-----------------------------------------------------------------------
THIRD-QUARTER 2023 SALES
Further growth in a more mixed market environment: +2.6%
Volumes up +2.3%, with solid performance in North America and Europe
FY 23 guidance confirmed
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
? Sales of EUR4,665.1m in Q3 2023, up +2.6% on a same day basis
?hVolumes up +2.3% on the back of high electrification comparable base and more
mixed market environment, demonstrating the strength of Rexel's market
positioning
? Favorable pricing environment on non-cable products, up +1.3% in the quarter
? FY 23 guidance confirmed: Resilient growth, sustained profitability and strong
cash generation thanks to Rexel's strategic action plans
? Well on track to achieve our 2025 ambition; an update on Rexel's strategic
roadmap will be presented at a Capital Markets Day in June 2024
? Completion of the Wasco acquisition on September 1(st), giving Rexel exposure
to the fast-growing Dutch HVAC market, driven by energy efficiency regulations
? Successful issuance of a EUR400m Sustainability Linked Bond maturing in 2030, at
a competitive rate of 5.25%
Key
figures
(EURm) Q3 2023 YoY change 9m 2023 YoY change
Sales on
a
reported
basis 4,665.1 (3.1) % 14,428.1 +3.8%
On a
constant
and
actual-
day basis +1.8% +6.0%
On a
constant
and same-
day basis +2.6% +6.3%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Same-day
sales
growth by
geography
Europe 2,249.6 +3.4% 7,174.7 +8.2%
France 823.1 +3.5% 2,741.5 +7.8%
Benelux 303.6 (2.3) % 933.2 +6.3%
Germany 280.2 +9.9% 832.5 +15.2%
UK 207.5 +6.7% 623.8 +3.9%
Nordics 189.9 (8.4) % 709.4 +5.4%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North
America 2,089.8 +2.7% 6,265.8 +5.2%
US 1,701.9 +1.0% 5,129.8 +4.5%
Canada 387.9 +10.9% 1,136.0 +8.4%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asia-
Pacific 325.6 (2.7) % 987.5 +0.4%
Australia 148.8 +3.3% 439.6 +5.7%
China 128.1 (8.9) % 398.4 (4.6) %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Guillaume TEXIER, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Quarter after quarter, the|
|Rexel teams demonstrate their ability to deliver consistent profitable growth.|
|It is particularly satisfying that this growth was achieved this past quarter|
|despite a less favorable environment and on the back of a particularly high|
|2022 comparable base. |
| |
|2023 is unfolding according to plan and we confirm our full-year guidance,|
|which we upgraded in July. The second half should provide further affirmation|
|that the group's transformation is delivering results. Our relentless focus on|
|cash generation, efficiency and margin optimization is paying off, while our|
|initiatives on fast-growing electrification segments, advanced services and|
|digital are building differentiation and mid-term growth potential." |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
SALES REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------
* Unless otherwise stated, all comments are on a constant and adjusted basis
and, for sales, at same number of working days.
SALES
In Q3, sales were down (3.1)% year-on-year on a reported basis, impacted by
currency effect and up a resilient +2.6% on a constant and same-day basis.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q3 2023 YoY change 9m 2023 YoY change
Sales on
a
reported
basis 4,665.1 (3.1%) 14,428.1 +3.8%
On a
constant
and
actual-
day
basis +1.8% +6.0%
On a
constant
and
same-day
basis +2.6% +6.3%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the third quarter, Rexel posted sales of EUR4,665.1m, down (3.1)% on a reported
basis, including:
* Constant and same-day sales growth of +2.6%
* A negative calendar effect of (0.8)%
* A negative currency effect of (4.5)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
US & Canadian dollars against the euro
* A slightly negative net scope effect of (0.3)%, resulting from the disposals
of businesses including Rexel activities in Spain, Portugal and Norway and
the acquisitions of Buckles Smith, Horizon and LTL in North America and
Wasco in the Netherlands (consolidated as of September 1(st), 2023).
In Q3 2023, sales were up +2.6% on a constant and same-day basis (or +1.8% on a
constant and actual-day basis), with positive volumes and selling price
increases on non-cable products.
* Positive trends in North America, up +2.7%, and Europe, up +3.4%, offsetting
Asia-Pacific, down (2.7)%.
* The four product categories related to electrification (Solar, Electric
Vehicle charging infrastructure, HVAC and Industrial Automation),
represented c. 22%(1) of sales and were up +5.0%(2) in the quarter,
contributing for 108bps, on a high comparable base (H2 22 at +33% vs H1 22
at +17%). North America largely benefited from industrial reshoring while
electrification categories in Europe continue to grow, albeit at a slower
pace on a high comparable base.
* Volumes grew +2.3% on a high comparable base from electrification categories
and in a more mixed market environment. By geography, volumes at Group level
were boosted by North America (up +4.3%) and, to a lesser extent, by Europe
(up +0.9%).
* A favorable pricing environment for non-cable products (+1.3% contribution
in the quarter) despite a lower carryover effect. Trends were favorable for
the majority of our offer and more than offset some deflation on limited
categories of non-cable products (including piping & conduit in the North
America, some Industrial Automation products in China and photovoltaic
panels).
* A negative cable price evolution ((1.0)% contribution in Q3 2023), largely
in North America, due to a high base effect.
* Further growth in digitalization in all three geographies, with a strong
increase in North America. Digital sales now represent 28.4% of sales, up
+341bps, with North America up +442bps (21.0% of sales), Europe up +237bps
(38.1% of sales) and Asia-Pacific up +339bps (8.9% of sales).
(1 )Including positive scope effect and added product categories (notably in
HVAC segment)
(2) At comparable scope, forex and product categories
In 9m 2023, Rexel posted sales of EUR14,428.1m, up +3.8% on a reported basis,
including:
* Constant and same-day sales growth of +6.3%, including a negative impact of
(1.2)% from the change in copper-based cable prices (vs a positive impact of
+1.9% in 9m 2022)
* A negative calendar effect of (0.3)%
* A negative currency effect of (2.0)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
US and Canadian dollars against the euro
* An overall stable net scope effect of (0.1)%, resulting from the disposals
of businesses including Rexel activities in Spain, Portugal and Norway,
offsetting the acquisitions of Buckles Smith, Horizon and LTL in North
America as well as Trilec and Wasco in Benelux.
Europe (48% of Group sales): +3.4% in Q3 on a constant and same-day basis
In the third quarter, sales in Europe were down (1.9)% on a reported basis,
including:
* A negative currency effect of (0.6)%, mainly due to the depreciation of the
Swedish Krona against the euro;
* A negative scope effect of (3.1)%, from the net effect between the disposals
of Rexel Spain, Portugal and Norway and the acquisition of Wasco in the
Netherlands;
* A negative calendar effect of (1.5)%.
On a constant and same-day basis, sales were up +3.4%, including a positive
volume contribution of +0.9% on a high comparable base from electrification
products, a positive price effect of +2.6% on non-cable products and a price
effect of (0.2)% on cable products.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q3 2023 YoY change 9m 2023 YoY change
Europe 2,249.6 +3.4% 7,174.7 +8.2%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France 823.1 +3.5% 2,741.5 +7.8%
Benelux 303.6 (2.3) % 933.2 +6.3%
Germany 280.2 +9.9% 832.5 +15.2%
UK 207.5 +6.7% 623.8 +3.9%
Nordics 189.9 (8.4) % 709.4 +5.4%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall in Europe, we posted strong growth in Germany, Austria, Switzerland &
the UK, offsetting lower momentum in the Nordics and Benelux.
* Sales in France (37% of the region's sales) were up +3.5%, further
outperforming the market in the Q3. This performance was driven by a robust
progression in the industrial and commercial end-markets, offsetting lower
demand in the residential market in the context of rising interest rates. We
also benefited from further growth acceleration in solar, with France
adopting this alternative energy later than other European countries.
* Benelux (13% of the region's sales) decreased by (2.3)%, largely due to
lower activity in the Netherlands (down (4.7)%), with good resilience at
Wasco, consolidated since September 1(st).
* Sales in Germany (12% of the region's sales) posted strong +9.9% growth,
supported by all 3 markets, with the commercial segment growing faster and
continued market shares gains. Solar demand remains a major growth driver,
supported by the focus on increasing the country's energy independence.
* In the UK (9% of the region's sales), sales increased by +6.7%, driven by
residential and industrial markets. The new automated DC in the London area
has been ramping up since early September.
* Sales in the Nordics (8% of the region's sales) were down (8.4)%, reflecting
a high base effect on Solar activity, the loss of two large customers in
Sweden and the more difficult environment in the construction sector,
especially in the residential activity. Sweden, our largest country in the
Nordics, entered into recession.
North America (45% of Group sales): +2.7% in Q3 on a constant and same-day basis
In the third quarter, sales in North America decreased by (2.4)% on a reported
basis including:
* A negative currency effect of (7.6)%, due to the depreciation of the US and
Canadian dollars against the euro;
* A positive scope effect of +2.7%, from the acquisition of Buckles Smith and
Horizon in the US, and, to a lesser extent, LTL in Canada;
* A calendar effect of (0.1)%.
On a constant and same-day basis, sales were up +2.7%, including a positive
volume contribution of +4.3% and a positive price effect of +0.5% on non-cable
products offsetting a price effect of (2.0)% on cable products.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q3 2023 YoY change 9m 2023 YoY change
North
America 2,089.8 +2.7% 6,265.8 +5.2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United
States 1,701.9 +1.0% 5,129.8 +4.5%
Mountain
Plains +12.1% +12.0%
Gulf
Central +11.2% +21.7%
Midwest +11.1% +11.6%
Florida +3.3% +5.1%
Southeast (0.9) % (0.2) %
Northeast (4.9) % (1.4) %
Northwest (5.9) % (3.5) %
California (6.4) % +7.7%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada 387.9 +10.9% 1,136.0 +8.4%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In the US (81% of the region's sales), sales posted +1.0% growth on a same-
day basis, with double digit growth and market outperformance in Mountain
Plains, Midwest & Gulf Central offsetting lower demand in the Northwest,
Northeast and California. By market, growth was strong in the industrial
market (notably Industrial automation businesses) and some commercial
verticals (entertainment, water, logistics, government spending?) offsetting
negative trends in the residential market and commercial verticals impacted
by interest rates (offices, multi-use). Our portfolio diversification
remains a factor of resilience.
* In Canada (19% of the region's sales), sales grew by +10.9% on a same-day
basis. It was mainly driven by the Industrial end-market, notably Oil & Gas
and the utility business, as well as an additional effect in the quarter
related to the servicing of our backlog.
* Backlog in North America remains at a high level with good execution. It is
gradually decreasing (c. -6% versus June 2023) towards a more normalized
level and is still equivalent to 3 months of sales.
Asia-Pacific (7% of Group sales): (2.7)% in Q3 on a constant and same-day basis
In the third quarter, sales in Asia-Pacific were down (14.7)% on a reported
basis, including:
* A negative currency effect of (11.4)%, due to the depreciation of the
Australian dollar and the Chinese Renminbi against the euro;
* A negative calendar effect of (1.0)%.
On a constant and same-day basis, sales were down (2.7)%, including a volume
contribution of (0.3)% and price effects of (2.3)% on non-cable products and
(0.2)% on cable products.
Key
figures
(EURm) Q3 2023 YoY change 9m 2023 YoY change
Asia-
Pacific 325.6 (2.7) % 987.5 +0.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia 148.8 +3.3% 439.6 +5.7%
China 128.1 (8.9) % 398.4 (4.6) %
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In the Pacific (54% of the region's sales), sales were up +0.4% on a
constant and same-day basis:
* In Australia (85% of Pacific's sales), sales increased by +3.3%, driven
by robust growth in all segments, particularly industrial and
commercial. The focus remains on increasing digital penetration,
starting from a low base.
* In New Zealand (15% of Pacific's sales), sales were down (13.3)% in the
quarter in a difficult macroeconomic environment.
* In Asia (46% of the region's sales), sales decreased by (6.1)% on a constant
and same-day basis:
* In China (85% of Asia's sales), sales were down (8.9)% on a difficult
base effect (sales caught up in Q3 2022 after lockdown in Q2 2022), as
well as the customer selectivity strategy implemented and price
deflation, in line with the Producer Price Index (PPI)
* In India (15% of Asia's sales), sales were up 28.3%, boosted by the
industrial segment.
FURTHER EXECUTING OUR CAPITAL ALLOCATION STRATEGY
----------------------------------------------------
In line with our Power Up 2025 strategy, we continue to execute our M&A
strategy, with the objective to add up to EUR2bn of acquired sales over the
2022-2025 period. Since our CMD in June last year, we have acquired the
equivalent of EUR1bn of sales. This quarter was marked by the completion of two
acquisitions:
* On September 1(st), we closed the acquisition of Wasco, one of the leading
distributors of HVAC products and services in the Netherlands, further
building Rexel's European presence to seize fast-growing electrification
opportunities.
* On September 18(th), we completed the acquisition of 51%of Mavisun, a
French photovoltaic solutions distribution company. This acquisition will
allow Rexel France to strengthen its value proposition in photovoltaic
solutions by offering kits and technical assistance to its installer
customers. The company generated EUR40m of sales over the past 12 months at
end-May 2023.
In the quarter, we further executed our share buyback program and reached an
amount of EUR92m of shares re-purchased in the first nine months of 2023 (c. 4.4
million shares). We target c. EUR200m on a cumulative basis for 2022-2023.
FY 2023 OUTLOOK CONFIRMED
----------------------------
Rexel confirms its FY 2023 guidance, leveraging the diversity of its portfolio
and its sales force efficiency to navigate a mixed growth environment. The Group
has become leaner and more agile and will sustain a high level of profitability
thanks to continued efforts on productivity and pricing.
We anticipate for 2023, at comparable scope of consolidation and exchange rates:
* Same-day sales growth in the upper end of the initial range of between 2%
and 6%
* An adjusted EBITA(1 )margin of between 6.6% and 6.9%
* 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 2.
CALENDAR
-----------
February 15, 2024 Full-year 2023 results
April 30, 2024 First-quarter 2024 sales
April 30, 2024 Annual Shareholders'
Meeting
June 2024 Capital Markets Day
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
A slideshow of the third quarter 2023 sales is 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
1,900 branches in 21 countries, with more than 26,000 employees. The Group's
sales were EUR18.7 billion in 2022.
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 83 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 19% 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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