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Ice Sculptures
 

Arctic Glacier Earns Record $10.8 Million In 2003
Finished year with $50 million of capital available for growth

WINNIPEG, April 7, 2004 – The Arctic Glacier Income Fund (TSX-AG.UN) today announced results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2003.

Highlights:
    •  Record sales for 2003 of $97.2 million
    •  Record earnings of $10.8 million for the year
    •  Two equity offerings raised $75 million for growth
    •  Four major acquisitions during the summer and fall
    •  Three franchise deals completed

"During the summer and fall of 2003, the Fund made a strategic move to enter the key northeastern U.S. market.  We acquired four of the largest ice producers in the densely populated cities of Philadelphia and New York City," said Robert Nagy, President and CEO of Arctic Glacier Inc., the Fund’s operating company.  "These acquisitions give Arctic Glacier a solid base of operations to grow from in this key market.  Because of the timing of the acquisitions their contribution to distributable cash for 2003 has been minimal; however for 2004, the Fund will benefit from the full impact of the accretive nature of these operations."

The Fund ended 2003 in a very strong financial position, with $50 million of capital available to make accretive acquisitions. Subsequent to year end, in March Arctic Glacier acquired another large ice producer in the New York and New Jersey markets, Leisure Time Ice, further contributing to its base of operations in the densely populated northeastern U.S.

"The Fund acquired Springdale Ice Company and Diamond Ice Cube Company Inc. in the key New York City market," noted Mr. Nagy.  "These companies are an excellent fit with Arctic Glacier’s acquisitions of Rosenberger Ice and Brandywine Ice in the metropolitan Philadelphia market."

Distributable cash for 2003 totaled $17.8 million, or $0.98 per unit.  However, this figure was impacted directly by the timing of acquisitions and related financings during the year.  The summer months are the key drivers in the packaged ice business.  The Springdale, Diamond and Brandywine acquisitions were completed after this peak point in the sales season.  As a result, Arctic Glacier realized minimal contributions from the prime selling months, while at the same time absorbing all of the fourth quarter operating losses that are typical of the packaged ice industry.

The financing for these acquisitions included proceeds from units issued through the 2003 equity offerings. Because of the seasonal nature of Arctic Glacier’s business, monthly distributions are equalized over the course of the year, and the impact of paying distributions on units issued to fund acquisitions is disproportionate to the distributable cash generated by the related acquisitions, which would generally be concentrated in the prime spring and summer months. Distributable cash was also reduced by higher infrastructure outlays undertaken in preparation for the acquisitions.

"If the acquisitions and financings had been in place at the outset of 2003, pro forma annualized distributable cash would have been $22.1 million or $1.11 per unit," said Keith McMahon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  "That is marginally less than $1.12 per unit in 2002, principally due to the stronger Canadian dollar offsetting accretion provided by acquisitions in 2003."

At the end of the year, the Fund had $30.7 million of proceeds remaining from the October equity offering, which, when combined with the additional debt that would be placed on acquisitions, results in $50 million of capital available to fund growth in 2004.

Fourth Quarter Financial Review

Arctic Glacier increased sales 38% from the fourth quarter of 2002, to a total of $15.7 million.  Most of this gain was due to Arctic Glacier’s acquisitions in the northeastern U.S.  The increased business volume added to a 13% year-over-year sales improvement in previously serviced markets due to more favorable weather compared to the same period in 2002.  These gains were partially offset by the stronger Canadian dollar, which reduced reported sales by $1.4 million.

Earnings before interest, taxes, amortization and non-recurring expenses (EBITDA) are normally negative in the first and fourth quarters due to seasonality of the packaged-ice business.  EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2003 broadened to a negative $0.6 million from negative $0.5 million in 2002.  This was anticipated as acquisitions increased the size of operations.

Interest expense for the quarter totaled $0.3 million, down 53% from the same period in 2002. This resulted mainly from lower interest rates, reduced debt as a result of temporarily applying undeployed proceeds from the October equity offering against the credit facility, and the stronger Canadian dollar, which decreased the Canadian-dollar value of interest paid in U.S. funds.

The Fund ended the fourth quarter with a loss of $1.3 million, compared to $2.2 million in 2002.  That equates to a loss of $0.06 per unit, versus a loss of $0.14 per unit for the comparable period last year.

The Fund declared distributions to unitholders totaling $6.2 million or $0.2676 per unit during the quarter.  This equates to an annual rate of $1.07 per unit.

Fiscal 2003 Financial Review

For the year ended December 31, 2003, sales increased 6% to $97.2 million.  The increase was primarily due to acquisitions in the Pennsylvania and New York markets, combined with a 0.2% increase in previously serviced markets.  In 2003, weather patterns returned to more normal patterns, although eastern Canadian markets tended to be cooler than seasonable during the spring and early summer.  Consumption of packaged ice increased during the northeastern power blackout in August, but the gain was partly offset by costs of transporting additional product into the affected areas.  Sales were also negatively impacted in eastern Canadian markets by SARS.  The stronger Canadian dollar had the effect of decreasing the Canadian-dollar value of 2003 sales in U.S. markets by $6.2 million.

EBITDA for 2003 totaled $24.5 million, off 2% from the previous year.  The principal reason was the timing of several major acquisitions late in 2003, when Arctic Glacier is normally only marginally profitable or operates at a loss. The same variables that negatively impacted sales also depressed EBITDA.

Interest expense dropped 59% from 2002 to $1.6 million, the result of reduced debt, lower interest rates and the appreciating Canadian dollar.

Net earnings increased to $10.8 million from $9.2 million.  That equates to $0.59 per unit (basic), down from $0.67 per unit (basic) in 2002 owing to the higher number of units due to the two equity offerings during 2003.

Financial position

Arctic Glacier ended the year with a very strong balance sheet.  The Fund’s acquisitions during 2003 were financed with the proceeds from two equity financings and bank debt. At year end, total debt outstanding was $32.0 million, down from $54.3 million at the same time in 2002.  The net debt to equity ratio improved to 0.1:1 from 0.4:1 at December 31, 2002.  In addition, the Fund had working capital of $12.1 million, of which $11.0 million was cash.

Strong growth outlook

Subsequent to year end 2003, Arctic Glacier acquired Leisure Time Ice in upstate New York.  Leisure Time is one of the leading ice companies in the northeastern United States and the acquisition further consolidates Arctic Glacier’s prominent market presence in the region.

Arctic Glacier is in a strong position to continue making accretive acquisitions.  The Fund’s current focus remains the northeastern U.S., which is the most densely populated region of North America.  The Fund’s penetration of this key market continues to be a strategic priority.  Management is currently considering a number of prospects and will remain vigilant for additional opportunities as they arise.

Arctic Glacier will discuss fourth quarter and year end results for 2004 during a conference call with a live audio webcast for investors and analysts on Thursday, April 8 at 11 am (EST). To access the simultaneous webcast, please visit Arctic Glacier’s website at www.arcticglacierinc.com or the CCN Matthews website at www.ccnmatthews.com.  Please note the webcast allows participants to listen only.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements, and there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this news release, and the Fund assumes no obligation to update or revise them, either publicly or otherwise, to reflect new events, information or circumstances.

EBITDA, distributable cash and pro forma distributable cash are not recognized measures under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, amortization and non-recurring expenses including acquisition integration charges that are one-time costs unique to each individual acquisition.  EBITDA is a performance metric used by many investors to provide an indication of cash available for distribution from ongoing operations prior to debt service, capital expenditures and income taxes and is often used to compare companies and Income Funds on the basis of ability to generate cash from ongoing operations.  Distributable cash and pro forma distributable cash are performance metrics used by many investors to summarize the funds available for distribution to unitholders in an Income Fund.  Investors should be cautioned that EBITDA, distributable cash and pro forma distributable cash should not be construed as alternatives to net income, cash from operations or other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of the Fund’s performance.  The Fund’s method of calculating EBITDA, distributable cash and pro forma distributable cash may differ from other companies and Income Funds and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by them.

 Arctic Glacier Income Fund, through its operating company, Arctic Glacier Inc., is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality packaged ice in North America under the brand name of Arctic Glacier® Premium Ice.  Arctic Glacier operates 22 production plants and 34 distribution facilities across Canada and the central and northeastern United States servicing more than 40,000 retail accounts.

Arctic Glacier Income Fund trust units are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol AG.UN.  There are 23.3 million trust units outstanding.

 

For further information, call Arctic Glacier Inc. TOLL FREE at 1-888-573-9237 or log on at www.arcticglacierinc.com.

(Signed) On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Arctic Glacier Income Fund, Robert Nagy, President & CEO.

The Toronto Stock Exchange does not approve or disapprove of the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (audited)

(thousands) 2003   2002
ASSETS      
Current assets      
     Cash $   11,032   $   11,919
     Accounts receivable 6,417   6,715
     Inventories 3,515   2,377
     Prepaid expenses 2,213   1,212
  23,177   22,223
Property, plant and equipment 89,061   76,770
Other assets 3,703   3,107
Intangibles 1,375   1,370
Goodwill 97,341   79,468
  $ 214,657   $ 182,938
       
LIABILITIES AND UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities      
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $     8,366   $    5,114
     Distributions payable to unitholders 2,076   1,370
     Obligations under capital leases due within the fiscal year 427   325
     Principal due within the fiscal year on long-term debt 203   292
  11,072   7,101
Obligations under capital leases 38   478
Long-term debt 31,377   53,227
Future income taxes 5,701   4,514
       
Unitholders’ equity      
     Capital contributions 200,905   129,951
     Cumulative earnings 8,026   (2,738)
     Cumulative distributions (32,505)   (12,761)
     Cumulative translation adjustment (9,957)   3,166
  166,469   117,618
  $ 214,657   $ 182,938

 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three and twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

(thousands, except per unit amounts) 2003   2002   2003   2002
Sales $ 15,740   $ 11,416   $ 97,170   $ 91,719
Cost of sales, selling, general and     administration expenses 16,387   11,887   72,708   66,715
Earnings (loss) before the undernoted (647)   (471)   24,462   25,004
Amortization 2,656   2,504   10,225   9,791
Interest 303   648   1,609   3,953
Acquisition integration charges 96   -   213   -
Gain on settlement of long-term debt -   -   -   (754)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant     and equipment and operating assets     and goodwill 331   112   387   (779)
Non-recurring expenses (35)   330   241   1,420
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (3,998)   (4,065)   11,787   11,373
Income tax expense (reduction)              
     Current 346   (2,234)   1,437   1,102
     Future (3,056)   352   (414)   1,044
  (2,710)   (1,882)   1,023   2,146
Earnings (loss) for the period $ (1,288)   $ (2,183)   $ 10,764   $ 9,227
               
Earnings (loss) per unit              
     Basic $   (0.06)   $  (0.14)   $    0.59   $    0.67
     Diluted $   (0.06)   $  (0.14)   $    0.59   $    0.66

 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Cumulative Earnings
Three and twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

  (unaudited)   (audited)
(thousands) 2003   2002   2003   2002
Cumulative earnings (deficit), beginning of     period $  9,314   $    (544)   $ (2,738)   $ (7,063)
Restatement due to change in accounting     policy regarding goodwill -   -   -   (2,010)
As restated 9,314   (544)   (2,738)   (9,073)
Earnings (loss) for the period (1,288)   (2,183)   10,764   9,227
Interest on equity portion of convertible debentures -   (11)   -   (117)
Settlement of warrants -   -   -   (2,775)
Cumulative earnings (deficit), end of period $  8,026   $ (2,738)   $   8,026   $ (2,738)

 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three and twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

(thousands) 2003   2002   2003   2002
Cash from (used in):              
Operating activities              
     Earnings (loss) for the period $ (1,288)   $(2,183)   $ 10,764   $  9,227
     Adjustments for:              
         Amortization 2,656   2,504   10,225   9,791
         Non-cash portion of gain on
             settlement of long-term debt
-   -   -   (1,609)
         Non-cash portion of loss (gain) on
             disposal of property, plant and
             equipment and operating assets
             and goodwill
331   113   387   (1,204)
Future income taxes (reduction) (3,056)   352   (414)   1,044
Funds from operations (1,357)   786   20,962   17,249
Changes in working capital items 7,491   2,881   2,178   229
      6,134   3,667   23,140   17,478
               
Investing activities              
     Additions to property, plant and
         equipment
(3,153)   (747)   (8,630)   (3,831)
     Proceeds from disposal of property,
         plant and equipment and goodwill
295   85   337   3,522
     Additions to other assets (281)   (147)   (932)   (2,161)
     Additions to intangibles (2)   (34)   (5)   (34)
     Additions to goodwill (65)   -   (65)   -
     Acquisition of business operations, net
         of bank indebtedness assumed of
         $569 (2002 - $0) 
(16,203)   -   (50,834)   -
  (19,409)   (843)   (60,129)   (2,504)
               
Financing activities              
     Proceeds from long-term debt 2,723   1,775   32,570   54,195
     Principal repayments on long-term debt (31,267)   (148)   (44,905)   (118,898)
     Principal payments under capital lease
         obligations
(110)   (64)   (338)   (292)
     Interest on equity portion of convertible
         debentures
-   (18)   -   (195)
     Repayment of equity portion of
         convertible debentures
-   (1,233)   -   (1,233)
     Shares issued on exercise of options -   -   -   600
     Units issued, net of issue costs 47,302   (46)   70,954   79,092
     Cancellation of warrants -   -   -   (7,049)
     Cash distributions paid (5,783)   (4,111)   (19,038)   (11,391)
  12,865   (3,845)   39,243   (5,171)
               
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency (1,613)   210   (3,141)   170
Increase (decrease) in cash (2,023)   (811)   (887)   9,973
Cash, beginning of period 13,055   12,730   11,919   1,946
Cash, end of period $ 11,032   $ 11,919   $ 11,032   $ 11,919
   

 

Schedule of Distributable Cash
Twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited) 

(thousands, except per unit amounts)

2003
Pro forma

 

2003

 

2002
Pro forma

Net earnings $ 10,764   $ 10,764   $ 9,227
Net earnings adjustments:          
     Amortization 10,225   10,225   9,791
     Gain on settlement of long-term debt -   -   (754)
     Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and
         equipment and operating assets and goodwill
387   387   (779)
     Future income taxes (414)   (414)   1,044
  20,962   20,962   18,529
Less sustaining capital expenditures, net of dispositions (3,168)   (3,168)   (3,317)
Distributable cash before pro forma adjustments 17,794   17,794   15,212
Pro forma adjustments (1) (2) 4,316   -   2,353
Distributable cash after pro forma adjustments $ 22,110   $ 17,794   $ 17,565
           
Weighted average number of units (3) (4) 19,960   18,173   15,656
Distributable cash per unit $    1.11   $      0.98   $    1.12
           
Distributions declared     $  19,744   $   12,761
Distributions declared per unit     $      1.07   $      0.82
Distributions declared per unit (annualized)      $      1.07   $      1.05

(1) 

Pro forma adjustments for 2003 reflect an increase to EBITDA of $4,702 to give effect to the acquisitions made during the year as if they had been acquired on January 1, 2003, an increase to interest expense of $205 to give effect to financing the acquisitions as if they had been acquired on January 1, 2003, and an increase to interest expense of $181 to give effect to the increase in debt if the undeployed proceeds from the October 8, 2003 equity offering were not available to reduce debt from October 9 to December 31, 2003. 

(2) 

Pro forma adjustments for 2002 reflect reduction of interest expense in the amount of $1,572 during the period January 1, 2002 to March 22, 2002 to give effect to the completion of the IPO, acquisition of The Arctic Group Inc. and repayment and refinancing of certain long-term debt instruments as if they had occurred on or before January 1, 2002, and elimination of non-recurring costs of $781 related to the Plan of Arrangement of March 22, 2002.

(3) 

Based on 19,960 units, being the pro forma weighted average number of units outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2003 to give effect to the October 8, 2003 equity offering as if the units related to the proceeds deployed during the year had been issued and outstanding on January 1, 2003 and the units related to the proceeds not deployed during the year had not been issued.

(4) 

Based on 15,656 units, being the pro forma weighted average number of units outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2002.