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Sodexo announces solid H1 Fiscal 2024 results
Issy-les-Moulineaux, April 19, 2024
Sodexo (Euronext Paris FR 0000121220-OTC: SDXAY)
Sodexo announces solid H1 Fiscal 2024 results
At the Board of Directors meeting held on April 18, 2024, chaired by Sophie Bellon, the Board closed the Consolidated accounts for the First half Fiscal 2024 ended February 29, 2024.
First half Fiscal 2024 key figures
For more detail on the Group Net Profit including discontinued operations, please refer to section 1.2.6 of the Financial Report.
Sodexo Chairwoman and CEO, Sophie Bellon, said:
“The spin-off of Pluxee has been successfully completed. Sodexo is now a pure-player in Food and Facilities Management services!
We are making progress in transforming our Food services, developing our branded offers, boosting our convenience activity and enhancing our purchasing, particularly in North America. Our organization has been considerably simplified and streamlined: we are gaining in agility.
The first half performance is solid. Organic growth is robust and the margin is up +40bps. Net new business momentum is also solid with a further improvement in retention.
We are progressing towards our ambition to be the world leader in sustainable food and valued experiences. I would like to thank all our teams, who have worked so hard to execute the spin-off of Pluxee while delivering a solid operational performance!”
Solid set of First half Fiscal 2024 Results
Commercial momentum
Leading the way in sustainability
Sodexo has been strengthening its approach by:
Once again Sodexo's continued progress has been recognized externally as it is the only Food services company included in:
Pluxee spin-off completed successfully
The Pluxee spin-off took place on February 1, 2024 in line with the plans laid out a year ago.
Sodexo has become a pure-player in Food and FM services. The operating performance has remained on track throughout the process.
Outlook
Given the solid commercial momentum, some ongoing volume growth, the contribution of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics Games in the fourth quarter, and pricing expected at close to +4% for the full year, Fiscal 2024 guidance is:
Conference call
Sodexo will hold a conference call (in English) today at 9:45 a.m. (Paris time), 8:45 a.m. (London time) to comment on its First half Fiscal 2024 results.
Those who wish to connect:
Followed by the access code 07 26 13 .
The live audio webcast will be available on www.sodexo.com
The press release, presentation and webcast will be available on the Group website www.sodexo.com in both the “Newsroom” section and the “Investors – Financial Results” section.
Financial calendar
These dates are indicative and may be subject to change without notice.
Regular updates are available in the calendar on our website
www.sodexo.com
About Sodexo
Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. Thanks to its two activities of Food and Facilities Management Services, Sodexo meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.
Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, Bloomberg France 40, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.
Key figures
First half Fiscal 2024 Financial Report
1.1 Changes in financial disclosure from H1 Fiscal 2024
Following the Pluxee spin-off, Sodexo is now a pure player in Food and FM services. In order to better reflect the Group's performance, to provide more clarity and to ease the comparability with its main peers, the Group has decided to make the following changes to its financial disclosure:
1.2 H1 Fiscal 2024 performance
1.2.1 Consolidated income statement from continuing operations
(1) Pre-tax profit excluding share of profit from Equity method was 595 million euros in First half Fiscal 2024 and 465 millions euros in First half Fiscal 2023.
(2) Profit attributable to non-controlling interests were 4 million euros in First half Fiscal 2024 and 5 million euros in First half Fiscal 2023.
1.2.2 Revenues
First half Fiscal 2024 Sodexo revenues totaled 12.1 billion euros, up +4.5% year-on-year including a negative currency impact of -3.3%, resulting from the appreciation of the euro against most currencies from the start of calendar year 2023, and a net contribution from acquisitions and disposals of -0.7%. Consequently, First half Fiscal 2024 organic growth was +8.5%.
The underlying dynamic in the second quarter was similar to the first quarter, with strong activity in all segments and geographies, particularly in North America, where organic growth reached +10.0%. Europe was up +8.0%, boosted 80bps by the Rugby World Cup in the first quarter. Rest of the World was up +5.7%, impacted by an accounting change for project works in a large contract. Excluding this, organic growth of the zone was +8.4%.
The most significant drivers of organic growth continue to be increased attendance, new business and pricing.
Price adjustments averaged close to +4.5% for the First half, progressively declining, in line with the softening of food inflation.
Organic growth in the First half was driven by Food services, up +10.7% organically, whereas FM services were up +4.5%.
Net new development has shown a steady improvement, reaching 2.4% on a last 12 months basis (LTM) as of the end of February:
North America
(1) From H1 FY24, Business & Administrations excludes Sodexo Live!, reported separately.
(2) As part of the streamlining of the organization during Fiscal 2023, some contracts or operations have been reallocated between segments.
First half Fiscal 2024 North America revenues totaled 5.8 billion euros , up +10.0% organically. This strong growth was driven by the contribution of new business and some volume growth as well as a pricing impact of just below +4%.
Restated organic growth in Business & Administrations (excl. Sodexo Live!) reached +13.2%, driven by the contribution of new business, strong growth in food services from continued return to office and cross-sales, as well as project works and strong retail sales growth. Entegra revenue growth was also accretive.
Sodexo Live! restated organic growth was +23.3%, driven by robust activity in all venues, and in particular strong per capita spend in sports stadiums. Airport lounges activity also grew strongly with increased passenger count, added scope and mobilization of new business.
Healthcare & Seniors restated organic growth was +6.3%, with good performance in Healthcare through a combination of price increases, volume, retail growth and favorable net new contribution. This growth was somewhat offset by a negative contribution in Seniors due to the impact of sites lost at the end of the prior fiscal year.
Education restated organic revenue growth was +7.0%, benefiting from price increases as well as growth in meal count, retail and catering events.
Europe
(1) From H1 FY24, Business & Administrations excludes Sodexo Live!, reported separately.
(2) As part of the streamlining of the organization during Fiscal 2023, some contracts or operations have been reallocated between segments.
In Europe , First half Fiscal 2024 revenues amounted to 4.3 billion euros , up +8.0% organically, or +7.2% excluding the Rugby World Cup, driven by increased food services volume and pricing of around +5%.
Business & Administrations (excl. Sodexo Live!) restated organic growth was +6.3%. This was supported by Corporate services benefiting from both price increases and higher attendance, coupled with new business in Government in the United Kingdom.
Sodexo Live! restated organic growth stood at +25.4%, or +12.5% excluding the Rugby World Cup. The growth was primarily driven by improved attendance and pricing in sports and cultural destinations in France, in particular the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower, by increased volumes in the United Kingdom in airport lounges, as activity was only just starting to pick-up in early Fiscal 2023 post-pandemic, and stadiums, helped by price increases.
Healthcare & Seniors restated organic growth stood at +7.8%, driven by new business particularly in Spain and inflation pass-through in the United Kingdom, as well as favorable volumes and price revisions in Seniors in France.
Education restated organic revenue growth was +7.3%, reflecting the significant positive impact of price revisions, and a favorable working days impact.
Rest of the World
(1) From H1 FY24, Business & Administrations excludes Sodexo Live!, reported separately.
(2) As part of the streamlining of the organization during Fiscal 2023, some contracts or operations have been reallocated between segments.
Rest of the World First half Fiscal 2024 revenues amounted to 2.1 billion euros , up +5.7% organically, impacted by the change in revenue recognition in Energy & Resources. Excluding this impact, the organic growth was +8.4%, including pricing of around +4.5%.
Business & Administrations (excl. Sodexo Live!) restated organic growth was +5.1%, or +8.3% excluding the accounting change. Growth in food in India has continued to be very strong, driven by both new and existing business, and in Australia with a pricing catch-up and new openings in mining. Brazil and Latin America are still growing high single digit, although with a slight deceleration in the second quarter due to a lower pricing impact and a slowing market. This performance was slightly offset by a modest growth in China due to the economic slowdown leading to restructuring and site closures last year.
Sodexo Live! revenues (principally airport lounges) tripled as Covid restrictions in airlines were lifted only from January 2023 and due to the opening of new lounges in Hong Kong.
Healthcare & Seniors restated organic growth was +1.4%, with regular strong growth in India, a significant pick-up in growth in Latin America, offset by slow growth in China and the impact of the exit of low-performing contracts in Brazil during the second quarter last year.
Education restated organic growth was +10.5%, fueled by strong growth in China coming from a lower starting point last year due to school closures, and sustained growth in Brazil and India, boosted by both new business and ramp ups in existing sites.
1.2.3 Underlying operating profit
First half Fiscal 2024 Underlying operating profit was 612 million euros, up +12.3%, and +16.9% excluding the currency effect. The Underlying operating margin, including Corporate expenses, was up +40 bps at 5.1%.
This significant improvement stemmed partially from effective management of inflation through better pricing and continued close management of procurement, in a decelerating food cost inflation environment.
The margin improvement was also due to enhanced on site productivity notably attributed to the deployment of branded offers, supply efficiencies, standardization and optimized staff allocation, as well as healthy net new wins coming from higher retention rate and quality signatures.
Finally, disciplined above-site cost management contributed to the year-on-year margin increase.
The performance by zone is as follows:
1.2.4 Net profit from continuing operations
Other operating income and expenses amounted to 30 million euros compared to -36 million euros in the previous year. The main elements of the period were the 83 million euros net gain related to scope changes, principally the disposal of the Homecare business in October 2023, the spin-off costs of Pluxee for 16 million euros and restructuring costs of 15 million euros.
As a result, the Operating Profit was 642 million euros compared to 509 million euros in the previous year.
Net Financial expenses in First half Fiscal 2024 were up 3 million euros at 46 million euros. Gross interest on the bonds was more or less neutral as higher dollar floating rates offset the effect of the reimbursement of two bonds in November 2023 and January 2024 which were both at very low interest rates.
The First half Fiscal 2024 effective tax rate was at 16.6%, well below the 26.2% in the previous year. This decrease is principally explained by the capital gain on the sale of the Homecare activity which had no tax impact, as well as the utilization of previously unrecognized tax assets due to better results in France.
First half Fiscal 2024 Net profit from continuing activities was up +46.3% to 496 million euros, compared to 339 million euros in the previous year. Underlying net profit from continuing activities adjusted for Other Operating income and expenses net of tax amounted to 427 million euros, compared to 370 million euros in the previous year, up +15.4%.
1.2.5 Earnings per share from continuing operations
First half Fiscal 2024 EPS from continuing activities was 3.39 euros against 2.32 euros in the previous year. The weighted average number of shares for Fiscal 2024 was more or less stable at 146,445,700 compared to 146,147,666 shares for First half Fiscal 2023.
Underlying EPS amounted to 2.91 euros, up +15.0% compared to the previous year.
1.2.6 Net profit from discontinued operations (Pluxee)
First half Fiscal 2024 Net profit from discontinued operations amounts to -570 million euros, against +101 million euros in the previous year (restated). This result is composed of:
None of these items will impact the Fiscal 2024 dividend as the pay-out ratio will be based on the Underlying net profit of Sodexo continuing activities only.
1.3 Consolidated financial position
As a consequence of the spin-off, Pluxee's assets and liabilities, including the cash, have been deconsolidated as of January 31, 2024. The cash flows generated by Pluxee between the start of the Fiscal Year until the spin-off are reported as cash flow from discontinued operations.
1.3.1 Cash flows from continuing operations
Cash flows from continuing operations for the period were as follows:
(1) The difference with the Operating Cash Flow as presented in the consolidated cash flow statement (section 2.1.4) comes from the new client investments, presented in this table within Net Capex (within Operating Cash flow in the cash flow statement, under "change in client investments").
(2) The Group does not believe the accounting treatment introduced by IFRS 16 modifies the operating nature of its lease transactions. Accordingly, to ensure the Group's performance measures continue to best reflect its operating performance, the Group considers repayments of lease liabilities as operating items impacting the Free cash flow, which integrates all lease payments (fixed or variable). To be consistent, the lease liabilities are not included in Net debt (treated as operating items).
First half Fiscal 2024 Free cash outflow was -102 million euros against -236 million euros in the previous period.
First half Fiscal 2024 Operating cash flow slightly improved at 739 million euros against 733 million euros in the previous period as a result of the increase in operating profit, offset by the unfavorable variation of income tax paid due to significant positive prior year one-offs.The change in working capital in the first half was a seasonal negative 513 million euros, improved from the negative 624 million euros in First half Fiscal 2023.
Net capital expenditure, including new client investments, was stable at 246 million euros, or 2% of revenues, with higher capex to sales ratio expected in the second half due to the timing of investments.
Acquisitions net of disposals amounted to an inflow of 100 million euros resulting from the disposal of the Homecare business, offset somewhat by some acquisitions mainly in the Convenience activity in North America.
The Fiscal 2023 dividend payment amounted to 456 million euros compared to 352 million euros in the previous year, reflecting the 29% increase in the dividend per share.
After taking into account Other changes, consolidated net debt increased by 434 million euros during the First half to reach 3,352 million euros at February 29, 2024.
1.3.2 Acquisitions and disposals for the period
First half Fiscal 2024 was marked by the spin-off and listing of Pluxee on February 1, 2024.
Other consolidated scope changes of the First half 2024 included:
Disposals net of acquisitions amounted to 100 million euros.
1.3.3 Condensed consolidated statement of financial position at February 29, 2024
(1) As of August 31, 2023, in order to project the post spin-off financial position, in this table intragoup loans and deposits between Sodexo and Pluxee were not eliminated (on the one hand 1,215 million euros loan from Sodexo to Pluxee, presented in this table in Assets, into "interco loans / deposits with Pluxee" with counterpart in "Liabilities held for sale", and on the other hand deposits from Pluxee in Sodexo cash-pooling for 570 millions euros, presented in the table in Assets as a reduction of Cash with counterpart in "Assets held for sale"). These restatements explain the gaps with the Consolidated financial position in note 4.1.3, in which intragroup loans were eliminated. Moreover, these intragroup loans were considered as settled as at August 31, 2023, and thus are part of the net debt calculation, as they have been settled just prior to the listing date of Pluxee.
The decrease in Shareholder's equity is the result of Pluxee's deconsolidation on February 1, 2024.
Assets and Liabilities held for sale or distribution were nil as of February 29, 2024, following the spin-off of Pluxee and the disposal of the Homecare entities.
(1) Net debt as of February 28, 2023 and August 31, 2023 were adjusted to exclude Pluxee and to reflect the post-spin-off financial position, with intragroup loans and deposits with Pluxee considered as settled.
(2) For the new definition of EBITDA, please refer to the Alternative Performance Measure in section 1.3.6
As of February 29, 2024, net debt was 3,352 million euros, up from 2,918 million euros at the end of Fiscal 2023 (adjusted), reflecting the typical seasonality of cash flow with dividend payment in the First half and seasonal working capital requirements. Given the year-on-year increase in EBITDA, the increase in net debt to EBITDA ratio since year end is limited to 0.1x, at 2.3x, and well below the levels at the end of First half Fiscal 2023 of 3.2x.
During the period, two bonds were reimbursed: 300 million euros, due May 2025, carrying an interest rate of 1.125% in November 2023, and 500 million euros due in January 2024, carrying an interest rate of 0.50%. As a result, the average interest rate on the bonds at the end of the First half Fiscal 2024 was at 1.9%, against 1.7% at the end of August 2023.
As of February 29, 2024, the Group's gross debt of 4,797 million euros was 67% euro-denominated, 24% dollar-denominated and 8% sterling-denominated, with an average maturity of 3.7 years, 94% at fixed rates and 100% covenant free.
Operating cash reached a total of 1,445 million euros.
At the end of the First half Fiscal 2024, the Group had unused credit lines totaled 1.6 billion euros.
1.3.4 Subsequent events
No major events have occurred since the closing of the period.
1.3.5 Currency effect
Exchange rate fluctuations do not generate operational risks, because each subsidiary bills its revenues and incurs its expenses in the same currency.
The negative currency impact for First half Fiscal 2024 of -3.3% results from the appreciation of the Euro notably compared to the US Dollar, the Australian Dollar, the Chinese Renminbi, the Indian Rupee and the Chilean Peso.
Sodexo operates in 45 countries. The percentage of total revenues and underlying operating profit denominated in the main currencies during the First half Fiscal 2024 are as follows:
The currency effect is determined by applying the previous year's average exchange rates to the current year figures.
1.3.6 Alternative Performance Measure definitions
Blended cost of debt
The blended cost of debt is calculated at period end and is the weighted blended financing rate on borrowings (including derivative financial instruments and commercial papers) and cash-pooling balances at period end.
Financial ratios definition
Financial ratios reconciliation
(1) For the sake of simplification, the term EBITDA is used in reference to Underlying EBITDA.
Note: Rolling 12-month (RTM) EBITDA excluding lease payments would be 1,625 million euros for First half Fiscal 2024, compared to 1,475 million euros for First half Fiscal 2023.
Free cash flow
Please refer to the section entitled Consolidated financial position.
Growth excluding currency effect
The currency effect is determined by applying the previous year's average exchange rates to the current year figures except in hyper-inflationary economies where all figures are converted at the latest closing rate for both periods when the impact is significant.
Net debt
Net debt is defined as Group borrowing at the balance sheet date, less operating cash.
Organic growth
Organic growth corresponds to the increase in revenue for a given period (the “current period”) compared to the revenue reported for the same period of the prior fiscal year, calculated using the exchange rate for the prior fiscal year; and excluding the impact of business acquisitions (or gain of control) and divestments, as follows:
Underlying net profit
Underlying Net profit is defined as Net profit excluding significant unusual and/or infrequent elements and corresponds to the Net Income Group share excluding Other Income and Expense after tax, as well as significant non-recurring elements in both Net Financial Expense and Income Tax Expense where relevant.
Underlying net profit per share
Underlying Net profit per share presents the Underlying net profit divided by the average number of shares.
Underlying operating profit margin
The underlying operating profit margin corresponds to Underlying operating profit divided by revenues.
Underlying operating profit margin at constant rates
The Underlying operating profit margin at constant rates corresponds to Underlying operating profit divided by revenues, calculated by converting 2024 figures at Fiscal 2023 rates, except for countries with hyperinflationary economies.
New segment reporting following evolution of the organization
As part of the streamlining of the organization, from Fiscal 2024, some contracts or operations have been reallocated between segments, with main impacts in Europe from Healthcare & Seniors to Education.
Restated revenue breakdown for Fiscal 2023:
(1) From H1 FY24, Business & Administrations excludes Sodexo Live!, reported separately.
First half Fiscal 2024
Condensed consolidated
financial statements
2.1 Consolidated financial statements
The comparative period presented in the consolidated income statement and in the consolidated cash flow statement disclosed in the document has been restated to reflect the classification as discontinued operations of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) in accordance with IFRS 5 “Assets held for sale and discontinued operations”. Restatements of previously published information are disclosed in note 3.1.
2.1.1 Consolidated income statement
2.1.2 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
2.1.3 Consolidated statement of financial position
Assets
Shareholders' equity and liabilities
2.1.4 Consolidated cash flow statement
(1) Including 91 million euros corresponding to the right-of-use assets depreciation recognized in First half Fiscal 2024 pursuant to IFRS 16 (93 million euros recognized for First half Fiscal 2023).
(2) Since the First half Fiscal 2024, the change in client investments previously classified in net cash used in investing activities is presented within the cash flow provided by operating activities in the consolidated cash flow statement. This change of presentation has been included in the comparative information of the First half Fiscal 2023.
2.1.5 Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity
2.2 Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Sodexo's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six-month period from September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on April 18, 2024.
The numbers shown in the tables were prepared in thousands of euros and are presented in million euros (unless otherwise indicated).
NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
1.1 Spin-off of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services)
The project to separate the two business units of Sodexo by spinning-off and listing Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) announced on April 5, 2023 by the Group, and was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors on October 25, 2023. The resolution proposed by the Board of Directors to approve the exceptional distribution in kind of one Pluxee share for every Sodexo share held was adopted by a very large majority of the Shareholders Meeting held on January 30, 2024. The spin-off has been implemented according to the defined schedule, with the detachment and first listing of Pluxee shares on Euronext Paris on February 1, 2024 and the delivery of the Pluxee shares to shareholders on February 5, 2024.
As the transaction is carried out under common control, it is excluded from the scope of IFRIC 17 “Distributions of non-cash assets to owners”. The Group has elected to recognize the demerger using Pluxee's Net Book Value. This operation does not generate any capital gain or loss in the consolidated income statement, with the exception of the negative impact of the recycling of the currency translation adjustment reserves, mainly coming from the Brazilian Real and the Venezuelan Bolivar, for an amount -540 million euros as of January 31, 2024 (see the detailed accounting treatment in note 3).
NOTE 2. BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2.1 Accounting policies
2.1.1 General principles
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended February 29, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as published by the IASB and endorsed by the European Union. They do not include all the disclosures required for a complete set of annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Sodexo Group for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.
The accounting policies applied by the Group in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended February 29, 2024 are the same as those used in the annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, with the exception of the specific requirements of IAS 34 (see note 2.2). The texts effective as of September 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the interim consolidated financial statements of the Group, in particular IAS 12 amendment regarding the exemption from the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities linked to taxes on the result arising from the Pillar 2 rules based on estimates made to date by the Group.
Based on the preliminary work performed, the Group does not expect any significant impact from the Pillar 2 reform on its interim consolidated financial statements.
The Group has not applied any IFRSs that had not yet been approved by the European Union as of February 29, 2024. The Group has not elected to early adopt any standards or interpretations whose application is not mandatory in Fiscal 2024.
2.2 Specific interim reporting requirements
Income tax expense
Income tax expense (current and deferred) in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements is computed by applying an estimated average annual tax rate for the current fiscal year to each tax reporting entity's pre-tax profit for the first half of the year as adjusted, where applicable, for the tax effect of any specific events that may have occurred during the period. The resulting deferred and current tax charge or benefit is recognized in deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities and in income tax assets or payable in the consolidated statement of financial position as required by IAS 12 amendment.
Post-employment and other long-term employee benefits
The expense for post-employment and other long-term employee benefits is computed as one half of the annual charge estimated as of August 31, 2023. The actuarial projections are updated to take into account any material changes to assumptions or one-off impacts (discount rates, applicable legislation...) during the six-month period.
2.3 Use of estimates
The preparation of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires the management of Sodexo and its subsidiaries to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as of the date of preparation of the financial statements, and of revenues and expenses for the period.
These estimates and judgments are updated continuously based on past experience and on various other factors considered reasonable in view of the situation prevailing as of February 29, 2024 and are the basis for the assessments of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.
Final amounts may differ substantially from these estimates if assumptions or circumstances change.
Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions are the same as those described in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2023 (valuation of current and non-current assets, assessment of deferred tax assets recoverability, valuation of financial assets measured at fair value, provisions – including uncertain tax treatments – and litigations, assessment of the lease term in measuring the lease liabilities and related right-of-use assets, post-employment defined benefit plan assets and liabilities, and share-based payments).
NOTE 3. MAIN CHANGES IN SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION
3.1 Disposed and held for sale or distribution activities
The Group continued its portfolio rationalization by disposing of a certain numbers of its activities, resulting in a net gain on disposal of 83 million euros recognized in other operating expenses and income during the First half Fiscal 2024 (cf. note 4.2.2 “Other operating expenses and income”), corresponding mainly to the net gain on disposal of 77 million euros for the disposal of its worldwide Homecare services including mainly subsidiaries in the United States, in the United Kingdom, and in Scandinavian countries at the end of October 2023, disposed for a net selling price of 146 million euros.
The completion of the spin-off of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) has occurred on February 1, 2024, its contribution to the net result and to the cash flows over 5 months (from September 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024) as well as the negative impact of the recycling of the currency translation adjustment reserves mainly from the Brazilian Real and Venezuelan Bolivar for -540 million euros are presented on separate lines in the consolidated income statement (line "Net income from discontinued operations") and in the consolidated cash flow statement (separate lines within each category cash flow). Moreover,this activity met the definition of a discontinued operation as of August 31, 2023 as set out by IFRS 5 (separate major line of business, the net assets of which are available for immediate distribution in their present condition, and the distribution of which is highly probable), non-current assets classified as such are no longer subject to depreciation from this date. In accordance with this standard, the comparative consolidated income statement and consolidated cash flow statement are restated as if the activity had met the criteria for a discontinued operation as of the opening of the comparative period.
Choice of the accounting method for the deconsolidation
Sodexo has elected to account for the demerger using Pluxee's Net Book Value. Therefore, the deconsolidation does not generate any loss or gain in the consolidated income statement as of February 29, 2024, except for the negative impact of the recycling of the currency translation adjustment reserves related to Pluxee, mainly from the Brazilian Real and Venezuelan Bolivar, amounting to -540 million euros as of January 31, 2024. This non-cash loss is purely technical, and will not have any impact on Sodexo's equity, cashflow or dividend distribution capacity.
Impact of the in-kind distribution on free shares grants
On January 30, 2024, the resolution proposed by the Board of Directors to approve the exceptional distribution in kind of one Pluxee share for every Sodexo share held was adopted by a very large majority.
As a result of the in-kind distribution, it was proposed to Sodexo shareholders, to acknowledge that the rights of beneficiaries of free share plans whose Sodexo shares have not been delivered on the completion date of the spin-off in accordance with the relevant plan rules (the “Performance Shares”) will be preserved. For free share plans under which Sodexo shares are to be delivered after the completion date of the spin-off in accordance with the relevant plan rules, the Sodexo Board of Directors will make adjustments to the rights of beneficiaries of Performance Shares referring to the principles stipulated in Article R. 228-91 of the Commercial Code, to be delivered after the completion date of the spin-off by multiplying the number of each Performance Shares by the following ratio:
Value of the Sodexo share before the In-Kind Distribution / (Value of the Sodexo share before the In-Kind Distribution - Amount of the In-Kind Distribution per share), giving an adjustment ratio of 138,14%.
The 1,308,936 Sodexo shares initially granted and to be acquired were adjusted and amount to 1,806,562 Sodexo Shares following the in-kind distribution.. This adjustment did not result in granting an additional benefit to employees and therefore had no impact on the group's IFRS 2 expense.
3.1.1 Financial statements of discontinued operations
Net profit from discontinued operations
The key consolidated income statement items of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) classified as discontinued operations including the deconsolidation effects are the following:
Cash flow statement from discontinued operations
The key consolidated cash flow statement items of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) classified as discontinued operations, including the deconsolidation effects are the following:
(1) Of which a bridge loan of 1.1 billion euros used to refinance the debt to the Group before the spin-off, existing as of August 31, 2023.
(2) Corresponds mainly to the repayment of the loans and borrowings to Sodexo.
3.1.2 Restatement of consolidated financial statements 2023
Impact on the 2023 consolidated income statement of the IFRS 5 restatement applied
Impact on the First half Fiscal 2023 consolidated cash flow statement of the IFRS 5 restatement
NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND OTHER OPERATING ITEMS
4.1 Segment information and revenue information
The segment information presented below has been prepared based on internal management data as monitored by the Group Leadership Team, which is Sodexo's chief operating decision-maker.
Revenue and Underlying operating profit are followed by regions. These regions meet the definition of operating segments in IFRS 8.
Sodexo's operating segments and groups of operating segments are as follows:
The operating segments that have been aggregated carry out similar operations – both in terms of type of services rendered and processes and methods used to deliver the services – and have similar economic characteristics (notably in terms of margins they generate).
Segment assets and liabilities are not presented as they are not included in the chief operating decision-maker's measurement of segment performance.
No single Group client or contract accounts contribute for more than 2% of the consolidated revenues.
4.1.1 Segment information
(1) Including Group's share of profit of companies accounted for using the equity method that directly contribute to the Group's business and excluding other operating income and expenses.
(1) Including Group's share of profit of companies accounted for using the equity method that directly contribute to the Group's business and excluding other operating income and expenses.
4.1.2 Revenue by significant country
The Group's operations are spread across 45 countries, including two that each represent over 10% of consolidated revenues in First half Fiscal 2024: France (the Group's registration country) and the United States. Revenues in these countries are as follows:
If not visible, this visual representation is available in the Financial Report of Sodexo H1 Results Fiscal 2024 on https://www.sodexo.com/en/investors/financial-results-and-publications/financial-results
4.1.3 Revenue by line of service
Revenues by line of service are as follows:
4.2 Operating expenses by nature and other operating income and expenses
4.2.1 Operating expenses by nature
(1) Other employee costs include primarily payroll taxes, but also costs associated with defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and restricted share plans.
(2) Including the depreciation of right-of-use assets relating to lease contracts of 91 million euros recognized in accordance with IFRS 16 (93 million euros in First half Fiscal 2023).
(3) Corresponds to rent not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities, primarily variable lease payments (commissions based on performance indicators of locations operated under concession arrangements), as well as lease expenses relating to short-term lease contracts and lease contracts of low value assets. The increase observed over the period relates mainly to the variable part of commissions due under concession arrangements.
(4) Other expenses mainly include professional fees, other purchases used for operations, sub-contracting costs and travel expenses.
4.2.2 Other operating income and expenses
(1) During First half Fiscal 2024, gains related to consolidation scope changes correspond mainly to the disposal of Homecare entities.
(2) The costs recognized in First half fiscal 2024 mainly correspond to rationalization costs following the reorganization of the Group.
(3) The other costs recognized in First half fiscal 2024, mainly correspond to the costs related to the spin-off project of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity) and the costs related to the disposal of the Homecare entities (see note. 3.1).
4.3 Working capital
4.3.1 Trade and other current operating assets
The maturities of trade receivables as of February 29, 2024 and August 31, 2023 respectively were as follows:
During the periods presented, the Group was not affected by any significant change resulting from proven client failures. In addition, given the geographic dispersion of the Group's activities and the wide range of client industries, there is no material concentration of risk in individual receivables due but not written down.
4.3.2 Trade and other payables
As of February 29, 2024, the total amount of receivables transferred by Sodexo's suppliers through the reverse factoring programs is 418 million euros (253 million euros as of August 31, 2023). The relating trade payables are still classified as trade payables and included in the total of trade payables.
NOTE 5. IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS
During the first half of the year, the Group carried out a review of impairment triggers likely to lead to a decrease in the recoverable value of its tangible and intangible assets.
In particular, Sodexo analyzed the performance of its operating segments (groups of CGUs at which goodwill is monitored) during the First half compared to the estimates used during the Fiscal 2023 annual closing for impairment testing. The Group has also analyzed the evolution since August 31, 2023 of the main financial parameters (discount rate and long-term growth rate).
The Group's management has concluded that there was no evidence of triggers indicating a decrease in the recoverable value of its operating segments as of February 29, 2024 compared to August 31, 2023. The annual review of the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets will be realized during the Second half Fiscal 2024.
NOTE 6. PROVISIONS, LITIGATION AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
6.1 Provisions
(1) Reclassification of provisions for contract termination related to healthcare activity previously shown as accrued payables.
(2) Investments in companies accounted for using the equity method that have negative net assets.
6.2 Litigation and contingent liabilities
DISPUTES WITH THE BRAZILIAN TAX AUTHORITIES
During Fiscal 2021, the subsidiary Sodexo do Brasil Comercial received a tax reassessment notice mainly linked to the tax deductibility of the amortization of goodwill recognized on the purchase of Puras. The reassessment covers the period from 2015 to 2017 and amounts to 225 million Brazilian real to date, i.e., 42 million euros as of February 29, 2024 (of which 9 million euros in principal and 33 million euros in penalties and late payment interests). In August 2021, the competent administrative Court ruled in favor of Sodexo do Brasil Comercial but the Brazilian tax authorities appealed this first instance decision. In March 2024, the Administrative Court (CARF) has unanimously confirmed the first instance decision in favor of Sodexo do Brasil Comercial. Tax authorities can appeal again but the Group considers that the risks of a change the decision are low, considering, on the one hand, that it has strong arguments to contest the tax reassessment and, on the other hand, the recent favorable decision of the CSRF ending the dispute between Sodexo Pass do Brasil and the Brazilian tax authorities on the same issue.
The goodwill amount has been fully amortized. The tax savings generated by this tax depreciation were offset in the consolidated accounts of the Group by a deferred tax expense of the same amount for each of the related financial periods, in accordance with the IFRS rules. The balance of the related deferred tax liability amounts to 27 million euros as of February 29, 2024.
In addition, Sodexo and its main competitors have a different interpretation from that of the Brazilian tax administration on the deductibility of PIS/COFINS on certain purchases made at a zero rate. Several proceedings are underway, either at the initiative of the tax authorities, which have notified Sodexo do Brasil Comercial of an adjustment in respect of credits recognized in 2016 of 10 million euros (including penalties and interest for late payment), or at the initiative of the company, which has filed several claims in the courts. One of these proceedings initiated by Sodexo do Brasil Comercial was suspended, on the initiative of the judge, until the Supreme Court's decision on another company's case. In February 2023, the Supreme Court issued its decision, which was unfavorable to the company concerned: the judges essentially ruled that ordinary law may provide for limitations on the use of PIS/COFINS credits, provided that such law respects all constitutional principles, in particular equality of treatment of taxpayers and free competition. This decision, which should not be considered automatically unfavorable for the individual cases of each taxpayer, does not affect the appeals filed by Sodexo, which will continue to follow their respective courses. The company believes that it has different and strong enough arguments to ultimately succeed in court on this issue. After consultation with its advisors, Sodexo considers that its chances of success in these proceedings are good and that to date the risk of an outflow of resources associated with the PIS/COFINS credits deducted since 2016 remains unlikely; therefore, no provision has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements as of February 29, 2024.
DISPUTE WITH THE FRENCH COMPETITION AUTHORITY
On October 9, 2015, the company Octoplus filed a complaint with the French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) concerning several French meal voucher issuers, including Sodexo Pass France (Pluxee France).
On December 17, 2019, the French Competition Authority ruled against the meal voucher issuers and fined Sodexo Pass France, jointly and severally with Sodexo S.A., 126 million euros. This amount was fully paid by Sodexo Pass France (Pluxee France) during the past fiscal years. An asset was recognized as a counterpart of the sums paid (126 million euros), reclassified as of August 31, 2023 in “Assets held for sale or for distribution”.
Sodexo filed an appeal against the decision with the Paris Court of Appeal and the hearing was held on November 18, 2021. On November 16, 2023, the Paris Court of Appeal confirmed the conviction issued by the French Competition Authority. Contesting this decision, Sodexo then filed an appeal in cassation, therefore the proceedings are still ongoing.
Taking in consideration all the above-mentioned elements the entity Pluxee France recorded a provision of 126 million euros during first half of fiscal year 2024 that was reclassified in net profit from discontinued operations as of February 29, 2024.
The separation agreement entered into in relation to the spin-off of Pluxee includes an undertaking of Pluxee to indemnify and hold harmless Sodexo for losses in connection with any matter and any legal action relating to, arising out of, or resulting from the above dispute.
FRENCH TAX REASSESSMENT
Sodexo S.A. received in December 2021 a notification for a proposed tax reassessment concerning fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Another proposed adjustment notice was issued by the French tax authorities in December 2022 for fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021 in order to replicate certain adjustments it had initiated during the previous tax audit.
The Company has assessed the risk associated with these procedures and, after review with its tax advisors, considers that it has strong arguments to contest the proposed reassessments.
OTHER DISPUTES
Group subsidiaries can also be subject to tax audits certain of which may result in reassessments. Main dispute are described above. In each case, the risk is assessed by management and its advisors and any charges deemed probable are recorded as provisions or tax liabilities.
The Group is not aware of any other governmental, judicial or arbitral proceedings which are outstanding or threatened and which may have, or have had in the past 12 months, material effects on the Group's financial position or profitability.
Sodexo is also involved in other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. The Group does not anticipate that any potential related liabilities will in the aggregate be material to its activities or to its consolidated financial position.
NOTE 7. EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
7.1 Equity
7.1.1 Statement of changes in shareholders' equity
Composition of share capital and treasury shares
(1) With a par value of 4 euros each.
(2) Treasury shares value of 66 million euros as of February 29, 2024 (93 million euros as of August 31, 2023).
Dividends
7.2 Earnings per share
The table below presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
(1) Basic and diluted earnings per share do not reflect the effect of the dividend premium to be paid on certain registered shares.
NOTE 8. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, AND FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSE
8.1 Financial income and expense
(1) Gross borrowing cost represents interest expense on financial liabilities at amortized cost and interest expense on hedging instruments.
(2) Interest on lease liabilities recognized in accordance with IFRS 16.
(3) 45 million euros of gross borrowing costs relates to the Group's EUR, GBP and USD bonds and other committed banking facilities, and 30 million euros relates to cash pool mechanism costs - the cash pool income is included in Interest Income.
8.2 Cash and cash equivalents
(1) Marketable securities correspond to term deposits as of February 29, 2024 and as of August 31, 2023.
(2) Including 12 million euros allocated to the liquidity contract signed with an investment services provider, which complies with the Code of conduct drawn up by the French financial markets association (Association française des marchés financiers – AMAFI) and approved by the French securities regulator (Autorité des marchés financiers – AMF), for the purpose of improving the liquidity of Sodexo shares and the regularity of the quotations.
8.3 Financial assets
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES
Measurement of Bellon SA Securities
The Group holds, through its wholly owned subsidiary Sofinsod, a 19.61% stake in Bellon SA, a company that controls Sodexo SA with 42.75% of its shares and 57.5% of its voting rights exercisable on February 29, 2024. This shareholding does not give the Group significant influence over Bellon SA, as voting rights attached to Bellon SA shares cannot be exercised by Sofinsod, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 233-31 of Code de Commerce.
There are no potential conflicts of interest between the duties to Sodexo of members of the Board of Directors or senior management and their private interests. In particular the Pierre and Danielle Bellon Family controls 72.6% of the family holding company Bellon SA. Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Bellon and their children entered into an agreement in June 2015 to prevent their direct descendants from freely disposing of their Bellon SA shares for 50 years.
In accordance with IFRS 9, this investment is measured at its fair value, determined in accordance with IFRS 13. The valuation of the fair value of the investment depends, among other things, on the revalued net asset value (NAV) of Bellon SA which has limited debt and now holds two assets, shares of Sodexo S.A. and shares of Pluxee N.V.. These shares are valued at their closing share price as of February 29, 2024, for the calculation of the NAV of Bellon SA. Furthermore, the valuation method used by management (Level 3 of the hierarchy defined by IFRS 13) incorporates the illiquidity implied by the characteristics of the holding's ownership structure (discount to net asset value of Bellon SA estimated at 40% as of February 29, 2024 and August 31, 2023.
As of February 29, 2024, the fair value of the investment is assessed at 751 million euros (722 million euros as of August 31, 2023), and its change since the opening of the period has been recorded in other non-recyclable items of comprehensive income (OCI).
8.4 Borrowings
Changes in borrowings during First half Fiscal 2024 were as follows:
(1) Commercial paper was drawn short term in First half Fiscal 2024 but all was fully repaid by February 29, 2024.
If not visible, this visual representation is available in the Financial Report of Sodexo H1 Results Fiscal 2024 on https://www.sodexo.com/en/investors/financial-results-and-publications/financial-results
In order to comply with the Group's financing policy, substantially all borrowings are long term and at fixed interest rates.
As of February 29, 2024, 94% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rate. The average rate of interest as of the same date was 1.86%.
As of August 31, 2023, 95% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rate. The average rate of interest as of the same date was 1.70%.
The bond issues and borrowings from financial institutions described above include customary early redemption clauses. These clauses include cross-default and change-in-control clauses which apply to all of the borrowings.
None of the bond issues have a financial covenant.
July 2011 multicurrency confirmed credit facility
On July 18, 2011, Sodexo S.A. contracted a multicurrency credit facility for a maximum of 600 million euros plus 800 million U.S. dollars, with an original maturity date of July 18, 2016. This facility has been amended on a number of occasions with the most recent amendment being in July 2019 with a new maturity date of July 2024, with two options to extend the maturity by one year each, up to July 2026. The first option to extend this facility was executed during Fiscal 2020 and the second was executed during Fiscal 2021. The facility maturity date is now July 2026. The maximum available limits under this facility now are 589 million euros plus 785 million U.S. dollars.
The most recent amendment also incorporates an updated sustainability clause that links the credit facility cost to Sodexo's ability to comply with its public commitment to reduce its food waste by 50% by 2025 and also an update to the referenced indices.
Amounts drawn on this facility carry floating interest indexed on the SOFR, SONIA, ESTR and EURIBOR rates. This credit facility is not subject to any covenant.
No amounts had been drawn down on the facility as of either February 29, 2024 nor as of August 31, 2023.
Bilateral confirmed credit facility
On December 18, 2019, the Group obtained two 150 million euros bilateral confirmed credit facilities. Both facilities expired in December 2023 and were replaced by two €100 million euros bilateral credit facilities with expiry dates of December 29, 2025.
On February 13, 2020, the Group obtained a third 150 million euros bilateral confirmed credit facility expiring in February 2024. On December 21, 2023, this facility was replaced by a 100 million euros bilateral credit facility with an expiry date of December 29, 2025.
No amounts had been drawn down on any of these facilities as of either February 29, 2024 nor as of August 31, 2023.
Commercial papers
Borrowings under the Sodexo S.A. and Sodexo Finance commercial paper programs are nil either as of February 29, 2024 nor of August 31, 2023.
NOTE 9. OTHER INFORMATION
9.1 Income tax
The 26.2% effective tax rate for First half Fiscal 2023 decreased to 16.6% in First half Fiscal 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate is explained in particular by the better results in France which are offset by using of previously unrecognized tax assets, as well as to the capital gain on the disposal of the worldwide Homecare services which had no impact on the income tax expenses in most countries.
9.2 Free share grants
On February 22, 2024 the Board of Directors decided to grant free shares to certain Group employees. The shares granted under this plan will only vest if the beneficiaries are still working for the Group on the vesting date and some are subject to a performance condition. The shares granted under this plan sum up to 834,387 shares.The impact of this plan for the first semester is not material.
9.3 Members of the Board of Directors and the Leadership Team
There were no significant changes from the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 in relation to the nature of compensation, advances and commitments for pensions or similar benefits granted to members of Sodexo's Board of Directors or Leadership Team.
9.4 Related parties information
Non-consolidated companies
In addition to the transactions with non-consolidated companies are similar in nature to those described in note 14.3, "Related parties" to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Group has carried out since February 1, 2024, transactions with the entities of Pluxee (ex-Benefits & Rewards Services activity). The flows and amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the transactions are not material for the First half Fiscal 2024.
Principal shareholder
As of February 29, 2024, Bellon SA held 42.75% of the capital of Sodexo and 57.5% of the exercisable voting rights.
The expense recognized in First half Fiscal 2024 under an assistance and advisory services contract between Bellon SA and Sodexo S.A. amounts to 2.5 million euros (2.3 million euros in First half Fiscal 2023).
Sodexo S.A. paid to Bellon SA 196 million euros of dividends.
The Group didn't received any dividends from Bellon SA in First half Fiscal 2024. They will be paid in the second semester.
9.5 Subsequent events
No major events have occurred since the closing of the period.
9.6 Changes in principal currency exchange rates
The following table presents changes in exchange rates for the main currencies used to convert the financial statements of subsidiaries compared with the first half of the prior fiscal year:
Statutory Auditors' Report
This is a free translation into English of the statutory auditors' review report on the half-yearly financial information issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience of English-speaking users. This report includes information relating to the specific verification of information given in the Group's half-yearly management report. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional standards applicable in France.
Sodexo
Period from September 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024
Statutory auditors' review report on the half-yearly financial information
To the Shareholders,
In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your annual general meetings and in accordance with the requirements of article L. 451-1-2 III of the French Monetary and Financial Code ("Code monétaire et financier"), we hereby report to you on:
These condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Our role is to express a conclusion on these financial statements based on our review.
We conducted our review in accordance with professional standards applicable in France.
A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards applicable in France and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements are not prepared in accordance with IAS 34 – standard of the IFRSs as adopted by the European Union applicable to interim financial information.
We have also verified the information presented in the half-yearly management report on the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements subject to our review. We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and consistency with the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements.
Paris-La Défense, April 18, 2024
The Statutory Auditors
French original signed by
Statement of responsibility for the Interim Financial Report
Group Chief Executive Officer
Responsibility for the Half Year Financial Report
Issy-les-Moulineaux, April 19, 2024
I hereby affirm that to the best of my knowledge the condensed financial statements presented for the half-year just ended have been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and provide a fair view of the assets, financial position, and profits of Sodexo, and of all the companies included within the consolidation scope, and that the half year activity review included in the attached report presents a true view of the significant events which took place during the first six months of the full year period and of their impact on the half year financial statements; the principle transactions between related parties; and describes the main risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year.
Sophie Bellon
Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
New definitions of Net Capital expenditure and EBITDA, please refer to section 1.1 of the Financial Report.
Net debt as of August 31, 2023, was adjusted to reflect the post spin-off situation, please refer to section 1.3.3 of the Financial Report.
Attachment
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