- Group LFL revenue up 0.2% in Q3, first quarter of LFL revenue growth in 2019
- Q3 Adjusted EBITDA up 0.5% at constant currencies
- Net debt decreased compared with June 30, 2019 due to strong operational cash flow generation
Aalst-Erembodegem, November 6, 2019 – Ontex Group NV (Euronext Brussels: ONTEX; ‘Ontex,’ ‘the Group’ or ‘the Company’) reported today its results for the nine months ending September 30, 2019.
- Q3 2019 revenue: €574.4 million, up 0.2% like-for-like (LFL) versus Q3 2018
- Positive price/mix in all categories
- Revenue up 1.4% at reported currencies
- Q3 2019 Adjusted EBITDA at constant currencies: €65.8 million
- Adjusted EBITDA margin at constant currencies: 11.6%, up 5bps versus Q3 2018 (pro forma for IFRS 16)
- First quarter in 2019 of year-on-year growth of adjusted EBITDA margin at constant currencies
- Adjusted EBITDA at reported currencies: €61.4 million, Adjusted EBITDA margin: 10.7%
- Net debt: €875.7 million at September 30, 2019, a €23 million improvement compared with June 30, 2019, reflecting continued strict management of working capital
Operational Highlights
Top line: Continuous sales growth momentum of Ontex own brands in emerging markets, higher revenue in Brazil, increased sales of Adult Pants, and launch of baby diaper subscription offering in Benelux
Drive for profitability: Positive pricing and mix achieved
Transform-to-Grow (T2G) program: Implementation of operational and commercial workstreams fully underway, update will be provided at the time of our FY 2019 results release
Key Financials 9M 2019 and Q3 2019
Notes which apply to this document
Unless otherwise indicated, all comments in this document on changes in revenue are on a like-for-like basis (at constant currencies).
Unaudited Q3 and 9M 2018 financial data have been provided on a pro forma basis for IFRS 16 Leases following adoption of this accounting standard since January 2019.
This additional information has been provided to facilitate comparisons and understanding of the Group’s underlying performance.
Definitions of Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) in this document can be found under the section Corporate Information.
Net debt and leverage
Net debt stood at €875.7 million at September 30, 2019, down €42.8m (4.7%) compared with September 30, 2018 pro forma for IFRS 16, and down €23.0 million compared with net debt at June 30, 2019. Net debt divided by the last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA was 3.68x at September 30, 2019.
Management comment
Charles Bouaziz, Ontex CEO commented: “Our Q3 trading performance shows that we are turning the corner and gradually gathering momentum. For the first time this year, both Like-for-Like sales and Adjusted EBITDA at constant currencies rose in the quarter versus last year. Sales of Ontex brands in AMEAA continued to be our growth engine, while the sales trend of retailer brands in Europe confirmed that the business is progressively recovering, as expected. We maintained our focus on free cash flow generation, which resulted in a further reduction of net debt.
Our teams are fully engaged in implementing the T2G program, which will strengthen further our operational and commercial capabilities and underpin delivery of our 2021 objectives as presented in May.”
OUTLOOK
Current levels of price indices show a decreasing trend for most raw materials. Pricing, mix improvement and cost savings actions are producing increasing effects in the second half of the year, leading to improvements in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in H2 versus H1 2019.
As a result, Ontex confirms its full year 2019 outlook of:
- Broadly stable sales at constant currencies, with top-line growth in developing markets and lower revenue in developed markets;
- Stable Adjusted EBITDA at constant currencies;
- Capex of 4.5% to 5.0% of revenue including T2G-specific Capex.
The previous outlook provided for Capex of 4.5% to 5.0% of revenue excluding T2G-specific Capex. Lower 2019 Capex outlook primarily reflects the revised phasing of capital expenditure between 2019 and 2020.
Market dynamics
Q3 2019 market data for personal hygiene categories showed the same trends as in the first half of the year. Adult Inco category value is growing in all geographies where Ontex is present, primarily driven by higher volumes. Femcare category value remains stable, while Babycare category value posted a modest increase due to positive pricing, in the Americas, Middle East and Africa as well as Russia. Retailer brands further grew their presence in Europe, particularly in the Babycare category.
Operational review: categories
* Includes €22.3 million of Other in 9M 2019; €22.1 million of Other in 9M 2018, €8.4 million of Other in Q3 2019; €10.1 million of Other in Q3 2018
Babycare revenue rose 1.5% in Q3 2019 thanks to higher sales of Ontex brands in AMEAA. Sales of retailer brands in Europe were below last year, although the trend marked a clear improvement compared with the first six months of 2019, partly thanks to growth of Baby pants.
Q3 2019 Adult Inco revenue was stable versus the same period last year. Sales in institutional channels grew, while sales were 2% lower in retail channels. Revenue of Ontex brands in AMEAA grew. Sales of Adult pants were higher than in same quarter last year.
Revenue of Femcare products was down 4.1% on lower volumes of retailer brands as a result of contract losses over the past twelve months. Sales of organic cotton tampons posted a strong increase compared to the same period last year.
Operational review: Divisions
Europe
Europe Division revenue improved sequentially in Q3 2019 versus Q2 2019. Year-on-year, like-for-like sales also showed a more favorable trend. This revenue trend is expected to continue in Q4, based on organic revenue growth from our large customer base. In Q3 2019, sales were 6.0% lower versus the same period last year in a highly competitive market environment, marked by strong promotional activity by the leading international diaper brand. Our sales were impacted by lower volumes as a result of retailer brand contract losses over the past year. Several actions are being implemented as part of T2G to raise further the level of support to customers and grow their retailer brands, solidifying our position as the leading supplier in all three categories of personal hygiene.
Americas, Middle East, Africa and Asia (AMEAA)
Revenue in the AMEAA Division was up 6.6% in Q3, continuing to perform well ahead of its markets based on solid commercial execution and innovations supporting our own local brands. Sales increased in all three categories and most geographies of this Division. Our local brands continued to generate solid consumer demand in Brazil and Mexico, driving revenue growth in both countries. US sales continued to be strong, nearly equaling the high comparable in the same period last year. Revenue in the Middle East, Africa and Asia also grew in Q3 despite a challenging political and economic environment in some markets.
Healthcare
Healthcare Division revenue was 2.1% higher in Q3 2019, in part due to increased sales of Adult Pants, bringing the YTD evolution in line with market dynamics. We benefited from higher revenue in self-pay channels while maintaining a disciplined approach in institutional channels, where competitive pressures are high.
Operational review: geographies
Sales in the Americas in Q3 2019 were well ahead of last year, while Rest of World was also higher. Together, these geographies represent 43% of Group revenue, and have higher market growth rates due to favorable demographics and lower penetration of personal hygiene products.
Corporate information
The above press release and related financial information of Ontex Group NV for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on November 5, 2019.
Conference call
Management will host a presentation for investors and analysts on November 6, 2019 at 9:00am CET/8:00am UK. A copy of the presentation slides will be available at:
http://www.ontexglobal.com/financial-reports-including-annual-reviews
If you would like to participate in the conference call, please dial-in 5 to 10 minutes prior using the details below:
Belgium +32 (0) 2 400 6926
France +33 (0) 1 76 77 22 57
Germany +49 (0) 69 2222 2018
United Kingdom +44 (0) 330 336 9411
United States +1-323-994-2093
Passcode 6063523
A replay of the conference call will also be available for one week afterwards:
Belgium +32 (0) 2 620 0568
France +33 (0) 1 70 48 00 94
Germany +49 (0) 69 2000 1800
United Kingdom +44 (0) 207 660 0134
United States +1 719-457-0820
Passcode 6063523
Financial calendar 2020
FY 2019 March 4, 2020
Q1 2020 May 6, 2020
AGM May 25, 2020
H1 2020 July 30, 2020
Q3 2020 November 4, 2020
Contact