-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q4 SALES & FY 2023 RESULTS
Record sales, adjusted Ebita margin(1) and free cash flow
Upgraded full-year guidance fully achieved, with Ebita in the upper end of the
range
Strong free cash flow generation, demonstrating the strength and resilience of
Rexel's model
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
? FY 23 sales of EUR19,153.4m, up +4.3% on a same-day basis
* Positive volume and price contributions: +2.0% and +2.3% respectively
* Boosted by electrification trends in Europe, mainly in H1, and commercial &
industrial projects in North America
? Sales of EUR4,725.3m in Q4 2023, down (1.4)% on a same day basis, on the back of
a challenging base effect in electrification in Europe and lower demand in some
end-markets
? Digital penetration rate at 30% of sales in Q4 23, up +269bps
? FY 23 adjusted EBITA margin of 6.8%, in the upper end of guidance, driven by
growth in electrification trends in H1 and good execution of action plans
leading to market share gains in H2
? Recurring net income in FY 23 at EUR823.3m, compared to EUR911.8m in 2022, on a
high comparable base as last year's earnings benefited from all-time high
inflation tailwind on non-cable products
? Record Free cash flow generation, demonstrating the strength and resilience of
our model
* Highest-ever FCF before interest and tax, at close to EUR1bn
* FCF conversion (EBITDAaL into FCF before I&T) significantly above guidance
at 73%
? Proposed dividend for 2023 to be maintained at record level of 1.20EUR per share
? Executing our capital allocation strategy with a healthy balance sheet:
indebtedness ratio at 1.33x
* Share buyback: EUR134m of shares repurchased in 2023; EUR200m since mid-2022
launch of plan
* Acquisitions: EUR800m of acquired sales in 2023
? 2024 outlook: Stable to slightly positive same-day sales growth, adjusted
EBITA margin between 6.3% and 6.6% and conversion of free cash flow before
interest and tax above 60%
? During our June 7 CMD, we will present the initiatives implemented under the
Power Up 2025 plan and share our updated mid-term prospects
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Guillaume TEXIER, Chief Executive Officer, said: |
| |
|"Rexel had an outstanding year 2023, resulting in record annual sales, profit |
|margin and free cash flow generation. This performance once again reinforces |
|the strength and resilience of our business model. Results, fully in line with|
|our upgraded guidance, were driven both by supportive electrification trends, |
|which grew at four times the pace of traditional electric distribution sales, |
|and by the excellent execution of our action plans. I am proud of these |
|results and wish to thank our teams in all our geographies. It is their hard |
|work, dedication and commitment that have made Rexel a more agile, more |
|digital and more profitable company. Rexel's enhanced resilience allows us to |
|target an Adjusted Ebita margin of between 6.3% and 6.6% in 2024, even in a |
|more mixed environment. Through our Power Up 2025 action plans, we have |
|established a new baseline of performance and will continue to deliver |
|superior service to our customers and superior returns to our shareholders." |
| |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
(1) Excluding non-recurring items in 2022
FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
----------------------------------------------------------
* This press release presents Rexel's consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2023. The audit procedures by the Statutory
Auditors are in progress and their report on the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 will be issued on February
15, 2024.
* Full-year 2023 financial report was authorized for issue by the Board of
Directors on February 14, 2024.
* The following terms: Reported EBITA, Adjusted EBITA, EBITDA, EBITDAaL,
Recurring net income, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt are defined in the
Glossary section of this document.
* Unless otherwise stated, all comments are on a constant and adjusted basis
and, for sales, at same number of working days.
MAIN FY 2023 FIGURES
-----------------------
Key figures(1) Change excl.
(EURm) - Actual non recurring
FY 2023 YoY change items
----------------------
Sales on a
reported basis 19,153.4 +2.4 %
On a constant and
actual-day basis +4.2 %
On a constant and
same-day basis +4.3 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted EBITA(2) 1,300.1 (5.7) %
As a percentage of
sales 6.8 % -71 bps -3 bps
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reported EBITA 1,285.9 (4.4) %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 1,216.6 (9.4) %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 774.7 (16.0) %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recurring net
income 823.3 (9.7) %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FCF before
interest and tax 996.4 +14.1 %
-------------------- ---------------------------------------
FCF conversion(3) 73 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt at end of
period 1,961.5 EUR503m increase
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See definition in the Glossary section of this document (2) Change at
comparable scope of consolidation (3) EBITDAaL into FCF before interest
and tax
SALES
FY sales were up +2.4% year-on-year on a reported basis and +4.3% on a constant
and same-day basis.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q4 2023 YoY change FY 2023 YoY change
Sales on
a
reported
basis 4,725.3 (1.6) % 19,153.4 +2.4 %
On a
constant
and
actual-
day
basis (1.1) % +4.2 %
On a
constant
and
same-day
basis (1.4) % +4.3 %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In FY 2023, Rexel posted sales of EUR19,153.4m, up +2.4% on a reported basis,
boosted by the combination of organic growth and our acquisition strategy. They
include:
* Constant and same-day sales growth of +4.3%, including positive
contributions from volume of +2.0% and selling price on non-cable products
of +3.2% and a negative impact of (0.9)% from the change in copper-based
cable prices (vs a positive impact of +1.2% in FY 2022)
* An overall stable calendar effect of (0.1)%
* A positive net scope effect of +0.5%, resulting from the acquisitions of
Buckles-Smith, Horizon and LTL in North America as well as Trilec and Wasco
in Benelux, which contributed for +2.7% to sales growth, more than
offsetting the disposals of businesses including Rexel's activities in
Spain, Portugal and Norway
* A negative currency effect of (2.2)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
US and Canadian dollars against the euro
* The four product categories related to electrification (Solar, Electric
Vehicle charging infrastructure, HVAC and Industrial Automation),
represented 22%(1) of sales and grew by 10.8% in 2023, more than 4 times
faster than the growth in traditional ED.
In Q4, sales were down (1.6)% year-on-year on a reported basis and (1.4)% on a
constant and same-day basis.
In the fourth-quarter, Rexel posted sales of EUR4,725.3m, down (1.6)% on a
reported basis, including:
* Constant and same-day sales evolution of (1.4)%
* A positive calendar effect of +0.3%
* A positive net scope effect of +2.1% resulting from the net effect between
recent acquisitions (mainly Wasco in the Netherlands and Buckles-Smith & LTL
in North America) and divestments in Europe (Rexel Spain, Portugal and
Norway).
* A negative currency effect of (2.7)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
US and Canadian dollars against the euro
In Q4 2023, sales were down (1.4)% on a constant and same-day basis (or (1.1)%
on a constant and actual-day basis). More specifically:
* The four product categories related to electrification (Solar, Electric
Vehicle charging infrastructure, HVAC and Industrial Automation),
represented 23%(1) of sales and decreased by (2)% in Q4 as a result of a
challenging comparable base, negative price effect in solar panels and lower
demand, especially on Solar activity in Europe, where low electricity prices
have temporarily reduced the immediate payback from installing photovoltaic
solutions. Conversely, electrification trends in North America remain
positive, with an increasing contribution of re-shoring trends in several
industrial sectors.
* The pricing environment for non-cable products (0.5% contribution in the
quarter) was favorable for the majority of our offer and more than offset
some deflation on limited categories of non-cable products (photovoltaic
panels, piping & conduits in North America and some Industrial Automation
products in China)
* The copper-based cable price evolution was a negative (0.4)% contribution in
Q4 2023, largely in North America
* We posted further growth in digitalization in all three geographies, with
digital sales now representing 30% of sales in Q4 2023, up +269bps compared
to Q4 2022. Europe reached 40% of digital sales (up +234bps), North America
is now above 20% (at 21% up +359bps) and Asia-Pacific is at 9% of sales, up
+314bps.
(1 )Including positive scope effect and added product categories (notably in
HVAC segment)
Europe (52% of Group sales): (2.8)% in Q4 and +5.1% in FY on a constant and
same-day basis
In the fourth-quarter, sales in Europe decreased by (0.7)% on a reported basis,
including:
* Constant and same-day sales evolution of (2.8)%, with overall positive
trends in Industry. This includes a negative volume contribution of (4.1)%,
reflecting the high comparable base from electrification categories. The
selling price increases contributed positively for +1.3% (+1.4% on non-cable
products and flat on copper-based cable).
* A negative calendar effect of (0.3)%
* A positive net scope effect of +2.7%, resulting from the recent acquisition
of Wasco in the Netherlands, offsetting the disposals of businesses
including Rexel's activities in Spain, Portugal and Norway.
* A negative currency effect of (0.2)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
Swedish Krona against the euro
Key figures
(EURm) Q4 2023 YoY change FY 2023 YoY change
Europe 2,444.4 (2.8) % 9,619.1 +5.1%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France 927.2 (0.6) % 3,668.7 +5.5%
Benelux 430.9 (5.6) % 1,364.1 +2.3%
Germany 244.2 (2.0) % 1,076.7 +10.8%
Nordics 216.5 (10.6) % 925.9 +1.2%
UK 189.2 (3.7) % 813.0 +2.0%
Switzerland 185.5 +5.0% 693.0 +8.4%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Sales in France (38% of the region's sales) decreased slightly by (0.6)%,
including several effects:
* Solid and resilient commercial and industrial activities
* Lower demand in residential and HVAC markets
* Market share gains driven by numerous initiatives aiming at providing
valuable and differentiated services to our customers
* In particular, ramp-up of our new decarbonized two-hour delivery offer,
which allowed us to progress substantially in urban areas, especially
Paris
* Continuous progression of digital penetration, reaching 32% in Q4 23 and
crossing the EUR1bn sales mark in FY 23
* Benelux (18% of the region's sales) was down (5.6)%, with a very high base
effect in Q4 22 in solar activity in the Netherlands. The integration of
Wasco progressed well with very good top line and cost synergy potential.
* Sales in Germany (10% of the region's sales) decreased by (2.0)%, with
demand normalizing in solar and lower demand in industry and residential. We
continued to gain market share and opened a new automated distribution
center in the Frankfurt area to provide enhanced and differentiated service
to customers in this region.
* Sales in the Nordics (9% of the region's sales) dropped by (10.6)%, similar
to Q3 23 trends, reflecting a high base effect on solar and the more
difficult environment in the construction sector, especially in residential
activity.
* In the UK (8% of the region's sales), sales were down (3.7)%, due to lower
commercial activity and on a difficult comparable base, as a sizeable
contract from 2022 was not repeated (negative impact of 320bps). Our new
automated distribution center opened in 2023 in the London area, allowing us
to substantially improve our promise to customers and also enabling future
progression in digital sales.
* Sales in Switzerland (8% of the region's sales) were up 5.0%, further
outperforming the market and developing particularly well in industrial
solutions, lighting solutions and electrification solutions.
North America (42% of Group sales): +0.4% in Q4 and +4.0% in FY on a constant
and same-day basis
In the fourth-quarter, sales in North America were down (1.7)% on a reported
basis due to the currency effect, including:
* Constant and same-day sales growth of +0.4%, including a positive volume
contribution of +1.7%, and a negative price effect of (1.3)% ((0.4)% on non-
cable products and (0.9)% on copper-based cable)
* A positive calendar effect of +1.3%
* A positive net scope effect of +1.8%, resulting from the acquisition of
Buckles-Smith in the US, and, to a lesser extent, LTL in Canada.
* A negative currency effect of (5.1)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
US and Canadian dollars against the euro
Key
figures
(EURm) Q4 2023 YoY change FY 2023 YoY change
North
America 1,965.8 +0.4% 8,231.6 +4.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United
States 1,607.3 (0.1) % 6,737.1 +3.4%
Gulf
Central +5.6% +17.5%
Mountain
Plains +5.5% +10.3%
Florida +1.1% +4.0%
Southeast -% (0.2) %
Northwest (1.1) % (3.0) %
Midwest (3.3) % +7.8%
California (4.8) % +4.5%
Northeast (6.6) % (2.8) %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada 358.5 +2.9% 1,494.5 +7.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In North America, the overall good performance was driven by our capacity to
capture reshoring trends and to enhance backlog execution.
* Electrification categories were up mid-single digit in Q4
* Positive volumes were mitigated by deflation on commodity-related products,
notably conduits
* The backlog, still equivalent to 2.7 months of sales, remains at a high
level, with good execution in the quarter.
* In the US (82% of the region's sales), stable same-day sales evolution at
(0.1)% in Q4 2023.
* By market: Strong resilience in commercial and industrial automation
activities. Demand in residential improved sequentially.
* By region: Mountain Plains & Gulf Central grew mid-single digits,
outperforming the market
* By business: Project activity driven by strong backlog execution.
* In Canada (18% of the region's sales), sales grew by +2.9% on a same-day
basis, notably thanks to industrial and commercial activities.
Asia-Pacific (6% of Group sales): (1.4)% in Q4 and (0.1)% in FY on a constant
and same-day basis
In the fourth-quarter, sales in Asia-Pacific were down (7.6)% on a reported
basis due to the negative currency effect, including:
* Constant and same-day sales evolution of (1.4)%, including a stable volume
contribution, and a negative price effect of (1.5)% on non-cable products
* An overall stable calendar effect of (0.1)%
* A negative currency effect of (6.2)%, mainly due to the depreciation of
Australian dollar and the Chinese Renminbi against the euro.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q4 2023 YoY change FY 2023 YoY change
Asia-
Pacific 315.2 (1.4) % 1,302.7 (0.1) %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia 145.0 +1.0% 584.6 +4.5%
China 126.8 (0.1) % 525.2 (3.5) %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In the Pacific (54% of the region's sales), sales decreased by (2.4)% on a
constant and same-day basis:
* In Australia (86% of Pacific's sales), sales were up +1.0%, driven by
residential and commercial end-markets.
* In New Zealand (14% of Pacific's sales), sales dropped by (18.8)% in Q4
23 in a recessionary environment for the past three quarters.
* In Asia (46% of the region's sales), sales growth was stable at (0.2)% on a
constant and same-day basis:
* In China (87% of Asia's sales), sales growth was stable at (0.1)%,
reflecting more positive momentum compared to Q3 23, helped by a
favorable base effect, offset by price deflation in industrial
automation products from temporary oversupply.
* In India (13% of Asia's sales), sales were up +3.4%
PROFITABILITY
Adjusted EBITA margin at 6.8% in 2023, down -71 bps compared to 2022 or stable
excluding non-recurring items that benefited 2022
FY 2023
(EURm) Europe North America Asia Pacific Group
Sales 9,619 8,232 1,303 19,153
On a
constant
and
actual-
day
basis +4.5% +4.4% +0.1% +4.2%
On a
constant
and
same-day
basis +5.1% +4.0% (0.1) % +4.3%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adj.
EBITA 695 610 39 1,300*
% of
sales 7.2% 7.4% 3.0% 6.8%
Change
in bps
as a %
of sales -80 bps -79 bps 109 bps -71 bps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Including EUR(44)m for Corporate costs in FY 23
The 4.2% actual sales growth in FY 2023 translated into an adjusted EBITA margin
of 6.8%.
Adjusted EBITA margin improved by +13bps from 6.7% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023,
restated for the non-recurring items from inventory price inflation on non-cable
products, net of higher performance-linked bonuses, with :
* A positive effect of 16bps from portfolio management, notably resulting from
the accretive effect of the Wasco acquisition and the disposal of our
activities in Norway
* A stable evolution on a comparable basis, which can be explained as follows:
* An opex inflation impact of -79bps due to overall inflation of +3.9%,
including +5.4% from wage increases and +2.3% from other opex.
* A positive impact from our action plans of +76bps, from robust activity
notably in H1 and productivity initiatives in H2 23
(1 )One-off 2022 at scope and rate 2023 stands at -68bps
By half-year period, this stable adjusted EBITA evolution at 6.8% results from:
* A +15bps appreciation in H1 23, boosted by strong volume from
electrification trends
* A limited -24 bps contraction in H2 23 at 6.4% thanks to cost optimization
actions in a lower growth environment. This demonstrates our ability to
maintain higher profitability than historically and reflects the effect of
our transformation.
By geography, the stable evolution of our Adjusted EBITA margin can be explained
as follows:
* Europe:
* FY 2023 adjusted EBITA margin stood at 7.2% of sales, down -80 bps.
Restated for non-recurring items, the profit margin, down -11bps,
reflecting opex inflation mitigated by the improvement of gross margin
and our cost control initiatives.
* North America:
* FY 2023 adjusted EBITA margin stood at 7.4% of sales, down -79 bps.
Restated for non-recurring items, the adjusted EBITA margin was down
-11bps resulting from opex inflation offset by positive operating
leverage and productivity gains.
* Asia-Pacific:
* FY 2023 adjusted EBITA margin stood at 3.0% of sales, up +109 bps or up
+159bps restated for non-recurring items, reflecting improved
profitability in Asia on internal actions and credit control.
* At corporate level, adjusted EBITA amounted to EUR(44)m vs EUR(32)m in 2022 as a
result of higher long term incentives.
As a result, adjusted EBITA stood at EUR1,300.1m (vs. EUR1378.2m in 2022 comparable
base) and reported EBITA stood at EUR1,285.9 million (including a negative one-off
copper effect of EUR(14.2) million).
Focus on the bridge from EBITDA to Reported EBITA:
* EBITDA margin was down -46 bps at 8.5%
* Depreciation of Right of Use stands at EUR(233.3) million
* Other depreciation and amortization stood at EUR(113.8) million, implying
0.6% of sales
Key figures
(EURm) FY 2022 FY 2023 YoY change
EBITDA 1,680.8 1,633.0 (2.8) %
% EBITDA
margin 9.0 % 8.5 %
Depreciation
Right of Use
(IFRS 16) (220.5) (233.3)
Other
depreciation
and
amortization (115.4) (113.8)
Reported
EBITA 1,344.8 1,285.9 (4.4) %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME
Net income of EUR774.7 million in FY 2023 and recurring net income of EUR823.3
million
Operating income in the year stood at EUR1,216.6 million (vs EUR1,343.0 million in
2022).
* Amortization of intangible assets resulting from purchase price allocation
amounted to EUR(24.3) million (vs. EUR(13.9) million in 2022)
* Other income and expenses amounted to a net charge of EUR(45.1) million (vs. a
net income of EUR12.1 million in 2022) and included:
* EUR(10.0) million from capital losses on disposal
* EUR(10.3) million from goodwill impairment
* EUR(14.1) million in acquisition & integration costs
* EUR(12.9) million in restructuring costs
Net financial expenses in the year amounted to EUR(167.7) million (vs. EUR(119.4)
million in 2022), and can be broken down as follows:
* EUR(112.0) million in 2023 from financial costs compared to EUR(72.9) million in
2022, reflecting higher interest rates and Gross Debt, notably post
Sustainability-Linked Bond issuance.
* The effective interest rate increased to 3.66% in 2023 compared to
2.29% in 2022, reflecting the rise in interest rates.
* EUR(55.6) million from interest on lease liabilities in 2023 vs EUR(46.5)
million in 2022.
Income tax in the year represented a charge of EUR(274.2) million (vs. EUR(301.2)
million in 2022)
* Effective tax rate stood at 26.1% in 2023 compared to 25.7% excluding one-
offs in 2022.
Net income in the year was EUR774.7 million (vs. EUR922.3 million in 2022).
Recurring net income amounted to EUR823.3 million in 2023, down (9.7)% compared to
2022, on a high comparable base as 2022 earnings benefited from a record-high
inflation tailwind on non-cable products (Appendix 3).
FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
Free cash-flow before interest and tax of EUR996.4 million in 2023
Indebtedness ratio of 1.33x at December 31, 2023
In 2023, free cash flow before interest and tax was an inflow of EUR996.4 million
(vs. EUR873.3 million in 2022), representing a free cash flow conversion rate
(EBITDAaL into FCF before interest and taxes) of 73%, above guidance (> 60%). It
included:
* EBITDAaL of EUR1,356.4 million of which EUR(276.7) million of lease payments in
2023;
* An outflow of EUR(187.1) million from change in working capital (compared to
an outflow of EUR(391.8) million in 2022). The change in trade working capital
stood at EUR(82.9) million, combined with an outflow of EUR(104.1) million from
the change in non-trade working capital, notably explained by the cash-out
of 2022 performance linked-bonuses and commissions.
* On a constant basis, trade WCR was at 14.1% of sales in 2023, stable
compared to the prior year (14.2% in 2022).
* A higher level of net capital expenditure (i.e. EUR(153.3) million vs.
EUR(125.4) million in 2022). Gross capex represented 0.8% of sales, similar to
2022, with continued investment in automated supply chain solutions and
digital, in line with the Power Up 2025 strategy.
Below FCF before interest and tax, the cash flow statement took into account:
* EUR(101.3) million in net interest paid in 2023 (vs EUR(59.9) million paid in
2022);
* EUR(327.4) million in income tax paid in the year, compared to EUR(310.8)
million paid in 2022;
* EUR(561.0) million in financial investment, corresponding to the net effect
between cash-out for the acquisitions and proceeds from the disposals;
* EUR(362.2) million in dividends paid in 2023 based on 2022 earnings (EUR1.20 per
share);
* EUR(134.0) million in share buybacks;
* EUR10.4 million in positive currency effects during the year (vs a negative
EUR(51.5) million in 2022).
At December 31, 2023:
* Net financial debt increased by EUR503.1 million year-on-year at EUR1,961.5
million (vs EUR1,458.4 million at December 31, 2022), resulting from active
capital allocation (notably M&A, dividend payment and share buyback).
* The indebtedness ratio (Net financial debt/EBITDAaL), as calculated under
the Senior Credit Agreement terms, stood at 1.33x.
SENIOR CREDIT AGREEMENT
--------------------------
On January 23(rd), 2024, Rexel signed a new Senior Credit Agreement (SCA), with
the following terms:
* The amount stands at EUR700 million
* The maturity stands at five years with the option to extend it twice by one
year
* The covenant remains unchanged
* The credit margin is linked to our corporate rating (vs indebtedness ratio),
similar to most investment grade companies
* Our core banks remained in the banking pool
This new SCA reflects the trust of Rexel's core banks in its management,
strategy and prudent financial profile.
Taking into consideration the recently-renegotiated SCA, Group liquidity stood
at EUR1.5bn at end-December 2023.
PROPOSED DIVIDEND FOR 2023 TO BE MAINTAINED AT RECORD LEVEL OF 1.20EUR PER SHARE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rexel will propose to shareholders to maintain the dividend at a record level of
1.20EUR per share, to be paid fully in cash. This represents a payout of 43% of
the Group's recurring net income, in line with Rexel's policy of paying out at
least 40% of recurring net income.
This dividend, payable in cash on May 17, 2024 (detachment date on May 16(th)),
will be subject to approval atthe Annual Shareholders' Meeting to be held in
Paris on April 30, 2024.
ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE OUR POWER UP 2025 OBJECTIVES
---------------------------------------------------
In June 2022, we unveiled our Power up 2025 strategy during a Capital Markets
Day in Zurich. Our record 2022 and 2023 achievements put us well on track to
achieve the 2022-2025 four-year objectives. That includes our financial targets
as well as our business ambitions and capital allocation.
Power Up 2025 2022 achievements 2023 achievements
4% to 7% organic growth over 4
years 14.1% 4.3%
6.5% to 7% adj. Ebita margin in
2025 7.3%(1) 6.8%
FCF conversion above 60% each
year 61% 73%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28% of sales
40% of digital sales in 2025 (30% of digital sales in Q4
24%(2) of sales 23)
x3 the number of automatized DC 6(3) automated DC 9 automated DC
Sales growth in
Electrification: x2 the pace of
our traditional ED business 2.1x c. 4.3x
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share buyback of EUR400m over 4
years 17% completed 50% completed
M&A contribution to sales up to
EUR2bn in 4 years c. EUR250m c. EUR1bn cumulated
Divestments of between EUR200m &
EUR500m of sales c. EUR480m completed c. EUR480m completed
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. including 66bps of non-recurring items
2. Restated from the disposal of Norway in 2023 (25% on a reported basis)
3. Excluding the automatized DC in Norway that had been disposed
During our June 7 CMD, we will present the initiatives implemented under Power
Up 2025 and share our updated mid-term prospects.
OUTLOOK
----------
We expect 2024 end-markets to evolve as follows:
* Commercial construction (40% exposure) should be globally dynamic,
especially in North America, with some sub-segments, however, affected by
interest rates
* Industry (30% exposure) should remain solid, with support from re-shoring
trends and stimulus plans
* Residential renovation (20% exposure) started being impacted by construction
cycles, a trend that can be partly offset by positive energy renovation
trends
* And new residential (10% exposure) should remain weak in all European
countries
In addition, while backlog execution in North America will still be a tailwind
for 2024, we will continue to face a strong comparable base on electrification
categories in H1.
In this environment, we target to deliver resilient profitability thanks to our
optimization efforts.
We will further capitalize on the past 2 years' structural changes and more
specifically:
* Portfolio management, in order to focus on growing, profitable segments and
countries
* Digital ramp-up, to increase internal efficiency and productivity
* Customer targeting and value added through services, driving market share
and volume
* Excellent ability to pass-through price increases
* Very strong cost and cash discipline
At the same time, we also see potential for more profitability improvement:
* Further progression in less profitable countries
* Logistics optimization
* IA efficiency acceleration
We anticipate for 2024, at comparable scope of consolidation and exchange rates:
* Stable to slightly positive same-day sales growth, with a high comparable
base in H1
* Adjusted EBITA(1 )margin of between 6.3% and 6.6%
* Free cash flow conversion(2) above 60%
(1) Excluding (i) amortization of PPA and (ii) the non-recurring effect related
to changes in copper-based cable prices.
(2) FCF Before interest and tax/EBITDAaL
NB: The estimated impacts per quarter of (i) calendar effects by geography, (ii)
changes in the consolidation scope and (iii) currency fluctuations (based on
assumptions of average rates over the rest of the year for the Group's main
currencies) are detailed in appendix 6
CALENDAR
-----------
April 30, 2024 First-quarter 2024 sales
April 30, 2024 Annual Shareholders' Meeting
May 16, 2024 Detachment date of the dividend
May 17, 2024 Dividend payment
June 7, 2024 Capital Markets Day
July 30, 2024 H1 2024 results
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
Full-year 2023 financial report is available on the Group's website
(www.rexel.com).
A slideshow of the fourth-quarter sales and full-year 2023 results publication
is also available on the Group's website.
ABOUT REXEL GROUP
--------------------
Rexel, worldwide expert in the multichannel professional distribution of
products and services for the energy world, addresses three main markets:
residential, commercial, and industrial. The Group supports its residential,
commercial, and industrial customers by providing a tailored and scalable range
of products and services in energy management for construction, renovation,
production, and maintenance. Rexel operates through a network of more than
1,950 branches in 19 countries, with more than 27,000 employees. The Group's
sales were EUR19.2 billion in 2023.
Rexel is listed on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker
RXL, ISIN code FR0010451203). It is included in the following indices: CAC Next
20, SBF 120, CAC Large 60, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5 NR, CAC AllTrade, CAC
AllShares, FTSE EuroMid, and STOXX600. Rexel is also part of the following SRI
indices: FTSE4Good, Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe, Euronext Vigeo Europe
120 and Eurozone 120, STOXX® Global ESG Environmental Leaders, and S&P Global
Sustainability Yearbook 2022, in recognition of its performance in terms of
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
For more information, visit www.rexel.com/en.
CONTACTS
-----------
FINANCIAL ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Ludovic DEBAILLEUX +33 1 42 85 76 12 ludovic.debailleux@rexel.com
(mailto:ludovic.debailleux@rexel.com)
PRESS
Brunswick: Thomas KAMM +33 1 53 96 83 92 tkamm@brunswickgroup.com
(mailto:tkamm@brunswickgroup.com)
GLOSSARY
-----------
REPORTED EBITA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Amortization) is defined as
operating income before amortization of intangible assets recognized upon
purchase price allocation and before other income and other expenses.
ADJUSTED EBITA is defined as Reported EBITA excluding the estimated non-
recurring net impact from changes in copper-based cable prices.
EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is
defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization and before
other income and other expenses.
EBITDAaL is defined as EBITDA after deduction of lease payment following the
adoption of IFRS16.
RECURRING NET INCOME is defined as net income restated for non-recurring copper
effect, other expenses and income, non-recurring financial expenses, net of tax
effect associated with the above items.
FREE CASH FLOW is defined as cash from operating activities minus net capital
expenditure.
NET DEBT is defined as financial debt less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt
includes debt hedge derivatives.
APPENDIX
-----------
For appendix, please open the pdf file by clicking on the link at the end of the
press release.
DISCLAIMER
-------------
The Group is exposed to fluctuations in copper prices in connection with its
distribution of cable products. Cables accounted for approximately 15% of the
Group's sales and copper accounts for approximately 60% of the composition of
cables. This exposure is indirect since cable prices also reflect copper
suppliers' commercial policies and the competitive environment in the Group's
markets. Changes in copper prices have an estimated so-called "recurring" effect
and an estimated so called "non-recurring" effect on the Group's performance
assessed as part of the monthly internal reporting process of the Rexel Group:
i) the recurring effect related to the change in copper-based cable prices
corresponds to the change in value of the copper part included in the sales
price of cables from one period to another. This effect mainly relates to the
Group's sales; ii) the non-recurring effect related to the change in copper-
based cable prices corresponds to the effect of copper price variations on the
sales price of cables between the time they are purchased and the time they are
sold, until all such inventory has been sold (direct effect on gross profit).
Practically, the non-recurring effect on gross profit is determined by comparing
the historical purchase price for copper-based cable and the supplier price
effective at the date of the sale of the cables by the Rexel Group.
Additionally, the non-recurring effect on EBITA corresponds to the non-recurring
effect on gross profit, which may be offset, when appropriate, by the non-
recurring portion of changes in the distribution and administrative expenses.
The impact of these two effects is assessed for as much of the Group's total
cable sales as possible, over each period. Group procedures require that
entities that do not have the information systems capable of such exhaustive
calculations to estimate these effects based on a sample representing at least
70% of the sales in the period. The results are then extrapolated to all cables
sold during the period for that entity. Considering the sales covered. the Rexel
Group considers such estimates of the impact of the two effects to be
reasonable.
This document may contain statements of future expectations and other forward-
looking statements. By their nature, they are subject to numerous risks and
uncertainties, including those described in the Universal Registration Document
registered with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on March
9, 2023 under number D.23-0078. These forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of Rexel's future performance, Rexel's actual results of operations,
financial condition and liquidity as well as development of the industry in
which Rexel operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by
the forward-looking statements contained in this release. The forward-looking
statements contained in this communication speak only as of the date of this
communication and Rexel does not undertake, unless required by law or
regulation, to update any of the forward-looking statements after this date to
conform such statements to actual results to reflect the occurrence of
anticipated results or otherwise.
The market and industry data and forecasts included in this document were
obtained from internal surveys, estimates, experts and studies, where
appropriate, as well as external market research, publicly available information
and industry publications. Rexel, its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors
and employees have not independently verified the accuracy of any such market
and industry data and forecasts and make no representations or warranties in
relation thereto. Such data and forecasts are included herein for information
purposes only.
This document includes only summary information and must be read in conjunction
with Rexel's Universal Registration Document registered with the AMF on March
9, 2023 under number D.23-0078, as well as the financial statements and
consolidated result and activity report for the 2022 fiscal year which may be
obtained from Rexel's website (www.rexel.com).
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