). The Company also supplements these primary sources of revenue with other ancillary activities incidental to its core business, such as logistics fees. Revenue from Corby's owned-brands predominantly consists of sales made to each of the provincial liquor boards ("LBs") in Canada, and also includes sales to international markets.

Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser's® Canadian whisky, Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka and McGuinness® liqueurs. Through its affiliation with PR, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®,  Graffigna® and Kenwood® wines. In addition to representing PR's brands in Canada, Corby also provides representation for certain selected, unrelated third-party brands ("Agency brands") when they fit within the Company's strategic direction and, thus, complement Corby's existing brand portfolio.

The Company expanded its agency portfolio, with the exclusive right to represent The Wine Group LLC ("The Wine Group") brands in Canada until May 2018 through an agreement (which began April 2013). The agreement complements Corby's owned and represented brands and expands Corby offerings in the premium wine sector. Corby represents all The Wine Group brands, including Cupcake Vineyards, Big House Wine Co., Concannon Vineyard, Grayfox Vineyards, Mogen David Wine Co and Benziger.

Pursuant to a production agreement that expires in September 2016, PR produces Corby's owned-brands at HWSL's production facility in Windsor, Ontario. Under the production agreement, Corby manages PR's business interests in Canada, including HWSL's production facility, also until September 2016.

Corby sources more than 90% of its spirits production requirements from HWSL at its production facility in Windsor, Ontario. The Company's remaining production requirements have been outsourced to various third party vendors including a third-party manufacturer in the United Kingdom ("UK"). The UK site blends and bottles Lamb's rum products destined for sale in countries located outside the Americas.  During the year, the Company effectively completed the process of moving production to the HWSL production facility from the bottling facility of a third party in Montreal, Quebec following the expiry of the related bottling agreement on October 31, 2014.

In most provinces, Corby's route to market in Canada entails shipping its products to government-controlled LBs. The LBs then sell directly, or control the sale of, beverage alcohol products to end consumers. The exception to this model is Alberta, where the retail sector is privatized. In this province, Corby ships products to a bonded warehouse that is managed by a government-appointed service provider who is responsible for warehousing and distribution into the retail channel.

Corby's shipment patterns to the LBs will not always exactly match short-term consumer purchase patterns. However, given the importance of monitoring consumer consumption trends over the long term, the Company stays abreast of consumer purchase patterns in Canada through its member affiliation with the Association of Canadian Distillers ("ACD"), which tabulates and disseminates consumer purchase information it receives from the LBs to its industry members. Corby refers to this data throughout this MD&A as "retail sales", which are measured both in volume (measured in nine-litre case equivalents) and in retail value (measured in Canadian dollars).

Corby's international business is concentrated in the United States ("US") and UK and the Company has a different route to market for each. For the US market, Corby manufactures the majority of its products in Canada and ships to its US distributor, Pernod Ricard USA, LLC ("PR USA"), an affiliated company.  See the "Related Party Transactions" section of this MD&A for additional details.  The market in the US operates a three tier distribution system which often requires  a much longer and larger inventory pipeline than in other markets, resulting in a disconnect between quarterly shipment performance, as reported in the financial statements and the true underlying performance of the brands at retail level during the same quarter.

For the UK market, Corby utilizes a third party contract bottler and distribution company for the production and distribution of Lamb's rum. Distributors sell to various local wholesalers and retailers who in turn sell directly to the consumer. Corby's operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations: sales are typically strong in the first and second quarters, while third-quarter sales usually decline after the end of the retail holiday season. Fourth-quarter sales typically increase again with the onset of warmer weather as consumers tend to increase their purchasing levels during the summer season.

Strategies and Outlook

Corby's business strategies are designed to maximize sustainable long-term value growth, and thus deliver solid profit while continuing to produce strong and consistent cash flows from operating activities. The Company's portfolio of owned and represented brands provides an excellent platform from which to achieve its current and long-term objectives.

Management believes that having a focused brand prioritization strategy will permit Corby to capture market share in the segments and markets that are expected to deliver the most growth in value over the long-term. Therefore, the Company's strategy is to focus its investments on, and leverage the long-term growth potential of, its key brands. As a result, Corby will continue to invest behind its brands to promote its premium offerings where it makes the most sense and drives the most value for shareholders.

Brand prioritization requires an evaluation of each brand's potential to deliver upon this strategy, and facilitates Corby's marketing and sales teams' focus and resource allocation. Over the long-term, management believes that effective execution of its strategy will result in value creation for shareholders. Past disposal transactions reflect this strategy by streamlining Corby's portfolio and eliminating brands with below average performance trends, thus focusing resources on key brands.

Pursuing new growth opportunities outside of Canada is also a key strategic priority. Our agreement with PR USA to represent certain of Corby's owned brands in the US supports our goal of expanding our Canadian whisky business into this market where we believe there is growth potential in both volume and margin.

Of primary importance to the successful implementation of our brand strategies is an effective route to market strategy. Corby is committed to investing in its trade marketing expertise and ensuring that its commercial resources are specialized to meet the differing needs of its customers and the selling channels they inhabit. In all areas of the business, management believes setting clear strategies, optimizing organization structure and increasing efficiencies is key to Corby's overall success.

In addition, management is convinced that innovation is essential to seizing new profit and growth opportunities. Successful innovation can be delivered through a structured and efficient process as well as consistent investment in consumer insight and research and development ("R&D"). As far as R&D is concerned, the Company benefits from access to leading-edge practices at PR's North American hub, which is located in Windsor, Ontario.

Finally, the Company is a strong advocate of social responsibility, especially with respect to its sales and promotional activities. Corby will continue to promote the responsible consumption of its products in its activities. During the year, Corby continued a successful partnership with the Toronto Transit Commission to provide free transit on New Year's Eve for a three year period which began in 2013. The Company stresses its core values throughout its organization, including those of conviviality, straightforwardness, commitment, integrity and entrepreneurship.

Significant Events

Corby Increases Commission Rate under Pernod Ricard Canadian Representation Agreements
On September 29, 2006, Corby completed a transaction with PR which, amongst other things, provided the Company the exclusive right to represent PR's brands in the Canadian market for 15 years. Commission revenue earned from the representation of PR's brands in Canada is presented in the consolidated statement of earnings as part of "Revenue". On August 26, 2015, Corby entered into an agreement with PR and certain affiliates amending the September 29, 2006 Canadian representation agreements, whereby Corby would provide more specialized marketing, advertising and promotion services for the PR and affiliate brands under the applicable agreements in exchange for an increase to the rate of commission payable by such entities.

Corby declares special dividend and increases regular dividend amount
On November 5, 2014, the Corby Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $0.62 per share payable on January 9, 2015 on the Voting Class A Common Shares and Non-voting Class B Common Shares of Corby to shareholders of record as at the close of business on December 12, 2014. The special dividend payment resulted in a cash distribution of approximately $17.7 million to shareholders and was sourced from Corby's surplus cash position. The payment represented cash that the Board considered to be in excess of its requirements to fund future growth opportunities.

The Corby Board of Directors also announced an amendment to its dividend policy. Subject to business conditions and opportunities and appropriate adjustment for extraordinary events, regular dividends will be paid quarterly, on the basis of an annual amount equal to the greater of 85% of net earnings per share in the preceding fiscal year ended June 30, and $0.60 per share. Such dividend policy represents a 5.6% increase in the Company's quarterly dividend, from $0.18 per share to $0.19 per share. Under the amended policy, the Corby Board of Directors declared a regular dividend of $0.19 per share payable on December 12, 2014 on the Voting Class A Common Shares and Non-voting Class B Common Shares of Corby to shareholders of record as at the close of business on November 28, 2014.

Corby Distilleries Limited changes its name to Corby Spirit and Wine Limited
Effective November 7, 2013, Corby Distilleries Limited began operating under the name Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. The new name was approved at the Company's annual and special meeting held November 7, 2013, and reflecting the change, Corby now trades on the TSX under the symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. The new name coincided with completely redesigned corporate branding and logos. The new name and branding better reflect Corby's growing activities with a strong focus on product, service and marketing.

Corby Launches J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced Canadian Whisky in the US Market
In July 2012, the Company reached a new agreement with PR USA to represent Corby brands in the US for a five year period, giving Corby access to one of the strongest spirits distribution networks in the US market.

Since signing the agreement, Corby and PR USA have readied Corby's whisky portfolio for a national launch which began in the first quarter of 2014. Specifically, Corby developed two new Wiser's brand extensions under the names J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced Whisky. Given this is the early stages of the launch, Corby continued to invest heavily in the US market during the quarter. The launch has had a significant impact on our financial results and as such will be discussed throughout this MD&A.

Corby Continues its Exclusive Canadian Representation of the Iconic ABSOLUT Vodka Brand
On September 30, 2013, Corby paid $10.3 million to continue its exclusive rights to represent the ABSOLUT vodka brand in Canada for an eight-year period ending September 29, 2021. The previous representation period expired September 29, 2013. The terms of this agreement are further described in the "Related Party Transactions" section of this MD&A. The transaction was accounted for as an increase in Intangible Assets and the purchase price is being amortized, straight-line, over the eight-year term of the agreement. Amortization expense is recorded net of commission revenues. The payment was funded from the Company's deposits in cash management pools.

Three-Year Review of Selected Financial Information

The following table provides a summary of certain selected consolidated financial information for the Company. This information has been prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The past three years have seen significant changes for Corby. The overall Canadian spirits market has experienced an essentially flat three year compound annual growth rate on retail volume. During this time that the Canadian market in general has been soft, Corby has taken actions to streamline its Canadian business allowing greater focus on its key brands, while preparing for growth via its flagship J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky brand in international markets such as the US.

Key actions taken in each of the past three fiscal years:

In 2013, Corby forged a new five-year strategic distribution agreement with its affiliate, Pernod Ricard USA, LLC ("PR USA") allowing the Company to access an extensive national distribution network in addition to the benefits of being complimented by PR USA's premium brand portfolio. The Corby Board of Directors also revised the Company's dividend policy which has since resulted in a steady increase to the regular quarterly dividend rate.

In 2014, the Company changed its name from Corby Distilleries Limited to Corby Spirit and Wine Limited to better reflect its strong focus on product, service and marketing. With the new name and clear focus, Corby leveraged its strategic relationship with PR USA and launched J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced Canadian whisky in the US market. These two new brand extensions were based on Corby's highly successful Canadian flagship brand Wiser's Canadian whisky. The launch is mostly responsible for the top line revenue growth experienced in 2014 versus 2013 given the significant distribution fill required. While revenue grew, the advertising and promotional investment required to support the launch was substantial and as such reduced earnings levels when compared with 2013. In an effort to mitigate the earnings impact and ensure its cost base was appropriate for difficult market conditions in Canada, Corby underwent a cost reduction programme which resulted in severance and termination payments to certain employees. As well, the Company made amendments to certain of the Company's employee benefit pension plans which reduced early retirement provisions and included an increase in employee contribution levels.

In 2015, Corby continued its commitment to penetrating the US market with a full year of investment behind the J.P. Wiser's brands even as topline volumes were impacted by the 2014 inventory pipe-line build-up.  Expansion of J.P. Wiser's into additional international markets was initiated with shipments in the fourth quarter to Australia.  Corby paid a special dividend of $0.62 per share in January 2015.  The Corby Board of Directors again revised the Company's dividend policy, contributing to the steady increase in the regular quarterly dividend rate (growing from $0.59 per share in 2012 to $0.75 per share in 2015, a compound annual growth rate of over 8%).

Brand Performance Review

Corby's portfolio of owned-brands accounts for more than 80% of the Company's total annual revenue. Included in this portfolio are its key brands: J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky, Lamb's rum, Polar Ice vodka and Corby's mixable liqueur brands. The sales performance of these key brands significantly impacts Corby's net earnings. Therefore, understanding each key brand is essential to understanding the Company's overall performance.

Shipment Volume and Shipment Value Performance

The following chart summarizes the performance of Corby's owned-brands (i.e., Case Goods) in terms of both shipment volume (as measured by shipments to customers in equivalent nine-litre cases) and shipment value (as measured by the change in net sales revenue). The chart includes results for sales in both Canada and international markets. Specifically, the J.P. Wiser's, Lamb's and Polar Ice brands are also sold to international markets, particularly in the US and UK.

Overall, volume and shipment value for Corby owned-brands is lower on a year over year comparative basis. However, trends in Corby's domestic market differ significantly from international markets as highlighted in the following chart:

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, Corby's domestic shipment value declined 3% on a year over year comparative basis largely attributable to the phasing of shipments to the Atlantic provinces, impacting Lamb's Rum in particular.    Given this cyclical shipment impact, we consider the trend for 12 months to be more reflective of the underlying trend of our domestic business.

For the year ended June 30, 2015, Corby's domestic shipment volume declined 1% while shipment value was essentially flat.  Shipment value performed ahead of volume as a result of our premiumization strategy, price increases and effective management of promotional programming.  A more in-depth discussion of Corby's key brands in the Canadian market is provided in the "Summary of Corby's Key Brands" section of this MD&A.

In international markets, lower shipments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 are largely attributable to Lamb's rum in the UK market due to a shift in production timing at our third-party bottling facility.  As noted last quarter, this shift effectively moved volumes which occurred in the fourth quarter last year into the third quarter this year. 

For the year ended June 30, 2015, lower shipments in international markets reflect J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky lapping a one-time inventory pipe-line build-up in 2014 for the national launch of J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced whisky in the US that was not repeated in the current year.  The three tier distribution system in the US requires us to fill the inventory pipeline well before any retail promotions which did not commence until quarter three of the last fiscal year.    

Our entry into the US market has been successful from the perspective of the number of distribution points gained.  We've adjusted our strategy to provide increased focus on a smaller number of markets where the portfolio has performed well and the greatest opportunities exist.  Our focus shifted from distribution gains to retail velocity driving activities. As a result, we have not refilled the initial inventory pipeline to non-priority markets. 

Retail Volume and Retail Value Performance

It is of critical importance to understand the performance of Corby's brands at the retail level in Canada. Analysis of performance at the retail level provides insight with regards to consumers' current purchase patterns and trends. Retail sales data, as provided by the ACD, is set out in the following chart and is discussed throughout this MD&A.

It should be noted that the retail sales information presented does not include international retail sales of Corby-owned brands.  While Corby's focus on the US business is increasing, retail sales data in the US is prepared using limited sampling techniques, which does not provide meaningful trend analysis on a brand that has not yet reached sufficient scale to make such disclosure meaningful.  Corby will provide such data as and when it is considered to offer meaningful analysis of brand performance.

The Canadian spirits industry has maintained modest growth posting 1% retail sales volume growth and 3% retail sales value growth for both the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2015.  These trends are supported by double digit retail sales value growth in the Bourbon and Irish whiskey categories.

As illustrated in the above chart, Corby's portfolio of owned brands underperformed the spirits industry for the three and twelve months ending June 30, 2015. The following brand discussion provides a more detailed discussion of how each of Corby's key brands performed relative to its respective industry category.

Summary of Corby's Key Brands

J.P. Wiser's Canadian Whisky
Corby's flagship brand, J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky, delivered topline growth marginally ahead of the Canadian whisky category for the year ended June 30, 2015. For the year, J.P. Wiser's and the Canadian whisky category grew retail volume 1% and retail value 2% on a year over year comparison basis. 

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky retail value was essentially flat on a year-over-year comparison basis. The Canadian whisky category grew 2% in retail value, when compared to the same three month period last year driven by aggressive competitor activity at retail.

Corby continued its strong investment behind the brand, with the new Wiserfund campaign launched in October 2014.  A new J.P. Wiser's Spiced extension, Torched Toffee delivered more than 2,000 incremental 9L cases in Retail Volume as a limited time offering in the second quarter of 2015.  New packaging highlighting more premium and quality cues were rolled out to the Canadian market during the first half of fiscal 2015. 

In July 2015, Corby began shipping two innovative new variants of the J.P. Wiser's family across Canada.  The first J.P. Wiser's Hopped combines the best elements of brewing and distilling for a full flavoured whisky delivering the unique characteristics of hops with rich notes of roasted malt and the spice of J.P. Wiser's Rye.  The second, J.P. Wiser's Double Still Rye is a blend of two exceptional ryes – one distilled from a copper pot, the other crafted in a copper column still. 

Lamb's Rum
Lamb's rum, one of the top-selling rum families in Canada, was significantly impacted by consumer trends, particularly in respect of the dark and white rum segments which both declined 3% and 4% respectively in retail volumes when compared to the same twelve month period last year

For both the three-month period and year ended June 30, 2015, Lamb's declined 5% in retail volume and a 4% decline in retail value when compared to same periods last year, reflective of the overall decline in the dark and white rum categories. Corby's Lamb's rum product line is heavily weighted in the dark and white segments.  Our strategy is to defend our regional strongholds and to strongly promote the entire range.

Polar Ice Vodka
Polar Ice vodka is among the top three largest vodka brands in Canada. Retail volume was essentially flat and retail value increased 2% when compared to the same twelve month period last year. Positive market share gains in Ontario and Quebec have been impacted by aggressive competitor activity in Western Canada. Overall these trends are comparable with the performance of the vodka category in Canada which grew retail volumes 1% and grew retail value 2% when compared to the same twelve month period last year. Advertising and promotion investment included a digital / social media platform to drive support for the regional successful introduction of a Polar Ice 90° North premium innovation which has delivered 6,500 9L cases of retail volume for the year.

Polar Ice vodka retail volume and retail value grew 4% for the three month period ended June 30, 2015 with strong performance across Ontario and Quebec.  Strong investment for retail activation in Western Canada also supported topline growth. 

Mixable Liqueurs
Corby's portfolio of mixable liqueur brands consists of McGuinness liqueurs (which is Canada's largest mixable liqueur brand family) and Meaghers liqueurs. Retail volume and retail value for Corby's mixable liqueurs portfolio lagged category trends with retail volume declining 3% and retail value declining 2% for both the three month and year ended June 30, 2015.  The Liqueurs category, which is growing at 2% in retail value, is being driven by new innovations and cream based offerings with which McGuinness does not directly compete.

Our current strategy is to use alternative branded offerings such as Criollo® rather than McGuinness to benefit from these trends. For McGuinness and Meaghers, our focus is on strong programing in the retail environment and ensuring that our flavour offering is aligned to consumer trends. 

During the first half of fiscal 2015 the Company effectively completed the process of moving mixable liqueur production to the Corby managed HWSL production facility from the bottling facility of a third party in Montreal, Quebec.

Other Corby-Owned Brands
Innovation remains an important pillar for delivering new profit and growth opportunities to the Corby domestic business. Recent premium offerings in Canadian whisky such as Pike Creek® and Lot No. 40® collectively grew retail volume 52% and retail value 38% compared to the same twelve month period last year.

Criollo® Chocolate Sea Salted Caramel and Criollo® Chocolate Raspberry Truffle marked their one year anniversary in the Canadian market in September 2014 and continued to be well received by key customers and consumers with retail volume growth of 21% and retail value growth of 33% for the year ended June 30, 2015.

Royal Reserve® Canadian whisky retail volume declined -5% and retail value declined -4% for the year ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the same period last year. Our response to the declines has been to improve the retail support of the brand in its regional strongholds.

Financial and Operating Results

The following table presents a summary of certain selected consolidated financial information of the Company for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

Overall Financial Results

For the year, net earnings decreased $4.6 million or 18% when compared to the same twelve month period last year.  The decline is largely attributable to lapping the J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced whisky launch in the US in the comparative period.  In addition to the non-repeat of inventory pipe-line build-up for the US launch, advertising and promotional investment for these brands has now ramped up to drive awareness and trial. 

Reduced Commission income is attributable to discontinued representation of certain Agency brands in December 2013.  The non-repeat of one-time, non-cash savings related to amendments to the Company's employee defined benefit pension plans in the prior year was offset by lower severance and termination payments related to cost reduction programs.

Revenue

The following highlights the key components of the Company's revenue streams:

Case goods revenue declined $4.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2015 when compared to the same period last year.  The decline is attributable to the impact of the J.P. Wiser's inventory pipe-line build-up in the US in the prior year.

Commissions decreased $0.3 million or 2% when compared with last year. The reduction was primarily due to the impact of the discontinuation of certain agency brands ($0.6 million) as of December 2013 which were included in the previous year's results until such discontinuation. Referenced earlier in the Significant Events section of this MD&A, Corby entered into an agreement on September 30, 2013 for continued exclusive Canadian representation of the iconic ABSOLUT vodka brand. The growth in Pernod Ricard brands, and particularly ABSOLUT vodka, more than offset the increase in amortization for the year ended June 30, 2015.

Other services represents ancillary revenue incidental to Corby's core business activities such as logistical fees.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales was $49.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2015, essentially flat when compared to the same period last year. Gross margin on case goods for the year was a creditable 58%, reduced from 59% for the prior year, and reflects the lower mix of (superior margin) case good sales to the US market due to the inventory pipe-line build-up in the prior year that was not repeated in the current year (note: commissions are not included in this calculation).

Marketing, sales and administration

Marketing, sales and administration expenses increased 1% for the year ended June 30, 2015. Corby has now ramped up investment behind the J.P. Wiser's brands in the US market through increased advertising and promotional spend. Examples of A&P investment include sponsorship of ESPN fantasy football and trips to the Super Bowl to support in-store programs.  The non-repeat of the one-time non-cash saving noted in the above paragraph, was offset by lower severance and termination payments related to cost reduction programs.  Recurring administrative costs remain relatively consistent with the prior year reflecting our focus on introducing new systems and ways of working that create the capacity to take on additional income flows.

Other income and expenses

Other income and expenses include such items as realized foreign exchange gains and losses, and gains on sale of property and equipment. The balance was most significantly impacted by foreign exchange losses due to the weakening Canadian dollar compared to the prior year.

Net financial income

Net financial income is comprised of interest earned on deposits in cash management pools, offset by interest costs associated with the Company's pension and post-retirement benefit plans. This balance is relatively consistent with the prior year.

Income taxes

A reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the statutory rates for each period is presented below.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Corby's sources of liquidity are its deposits in cash management pools of $94.1 million as at June 30, 2015, and its cash generated from operating activities. Corby's total contractual maturities are represented by its accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which totalled $25.5 million as at June 30, 2015, and are all due to be paid within one year. The Company does not have any liabilities under short- or long-term debt facilities.

The Company believes that its deposits in cash management pools, combined with its historically strong operational cash flows, provide for sufficient liquidity to fund its operations, investing activities and commitments for the foreseeable future. The Company's cash flows from operations are subject to fluctuation due to commodity, foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Please refer to the "Risks and Risk Management" section of this MD&A for further information.

Cash Flows

Operating activities

For the 2015 year, net cash from operating activities was $27.1 million, a reduction of $4.3 million compared to last year reflecting lower net earnings, slightly offset by lower tax payments. 

Investing activities

Cash inflows for investing activities was $11.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2015, compared to a use of cash of $11.8 million last year.

The prior year period included a payment of $10.3 million to PR for the exclusive right to represent the ABSOLUT vodka brand in Canada for an additional eight year term, as discussed in the "Related Party Transaction" section of this MD&A. The payment was made on September 30, 2013 and was funded through withdrawals from cash management pools.

Investing activities also reflect funds deposited in cash management pools. Cash management pools represent cash on deposit with Citibank NA via Corby's Mirror Netting Service Agreement with PR. Corby has daily access to these funds and earns a market rate of interest from PR on its deposits. Changes in cash management pools reflect amounts either deposited in or withdrawn from these bank accounts and are simply a function of Corby's cash requirements during the period of time being reported on. For more information related to these deposits, please refer to the "Related Party Transactions" section of this MD&A.

Financing activities

Cash used for financing activities was $38.4 million this year, an increase of $18.8 million over last year, and reflects dividend payments paid to shareholders including a special dividend of $17.7 million. There was no special dividend paid in the prior year.

On November 5, 2014 the Company announced that it had amended its dividend policy, whereby the annual amount of dividend will now be based on the greater of 85% of net earnings per share in the preceding fiscal year ended June 30 and $0.60 per share, subject to business conditions and opportunities and appropriate adjustment for extraordinary events. Prior to this announcement the annual amount of dividends was based on the greater of 75% of net earnings per share in the preceding fiscal year ended June 30 and $0.60 per share.

The following table summarizes dividends paid and payable by the Company over the last two fiscal years:

Outstanding Share Data

As at August 26, 2015, Corby had 24,274,320 Voting Class A Common Shares and 4,194,536 Non-Voting Class B Common Shares outstanding. The Company does not have a stock option plan, and therefore, there are no options outstanding.

Contractual Obligations

The following table presents a summary of the maturity periods of the Company's contractual obligations as at June 30, 2015:

Related Party Transactions

Transactions with parent, ultimate parent, and affiliates

Corby engages in a significant number of transactions with its parent company, its ultimate parent and various affiliates. Specifically, Corby renders services to its parent company, its ultimate parent, and affiliates for the marketing and sale of beverage alcohol products in Canada. Furthermore, Corby outsources the large majority of its distilling, maturing, storing, blending, bottling and related production activities to its parent company. A significant portion of Corby's bookkeeping, recordkeeping services, data processing and other administrative services are also outsourced to its parent company. Transactions with the parent company, ultimate parent and affiliates are subject to Corby's related party transaction policy, which requires such transactions to undergo an extensive review and receive approval from an Independent Committee of the Board of Directors.

The companies operate under the terms of agreements that became effective on September 29, 2006. These agreements provide the Company with the exclusive right to represent PR's brands in the Canadian market for fifteen years, as well as providing for the continuing production of certain Corby brands by PR at its production facility in Windsor, Ontario, for ten years. Corby also manages PR's business interests in Canada, including the Windsor production facility. Certain officers of Corby have been appointed as directors and officers of PR's Canadian entities, as approved by Corby's Board of Directors. On August 26, 2015, Corby entered into an agreement with PR and certain affiliates amending the September 29, 2006 Canadian representation agreements, whereby Corby would provide more specialized marketing, advertising and promotion services for the PR and affiliate brands under the applicable agreements in exchange for an increase to the rate of commission payable by such entities.

In addition to the aforementioned agreements, Corby signed an agreement on September 26, 2008, with its ultimate parent to be the exclusive Canadian representative for the ABSOLUT vodka and Plymouth gin brands, for a five-year term which expired October 1, 2013 and was extended as noted below. These brands were acquired by PR subsequent to the original representation rights agreement dated September 29, 2006. Corby also agreed to continue with the mirror netting arrangement with PR and its affiliates, under which Corby's excess cash will continue to be deposited to cash management pools. The mirror netting arrangement with PR and its affiliates is further described below.

Further, on November 9, 2011, Corby entered into an agreement with a PR affiliate for a new term for Corby's exclusive right to represent ABSOLUT vodka in Canada from September 30, 2013 to September 29, 2021, which is consistent with the term of Corby's Canadian representation of the other PR brands in Corby's portfolio. On September 30, 2013, Corby paid the present value of $10 million, or $10.3 million, for the additional eight years of the new term pursuant to an agreement entered into between Corby and The Absolut Company Aktiebolag, an affiliate of PR and owner of the Absolut brand, to satisfy the parties' obligations under the 2011 agreement. Since the agreement is a related party transaction, the agreement was approved by the Independent Committee of the Corby Board of Directors, in accordance with Corby's related party transaction policy, following an extensive review and with external financial and legal advice.

On July 1, 2012, the Company entered into a five year agreement with PR USA, an affiliated company, which provides PR USA the exclusive right to represent J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky and Polar Ice vodka in the US. The agreement provides these key brands with access to PR USA's extensive national distribution network throughout the US and complements PR USA's premium brand portfolio. The agreement is effective for a five year period ending June 30, 2017. The agreement with PR USA is a related party transaction between Corby and PR USA, as such; the agreement was approved by the Independent Committee of the Board of Directors of Corby following an extensive review, in accordance with Corby's related party transaction policy.

Deposits in cash management pools

Corby participates in a cash pooling arrangement under a Mirror Netting Service Agreement, together with PR's other Canadian affiliates, the terms of which are administered by Citibank N.A. effective July 17, 2014. The Mirror Netting Service Agreement acts to aggregate each participant's net cash balance for purposes of having a centralized cash management function for all of PR's Canadian affiliates, including Corby. As a result of Corby's participation in this agreement, Corby's credit risk associated with its deposits in cash management pools is contingent upon PR's credit rating. PR's credit rating as at August 26, 2015, as published by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, was BBB- and Baa3, respectively. PR compensates Corby for the benefit it receives from having the Company participate in the Mirror Netting Service Agreement by paying interest to Corby based upon the 30-day Canadian Dealer Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 0.40%. Corby accesses these funds on a daily basis and has the contractual right to withdraw these funds or terminate these cash management arrangements upon providing five days' written notice.

Results of Operations – Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

The following table presents a summary of certain selected consolidated financial information for the Company for the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:

Revenue

The following table highlights the various components of the Company's revenue streams for the quarter:

Total revenue declined $0.9 million on a quarter over quarter comparison basis. Case Goods revenue decreased $1.1 million during the quarter largely attributable to the phasing of shipments for Lamb's Rum.  In Canada, shipment phasing to the Atlantic provinces, impacted Lamb's Rum in particular.  Further, Lamb's Rum was impacted in the UK market due to a shift in production timing at our third-party bottling facility.  As noted last quarter, this shift effectively moved volumes which occurred in fourth quarter last year into third quarter this year.  Commissions increased $0.3 million or 8%, on a quarter-over-quarter comparative basis driven by the Pernod Ricard portfolio of brands.

Cost of Sales

Cost of goods sold was $11.7 million, $0.9 million or 9% higher than the same period last year. Gross margin on case goods was 59% this quarter compared to 63% for the same quarter last year (note: commissions are not included in this calculation). The decrease in gross margin reflects a one-time adjustment for a change in estimated third party contract bottling rates recorded in the prior year quarter. If this adjustment is removed from the prior year gross margin calculation, gross margin would be comparable year-over-year at 60%.

Marketing, sales and administration

Marketing, sales and administration expenses decreased $2.4 million, or 18% over the same quarter last year. This includes the non-repeat of charges for severance and termination payments as a result of the Company's cost reduction programme recognized in the fourth quarter last year.  As well, advertising and promotion expense for J.P. Wiser's in the US was lower as we cycled against initial brand building investment in the same quarter last year.

Net earnings and earnings per share

Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $7.3 million, or $0.26 per share, which is an increase of $0.4 million over the same quarter last year. As discussed previously lower gross margins were more than offset by lower advertising and promotional spend and the non-repeat of the aforementioned severance charges.

Selected Quarterly Information

Summary of Quarterly Financial Results

The above chart demonstrates the seasonality of Corby's business, as sales are typically strong in the first and second quarters, while third-quarter sales (January, February and March) usually decline after the end of the retail holiday season. Fourth quarter sales typically increase again with the onset of warmer weather, as consumers tend to increase their purchasing levels during the summer season. The overall decline experienced in 2015 compared to 2014 is largely attributable to lapping the J.P. Wiser's Rye and J.P. Wiser's Spiced whisky launch in the US in 2014.  In addition to the non-repeat of inventory pipe-line build-up for the US launch, advertising and promotional investment for these brands ramped up in 2015 to drive awareness and trial. 

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, which require management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures as at the date of the consolidated financial statements. The Company bases its estimates, judgments and assumptions on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be important at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. The Company reviews its accounting policies and how they are applied on a regular basis. While the Company believes that the historical experience, current trends and other factors considered support the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, actual results could differ from its estimates and such differences could be material.

The Company's significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. The following accounting policies incorporate a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity and, accordingly, are considered to be critical accounting policies.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company records as goodwill the excess amount of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the underlying net assets, including intangible assets, at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangible assets represent the value of trademarks and licences acquired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets account for $15.1 million of the Company's total assets. These balances are evaluated annually for impairment. The process of evaluating these items for impairment involves the determination of fair value. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates including, but not limited to, projected future sales, earnings and capital investment; discount rates; and terminal growth rates. These judgments and estimates may change in the future due to uncertain competitive, market and general economic conditions, or as a result of changes in the business strategies and outlook of the Company.

An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the goodwill or trademarks and licences exceeds the implied fair value. Any impairment would result in a reduction in the carrying value of these items on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and the recognition of a non-cash impairment charge in net earnings. Based on analyses performed, the Company has not identified any impairment.

Employee Future Benefits

The cost and accrued benefit plan obligations of the Company's defined benefit pension plans and its other post-retirement benefit plan are accrued based on actuarial valuations that are dependent upon assumptions determined by management. These assumptions include the discount rate, the rate of compensation increases, retirement ages, mortality rates and the expected inflation rate of health care costs. These assumptions are reviewed annually by the Company's management and its actuary. These assumptions may change in the future and may have a material impact on the accrued benefit obligations of the Company and the cost of these plans, which is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of earnings. In addition, the actual rate of return on plan assets and changes in interest rates could result in changes in the Company's funding requirements for its defined benefit pension plans. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for detailed information regarding the major assumptions utilized.

Income and Other Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method of accounting. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the carrying amounts of balance sheet items and their corresponding tax values. The determination of the income tax provision requires management to interpret regulatory requirements and to make certain judgments. While income, capital and commodity tax filings are subject to audits and reassessments, management believes that adequate provisions have been made for all income and other tax obligations. However, changes in the interpretations or judgments may result in an increase or decrease in the Company's income, capital or commodity tax provisions in the future. The amount of any such increase or decrease cannot be reasonably estimated.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New accounting standards

The following new and revised standards and interpretations were effective for Corby on July 1, 2014:

(i)             Financial Instruments – Asset and Liability Offsetting

The IASB has issued amendments to IAS 32, "Financial Instruments: Presentation" ("IAS 32"), which provide further guidance on the requirements for offsetting of financial instruments. The amendments to IAS 32 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this amendment was effective July 1, 2014. The implementation of IAS 32 amendments resulted in a reclassification of assets and liabilities related to other taxes to accounts receivable and accounts payable balances. The implementation of these amendments had the following impacts as at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013:

The implementation of these amendments did not impact equity, net earnings or cash flows in the current and comparative periods.

(ii)            Levies

The IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") of the IASB has issued a new interpretation, "Levies" ("IFRIC 21"), which addresses the accounting for a liability to pay a levy to a government. IFRIC 21 applies to levy liabilities within the scope of IAS 37, "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets", and to levy liabilities when the timing and amount is certain. IFRIC 21 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this interpretation was effective July 1, 2014. The implementation of IFRIC 21 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial position.

Recent accounting pronouncements

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective for the financial year ending June 30, 2015, and accordingly, have not been applied in preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial statements:

(i)             Revenue

In May 2014, the IASB released IFRS 15, "Revenue from contracts with customers" ("IFRS 15"), which supersedes IAS 11, "Construction Contracts", IAS 18, "Revenues", IFRIC 13, "Customer Loyalty Programmes", IFRIC 15, "Agreement for the Construction of Real Estate", IFRIC 18, "Transfers of Assets from Customers" and SIC-31, "Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services". The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. IFRS 15 will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. IFRS 15 will be effective for Corby's fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2018, with earlier application permitted. The Company has not yet assessed the impact of the adoption of this standard on its financial statements and disclosures.

(ii)            Financial Instruments

The IASB has issued a new standard, IFRS 9, "Financial Instruments" ("IFRS 9"), which will ultimately replace IAS 39, "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" ("IAS 39"). The replacement of IAS 39 is a multi-phase project with the objective of improving and simplifying the reporting for financial instruments and the issuance of IFRS 9 is part of the first phase of this project. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset or liability is measured at amortized cost or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. For financial assets, the approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. IFRS 9 requires a single impairment method to be used, replacing multiple impairment methods in IAS 39. For financial liabilities measured at fair value, fair value changes due to changes in an entity's credit risk are presented in other comprehensive income. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this standard will become effective July 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and disclosures.

(iii)           Disclosure initiative

In December 2014, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative Amendments to IAS 1 as part of the IASB's Disclosure Initiative. These amendments encourage entities to apply professional judgement regarding disclosure and presentation in their financial statements. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Earlier application is permitted. For Corby, these amendments will become effective July 1, 2016. The Company is assessing the potential impact of these amendments.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that has been designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its public filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods and includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that all relevant information is accumulated and communicated to senior management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO ") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in National Instrument 52-109) as at June 30, 2015, and has concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective based upon such evaluation.

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that all material information relating to the Company is gathered and reported to senior management on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure.

In addition, the CEO and CFO have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be designed effectively can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial reporting and financial statement preparation.

Management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting as at June 30, 2015, and has concluded that internal control over financial reporting is designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Management's assessment was based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the Company's most recent interim period that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. 

Risks & Risk Management

The Company is exposed to a number of risks in the normal course of its business that have the potential to affect its operating and financial performance.

Industry and Regulatory
The beverage alcohol industry in Canada is subject to government policy, extensive regulatory requirements and significant rates of taxation at both the federal and provincial levels. As a result, changes in the government policy, regulatory and/or taxation environments within the beverage alcohol industry may affect Corby's business operations, causing changes in market dynamics or changes in consumer consumption patterns. In addition, the Company's provincial LB customers have the ability to mandate changes that can lead to increased costs, as well as other factors that may impact financial results. As the Company becomes more reliant on international product sales in the US, UK and other countries exposure to changes in the laws and regulations in those countries could also adversely affect the operations, financial performance or reputation of the Company.

The Company continuously monitors the potential risk associated with any proposed changes to its government policy, regulatory and taxation environments and, as an industry leader, actively participates in trade association discussions relating to new developments.

Consumer Consumption Patterns
Beverage alcohol companies are susceptible to risks relating to changes in consumer consumption patterns. Consumer consumption patterns are affected by many external influences, not the least of which is economic outlook and overall consumer confidence in the stability of the economy as a whole. Corby offers a diverse portfolio of products across all major spirits categories and at various price points.  Corby continues to identify and offer new innovations in order to address consumer desires.

Distribution/Supply Chain Interruption
The Company is susceptible to risks relating to distributor and supply chain interruptions. Distribution in Canada is largely accomplished through the government-owned provincial LBs and, therefore, an interruption (e.g., a labour strike) for any length of time may have a significant impact on the Company's ability to sell its products in a particular province and/or market. International sales are subject to the variations in distribution systems within each country where the products are sold.   

Supply chain interruptions, including a manufacturing or inventory disruption, could impact product quality and availability. The Company adheres to a comprehensive suite of quality programmes and proactively manages production and supply chains to mitigate any potential risk to consumer safety or Corby's reputation and profitability.

Environmental Compliance
Environmental liabilities may potentially arise when companies are in the business of manufacturing products and, thus, required to handle potentially hazardous materials. As Corby outsources its production, including all of its storage and handling of maturing alcohol, the risk of environmental liabilities is considered minimal. Corby currently has no significant recorded or unrecorded environmental liabilities.

Industry Consolidation
In recent years, the global beverage alcohol industry has continued to experience consolidation. Industry consolidation can have varying degrees of impact and, in some cases, may even create exceptional opportunities. Either way, management believes that the Company is well positioned to deal with this or other changes to the competitive landscape in Canada and other markets in which it carries on business.

Competition
The Canadian and international beverage alcohol industry is extremely competitive. Competitors may take actions to establish and sustain a competitive advantage through advertising and promotion and pricing strategies in an effort to maintain market share. Corby constantly monitors the market and adjusts its own strategies as appropriate. Competitors may also affect Corby's ability to attract and retain high-quality employees. The Company's long heritage attests to Corby's strong foundation and successful execution of its strategies. Its role as a leading Canadian beverage alcohol company helps facilitate recruitment efforts.

Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from deposits in cash management pools held with PR via Corby's participation in the Mirror Netting Service Agreement (as previously described in the "Related Party Transactions" section of this MD&A), as well as credit exposure to customers, including outstanding accounts receivable. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the Company's financial assets. The objective of managing counter-party credit risk is to prevent losses in financial assets. The Company assesses the credit quality of its counter-parties, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. As the large majority of Corby's accounts receivable balances are collectable from government-controlled LBs, management believes the Company's credit risk relating to accounts receivable is at an acceptably low level.

Exposure to Interest Rate Fluctuations
The Company does not have any short- or long-term debt facilities. Interest rate risk exists, as Corby earns market rates of interest on its deposits in cash management pools. An active risk management programme does not exist, as management believes that changes in interest rates would not have a material impact on Corby's financial position over the long term.

Exposure to Commodity Price Fluctuations
Commodity risk exists, as the manufacture of Corby's products requires the procurement of several known commodities, such as grains, sugar and natural gas. The Company strives to partially mitigate this risk through the use of longer-term procurement contracts where possible. In addition, subject to competitive conditions, the Company may pass on commodity price changes to consumers through pricing over the long term.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company has exposure to foreign currency risk, as it conducts business in multiple foreign currencies; however, its exposure is primarily limited to the US dollar ("USD") and UK pound sterling ("GBP"). Corby does not utilize derivative instruments to manage this risk. Subject to competitive conditions, changes in foreign currency rates may be passed on to consumers through pricing over the long term.

USD Exposure
The Company's demand for USD has traditionally outpaced its supply, due to USD sourcing of production inputs exceeding that of the Company's USD sales. Therefore, decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar ("CAD") relative to the USD will have an unfavourable impact on the Company's earnings.

GBP Exposure
The Company's exposure to fluctuations in the value of the GBP relative to the CAD was reduced as both sales and cost of production are denominated in GBP. While Corby's exposure has been minimized, increases in the value of the CAD relative to the GBP will have an unfavourable impact on the Company's earnings.

Third-Party Service Providers
HWSL, which Corby manages on behalf of PR, provides more than 90% of the Company's production requirements, among other services including administration and information technology. However, the Company is reliant upon certain third-party service providers in respect of certain of its operations. It is possible that negative events affecting these third-party service providers could, in turn, negatively impact the Company. While the Company has no direct control over how such third parties are managed, it has entered into contractual arrangements to formalize these relationships. In order to minimize operating risks, the Company actively monitors and manages its relationships with its third-party service providers.

Brand Reputation and Trademark Protection
The Company promotes nationally branded, non-proprietary products as well as proprietary products. Damage to the reputation of any of these brands, or to the reputation of any supplier or manufacturer of these brands, could negatively impact consumer opinion of the Company or the related products, which could have an adverse impact on the financial performance of the Company. The Company strives to mitigate such risks by selecting only those products from suppliers that strategically complement Corby's existing brand portfolio and by actively monitoring brand advertising and promotion activities. The Company registers trademarks, as applicable, while constantly watching for and responding to competitive threats, as necessary.

Information Technology
The Company uses technology supplied by third parties, both related and non-related, to support operations and invests in information technology to improve route to market, reporting, analysis, and marketing initiatives.  Issues with availability, reliability and security of systems and technology could adversely impact the Company's ability to compete resulting in corruption or loss of data, regulatory related issues, litigation or brand reputation damage.  With the fast paced changing nature of the technology environment including digital marketing the Company works with our third parties to maintain policies, processes and procedures to help secure and protect these information systems as well as consumer, corporate and employee data. 

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets account for a significant amount of the Company's total assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are subject to impairment tests that involve the determination of fair value. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates including, but not limited to, projected future sales, earnings and capital investment; discount rates; and terminal growth rates. These judgments and estimates may change in the future due to uncertain competitive market and general economic conditions, or as the Company makes changes in its business strategies. Given the current state of the economy, certain of the aforementioned factors affecting the determination of fair value may be impacted and, as a result, the Company's financial results may be adversely affected.

The following table summarizes Corby's goodwill and intangible assets and details the amounts associated with each brand (or basket of brands) and market:

Therefore, economic factors (such as consumer consumption patterns) specific to these brands and markets are primary drivers of the risk associated with their respective goodwill and intangible assets valuations.

Employee Future Benefits
The Company has certain obligations under its registered and non-registered defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plan. There is no assurance that the Company's benefit plans will be able to earn the assumed rate of return. New regulations and market-driven changes may result in changes in the discount rates and other variables, which would result in the Company being required to make contributions in the future that differ significantly from estimates. An extended period of depressed capital markets and low interest rates could require the Company to make contributions to these plans in excess of those currently contemplated, which, in turn, could have an adverse impact on the financial performance of the Company. Somewhat mitigating the impact of a potential market decline is the fact that the Company monitors its pension plan assets closely and follows strict guidelines to ensure that pension fund investment portfolios are diversified in-line with industry best practices. For further details related to Corby's defined benefit pension plans, please refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)                                                                                                                   

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION                                 

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company") is a leading Canadian marketer of spirits and importer of wines. The Company derives its revenues from the sale of its owned-brands in Canada and other international markets, as well as earning commissions from the representation of selected non-owned brands in the Canadian marketplace. Revenues predominantly consist of sales made to each of the provincial liquor boards in Canada. The Company also supplements these primary sources of revenue with other ancillary activities incidental to its core business, such as logistics fees.

Corby is controlled by Hiram Walker & Sons Limited ("HWSL"), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, S.A. ("PR"), a French public limited company that controls 51.6% of the outstanding Voting Class A Common Shares of Corby as at June 30, 2015.

Corby is a public company incorporated and domiciled in Canada, whose shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's registered address is 225 King Street West, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2. 

Effective November 7, 2013, Corby changed its name and began operating as Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. Prior to this date, Corby operated as Corby Distilleries Limited. Reflecting the change, Corby began trading on the TSX under the symbols CSW.A and CSW.B.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

Statement of compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and using the accounting policies described herein. 

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Company's Board of Directors on August 26, 2015.

Functional and presentation currency
The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency.

Foreign currency translation
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate applying at the transaction date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized at the historical exchange rate applicable at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate applying at the balance sheet date.  Foreign currency differences related to operating activities are recognized in earnings from operations for the period; foreign currency differences related to financing activities are recognized within net financial income.

Basis of Measurement
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost model, except for certain categories of assets and liabilities, which are measured in accordance with other methods provided for by IFRS as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

Use of Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are made on the assumption the Company will continue as a going concern and are based on information available at the time of preparation. Estimates may be revised where the circumstance on which they were based change or where new information becomes available. Future outcomes can differ from these estimates.

Judgement is commonly used in determining whether a balance or transaction should be recognized in the consolidated financial statements and estimates and assumptions are more commonly used in determining the measurement of recognized transactions and balances. However, judgement and estimates are often interrelated.

The Company has applied judgement in determining the tax rates used for measuring deferred taxes and identifying the indicators of impairment for property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets. In the absence of standards or interpretations applicable to a specific transaction, management uses its judgement to define and apply accounting policies that provide relevant and reliable information in the context of the preparation of the financial statements.

Estimates are used when estimating the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets for the purpose of depreciation and amortization, when accounting for or measuring items such as allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable and inventory obsolescence, assumptions underlying the actuarial determination of provision for pensions, income and other taxes, provisions, certain fair value measures including those related to the valuation of share-based payments and financial instruments, and when testing goodwill, intangible assets and other assets for impairment. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

3. ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

The following new and revised standards and interpretations were effective for Corby on July 1, 2014:

(i)             Financial Instruments – Asset and Liability Offsetting

The IASB has issued amendments to IAS 32, "Financial Instruments: Presentation" ("IAS 32"), which provide further guidance on the requirements for offsetting of financial instruments. The amendments to IAS 32 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this amendment was effective July 1, 2014. The implementation of IAS 32 amendments resulted in a reclassification of assets and liabilities related to other taxes to accounts receivable and accounts payable balances. The implementation of these amendments had the following impacts as at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013:

 

The implementation of these amendments did not impact equity, net earnings or cash flows in the current and comparative periods.

(i)             Levies

The IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") of the IASB has issued a new interpretation, "Levies" ("IFRIC 21"), which addresses the accounting for a liability to  pay a levy to a government. IFRIC 21 applies to levy liabilities within the scope of IAS 37, "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets", and to levy liabilities when the timing and amount is certain. IFRIC 21 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this interpretation was effective July 1, 2014. The implementation of IFRIC 21 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial position.

Recent accounting pronouncements

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective for the financial year ending June 30, 2015, and accordingly, have not been applied in preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial statements:

(i)             Revenue

In May 2014, the IASB released IFRS 15, "Revenue from contracts with customers" ("IFRS 15"), which supersedes IAS 11, "Construction Contracts", IAS 18, "Revenues", IFRIC 13, "Customer Loyalty Programmes", IFRIC 15, "Agreement for the Construction of Real Estate", IFRIC 18, "Transfers of Assets from Customers" and SIC-31, "Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services". The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. IFRS 15 will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. IFRS 15 will be effective for Corby's fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2018, with earlier application permitted. The Company has not yet assessed the impact of the adoption of this standard on its financial statements and disclosures.

(ii)            Financial Instruments

The IASB has issued a new standard, IFRS 9, "Financial Instruments" ("IFRS 9"), which will ultimately replace IAS 39, "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" ("IAS 39"). The replacement of IAS 39 is a multi-phase project with the objective of improving and simplifying the reporting for financial instruments and the issuance of IFRS 9 is part of the first phase of this project. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset or liability is measured at amortized cost or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. For financial assets, the approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. IFRS 9 requires a single impairment method to be used, replacing multiple impairment methods in IAS 39. For financial liabilities measured at fair value, fair value changes due to changes in an entity's credit risk are presented in other comprehensive income.

This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively. For Corby, this standard will become effective July 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and disclosures.

(iii)           Disclosure initiative

In December 2014, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative Amendments to IAS 1 as part of the IASB's Disclosure Initiative. These amendments encourage entities to apply professional judgement regarding disclosure and presentation in their financial statements. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Earlier application is permitted. For Corby, these amendments will become effective July 1, 2016. The Company is assessing the potential impact of these amendments.

4. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all years presented in these consolidated financial statements. 

Basis of Consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Company's consolidated financial statement from the date that the control commences until the date that control ceases.

Intra-company balances and transactions and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intra-company transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Deposits in Cash Management Pools
Corby participates in a cash pooling arrangement under a Mirror Netting Services Agreement together with PR's other Canadian affiliates, the terms of which are administered by Citibank N.A. . The Mirror Netting Services Agreement acts to aggregate each participant's net cash balance for the purposes of having a centralized cash management function for all of PR's Canadian affiliates, including Corby.

Corby accesses these funds on a daily basis and has the contractual right to withdraw these funds or terminate these cash management arrangements upon providing five days' written notice.

Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost (acquisition cost and cost of production, including indirect production overheads) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the selling price less the estimated cost of completion and sale of the inventories. Most inventories are valued using the average cost method. The cost of long-cycle inventories is calculated using a single method which includes distilling and ageing maturing costs but excludes finance costs. These inventories are classified in current assets, although a substantial part remains in inventory for more than one year before being sold in order to undergo the ageing maturing process used for certain spirits.

Property and equipment
Property and equipment are recognized at acquisition cost and broken down by component. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Useful life and depreciation methods are reviewed at each reporting date. Items of property and equipment are written down when impaired.

The range of depreciable lives for the major categories of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Depreciation of property and equipment is recognized within earnings from operations. The Company commences recognition of depreciation in earnings when the item of property and equipment is ready for its intended use.

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment and are recognized net, within earnings from operations.

Fully-depreciated items of property and equipment that are still in use continue to be recognized in the cost and accumulated depreciation.

The cost of replacing part of an item of property and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of repairs and maintenance of property and equipment are recognized in earnings from operations as incurred.

Leases
The Company leases certain premises and equipment. Terms vary in length and typically permit renewal for additional periods. These leases are classified as operating leases under which minimum rent, including scheduled escalations, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.  All other leases are classified as operating leases. The Company currently has no finance leases.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising in a business combination is recognized as an asset at the date that control is acquired.  For acquisitions on or after July 1, 2010, goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired less the fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

As part of its transition to IFRS, the Company elected to apply IFRS 3 – Business Combinations ("IFRS 3"), only to those business combinations that occurred on or after July 1, 2010.  In respect of acquisitions prior to July 1, 2010, goodwill represents the amount recognized under previous Canadian GAAP.

Goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include the following:

(i)             Long-term Representation Rights
Long-term representation rights represent the cost of the Company's exclusive right to represent PR's brands in Canada. These representation rights are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided for on a straight-line basis, over the term of their respective agreements. Representation rights are scheduled to expire on September 30, 2021. Amortization is recognized as a reduction to commission revenue earned from the representation of PR brands.

(ii)            Trademarks and licences
Trademarks and licences represent the value of trademarks and licences of businesses acquired and are measured at cost on initial recognition. These intangible assets are deemed to have an indefinite life and are, therefore, not amortized. Trademarks and licences are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

(iii)           Non-refundable upfront fees
Non-refundable upfront fees are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided for on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated agreement and recognized within revenue.

Impairment

(i)             Financial Assets

A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have occurred that have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

Objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired includes, but is not limited to, default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an amount due to the Company on terms the Company would not consider otherwise, indicators the debtor will enter bankruptcy, or adverse changes in the status of the debtor's economic conditions.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. 

All impairment losses are recognized in net earnings. 

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost, the reversal is recognized in earnings.

(ii)          Non-financial assets

The carrying amount of the Company's non-financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indications exist, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.

Intangible assets and property and equipment are subject to impairment tests whenever there is an indication that the value of the asset has been impaired and at least once a year for non-current assets with indefinite useful lives (goodwill and trademarks and licences).

Assets subject to impairment tests are included in Cash-Generating Units ("CGUs"), corresponding to linked groups of assets, which generate identifiable cash flows. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are aggregated so that the level at which impairment testing is performed reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. When the recoverable amount of a CGU is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized within earnings from operations. The recoverable amount of the CGU is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a  discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. Projected cash flows are discounted to present based on annual budgets and multi-year strategies, extrapolated into subsequent years based on the medium and long-term trends for each market and brand. The calculation includes a terminal value derived by capitalizing the cash flows generated in the last forecasted year. Assumptions applied to sales and advertising spending are determined by management based on previous results and long-term development trends in the markets concerned. The present values of discounted cash flows are sensitive to these assumptions as well as to consumer trends and economic factors.

Fair value is based either on the sale price, net of selling costs, obtained under normal market conditions or earnings multiples observed in recent transactions concerning similar assets.

Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of earnings. Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. With respect to other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indicators that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the assets does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation and amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. 

Provisions
Provisions are recognized when there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and that obligation can be measured reliably. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risk specific to the liability. Provisions are reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted to reflect management's best current estimates. Due to the judgmental nature of these items, future settlements may differ from amounts recognized. Provisions notably include: provisions for employee benefits (Note 9) and provisions for uncertain tax positions (Note 10).

Employee Benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. The Company recognizes a liability and an expense for short-term benefits such as bonuses if the Company has a present legal obligation or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be reasonably estimated.

The Company maintains registered defined benefit pension plans under which benefits are available to certain employee groups. The Company makes supplementary retirement benefits available to certain employees under a non-registered defined benefit pension plan. The Company also provides a defined contribution plan.

(i)             Defined Benefit Plans

For defined benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method. The measurement is made at each balance sheet date and the personnel data concerning employees is revised at least every three years. Remeasurement, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), is reflected immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss. Past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset.

Defined benefit costs are categorized as follows:

• Service costs (including current service costs, past service cost and gains and losses on curtailments and settlements)
• Net interest expense or income
• Remeasurement

Service costs are presented in marketing, sales and administration in the consolidated statement of earnings. Curtailment gains and losses are accounted for as past service costs. Net interest cost is included in net financial income and expenses.

The provision for employee benefits recognized in the balance sheet represents the actual deficit or surplus in the Company's defined benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

(ii)            Defined contribution plans

Contributions are recognized as expenses when the employees have rendered services. As the Company is not committed beyond the amount of such contributions, no provision is recognized in respect of defined contribution plans.

(iii)           Termination benefits

A liability for a termination benefit is recognized at the earlier of when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of the termination benefit and when the entity recognizes any related restructuring costs.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred income tax. Income tax expense is recognized in net earnings except to the extent that it relates to items recognized either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in other comprehensive income or in equity, respectively.

Current income tax expense comprises the tax payable on the taxable income for the current financial year using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to income taxes payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the tax and book value of assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and is measured using the balance sheet approach. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and the Company intends to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable earnings will be available against which they can be utilized.  Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that all or part of the related tax benefit will be realized. 

In determining the amount of current and deferred tax the Company takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions and whether additional taxes and interest may be due. The Company believes that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on its assessment of many factors, including interpretations of tax law and prior experience. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of judgements about future events. New information may become available that causes the Company to change its judgement regarding the adequacy of existing tax liabilities; such changes to tax liabilities will impact tax expense in the period that such a determination is made.

Revenue Recognition 
Revenue is comprised of case good sales, commissions and revenues from ancillary activities and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or to be received, after deducting trade discounts, volume rebates and sales-related taxes and duties. Sales are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred, generally at the date of transfer of ownership title. 

(i)             Costs of services rendered in connection with sales

In accordance with IAS 18 – Revenue ("IAS 18"), certain costs of services rendered in connection with sales, such as advertising programmes in conjunction with distributors, listing costs for new products, and promotional activities at point of sale, are deducted directly from sales if there is no separately identifiable service whose fair value can be reliably measured.

(ii)            Commissions

When the Company acts in the capacity of an agent rather than as the principal in a transaction, the revenue recognized is the net amount of commissions earned by the Company. Commissions are reported net of amortization of long-term representation rights and non-refundable upfront fees. The long-term representation rights represent the Company's exclusive right to represent PR's brands in Canada and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of their respective agreements.

(iii)           Interest

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Primarily interest income is earned on deposits in cash management pools.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company utilizes a Restricted Share Units Plan as its long-term incentive plan. Through this plan, restricted share units ("RSUs") will be granted to certain officers and employees at a grant price equal to the market closing price of the Company's Voting Class A Common Shares on the last day prior to grant. RSUs vest at the end of a three-year term, subject to the achievement of pre-determined corporate performance targets. The related compensation expense is recognized over this period. 

Unvested RSUs will attract dividend-equivalent units whenever dividends are paid on the Voting Class A Common Shares of the Company and will be immediately reinvested into additional RSUs, which will vest and become payable at the end of the three-year vesting period, subject to the same performance conditions as the original RSU award. On the date of vesting, the holder will be entitled to the cash value of the number of RSUs granted, plus any RSUs received from reinvested dividend-equivalents. RSUs do not entitle participants to acquire any rights or entitlements as a shareholder of the Company.

Earnings per Common Share
The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") amounts for its common shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the net earnings attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the net income attributable to shareholders and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the effect of potentially dilutive shares. There are no potentially dilutive shares as at June 30, 2015.

Classification of Financial Instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments. Financial instruments are classified into one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments, loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets, or other financial liabilities. The classification determines the accounting treatment of the instrument. The classification is determined by the Company when the financial instrument is initially recorded, based on the underlying purpose of the instrument.

Corby's financial assets and liabilities are classified and measured as follows:

 

Financial instruments measured at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and then, subsequently, at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses, with gains and losses recognized in earnings in the period in which the gain or loss occurs.

All financial assets are recognized and derecognized on the trade date. A financial asset is derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expired or when the Company transferred the financial asset to another party without retaining control or substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Company is recognized as a separate asset or liability. 

A financial liability is derecognized when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.

Transaction costs are added to the initial fair value of financial assets and liabilities when those financial assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value subsequent to initial measurement. Transaction costs are amortized to net earnings, in finance expense, using the effective interest method.

Segmented Reporting
An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Company's other operations. Segment operating results are reviewed regularly by the Company's CEO to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

5.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Corby's financial instruments consist of its deposits in cash management pools, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances.

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to financial risks that have the potential to negatively impact its financial performance. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks, as management believes that the risks arising from the Company's financial instruments are already at an acceptably low level. These risks are discussed in more detail below.

Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from cash held with PR via Corby's participation in the Mirror Netting Services Agreement (further described in Note 26), as well as credit exposure to customers, including outstanding accounts receivable. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets.

The objective of managing counter-party credit risk is to prevent losses in financial assets.The Company assesses the credit quality of its counter-parties, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors.

Management believes that the Company's credit risk relating to accounts receivable is at an acceptably low level. Over 85% of Corby's trade receivable balances are collectable from government-controlled liquor boards. The remaining trade receivable balances relate to agency and sales generated from export sales. Receivables that are neither past due nor impaired are considered credit of high quality. At June 30, 2015 no trade receivable balances were considered impaired.

With respect to Corby's deposits in PR's cash management pools, the Company monitors PR's credit rating in the normal course of business and has the right to terminate its participation in the Mirror Netting Services Agreement at any time, subject to five days' written notice.

Liquidity Risk
Corby's sources of liquidity are its deposits in cash management pools of $94,100 and its cash generated by operating activities. Corby's total contractual maturities are represented by its accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances which totaled $25,540 as at June 30, 2015, and are all due to be paid within one year. The Company believes that its deposits in cash management pools, combined with its historically strong and consistent operational cash flows, are more than sufficient to fund its operations, investing activities and commitments for the foreseeable future.

Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company does not have any short- or long-term debt facilities. Interest rate risk exists as Corby earns market rates of interest on its deposits in cash management pools.

An active risk management program does not exist, as management believes that changes in interest rates would not have a material impact on Corby's financial position over the long-term.

Foreign Currency Risk
The Company has exposure to foreign currency risk as it conducts business in multiple foreign currencies; however, its exposure is primarily limited to the US dollar ("USD") and UK pound Sterling ("GBP"). Corby does not utilize derivative instruments to manage this risk. Subject to competitive conditions, changes in foreign currency rates may be passed on to consumers through pricing over the long-term.

USD Exposure
The Company's demand for USD has traditionally outpaced its supply, due to USD sourcing of production inputs exceeding that of the Company's USD sales. Therefore, decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar ("CAD") relative to the USD will have an unfavourable impact on the Company's earnings.

GBP Exposure
The Company's supply of GBP outpaces demand, as Corby's sales into the UK market are denominated in GBP, while having only certain production inputs denominated in GBP. Therefore, increases in the value of the CAD relative to the GBP will have an unfavourable impact on the Company's earnings.

Commodity Risk
Commodity risk exists, as the manufacture of Corby's products requires the procurement of several known commodities such as grains, sugar and natural gas. The Company strives to partially mitigate this risk through the use of longer-term procurement contracts where possible. In addition, subject to competitive conditions, the Company may pass on commodity price changes to consumers via pricing.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company uses a fair value hierarchy in order to classify the fair value measurements and disclosures related to the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities.

The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

• Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
• Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and
• Level 3 – Unobservable inputs such as inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The Company has no financial instruments carried at fair value on its balance sheet. For financial assets and liabilities that are valued at other than fair value on its balance sheets (i.e., deposits in cash management pools, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities), fair value approximates their carrying value at each balance sheet date due to their short-term maturities. Fair value is determined using Level 2 inputs.

6.  CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Company's objectives when managing capital are:

• To ensure sufficient capital exists to allow management the flexibility to execute its strategic plans; and
• To ensure shareholders receive a reasonable return on their investment in the form of quarterly dividends.

Management includes the following items in its definition of capital:

The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

The Company's dividend policy stipulates that, barring any unanticipated developments, regular dividends will be paid quarterly, on the basis of an annual amount equal to the greater of 85% of net earnings per share in the preceding fiscal year ended June 30, and $0.60 per share.

The Company is meeting all of its objectives and stated policies with respect to its management of capital.

7.  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

8.  INVENTORIES

 

The cost of inventory recognized as an expense and included in cost of goods sold during the year ended June 30, 2015 was $39,510 (2014 – $39,597). During the current and prior year, there were no significant write-downs of inventory as a result of net realizable value being lower than cost, and no inventory write-downs recognized in previous years were reversed.

9. PROVISION FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Company provides pension benefits to its employees through defined contribution pension plan and defined benefit pension plans. Employees hired after July 1, 2010 are no longer offered enrolment into the Company's defined benefit pension plans. Instead, the Company provides these employees a defined contribution pension plan. To become eligible to join the defined contribution pension plan, most employees must first accrue one year of service. For the year ended June 30, 2015, the Company recognized contributions of $305 as expense (2014 - $241) with respect to the defined contribution pension plan.

The Company has two defined benefit pension plans for executives and salaried employees (the "registered pension plans"), two supplementary executive retirement plans for retired and current senior executives of the Company (the "non-registered pension plans"), and a post-retirement benefit plan ("other benefit plan") covering retiree life insurance, health care and dental care. Benefits under these plans are based on years of service and compensation levels.

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company made plan design changes to certain of its defined benefit pension plans which increased required member contributions and reduced early retirement provisions for plan members. The provision for employee benefits reflects these plan design changes and also the adoption of the 2014 Canadian Pensioners Mortality tables which were issued by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. These changes resulted in a one-time plan amendment gain of $969 recorded in marketing, sales and administration expenses and a pre-tax gain of $2,847 recorded in other comprehensive income during the year ended June 30, 2014.

The registered pension plans are registered under the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) (the "Act") with regulatory oversight by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. The latest valuations completed for these plans are dated December 31, 2013. The next required valuations must be completed with an effective date no later than December 31, 2016. The Act requires funding valuations for the registered pension plans to be performed at least once every three years and plan deficits must be funded over a period of up to five years. The registered pension plans are funded through a combination of employee and employer contributions.

The Company is under no obligation to make any funding in respect to the benefits accruing under the non-registered pension plans. However, the Company has adopted a funding policy to make periodic contributions to the non-registered pension plans to provide security for the benefits accrued by the members. Such funding policy may be reviewed and amended at any time by the Company.

The post-retirement benefit plan is unfunded.

As at June 30, 2015, the average duration of the defined benefit obligation for the registered and non-registered pension plans and the post retirement benefit plan is 13.6 years.

Company contributions to the registered and non-registered pension plans are expected to be $2,406 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

The Company maintains a Canadian Pension Committee, which provides oversight of the Company's pension benefit policies, investment policies and plan administration. The Company uses the service of third parties to provide investment management services such as managing the pension plan assets in accordance with the established investment policies.

The Company is subject to certain risks as a result of the existence of its registered and non-registered pension plans and its post-retirement benefit plan. These risks include actuarial risks such as investment risk, interest rate risk as this impacts the discount rate, longevity risk and compensation risk.

The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated using a discount rate. If the return on plan assets is below this rate, a plan's surplus is reduced or a plan deficit occurs. The Company mitigates this investment risk by establishing an investment policy to be followed by the registered pension plans' investment managers and providing oversight to the Canadian Pension Committee. The Company's investment policy requires the registered pension plans' assets be invested in a diversified portfolio that does not concentrate investment in any one security or bond.

An increase in interest rates will increase the discount rate, which will subsequently decrease the present value of the defined benefit obligation. An increase in longevity and compensation will increase the present value of the defined benefit obligation. Longevity risk is impacted by mortality assumptions, which are based on  the 2014 Private / Public Sector Canadian Pensioners Mortality tables as prepared by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

The significant actuarial assumptions are as follows:

 

The discount rate has been set based on current market rates at the end of the Company's financial year, assuming a rate of return comparable to high quality fixed income securities of equivalent currency and term that approximate the terms of the pension plan liabilities. A 50 basis points ("bp") increase in the assumed discount rate would decrease the amount of the Company's provision for pensions and pension expense in respect of its registered and non-registered defined benefit plans by $4,398 and $169, respectively. Conversely, a 50bp decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase the amount of the Company's provision for pensions and pension expense in respect of its registered and non-registered defined benefit plans by $4,710 and $195, respectively. The method used to determined the impact of the discount rate changes is consistent with the method used to determine the amounts recognized in the financial statements.

The medical cost trend rate used was 5.9% for 2015 (2014 – 6.1%), with 4.7% being the ultimate trend rate for 2026 and years thereafter. The dental cost trend rate used was 5.0% for 2015 (2014 – 5.0%). Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for other benefit plans. A 1% increase in the assumed medical cost trend rate would increase the amount of the Company's provision for pensions and pension expense by $1,179 and $91, respectively. Conversely, a 1% decrease in the medical cost trend rate would decrease the amount of the Company's provision for pensions and pension expense by $956 and $71, respectively. The method used to determine the impact of compensation rate changes is consistent with the method used to determine the amounts recognized in the financial statements.

A summary of the Company's defined benefit obligation and plan assets is as follows:

 

Information about the Company's pension and other benefit plans for the year ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

The actual return on plan assets for the financial year ended June 30, 2015 was $3,441, which was composed of interest income and actuarial gains and losses included in the reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets above.

Information about the Company's pension and other benefit plans for the year ended June 30, 2014 is as follows:  

 

Net defined benefit assets (liabilities) are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows as at June 30, 2014:

 

The actual return on plan assets for the financial year ended June 30, 2014 was $6,528 which was composed of interest income and actuarial gains and losses included in the reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets above.

Amounts recognized in comprehensive income in respect to the defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

The assets of the registered pension plans consist of cash, contributions receivable and investments held in the Hiram Walker & Corby Canadian Pooled Fund Trust. As at June 30, 2015, the fair value of the Trust's assets totaled $330,898. The Company's registered pension plans comprise approximately 11% of the total Trust assets. The fair value of assets held on behalf of the Company's registered pension plans are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as at June 30, 2015 as follows:

 

The assets of the non-registered pension plan consist of cash, investments and refundable taxes on account with Canada Revenue Agency. The investments held by the non-registered pension plan are invested in a limited number of pooled funds. The assets, based on market values at June 30, 2015, are as follows:

 

The fair values of the investments held by the non-registered plan as at June 30, 2015 are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

10. INCOME TAXES

 

There are no capital loss carry-forwards available for tax purposes.

The Company's effective tax rates are comprised of the following items:

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are broken down by nature as follows:

 

Income tax recoverable includes a provision for uncertain tax risks in the amount of $786 at June 30, 2015 and 2014

11. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

12. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows  

 

There have been no impairment losses recognized with respect to goodwill during 2015 (2014 -$nil).

13.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

14.  IMPAIRMENT

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles (trademarks and licences) for impairment on an annual basis.The carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles at June 30, 2015, along with the data and assumptions applied to the Cash Generating Units ("CGUs") of the Case Goods Segment are as follows:

 

The Company's commissions segment has no goodwill or indefinite lived intangibles.

For purposes of impairment testing, goodwill and intangibles with an indefinite life (trademarks and licences) were allocated to the group of CGUs which represent the lowest level within the group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. 

During the financial year ended June 30, 2015, the Company performed impairment testing on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with its accounting policy and identified no impairment.

The discount rate used for these calculations is a pre-tax rate which corresponds to the weighted average cost of capital. Different discount rates were used to allow for risks specific to certain markets or geographical areas in calculating cash flows. Assumptions made in terms of future changes in sales and of terminal values are reasonable and in accordance with market data available for each of the CGUs. Additional impairment tests are applied where events or specific circumstances suggest that a potential impairment exists.

A 50 basis points ("bp") increase in the discount rates would result in no impairment to goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangibles. A 50bp decrease in the terminal growth rate would result in no impairment to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles.

15.  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

16. SHARE CAPITAL

 

17.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

18.  REVENUE

The Company's revenue consists of the following streams:

 

Commissions for the year are shown net of amortization of long-term representation rights and non-refundable upfront fees of $5,882 (2014 - $5,606). Other services include revenues incidental to the manufacture of case goods, such as logistics fees and miscellaneous bulk spirit sales.

19.  OTHER INCOME

The Company's other income consists of the following amounts:

 

20. NET FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSE

 

21. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

22.  EXPENSES BY NATURE

Earnings from operations include depreciation and amortization, as well as personnel expenses as follows:

 

23. RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS PLAN

 

Compensation expense related to this plan for the year ended June 30,2015, was $450 (2015 - $613).

24. NET CHANGE IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL BALANCES

25. DIVIDENDS

On August 26, 2015 subsequent to the year ended June 30, 2015, the Board of Directors declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.19 per common share, to be paid on September 30, 2015, to shareholders of record as at the close of business on September 16, 2015. This dividend is in accordance with the Company's dividend policy.

26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with parent, ultimate parent, and affiliates
The majority of Corby's issued and outstanding voting Class A shares are owned by HWSL. HWSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PR. Therefore, HWSL is Corby's parent and PR is Corby's ultimate parent. Affiliated companies are subsidiaries which are controlled by Corby's parent and/or ultimate parent.

The companies operate under the terms of agreements that became effective on September 29, 2006. These agreements provide the Company with the exclusive right to represent PR's brands in the Canadian market for 15 years, as well as providing for the continuing production of certain Corby brands by PR at its production facility in Windsor, Ontario, for 10 years. Corby also manages PR's business interests in Canada, including the Windsor production facility. Certain officers of Corby have been appointed as directors and officers of PR's Canadian entities, as approved by Corby's Board of Directors.

In addition to the aforementioned agreements, Corby signed an agreement on September 26, 2008, with its ultimate parent to be the exclusive Canadian representative for the ABSOLUT vodka and Plymouth gin brands, for a five-year term which expired October 1, 2013 and was extended as noted below. These brands were acquired by PR subsequent to the original representation rights agreement dated September 29, 2006.

On November 9, 2011, Corby entered into an agreement with a PR affiliate for a new term for Corby's exclusive right to represent ABSOLUT vodka in Canada from September 30, 2013 to September 29, 2021, which is consistent with the term of Corby's Canadian representation of the other PR brands in Corby's portfolio. On September 30, 2013, Corby paid the present value of $10 million, or $10.3 million, for the additional eight years of the new term pursuant to an agreement entered into between Corby and The Absolut Company Aktiebolag, an affiliate of PR and owner of the Absolut brand, to satisfy the parties' obligations under the 2011 agreement.

Effective as of July 1, 2012, the Company entered into a five year agreement with Pernod Ricard USA, LLC ("PR USA"), an affiliated company, which provides PR USA the exclusive rights to represent J. P. Wiser's Canadian whisky and Polar Ice vodka in the US. Previously, J. P. Wiser's Canadian whisky and Polar Ice vodka were represented by an unrelated third party in this market. The agreement is effective for a five year period ending June 30, 2017.

Transactions between Corby and its parent, ultimate parent and affiliates during the period are as follows:

 

Balances outstanding with related parties are due within 60 days, are to be settled in cash and are unsecured.

During the year ended June 30, 2015, Corby sold casks to its parent company for net proceeds of $171 (2014 - $383). 

During the year ended June 30, 2014, Corby entered into a transaction with its parent whereby Corby exchanged certain vintages and varieties of bulk whisky inventory with a fair value of $790 (2014 - $1,086) for differing vintages and varieties of bulk whisky with an equivalent fair value in an effort to balance each companies' future inventory requirements. The exchange was not a culmination of the earnings process and as such did not impact Corby's net earnings nor its financial position.

Deposits in cash management pools
Corby participates in a cash pooling arrangement under the Mirror Netting Service Agreement together with PR's other Canadian affiliates, the terms of which are administered by Citibank N.A.. The Mirror Netting Services Agreement acts to aggregate each participant's net cash balance for the purposes of having a centralized cash management function for all of PR's Canadian affiliates, including Corby.

As a result of Corby's participation in this agreement, Corby's credit risk associated with its deposits in cash management pools is contingent upon PR's credit rating. PR's credit rating as at August 26, 2015, as published by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, was BBB- and Baa3, respectively. PR compensates Corby for the benefit it receives from having the Company participate in the Mirror Netting Services Agreement by paying interest to Corby based upon the 30-day CDOR rate plus 0.40%. During the year ended June 30, 2015, Corby earned interest income of $1,610 from PR (2014 – $1,712). Corby has the right to terminate its participation in the Mirror Netting Services Agreement at any time, subject to five days' written notice.

Key management personnel
Key management personnel are those individuals having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including members of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company considers key management to be the members of the Board of Directors and the Senior Management Team (which includes the CEO, CFO, and Vice Presidents).

Certain key management personnel also participate in the company's RSU plan.

Key management personnel compensation is comprised of:

Certain members of the board and key management personnel are provided benefits and or salary and wages through the parent company or the ultimate parent company in addition to the amounts reported above.

27. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Corby has two reportable segments: Case Goods and Commissions. Corby's Case Goods segment derives its revenue from the production and distribution of its owned beverage alcohol brands. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned and respected brands in Canada, such as J. P. Wiser's Canadian whisky, Lamb's rum, Polar Ice vodka, and McGuinness liqueurs.

Corby's Commissions segment earns commission income from the representation of non-owned beverage alcohol brands in Canada. Corby represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT vodka, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Ballantine's scotches, Jameson Irish whiskey, Beefeater gin, Malibu rum, Kahlúa liqueur, Mumm champagne, and Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Estate wines.

The Commissions segment's financial results are fully reported as "Commissions" in Note 18 of the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, a table detailing operational results by segment has not been provided as no additional meaningful information would result.

Geographic information regarding the Company is as follows:

In 2015, revenue to three major customers accounted for 35%, 17% and 14%, respectively (2014 – 34%, 17% and 13%).  These major customers are located in Canada and revenues are derived from the Case Goods segment.

28.  COMMITMENTS

Future minimum payments under operating leases for premises and equipment for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Total lease payments recognized as an expense during the year total $2,079 (2014 - $2,402).

The Company has commitments of $381 (2014 - $284) as at June 30, 2015 for the acquisition of capital assets.

SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Limited