Fnac Darty : First-half results 2017

Ivry, July 25, 2017

• Good revenue performance

  • High basis of comparison due to the new digital television standard introduced in France in April 2016

  • Pro forma revenues for first-half 2017 down -2.7% to €3,216 million on a reported basis.

    First-half 2017 revenues up +2.1% versus first-half 2015

  • Acceleration in revenue dynamic in the second quarter

• Rapid progress of Fnac Darty integration: €43 million in synergies at end-June 2017
• Strong growth in pro forma current operating income: up +€30 million on first-half 2016
• Cash flow in line with expectations, affected by seasonal effect and high comparatives

(€ millions)

1. Pro forma: taking into account Darty's entry into the scope of consolidation as from January 1, 2016.

2. Like-for-like data: excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and in the scope of consolidation and of store openings and closings

Solid revenue for the first half and acceleration of the dynamic during the second quarter of 2017

Fnac Darty pro forma1 revenue for first-half 2017 totaled €3,216 million, down -2.7% based on reported figures and down -2.4% like-for-like2 compared to first-half 2016.

The high basis for comparison related to the new digital television standard introduced in France in the first half of 2016 masks the strength of the performances delivered by the Group since the start of 2017. Pro forma revenues for the first half rose by +2.1% on first-half 2015 and by +1.2% on first-half 2016 excluding the television segment.

Pro forma revenues in the second quarter came in at €1,541 million, a decline of -2.6% as reported and of -2.3% like-for-like2 compared to the same period in 2016.

Second-quarter revenue has risen sharply over two years, both in France and Switzerland (up +3.9%) and for the Group as a whole (up +3.5%). In France, excluding the television segment, the Fnac and Darty banners each posted revenue gains. The Group capitalized on growth in the telephony market and new product launches, particularly in the video games segment. Sales of editorial products remained down, offset by a rise in sales of household appliances, whose share of the market continues to increase. Sales of small domestic appliances were uplifted by the impact of hot weather in June.

In the Iberian Peninsula, competition remained fierce and affected growth in Spain. Portugal reported robust growth. In Benelux, Belgium turned in a solid performance. The Netherlands remained virtually stable over the quarter, as the operational turnaround plan began to deliver results.

Internet operations enjoyed sustained growth over the first half, led by the excellent performance of the omnichannel model and the development of marketplaces. The Group continued to expand its network in the second quarter. In total, 32 new stores opened in 2017.

Rapid progress of Fnac Darty integration

The first half of the year saw rapid progress of Fnac Darty integration. A total of €43 million in synergies have been generated since the start of the process, including €34 million in first-half 2017 and €9 million in 2016.

In terms of cost synergies, there was a positive outcome to annual negotiations with suppliers. Indirect purchasing contracts (overheads and service agreements) renegotiations continued, with the Group taking advantage of its larger scale.

IT system convergence is progressing according to plan. The major logistics optimization projects also made headway, with the transfer of the Wissous 2 warehouse currently in progress and Darty already offering home delivery for certain Fnac product categories.

At the end of June, the Group unveiled the new organization plan for its head office in France, after that of Belgium in the first quarter and the closure of London offices in 2016.

In terms of commercial synergies, initiatives continued across the Group's two banners, with the launch of the first Darty shop-in-shop within Fnac stores, and vice-versa.

The opening of the first Fnac Darty store, sporting both banners and run as a franchise in Biganos, has given the Group a new potential field for growth. The overhaul of the Fnac and Darty brand platforms also began, helping to consolidate the complementary nature of the two banners. Darty's new visual identity was first rolled out during the summer sales.

1 Pro forma: taking into account Darty's entry into the scope of consolidation as from January 1, 2016.

2 Like-for-like data: excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and in the scope of consolidation and of store openings and closings

Both banners also continued efforts to develop their range of services (subscriptions, insurances, warranties, after-sales assistance), a true focus for the Group in order to improve differentiation. Discussions between banners were also ongoing, helping to spread best practices.

Work continues on the new Fnac Darty model

Fnac Darty continued to expand its e-commerce operations, thanks to a strong performance from its digital platforms. The Group's marketplaces sustained their rapid momentum, advancing by more than 50% over the first half. The excellent fit between bricks-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms was again apparent during the period, with the share of omnichannel sales continuing to grow. The Group pursued its technical developments, increasing the efficiency of its sites and mobile applications.

The network continued to expand at a fast pace in the first half of 2017, with 32 stores opening during the period, of which 21 will be operated under franchise. Fnac opened six stores in the first six months of the year, including 5 in France. Darty opened 25 stores in the period, including 18 in France. At June 30, 2017, Fnac Darty's network comprised 689 stores, including 479 in France. The Group continued to broaden its international footprint, leveraging the expertise of local partners. During the first half, it opened a second store in Qatar, a store in Douala in Cameroon and one in Brazzaville, Congo. This fast-paced expansion will continue in the second half of the year, mainly through new franchised store openings. The Group therefore expects to exceed its target of 50 store openings in 2017.

Strong growth in results

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues moved up 107 basis points to 30.9%, with both banners contributing to the improvement thanks to the initial benefits of synergies, the development of the services portfolio and a good control of commercial investments.

The deployment of synergies advanced, with €34 million of synergies generated in the first half of 2017 and

€43 million since the start of the integration process. The Group continued its efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Current operating income rose €30 million year-on-year, to €33.9 million. Adjusted for the impact of capital gains on property disposals carried out in 2016 (€7 million), the increase in first-half 2017 current operating income was +€37 million.

Non-recurring expenses totaled -€21.9 million in the six months to June 30, 2017 and mainly relate to the cost of unlocking synergies and of performance plans.

Based on a net financial expense totaling -€22.2 million and an income tax expense of -€4.9 million, the Group reported a net loss from continuing operations of -€15.1 million.

The -€88.1 million net loss from discontinued operations reflected the sale of Fnac Brazil to Livraria Cultura as announced on July 19, 2017, including write-off of cumulative historical operating losses and the €36 million recapitalization.

Analysis of the first-half 2017 performance by reporting segment

Revenues for the France-Switzerland segment declined -3.3% over the half-year period (down -2.8% like-for-like1) but were up +2.8% compared to the first-half of 2015. Excluding the television segment, whose sales in first-half 2016 had been boosted by the new digital television standard introduced in France, revenues moved up +1.4% over the period. E-commerce continued to perform well, with Fnac.com posting a double-digit rise in sales and Darty enjoying strong marketplace growth. Current operating income surged to €32.4 million from €4.9 million in first-half 2016. The operating margin was 1.3%, up by +1.1 points.

Sales in the Iberian Peninsula were almost stable over the half-year period (down -0.4%), and rose by +1.1% like-for-like1, despite a fierce competitive environment in both countries in the region. Portugal delivered a satisfactory sales performance. Trading proved resilient in Spain, which saw robust growth in online sales and rolled out new commercial initiatives including the introduction of small domestic appliances.

Current operating income for the region came in at €2.4 million, a rise of €1.2 million on first-half 2016.

Revenues in the Benelux region were almost stable over the period (down -0.4%). Trading picked up in Belgium during the half-year period, driven mainly by a strong performance from white goods and in telephony. E-commerce sites enjoyed double-digit growth and the kitchen specialist store network grew at a very good pace. In the Netherlands, where trading conditions remain tight, the Group continued to roll out its transformation plan. Current operating income for the Benelux region improved, representing a negative -€0.9 million for the first six months of the year.

The Group's net debt amounted to €503 million at June 30, 2017, versus €207 million at December 31, 20162. The increase in debt primarily resulted from negative free cash flow from operations over the period, reflecting the seasonality that typically affects the Group's business.

In the first half of 2017, free cash flow from operations was a negative -€265 million, compared with a negative -€222 million in first-half 2016. Adjusted for the impact of proceeds from property disposals (€13 million), free cash flow from operations was a negative -€235 million in first-half 2016.

Year-on-year change reflects the evolution in working capital stemming from a high basis of comparison due to greater business volumes in 2016 (TV impact) and the roll-out of optimization initiatives for the Darty scope in the same year. A reduction in payment terms in the Netherlands also had a negative impact on first-half 2017 cash flow.

At end-June 2017, cash and cash equivalents amounted to €359 million and the €400 million revolving credit line had not been drawn.

1 Like-for-like data: excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and in the scope of consolidation and of store openings and closings

2 Adjusted for the final valuation of Darty's identifiable assets and liabilities (€1 million).