BIC: FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2019 RESULTS
BIC Group – Press Release
Clichy – 12 February 2020
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2019 RESULTSFY 2019 Net Sales: 1,949.4 million euros Down 1.9% on a comparative basisFY 2019 Normalized Income From Operation: 331.8 million eurosNormalized Income From Operations margin: 17.0%FY 2019 Net Income Group Share: 176.1 million eurosFY 2019 EPS Group share: 3.91 eurosFY 2019 Normalized EPS Group share: 5.47 eurosFY 2019 Net Cash Position: 146.9 million eurosProposed Dividend Per Share1of 3.45 euros“In a continued volatile and challenging trading environment, our 2019 performance was softer than initially expected. Nevertheless, in spite of market headwinds in our three categories, we grew or maintained market share in most geographies, as our teams remained focused on operational execution, and we seized growth opportunities in promising markets with selected acquisitions in Africa.
Our “BIC 2022 – Invent the Future” transformation plan that leads us towards a more efficient, agile, and consumer-centric organization, is on track. I am convinced that, combined with our solid business foundations, this plan will enable BIC to deliver long-term profitable growth and create meaningful value for all our stakeholders.”Gonzalve Bich, Chief Executive Officer 2020 OUTLOOK2We expect FY 2020 Organic Net Sales growth to be between -1.0% to +1.0% compared to FY 2019, with a year-on-year growth being weighted towards the second half. ·In flat to declining markets in our main geographies, notably in U.S. lighters, headwinds include macro-economic uncertainties, and competitive pressure. Globally, Net Sales will be driven by new product launches and line extensions, enhanced distribution and route-to-market, as well as relentless execution from our teams.
Full Year 2020 Normalized Income from Operations margin is expected to be between 16.0% and 17.0% of Net Sales, with a continued focus on cash generation. ·The stabilization of Gross Profit Margin and the increase in Brand Support efficiency will be more than offset by the costs related to the implementation of the new organization and the impact of higher incentive plan costs versus 2019. Q4 & FY 2019 KEY GROUP FINANCIAL FIGURES FY 2019 KEY GROUP NON- FINANCIAL FIGURES
GROUP OPERATIONAL TRENDS NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHYThe favorable impact of currency fluctuations of +2.3% was mainly due to the strong U.S. dollar against the euro6.INCOME FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED INCOME FROM OPERATIONSFY 2019 non-recurring items include notably 44.7 million euros restructuring costs and 44.3 million euros Goodwill and Trademark Impairment on Cello (see details in Appendix). FY 2019 Normalized IFO decline is due to lower Gross Profit margin and increase in Brand Support, mainly in Lighters, partially offset by a decrease in OPEX and other expenses. FY 2019 Normalized IFO was positively impacted by lower incentive plan costs versus 2018 (+ 0.6 points positive impact). Q4 Normalized IFO was positively impacted by lower incentive plan costs versus 2018 (+ 1.8 points positive impact).
NET INCOME AND EPSFY 2019 finance revenue decrease is explained by 2018 higher favorable impact of the fair value adjustments to financial assets denominated in USD (BRL and EUR).The 2019 effective tax rate was 30.0% compared to 33.7% in 2018 (27.3% excluding Cello goodwill and trademark impairment and related tax impact in 2019 and 26.3% excluding Cello and Pimaco goodwill impairment impact in 2018).NET CASH POSITIONAt the end of December 2019, the Group’s Net Cash position stood at 146.9 million euros. Net Cash was negatively impacted by CAPEX, as well as the dividend payments, share buybacks, and the acquisition of Lucky Stationery in Nigeria.SHAREHOLDERS’ REMUNERATIONIn 2019, Shareholders’ Remuneration totaled 194.4 million euros:Ordinary dividend of 3.45 euros per share paid in June 2019.39.2 million euros in share buy-backs by Société BIC at the end of December 2019 (478,667 shares purchased at an average price of 81.83 euros).OPERATIONAL TRENDS BY CATEGORY STATIONERYIn Stationery, while markets continued to be challenging, we pursued growth in e-commerce and invested in innovative products. While Europe grew low-single digit and North America was flat, 2019 performance was negatively impacted by the decrease in Cello Net Sales in India.Full Year 2019 Stationery Normalized IFO margin was 6.2% compared to 8.1% in 2018 due to higher Raw Material costs and unfavorable forex. Q4 2019 Stationery Normalized IFO margin was -0.5% versus 3.2% in 2018 impacted by lower sales, higher manufacturing costs, and higher promotional activities.We outperformed overall flat markets in Europe, growing shares in key countries such as France and the U.K9. Our added-value products, including BIC®Gelocity Full Grip and BIC® Intensity Medium felt pen performed well. E-commerce business grew 14% versus the prior year.North America’s performance was impacted by a soft sell out during the Back-to-School season. However, we continued to see new products, such as BIC® Gelocity Ultra and BIC® BodyMark tattoo marker, perform well. Year to date, BIC outperformed the Gel, Mechanical Pencil, and Correction Segments and continued to grow in e-commerce, reaching 13.0% market share in value (+0.8 points)10.In Latin America, Net Sales decreased by approx. 10%. Performance at the beginning of the year was negatively impacted by Pimaco (our manufacturer and distributor of adhesive labels) as well as by weak execution in Ecuador during H1. During the 2019 Back-to-School season, while we outperformed a declining market in Brazil, we lost 2.5 points in value11 in Mexico as a result of the poor performance of Ball Pen and Graphite segments in a highly competitive environment.In the Middle-East and Africa region, performance was driven by a successful change in route-to-market in East Africa, thanks to the transfer of Haco Industries Ltd’ manufacturing and distribution activities, which led to a double-digit increase in Net Sales in the region. Solid 2019 Back-to-School also drove the performance in South-Africa. In Nigeria, Lucky Stationery acquisition was finalized on 23 October 2019.In India, Cello Pens Domestic Sales decreased double-digit on a comparative basis in a challenging market environment impacted by the high level of superstockists’ inventories, as well as our on-going strategy of portfolio streamlining. However, we continued to see improved performance of our Champion Brands such as Butterflow.
LIGHTERSThe Lighter category was challenged by the declining US Pocket Lighters market affecting sell-in performance. This was partially offset by a good performance in Europe and Latin America.Full Year 2019 Normalized IFO margin for Lighters was 34.2% compared to 36.0% in 2018, and is explained by unfavorable forex and higher Brand Support investments.• In Europe, a price adjustment was implemented across the region. Our first advertising campaign to address consumers directly was launched in France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy to reinforce BIC’s brand image of quality and safety.In North America, Net Sales were heavily impacted by the decline of the U.S. pocket Lighter market. For the full year, the market was down 8.2% in volume and down 5.9% in value12, nonetheless we maintained market share in both volume and value. The U.S. Utility market continued to grow, and BIC was up 12.5% in value12, outperforming the market, thanks to additional distribution in the Modern Mass channel.Latin America posted mid-single-digit growth driven by Brazil with the price increase implementation in June as well as higher volumes in the traditional channel. In Mexico, sales were boosted by distribution gains in the convenience channel.
SHAVERSIn Shavers, in spite of adverse market trends, the performance was robust as we gained market share in most of our markets and grew Net Sales mid-single digit throughout our main geographies, fueled by the success of both added value and new products.Full Year 2019 Normalized IFO margin for Shavers was 12.1% compared to 10.4% in 2018. The increase was driven by Net Sales growth, which more than offset unfavorable forex.In Europe, while the overall market slightly declined, Western Europe’s performance was fueled by both added-value products, and recent launches with BIC® Miss Soleil Sensitive. In Russia, we outperformed a flat market, gaining 0.8 points in share value13 driven by further distribution gains, and the on-going success of the BIC® Flex Hybrid product range.In North America, the one-piece market continues to be highly competitive and declined by 4.2% in value14. We gained 1.9 points to reach 28.1% in share value, fueled by the outperformance in the one-piece female segment, driven by the expanded distribution of BIC® Silky Touch, and the on-going success of the BIC® Soleil franchise. In Men, we outperformed the category with BIC®Flex 5 Hybrid as the primary growth driver thanks to successful in-store promotions. The “Made For YOU” brand was launched in the U.S., offering a 5-blade refillable shaver for Men and Women, in partnership with Amazon.Latin America performance was driven by Mexico, where in a highly competitive market, we gained 1.0 points in share value15, thanks to distribution gains and robust performance of premium products and new launches with BIC® Flex 3 Hybrid and BIC® Soleil Click 5. In Brazil, we outperformed the market, boosted by the performance of our three-blade offering, and reached a historical record in market share with 28.2% in volume and 21.9% in value share15.In the Middle-East and Africa, Net Sales were up low single-digit driven by good performance in North Africa, and by strong promotional activities with BIC®1 during the African Cup of Nations in West African countries and South Africa. OTHER PRODUCTS
BIC 2022- INVENT THE FUTURE TRANSFORMATION PLAN PROGRESS During 2019, we progressed on the execution of our transformation plan and put in place several initiatives to support our four strategic pillars and achieve our strategic operational targets for 2022. ·EFFECTIVENESS – target: achieve 45 million euros annual savings In 2019 we started delivering savings through a set of efficiency programs, including the establishment of a new centralized procurement organization and the implementation of End-to-End planning and integrated Sales & Operating Planning processes across the Group that will enable the optimization of SKUs, logistics and working capital.
·INNOVATION – target: increase the number of new patent submissions by 20% per yearThe Global Market and Consumer Insights Team is up and running and launched several consumer-centric initiatives, such as the Next BIC Thing platform presented during the 2019 CES in Las Vegas. We merged the Stationery and Shavers Design and Engineering teams to create a Global Development Center to foster cross-collaboration and accelerate innovation pipeline and time-to-market.Key products such as BIC® BodyMark temporary tattoo marker, and “Made For YOU” (new direct-to-consumer on-line Shaver brand in the U.S.) were launched in 2019. ·CONSUMER-CENTRIC BRANDS – target: engage directly with 20% of our consumersTo connect and engage more effectively with all consumers, a Global Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform was implemented, with over 1 million consumers already engaged in accelerating growth. ·OMNICHANNEL DISTRIBUTION – target: reach 10% of Net Sales in e-commerceA new e-commerce leadership and team are on board, and progress was made in e-commerce across all regions, categories and channels, with +13% E-commerce Net Sales growth in 2019. WRITING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER 2025 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE We defined five Sustainable Development commitments in 2017, which will enable BIC to create value over the long term for the benefit of all of its stakeholders.·#1 FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN BIC® PRODUCTS – Target: by 2025, the environmental and/or societal footprint of BIC® products will be improved.In 2019, 90% of the BIC product portfolio was evaluated. 6% of the plastic used in Stationery product manufacturing were recycled plastics.·#2 ACTING AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE – Target: by 2025, BIC will use 80% renewable electricity.In 2019, BIC reached 76% renewable electricity across the Group, compared to 68% in 2018.·#3 COMMITTING TO A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT – Target: by 2025, BIC aims for zero accidents across all operations.The number of accidents decreased by 19% in 2019 and more than 46,000 hours of training on health and safety delivered.·#4 PROACTIVELY INVOLVING SUPPLIERS – Target: by 2025, BIC will work responsibly with its strategic suppliers to ensure the most secure, innovative, and efficient sourcing.In 2019, 292 strategic suppliers and 95 risks were identified, and 43% of contract manufacturers audited.·#5 IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION – Target: by 2025, BIC will improve learning conditions for 250 million children globally.The learning conditions for more than 61 million children were improved since 2018 through direct actions with children or actions with teachers. CAPEX – ACQUISITIONS – DISPOSALS – MISCELLANEOUS INAUGURATION OF BIC EAST AFRICA FACILITYOn March 11, BIC officially inaugurated its East Africa Facility in Kasarani, Nairobi (Kenya). This new venture comes as BIC transferred its manufacturing in Kenya and distribution in the East African region from HACO Industries Kenya Ltd earlier this year. After forty years of presence through a local distributor, BIC established its subsidiary to implement its proximity strategy and expand its brand presence.ACQUISITION OF LUCKY STATIONERY IN NIGERIAOn October 23, 2019, BIC announced the completed acquisition of Lucky Stationery in Nigeria (LSNL). Nigeria #1 Writing Instrument manufacturer. LSNL’ s brand, product portfolio and distribution network will strengthen BIC’s position in Nigeria, the largest economy and also number one in the Pens market in the region.BIC WINS RESOLUTION WITH ARROW LIGHTER, INCIn January 2020, BIC defeated Arrow Lighter, Inc. (Arrow) in BIC’s lawsuit filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC). Arrow has agreed to no longer sell certain low-quality, knockoff lighter models anywhere in the world. The lighters, branded “MK” and produced by Arrow, imitate the iconic shape and design of BIC’s lighters without upholding BIC’s stringent safety standards. GOVERNANCE On December 10, 2019, following the resignation of François BICH, and the recommendation of its Nomination, Governance and CSR Committee, the Board of Directors of SOCIETE BIC, co-opted Timothée Bich to serve as director until the end of François BICH’s mandate in May 2020. The Board also decided to submit to the 20 May 2020 General Shareholders’ Meeting the appointment of Jake Schwartz, Managing Director and co-founder of General Assembly, as Independent Director.
APPENDIX Our 2020 outlook is based on the following assumptions16:Currency: 2020 USD-Euro hedging rate: 1.1445Market Trends:Europe: Flat to slight decline for the three categories, in valueNorth America:Flat to slight increase in U.S. Stationery market, in value-4.0% to -5.0% decrease in total US pocket Lighters market, in value-4.0% to -5.0% decrease in total US one-piece Shavers market, in valueLatin America: low-single digit increase for the three categories, in valueNIFO drivers: Stable Gross Profit Margin with negative fixed cost absorption offset by a decrease in Raw Materials costs and positive price impactsIncrease in Brand Support investments efficiencyHigher OPEX and other expenses notably due to the impact of higher incentive plan costs vs. 2019 and the cost of the implementation of the new organization
NON-RECURRING ITEMSRestructuring costs are mostly associated with the transformation plan “BIC-2022 Invent The Future”.In December 2019, the transfer of the Cello trademark from India to France required to fair value the trademark. As a result of this appraisal, the trademark was written down by 21 million euros to 24 million euros. Also, in light of the adverse business environment both in India and in Cello’s major export markets, BIC performed an additional impairment test of the Cello unit, which led to depreciate the Cello goodwill by 23 million euros fully.The UK’s favorable impact is coming from pension adjustment for past service costs related to initial benefits contracts changes no longer to be paid.
RECONCILIATION WITH ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM CAPITAL AND VOTING RIGHTS As of December 31, 2019, the total number of issued shares of SOCIÉTÉ BIC was 45,532,240 shares, representing:67,035,094 voting rights,66,494,526 voting rights, excluding shares without voting rights.Total number of treasury shares held at the end of December 2019: 540,568.
GLOSSARYConstant currency basis: constant currency figures are calculated by translating the current year figures at prior year monthly average exchange rates.Organic change or Comparative basis: at constant currencies and constant perimeter. Figures at constant perimeter exclude the impacts of acquisitions and/or disposals that occurred during the current year and/or during the previous year, until their anniversary date. All Net Sales category comments are made on a comparative basis. Organic change excludes Argentina Net Sales for both 2018 and 2019.Gross profit is the margin that the Group realizes after deducting its manufacturing costs.
Normalized IFO: normalized means excluding non-recurring items.Normalized IFO margin: Normalized IFO as a percentage of Net Sales.Net cash from operating activities: principal revenue-generating activities of the entity and other activities that are not investing or financing activities.Net cash position: Cash and cash equivalents + Other current financial assets – Current borrowings – Non-current borrowings (except financial liabilities following IFRS 16 implementation.
SOCIETE BIC consolidated financial statements as of 12 February 2020 were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 February 2020. A presentation related to this announcement is also available on the BIC website (www.bicworld.com). The Group’s Statutory Auditors have performed their audit procedures on these consolidated financial statements and the audit report relating to the certification of these financial statements will be issued upon completion of the procedures required for the filing of the universal registration document.
This document contains forward-looking statements. Although BIC believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. A description of the risks borne by BIC appears in the section, “Risks” in BIC’s 2018 Registration Document filed with the French financial markets authority (AMF) on March 20, 2019. CONTACTSFor more information, please consult the corporate website: www.bicworld.com 2020 AGENDA – ALL DATES TO BE CONFIRMED ABOUT BIC BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers. For 75 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide for identifying BIC products which are sold in more than 160 countries around the world. In 2019, BIC Net Sales were 1,949.4 million euros. The Company is listed on “Euronext Paris” and is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes. BIC is also part of the following Socially Responsible Investment indexes: CDP A list and CDP “Supplier Engagement rating Leader board,” Euronext Vigeo – Eurozone 120, Euronext Vigeo – Europe 120, FTSE4Good indexes, Ethibel Pioneer and Ethibel Excellence Investment Registers, Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe, Stoxx Global ESG Leaders Index.
1Payable on 3 June 2020, subject to the approval at the AGM of May 20, 2020
2See main market assumptions on page 11
3See glossary page 17
4Excluding 2018 Cello and Pimaco Goodwill Impairment, BIC Sport Divestiture for 2018, restructuring costs & Argentina hyperinflationary accounting for 2018 and 2019, Cello trademark and goodwill impairment for 2019 and U.K pension adjustment for past service costs in 2019.
5Employees and external temporary
6this excludes the Argentinian peso.
7This excludes impact of 2018 Argentina hyperinflation
8 Excluding 2018 Cello and Pimaco Goodwill Impairment, BIC Sport Divestiture for 2018, restructuring costs & Argentina hyperinflationary accounting for 2018 and 2019, Cello trademark and goodwill impairment for 2019 and U.K pension adjustment for past service costs in 2019.
9GfK- YTD December 2019 – EU7 – in value
10NPD – YTD 28DEC 2019 – in value
11Nielsen – YTD 28DEC 2019 –Modern Channel only – in value
12IRI – YTD period ending 29-DEC-2019 – in value
13Nielsen – YTD DEC 2019 – in value
14IRI – Period ending 29-DEC-19 – in value
15Nielsen – Shaver non-refillable – YTD DEC 2019 in value
16BIC internal estimates based on Market panels (IRI,Nielsen ) and Euromonitor
17Forex impact excluding Argentinian Peso (ARS)
18Haco Industries Ltd and BIC Sport
19See glossary page 17
20Including respectively -1.6 million euros and +8.7 million euros in 2018 and 2019 related to assets payable change
21In the balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the line “Other current financial assets and derivative instruments” also includes respectively 2.7M€ and 5.3M€ worth of derivative instruments.
22Excluding financial liabilities following IFRS16 implementation
AttachmentBIC_Q4 FY2019Results_PressRelease
