Arte e Cultura
RAPALA VMC CORPORATION'S HALF YEAR REPORT H1/2016: SALES DEPRESSED IN SEVERAL BIG MARKETS
Rapala VMC Corporation
Half year financial report
July 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
President and CEO Jorma Kasslin: "In first half of the year several big markets had challenging trading conditions. First quarter was slower than last year and we were not able to bridge the gap during second quarter as was expected. Market conditions and consumer sentiment was depressed in our big markets in North America and Europe. The challenging conditions have affected also our competition and we don't see any loss in market share in our core categories.
Our profitability was also down from last year directly following the reduced sales.
Outlook for the whole year is now more depressed than earlier. While the slowdown in sales in western markets is considered to be temporary, we can't reach last year's results and it is difficult to accurately estimate the future developments in these big markets. This means that we will have to work intensively on new innovations, inventory reduction initiatives and control our fixed costs."
Trading conditions during the first half of the year turned out to be more challenging than expected and second quarter sales did not reach last year's levels. Winter season was short in all main markets and summer sales started early but did not continue as good as was expected due to various reasons. The Group's second quarter and first half sales were down in big markets such as North America and France. In Europe the competition has also tightened and the overall market sentiment was somewhat reserved. In Russia conditions continue to be challenging and the change in market demand seems to be permanent. Several markets witnessed changes and uncertainties, causing retailers to be careful with their purchasing.
The Group's net sales for the first half were down 7%. Changes in translation exchange rates decreased sales by approximately 3.3 MEUR for the half year. Correspondingly with comparable translation exchange rates net sales were down 5% from last year for the half year.
North American sales reduced from last year's strong levels. Short ice fishing season affected sales negatively in the beginning of the year. Summer fishing products sales started relatively early and strong, supported by new product introductions. However while consumer demand for Group's products was good, US retails scene witnessed some unexpected turmoil during first half of the year impacting the Group, as well as the competition. Retailers' destocking and changes in purchasing behavior caused slowdown in Group's first half year sales especially on Group branded lures. Weak economic situation continued in Canada.
In the Nordic countries the first half of the year's sales decreased from last year despite the improved sales in the second quarter. Valuation of currency nominated accounts receivable had a notable positive impact on last year's sales. Excluding these valuations, this first half year and quarterly sales were slightly above last year's level. In Finland summer sales season started earlier but ended up slightly below last year level for the first half of the year. Sales of hunting products were good in Finland. In Sweden sales were slightly down from last year, largely relating to delays in incoming shipments on third party products. In Norway the second quarter sales improved considerably from last year due to better weather conditions, bringing the first six month's sales above last year's level.
In comparable exchange rates the sales were below last year's level in the first half of the year, following slowdown in sales in second quarter. The instability and uncertainties in Russia and Ukraine continued to impact sales volumes in the respective countries and also in Belarus and Kazakhstan. The weakening of the Ruble had a notable negative impact on the sales. The second quarter sales in France suffered from unfavorable summer fishing weathers, reserved market sentiment and tightened price competition. Hungary and Romania showed conservative growth. Expansion into hunting product distribution increased sales in Spain and Baltic countries.
Currency exchange rate changes had a notable negative impact on the region's sales, while in comparable exchange rates the sales were just slightly behind last year's level for the first half of the year. Market picture was mixed with ups and downs around the region: South Africa and Chile had strongest sales growth while several countries suffered from overall slow market situation impacted by economic uncertainties. Restructuring of the Group's distribution organization in Southeast Asia triggered aggressive sales campaigns in the region.
Comparable (excluding mark-to-market valuations of operative currency derivatives and other items affecting comparability) and reported operating profit decreased from last year for the first half of the year. Changes in translation exchange rates decreased operating profit by approximately 0.3 MEUR. With comparable translation exchange rates comparable operating profit was 4.7 MEUR behind last year's level.
Comparable operating profit margin was 10.9% (13.4) for the six months. The decline in the half year profitability was primarily driven by the lower sales, especially on higher margin Group branded products. Lower sales volumes impacted profitability negatively both at distribution and manufacturing level. Profitability was further hurt by lower result of the UK joint venture and more aggressive sales campaigns reducing the margins. Group's fixed costs were stable compared to last year.
Respectively reported operating profit margin was 9.9% (11.3). Reported operating profit included loss of mark-to-market valuation of operative currency derivatives of 0.9 MEUR (2.0). Net expenses of other items affecting comparability included in the reported operating profit were 0.5 MEUR (1.2), related to the restructurings in Southeast Asia distribution and France in the first half of 2016. In 2015 restructuring costs related to closing down of the manufacturing operations in China.
Total financial (net) expenses were 2.8 MEUR (4.1) for the first half. Net interest and other financing expenses were slightly above last year's level at 1.7 MEUR (1.5). Compared to last year financial items were impacted less by (net) foreign exchange expenses of 1.1 MEUR (2.7).
Net profit for the six-months was almost at last year level and earnings per share were 0.19 EUR (0.19). The share of non-controlling interest in net profit decreased from last year and totaled 0.8 MEUR (1.1).
Group Products six month and second quarter sales were down from last year's strong levels, negatively impacted by lower sales of fishing lures, hooks and lines especially in North America. Group fishing products half year sales were supported by better sales of fishing accessories.
Compared to last year both Group Products and Third Party Products half year sales were also negatively impacted by valuation of currency nominated accounts receivable, which supported the sales last year.
Operating profit for Group Products declined compared to last year. Operating profit was burdened by lower sales, which reduced profitability both at distribution and manufacturing level. Profitability of Group Products was also hurt by lower margins as a result of sales campaigns.
The sales of Third Party Products on the first half of the year were at last year's level in comparable exchange rates. The economic situation in Russia continued to reduce the third party fishing products sales in the region. Also the difficult market situation in France affected negatively the Third Party Products sales. Third Party Hunting sales were up from last year in the Nordic and Rest of Europe. Currency fluctuations had major negative impact especially in Russia and South Africa.
Operating profit for Third Party Products was almost at last year's level burdened by aggressive sales campaigns' negative impact on margins, but supported by price increases issued to offset the unfavorable development in purchase currencies.
Cash flow from operations decreased from last year being 6.2 MEUR (10.7) for the six months burdened by lower sales and profitability as well as change in working capital driven by earlier timing of payables. Net change in working capital amounted to -7.3 MEUR (-6.7).
Inventories decreased by 3.7 MEUR from last June amounting to 118.1 MEUR (121.8), of which 3.0 MEUR is related to change in translation exchange rates. The slowdown in sales prevented the Group to achieve planned inventory reduction targets.
Net cash used in investing activities was at last year's level and totaled 4.8 MEUR (4.1) for the first half of the year consisting mainly of normal operative capital expenditure. Operative capital expenditure was higher compared to last year in manufacturing operations in Indonesia and France where extension of the hook factory and warehouse building was finalized. Last year investing activities included the last installment of the acquisition of the Sufix brand of 0.9 MEUR.
Liquidity position of the Group was good. Undrawn committed long-term credit facilities amounted to 79.9 MEUR at the end of the period. Gearing and net interest-bearing debt increased from last year and equity-to-assets was slightly above last year's level. Following the higher ratio between net interest bearing debt and reported EBITDA, the Group has agreed with its lenders on higher covenant levels for the second and third quarter in 2016. The Group expects to comply with these covenant levels.
Execution of the Rapala Group's strategy is based on three cornerstones: brands, manufacturing and distribution, supported by strong corporate culture. During 2016 strategy implementation continued in various areas.
Improving the performance, exploiting the strengths and capturing the benefits of the Asian lure manufacturing unit in Batam, Indonesia is one of the key priorities for the Group. The comparable and especially the reported operating profit of the unit were better than last year during the first half year. Improvements can be further expected in efficiency, quality and agility of manufacturing as well as of product development, which is being reorganized.
Special projects to improve the operational efficiencies of manufacturing operations have started in Indonesia and France.
Reducing inventory levels is another key priority for the Group. Planning and implementation of various actions to improve Group's global supply chain management are ongoing in order to achieve improvement in the capital efficiency. During the first half of the year the warehousing operations in Norway and Sweden were consolidated, scope of inventory buffering in Asia was widened and IT project to facilitate global supply chain management proceeded.
Initiatives to leverage from global co-ordination of the Group's brands and digital marketing are ongoing.
Following the declining profitability of the Group, some restructurings and cost saving measures have already been implemented. Further turnaround planning and strategic considerations relating to the low performing units will be initiated.
Discussions and negotiations regarding acquisitions and business combinations continued during the first half of the year, as the Group continues to seek also non-organic growth opportunities.
Continuous product development and consistent innovation are core competences for the Group and major contributors to the value and commercial success of the brands. The Group is reorganizing and boosting its lure product development procedure by centralizing the product development know-how and key resources to one location that will serve both the European and Asian lure manufacturing units.
Product development cycles are getting shorter which allows faster reaction to market needs and developing trends. Product launch schedules are more flexible and can be better adjusted to target specific market's seasons.
The most important product launch in 2016 was the introduction of the new Rapala Shadow Rap Shad lure launched in early spring. Other notable releases were new series of fisherman's tools and accessories which received Best New Product Awards in the European trade show.
Introductions of new hero lures are in the pipeline and they will be released to the markets early 2017.
Average number of personnel was 2 921 (2 943) for the first half of the year. At the end of June, the number of personnel was 2 760 (3 156), decrease coming from optimizing the capacity and streamlining the lure manufacturing operations in Asia.
Following the decline in sales during the first half of the year, the outlook for the whole year is now more depressed.
In North American and Western European markets the slowdown in sales is expected to be temporary. Especially in Europe but also in USA there are quite some political and macroeconomic distractions that might affect the retail and consumer behavior. In Russia the market is no longer falling, but is expected to remain under pressure at a much lower levels than in the past years.
In order to react to the reduced demand and support the inventory reduction targets the Group has temporarily adjusted the capacity of its manufacturing operations and is following closely the fixed cost development.
Group is actively working on various product development, sales and marketing initiatives to boost sales. However it is difficult to catch up the gap in sales and profitability compared to last year during latter part of the year.
Therefore the Group expects full year net sales and comparable operating profit (excluding mark-to-market valuations of operative currency derivatives and other items affecting comparability) to be below 2015 levels. The guidance is unchanged from July 11, 2016.
Short term risks and uncertainties and seasonality of the business are described in more detail in the end of this half year report.
Third quarter Trading Report 2016 will be published on October 28, 2016.
Helsinki, July 22, 2016
Board of Directors of Rapala VMC Corporation
For further information, please contact:
Jorma Kasslin, President and Chief Executive Officer, +358 9 7562 540
Jussi Ristimäki, Deputy CEO and CFO, +358 9 7562 540
Olli Aho, Investor Relations, +358 9 7562 540
A conference call on the first half year result will be arranged today at 4:00 p.m. Finnish time (3:00 p.m. CET). Please dial +44 (0)20 3147 4971 or +1 917 286 8056 or +358 (0)9 2310 1675 (pin code: 927840) five minutes before the beginning of the event. A replay facility will be available for 14 days following the teleconference. The number to dial is +44 (0)20 3427 0598 (pin code: 5989141). Financial information and teleconference replay facility are available at www.rapalavmc.com.
(unaudited)
The financial information included in this half year financial report is unaudited.
This half year financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34. Accounting principles adopted in the preparation of this report are consistent with those used in the preparation of the financial statements 2015 except for change in measurement of segment performance. Any new amendments to IFRS standards or IFIRC interpretations did not have a material impact on the information presented in this report. The Group has not applied any new standards as of January 1, 2016.
New ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) guidelines on alternative performance measures are effective for the financial year 2016. Rapala Group presents alternative performance measures to reflect the underlying business performance and to enhance comparability between financial periods. Alternative performance measures presented in this report should not be considered as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with the IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts used by other companies.
The Group has changed the measurements of segment performance by excluding items affecting comparability from operating profit. The Group measures segment performance based on sales, comparable operating profit and assets. Definitions and reconciliations to alternative performance measures are presented in the end of the notes. Reportable segments are consistent with those in the financial statements 2015. Segments are described in detail in note 2 of the financial statements 2015.
Complying with IFRS in preparing financial statements requires the management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Although these estimates are based on the management's best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may differ from these estimates.
All figures in these accounts have been rounded. Consequently, the sum of individual figures can deviate from the presented sum figure. Key figures have been calculated using exact figures.
The Group has no knowledge of any significant events after the end of the reporting period that would have a material impact on the financial statements for January-June 2016. Material events after the end of the half year period, if any, have been discussed in the commentary section of the Board of Directors.
On June 30, 2016, the book value of inventories included a provision for net realizable value of 4.2 MEUR (5.4 MEUR at June 30, 2015 and 5.3 MEUR at December 31, 2015).
On April 1, 2016 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) updated Board's authorization on repurchase of shares. A separate stock exchange release on the decisions of the AGM was given, and up to date information on the Board's authorizations and other decision of the AGM are available also on the corporate website.
The objective of Rapala VMC Corporation's risk management is to support implementation of the Group's strategy and execution of business targets. Group management continuously develops its risk management practices and internal controls. Detailed descriptions of the Group's strategic, operative and financial risks as well as risk management principles are included in the Financial Statements 2015.
Due to the nature of the fishing tackle business and the geographical scope of the Group's operations, the business has traditionally been seasonally stronger in the first half of the year compared to the second half. Weathers impact consumer demand and may have impact on the Group's sales for current and following seasons. However the weather risk is well diversified as the Group has a wide geographical footprint as well as selling serving both summer and winter season markets.
The biggest deliveries for peak seasons are concentrated into relatively short time periods, and hence a well functioning supply chain is required. The uncertainties in future demand as well as the length of the Group's supply chain increases the challenges in supply chain management. Delays in shipments from internal or external suppliers or unexpected changes in customer demand upwards or downwards may lead to shortages and lost sales or excess inventories and subsequent clearance sales with lower margins.
The Group's credit facilities include some profitability, net debt and equity related financial covenants, which are actively monitored. Following the lower reported EBITDA and increased net interest bearing debt, the Group and its lenders have agreed on a higher leverage covenant for second and third quarters in 2016. The Group expects to decrease its leverage ratio back to lower levels during the second half of 2016. Liquidity and refinancing risks are well under control, but increased leverage level may put pressure on Group's financing costs.
The fishing tackle business has traditionally not been strongly influenced by increased uncertainties and downturns in the general economic climate. They may however influence, at least for a short while, the sales of fishing tackle, when retailers reduce their inventory levels and face financial challenges. Also quick and strong increases in living expenses, sudden fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and governmental austerity measures may temporarily affect consumer spending. However, the underlying consumer demand has historically proven to be fairly solid. Political tensions may have negative effects on the Group's business and the geopolitical situation is followed closely.
The truly global nature of the Group's sales and operations diversifies the market risks caused by the current uncertainties in the global economy. The Group is cautiously monitoring the development both in global macro economy as well as in the various local markets it operates in. While Group's customer base is generally diversified, changes in retail landscape may have impact on purchase behavior of individual large customers.
Cash collection and credit risk management is high on the agenda of local management and this may affect sales to some customers. Quality of the accounts receivables is monitored closely and write-downs are initiated if needed.
The Group's sales and profitability are impacted by the changes in foreign exchange rates and the risks are monitored actively. To fix the exchange rates of future foreign exchange denominated sales and purchases as well as financial assets and liabilities, the Group has entered into several currency hedging agreements according to the foreign exchange risk management policy set by the Board of Directors. As the Group is not applying hedge accounting in accordance to IAS 39, the unrealized mark-to-market valuations of operative currency hedging agreements have an impact on the Group's reported operating profit. Some of Group's currency positions are not possible or feasible to be hedged, and therefore may have impact on the Group's net result. The Group is closely monitoring market development as well as its cost structure and considering possibility and feasibility of price increases, hedging actions and cost rationalization.
No significant changes are identified in the Group's strategic risks or business environment, except in Russia where uncertainties have increased after 2014.
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