Ivry, October 19, 2017

Revenues1 up 6% in Q3 2017 Synergy objective for 2017 raised Objective of €130m of synergies at the end of 2018 confirmed
  • Strong growth (+6.0%)1 in Group revenues in the third quarter of 2017
    • Favorable comparison basis and positive calendar effect (+1.1 pt)

    • Strong effect of product launches on Telephony and Gaming segments

  • Fnac Darty integration ahead of schedule: objective of deployed synergies at year end 2017 raised to at least 60% of the €130m targeted at the end of 2018 (compared to at least 50% previously announced)
Enrique Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Fnac Darty, commented: "The strong performance for the quarter demonstrates the Group's ability to meet customers' needs as well as the value of the partnerships with our suppliers, in a context of buoyant innovation cycle and numerous product launches. The Fnac Darty integration is continuing and the deployment of synergies is ahead of schedule, which allows us to raise our objective to at least 60% of planned synergies to be deployed this year. A new executive committee has just been appointed and we will present our strategic plan on December 5."

2017 THIRD QUARTER REVENUES - PRO FORMA

Q3 2017

in €m

Change vs. Q3 2016

Reported

Like-for-like data 2

France and Switzerland

1,400

+6.4%

+6.4%

Iberian Peninsula

160

+6.4%

+5.2%

Benelux

232

+3.2%

+2.5%

Group

1,792

+6.0%

+5.8%

  1. Pro Forma, including Darty as of January 1, 2016

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

THIRD QUARTER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Strong sales growth in the third quarter

Group revenues totaled €1,792 million in the third quarter of 2017, up 30.4% in reported figures. On a pro- forma basis, sales increased by +6.0% based on reported figures and +5.8% on a like-for-like basis.

Third-quarter revenue growth is marked by a favorable base effect and a significant calendar effect (+1.1pt). The longer summer sales period compared to 2016 and the high number of product launches are driving sales, in this quarter specifically. Activity was up in the Group's three main markets. In technical products, the Group tapped the growth of the telephony market. Sales of editorial products are growing considerably, driven by the dynamism of video games. Small household appliance sales are also very dynamic due to a buoyant innovation cycle.

Revenues in the France-Switzerland segment increased by 6.4%2, with solid performances for both of the Group's banners. Internationally, sales were also up in the Iberian Peninsula (+5.2%2) and in Benelux (+2.5%2).

Over a nine-month period, Group revenues totaled €5,007 million, up +0.3% based on reported figures and

+3% excluding the television segment, which in the first half of 2017 suffered from a high comparison basis related to the change in digital television standard in France in 2016.

Rapid deployment of Fnac Darty integration

The Fnac Darty integration continued to progress during the quarter. The deployment of commercial synergies between the two banners is progressing according to plan, with about twenty shop-in-shops that should be opened by the end of the year. Exchanges of best practices between the two banners have enabled Services activities to accelerate their development significantly. In addition, the Group announced the launch of Darty+ in early October. This program capitalizes on the experience of Fnac+ and offers a 2- hours delivery service to 20 cities, unlimited remote assistance, and privileged access to the Darty after-sales service for products purchased from other banners. In addition, Fnac+ and Darty+ cardholders will enjoy unlimited delivery in both banners. This program launch constitutes a decisive step in the development of a common customer base. In addition, new organizations for Head Offices are being implemented, and the effects of direct and indirect purchasing synergies are ongoing.

Continued expansion and strengthening of the omnichannel footprint

Sales for the Internet channel continued to grow in the third quarter, for both directly owned sites and marketplaces, for which business volume is up by more than 60%.

The pace of expansion continued, with 16 store openings during the quarter, 14 of which were franchises. This makes a total number of 48 stores opened since the beginning of the year. The network now numbers 703 stores, 189 of which are franchises. As of the end of September, the Group has thus almost met its goal of 50 store openings this year.

Thanks to the performance of the web platforms combined with the continuous development of the territorial network, omnichannel sales have reached 48% of the Group's Internet sales for the quarter.

ANALYSIS OF PRO-FORMA REVENUES BY REPORTING SEGMENT

France-Switzerland

In the third quarter, sales in the France-Switzerland segment totaled €1,400 million, up 6.4% both based on reported and like-for-like figures. The quarter was marked by a strong calendar effect and a favorable comparison basis, given the 1.8% fall in sales in the third quarter of 2016. Over 9 months, revenues increased by 0.5% on a like-for-like basis.

The Telephony segment benefited from numerous product launches and the Sound segment benefited from Group exclusives on voice-controlled speakers. Sales of editorial products also grew, driven by the dynamism of video games and deferred book sales in the third quarter, after a lackluster second quarter. A favorable innovation cycle enabled the small household appliance segment to experience strong growth this quarter.

The growth of the web channel was very strong and was supported by a good level of activity on Fnac.com and a marketplaces sales increase of more than 60%.

The expansion of the network continued during the period with the opening of 13 franchise stores (5 Darty and 8 Fnac).

Finally, loyalty programs continued to grow, notably the Fnac+ card, whose attractiveness was confirmed through significant membership growth. The Group has set a goal of more than one million members by the end of the year. The Group also launched the Darty+ program in early October, thus demonstrating the commercial synergies between the two banners.

Iberian Peninsula

Revenues in the Iberian Peninsula totaled €160 million, up +6.4% based in reported figures and up +5.2% on a like-for-like basis. Over 9 months, sales were up +2.5% on a like-for-like basis.

In a consumption environment that remains favorable in Portugal, sales are growing strongly. A high number of commercial initiatives have borne fruit, and the performance of the IT Products and Telephony segments has been very good.

Spain also reported good levels of sales despite the negative impact of the Barcelona attacks. This growth is based on market share gains and the dynamism of online activities. Expansion continued with the opening of a new store in August, in Madrid. However, the country's political environment lower the visibility for the coming quarters.

Benelux

Revenues in the Benelux segment totaled €232 million, up +3.2% based on reported figures and up +2.5% on a like-for-like basis. Over 9 months, sales were up +0.9% based on reported figures.

Sales are up in Belgium over the quarter, driven mainly by a strong performance from white goods and Telephony. E-commerce enjoyed continued growth and the kitchen specialist store network grew at a satisfactory pace. In the Netherlands, where trading conditions remain tight, the Group is focused on the rollout of its transformation plan.

Growing gross margin

Despite less favorable mix effects, gross margin continued to grow in Q3 compare to Q3 2016, due to the effects of synergies and continued commercial investments control.

OUTLOOK

Fnac Darty benefited from specific growth drivers during the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Group remains cautious about the competitive and consumer environment and will focus on the quality of commercial execution during this crucial period of the year.

The Group confirms its objective of €130 million in synergies to be deployed by the end of 2018, and raises its objective to at least 60% of planned synergies to be deployed by year end 2017 (compared to at least 50% previously announced).

Fnac Darty SA published this content on 19 October 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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