Turismo
Sodexo First Half Fiscal 2021 Results: rebound in profitability and strong free cashflow
Issy-les-Moulineaux, April 1, 2021 - Sodexo (NYSE Euronext Paris FR 0000121220-OTC: SDXAY). At the Board of Directors meeting held on March 31, 2021 and chaired by Sophie Bellon, the Board closed the Consolidated accounts for the First half Fiscal 2021 ended February 28, 2021.
Financial performance for First half Fiscal 2021
Sodexo CEO Denis Machuel said:
“Our actions to renegotiate our client contracts, strictly control our costs, and implement the GET restructuring program are clearly visible in our better than expected Underlying operating profit margin of 3.1%.
In the Second half, year on year organic growth rate will be very positive. However, given the new waves of the pandemic, we do not expect a significant improvement in revenue volumes from the first half. We are redoubling our efforts and focus on execution to offset the traditional seasonality gap between First and Second half Underlying operating profit margin.
We are confident that pent-up demand will ensure a strong pick-up in all segments and activities once the pandemic is over. I am very proud of how our organization is totally mobilized to fully benefit from these opportunities, and I warmly thank our teams for their impressive engagement in the field with our clients.”
Highlights of the period
In March 2021, Sodexo entered the new Euronext CAC40 ESG index, created in response to the growing market demand for sustainable investments. Being part of the index recognizes Sodexo commitment and initiatives for a sustainable global economy.
Outlook
While confidence is high in a rapid recovery once vaccination is fully deployed, in the short-term, the situation remains volatile, particularly in Europe with the new waves of the pandemic. As a result, we expect little improvement in the quarter on quarter trends through to the fiscal year end in August.
The Group will continue to renegotiate its contracts to ensure the best possible level of profitability, to deliver its restructuring measures and activate all government support available.
In this context,
Looking further out, on the basis that the pandemic will be over by 2021 calendar year end, the Group aims to return to sustained growth and to rapidly increase the Underlying operating margin back over the pre-Covid level.
The Board and the Executive Committee extend their sincere thanks to all employees who have collectively contributed to the improved financial performance in First half Fiscal 2021.
Conference call
Sodexo will hold a conference call (in English) today at 9:00 a.m. (Paris time), 8:00 a.m. (London time) to comment on its H1 Fiscal 2021 results. Those who wish to connect:
The press release and presentation will be available on the Group website www.sodexo.com in both the "Latest News" section and the "Finance - Financial Results" section.
Fiscal 2021 financial calendar
These dates are purely indicative and are 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 services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 64 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. Sodexo provides clients an integrated offering developed over more than 50 years of experience: from foodservices, reception, maintenance and cleaning, to facilities and equipment management; from services and programs fostering employees' engagement to solutions that simplify and optimize their mobility and expenses management, to in-home assistance, child care centers and concierge services. Sodexo's success and performance are founded on its independence, its sustainable business model and its ability to continuously develop and engage its 420,000 employees throughout the world.
Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.
Key figures
19.3 billion euro in Fiscal 2020 consolidated revenues
420,000 employees as at August 31, 2020
#1 France-based private employer worldwide
64 countries
100 million consumers served daily
12.1 billion euro in market capitalization (as at March 31, 2021)
Contacts
1
First half Fiscal 2021 Activity Report
(September 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021)
Revenues
First half Fiscal 2021 Group revenue was 8,595 million euro, down -26.5%, still significantly impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The currency effect and in particular the weakness of the dollar and the Real, accounted for -4.8% . The net M&A contribution was negligible. As a result, Group organic revenue decline was -21.7%. This compared with an organic decline of -27.5% in the Second half Fiscal 2020. Importantly, there has been consistent quarter on quarter improvement in trends, since the start of the Covid crisis, even though the second quarter was impacted a bit more by the second wave, in Education, Corporate Services and Benefits & Rewards Services.
* restated in Q3 FY20 for 2 weeks which were pre-lockdown in March and in Q1 FY21 to exclude the impact of the Rugby World Cup (RWC)
in the previous year.
Brexit:
The United Kingdom has now left the European Union. Sodexo has been present in the United Kingdom since 1988 and has around 31,000 employees there today. The Group's business is not materially impacted by the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. Sodexo is a local player, working with local suppliers and employees, and very often for Government authorities and Government services. In the UK, traditionally, a large part of the services is FM Services, which have demonstrated their resilience in the current Covid-19 crisis.
Our supply chain teams have planned extensively for EU exit and since 1 January. As a result, we have not suffered any significant disruption to our supply chains. Volumes have been low, however, as a result of Covid restrictions and we continue to monitor the situation closely (particularly in relation to fresh produce) as restrictions are eased and volumes increase. We are confident that the planning we have carried out and the close relationships we have with our supply chain partners will stand us in good stead. As usual, growth in activity will remain dependent upon outsourcing trends, growth in GDP and employment in the country.
On-site Services
On-site Services organic revenue decline was -22.2%, impacted by the Covid crisis but demonstrating a consistent improvement in the trend quarter by quarter, even though the second quarter was impacted by the second wave in Europe, in particular in Corporate Services and UK Schools and a longer winter break in American Universities. While Foodservices were down -35.1%, Facilities Management Services remained very resilient with revenues up +2.9%. As a result, Facilities Management Services accounted for 45% of total On-site sales during the First half.
Key Performance Indicators for the First half were also impacted by the pandemic:
On-site Services Revenues by region
In Asia-Pacific, Latam, Middle East and Africa, activity is trending down only -0.5% in the First half, reflecting a return to growth in the second quarter. Strong growth in China and Latin America is compensating the ongoing weakness in India and the flattening out of growth in Australia, as demand for extra Covid-related services subsided. In Europe, after a strong start in the first quarter with the reopening of schools and offices, the second wave impacted the second quarter performance particularly in Schools in the UK and Corporate Services more generally. The performance in North America remained very weak, down -32.6%, still very impacted by the situation in Sports & Leisure and the very slow return to sites in Education and Corporate Services.
Business & Administrations
First half Fiscal 2021 Business & Administrations revenues totaled 4.3 billion euro , down organically by -26.5%.
In North America , the organic decline remained significant at -46.0%. While the trend in Energy & Resources and Government & Agencies segments is improving, Sports & Leisure sites are still largely closed and Corporate Services is still impacted in Foodservices by office closures and has shown no improvement in trend relative to the previous quarter.
In Europe, sales were down -28.9% organically, with the second quarter slightly better than the first which had been impacted by the negative comparison of the RWC. The trend improved in all sub-segments, except in Corporate Services impacted by the second wave lockdowns from November. Facilities Management services and Global accounts continue to be more resilient in this environment.
In Asia-Pacific, Latam, Middle East and Africa, organic growth was +0.4%, thanks to a return to growth in the second quarter. Energy & Resources continued to generate solid growth but lower than in the previous quarters as demand for extra Covid-related services subsided, particularly in Australia. China and Latam remain very strong across the board, somewhat offset by India which is still severely impacted by the pandemic.
Healthcare & Seniors
Healthcare & Seniors First half revenues were 2.3 billion euro , down -2.1% organically, with a significant improvement in the Second quarter versus the First quarter.
Organic decline in North America was -9.8%, improving very progressively quarter on quarter. Seniors performance and cross-selling of extra services remain solid. However, there is still no sign of any improvement in retail sales which have significantly reduced since the start of the pandemic. Development is picking up with some encouraging new wins.
In Europe, organic growth of +12.7 %, and +15.5% in the Second quarter, reflects the ramping up of the Covid-19 rapid testing centers contract in the UK. Seniors activity is more or less back to previous year levels. However, with the second and third waves, activity is suffering from the lower levels of elective surgery and slower than expected mobilization of new contracts.
In Asia-Pacific, Latam, Middle East and Africa, the organic decline was better in the second quarter at -2.8%, with a return to growth in China, against a significantly Covid-impacted comparable base.
Education
First half Fiscal 2021 Revenues in Education were 1.6 billion euro , down -31.9% organically.
In North America, the segment remains severely impacted by the pandemic with an organic decline of -39.7% . The second quarter trend was slightly worse than the first quarter due to longer than usual winter break at the University representing 14 days less days in the quarter. Schools are progressively reopening but the majority remained closed for most of the period.
In Europe , the organic decline was limited to -8.3% . While in France fully reopened from September, schools in other countries reopened progressively during the first quarter, even if Covid-19 contaminations are forcing some classes to close without warning. The second quarter trend deteriorated slightly due to the second wave closures of UK schools.
In Asia-Pacific, Latam, Middle East and Africa , the organic decline remained high at -15.0%, despite a significant improvement in the trend in Q2, down only -6.7%. The collapse of the activity in India is not yet compensated by the progressive reopening in China, hampered by low activity in the international schools.
Benefits & Rewards Services
Benefits & Rewards Services revenue amounted to 359 million euro, down -8.1% organically and -19% including the negative currency impact of -11.4%, principally due to the Brazilian real and the Turkish lira.
Revenues
In the first half, Employee Benefits revenues were down -8.4% organically , compared to +0.2% in issue volume (5.9 billion euro). This is a significant improvement relative to the Second half Fiscal 2020 trend but represents a slowdown in the second quarter relative to the first quarter. Merchant reimbursements slowed down significantly from November due to lockdowns in Europe.
Services Diversification was down -7.2 % due to the continued difficulties in the Health & Wellness and Mobility markets in most countries, due to the closure of most sporting facilities and the lack of business travel. Fuel & Fleet provided more resilience. Public benefits are up strongly in all regions. The trend was significantly better in the second quarter, down only -3.9% due to a return to growth in Incentive & Recognition.
In Europe, Asia and USA, First half Fiscal 2021 revenues declined by -7.0% organically, reflecting a deterioration in the trend in the second quarter, down -10%, after a better first quarter down only -3.2%. After a solid recovery in September and October in Europe, the trend reversed in November due to the second round of lockdowns and restaurant closures. In China and Turkey, issue and reimbursement volumes were also more modest in the second quarter after the catch-up in the first quarter. Growth in India remained strong for meal benefits.
In Latin America, sales declined -10.1%. Overall, issue volumes and reimbursement volumes were stable in the region. Revenues in Brazil were impacted by the highly competitive environment, while interest rates are stabilizing from quarter to quarter. The momentum in the rest of the region remained solid, except in Chile still significantly impacted by the pandemic.
The decline in Operating revenues was -7.4%. Financial revenues were down more significantly by -17.9% , impacted by the decline in interest rates, particularly in Brazil. However, as rates have stabilized since July 2020, the year on year comparison is easing each quarter.
Underlying operating profit
First half Fiscal 2021 Underlying operating profit amounted to 265 million euro, down -61.4% compared to the revenue decline of -26.5%. As a result, the Underlying operating margin was 3.1%, down -280 bps, exacerbated by currency mix effects for -30 bps. This performance represents a major improvement compared to the loss in second half Fiscal 2020 and is the result of the many contract renegotiations since March 2020, government furlough in some countries, the first results of the restructuring program and very strict cost control.
Underlying Operating profit by activity
The First half Underlying operating profit margin in On-site Services,
excluding the currency effect , was down -260 bps, impacted by the significant decline in revenues due to the Covid crisis.
Segment performance is as follows:
Group net profit
Other operating income and expenses were -128 million euro, against -66 million euro in the previous year period, reflecting the First half Fiscal 2021 costs of the GET restructuring program amounting to 107 million euro, against 33 million euro in the previous year.
As a result, the Operating Profit was 136 million euro against 619 million euro in the previous period.
Net financial expenses were 50 million euro, down 17 million euro year on year essentially due to the reimbursement of the USPP debt and an average blended cost of debt of 1.6%, compared 2.2% as of February 29, 2020 and stable compared to August 31, 2020.
The tax charge in First half Fiscal 2021 amounted to 53 million euro, down 108 million euro relative to the previous period. The effective tax rate was strongly affected by the non-recognition of deferred tax assets in France due to the lack of prospect of short-term recoverability. Excluding the tax impact of the Other Operating Income & Expenses, the Underlying effective tax rate would have been 40.7% against 29.3% in First half Fiscal 2020.
Profit attributed to non-controlling interests was 2 million euro, against 17 million euro in the previous year. As a result, Group net profit was 33 million euro and EPS is €0.23.
Underlying net profit (adjusted for Other operating income and expenses at a normalized tax rate) amounted to 128 million euro, compared to 424 million euro in the previous period. Underlying EPS was €0.87 against €2.91 in the previous period.
Consolidated financial position
Cash flows
* Excluding change in financial assets related to the Benefits & Rewards Services activity (€(42)m in H1 Fiscal 2021 and +€104m in H1 Fiscal 2020).
Total change in working capital as reported in consolidated accounts: in H1 Fiscal 2021: €(1)m = €41m+€(42)m and in H1 Fiscal 2020: €(543)m = €(647)m+ €104m
First half Fiscal 2021 Free cash flow was much better than expected, helped by a positive change in working capital and a significant reduction in capital expenditure.
While Operating cash flow totaled 405 million euro, against 791 million euro in the same period last year, the Working capital variation was a positive 41 million euro, despite the normally negative seasonality impact, against an outflow of 647 million euro in the First half Fiscal 2020. This performance was boosted by strict management of receivables, Benefits & Rewards due to lower reimbursement flows, continued Government support in terms of payment delays.
Net capital expenditure was at 86 million euro representing only 1% of revenues, against 268 million euro in the first half Fiscal 2020, or 2.3% of revenues, due to delays in client investments and a refund of rights fees from the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee, these fees having become variable as part of the new contract.
As a result, Free cashflow was 237 million euro. Both On-site Services and Benefits & Rewards Services generated free cashflow.
Prolongation of the pandemic has helped to delay the expected non-recurrent elements into the second half of the year; refunds of the Tokyo Olympics hospitality packages have been lower than expected, some of the restructuring in Europe is delayed into the second half, and Covid-related government support has been further extended.
The major change in other cashflow items in First half Fiscal 2021 was the lack of a dividend pay-out on Fiscal 2020 earnings, compared to the 425 million euro payment in First half Fiscal 2020.
Net acquisitions and disposals remained at a very low level, at 10 million euro. Share buy-backs were limited to covering future expected performance share attributions. The Other outflows were principally related to negative currency impacts, in particular linked to the weakness of the Brazilian Real.
As a result, consolidated net debt fell by 187 million euro from Fiscal 2020 year-end, to 1,681 million euro as at February 28, 2021.
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position at February 28, 2021
As of February 28, 2021, net debt was 1,681 million euro, lower than at the same period the previous year and at August 31, 2020. Gearing was 57% versus 50% last year and 67% at year-end Fiscal 2020. The net debt ratio at 3.8x is particularly high, as it is based on a rolling 12-month Underlying EBITDA.
At the end of the period, the Group had unused lines of credit totaling 1.9 billion euro.
The operating cash position totaled 3,324 million euro as of February 28, 2021, including bank overdrafts for 23 million euro. The Benefits & Rewards Services position was 2,226 million euro, including 795 million euro of restricted cash and 342 million euro of financial assets of more than three months. With this operating cash and client receivables of 1,455 million euro, compared to voucher liabilities payable of 3,435 million euro, the Benefits & Rewards Services asset to liability coverage is 107%, stable compared to the level at Fiscal 2020 year end.
Total liquidity amounts to 5.3 billion euro at the end of the period.
Executive Committee evolution
During the quarter, there have been several changes within the Executive Committee:
Related party transactions
The main related party transactions are presented in Note 9.4 to the First half Fiscal 2021 consolidated financial statements.
Main risks and uncertainties
The main risks and uncertainties are not materially different from those described in the Risk Management section of the Fiscal 2020 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) on November 23, 2020.
Currency effect
Exchange rate fluctuations do not generate operational risks, because each subsidiary bills its revenues and incurs its expenses in the same currency. However, given the weight of the Benefits & Rewards business in Brazil, and the high level of the margins relative to the Group, when the Brazilian Real declines against the euro, it has a negative effect on the Underlying operating margin due to a change in the mix of margins. Conversely, when the Brazilian Real improves, Group margins increase.
Sodexo operates in 64 countries. The percentage of total revenues and Underlying operating profit denominated in the main currencies are as follows:
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.
As a result, for the calculation of organic growth in Argentina Peso, figures for First half Fiscal 2021 and First half Fiscal 2020 have been converted at the exchange rate of 1€ = 109.280 ARS vs 68.248 ARS for First half Fiscal 2020.
Glossary
First half client Retention rate
The First half Client Retention rate corresponds to the total amount of revenue in the First half generated from business with existing clients in the prior fiscal year compared with total revenues for that year. The client retention rate declines progressively month by month as business is lost during the year.
First half Development rate
The First half Development rate is the annualized estimated revenue for new contracts signed during the First half divided by prior year annual revenues. The development rate increases progressively month by month, as business is won during the year.
Comparable site growth rate
The First half comparable site growth rate is the increase in revenues from sites that have contributed to consolidated revenue in both prior and current year first halves. It also includes the growth generated by the major sporting events.
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 Definitions
Financial Ratio Reconciliation
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.
As a result, for the calculation of organic growth in Argentina Peso, figures for H1 FY 2021 and H1 FY 2020 have been converted at the exchange rate of 1€ = 109.280 ARS vs 68.248 ARS for H1 FY 2020.
Issue volume
Issue volume corresponds to the total face value of service vouchers, cards and digitally delivered services issued by the Group's Benefits and Rewards Services, for beneficiaries on behalf of clients.
Net debt
Net debt is defined as Group borrowing at the balance sheet date, less operating cash. This does not include lease obligations as defined by IFRS16.
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:
Reimbursement volume
Underlying Net profit
Underlying Net profit presents a net income excluding significant unusual and/or infrequent elements. Therefore, it corresponds to the Net Income Group share excluding Other Income and Expense and 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 H1 2021 figures at H1 FY 2020 rates, except for countries with hyperinflationary economies.
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CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Notes available in H1 FY2021 Financial report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Notes available in H1 FY2021 Financial report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Assets
Notes available in H1 FY2021 Financial report
Shareholders' equity and liabilities
Notes available in H1 FY2021 Financial report
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
(1) Including 127 million euro corresponding to the depreciation of the right-of-use assets recognized in First Half Fiscal 2021 pursuant to IFRS 16
(129 million euro recognized for First Half Fiscal 2020).
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(1) Including the effects of hyperinflation.
(1) Impact of First-time application of IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over income tax treatments”.
(2) Including the effects of hyperinflation.
See APM definitions
For further detail on currencies, please see page 17 of this document.
See APM definitions
Attachment
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