Verallia: H1 2021 Results
+4.2% increase in revenue
Robust growth in adjusted EBITDA to €345 million (+15.4%) and adjusted EBITDA margin to 26.0% (+260 bps)
Strong business recovery in Q2: +14.8% vs. Q2 2020
2021 Adjusted EBITDA target raised
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regulatory News:
Verallia (Paris:VRLA):
Highlights
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(1) Revenue growth at constant exchange rates and scope excluding Argentina was +5.6% in H1 2021 compared with H1 2020.
(2) Net income for H1 2021 includes an amortisation expense for customer relations, recognised upon the acquisition of Saint-Gobain’s packaging business in 2015, of €22 million (net of taxes). Excluding this expense, the net income would be €155 million. This expense was €22 million in H1 2020.
“After a first quarter still adversely affected by the health restrictions, the reopening of Cafés, Hotels and Restaurants in the second quarter allowed Verallia to record robust organic revenue growth over the six-month period. Adjusted EBITDA rose sharply in the first half, with a full contribution from the Group’s three main pillars for improvement – namely the increase in business activity (operational lever), positive spread and mix, and improved industrial efficiency (PAP). In view of these solid results, Verallia can raise its adjusted EBITDA forecasts for 2021,” commented Michel Giannuzzi, Chairman and CEO of Verallia.
Revenue
Revenue breakdown by region
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2020 | % Change | Of which is organic growth (i) |
| Southern and Western Europe | 927.9 | 880.3 | +5.4% | +5.5% |
| Northern and Eastern Europe | 257.9 | 283.3 | -9.0% | -5.6% |
| Latin America | 141.9 | 111.0 | +27.9% | +58.9% |
| Group Total | 1,327.7 | 1,274.6 | +4.2% | +7.7% |
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(i) Revenue growth at constant exchange rates and scope. Revenue growth at constant exchange rates is calculated by applying the average exchange rates of the comparative period to revenue for the current period of each Group entity, expressed in its reporting currency. Revenue growth at constant exchange rates and scope excluding Argentina was +5.6% in H1 2021 compared with H1 2020.
Revenue in the first half of 2021 totalled €1,328 million, a 4.2% increase on a reported basis compared with the same period in the previous year.
The impact of exchange rates was -3.5% in H1 2021 (-€45 million), mostly linked to the depreciation of the Argentine peso and Brazilian real, and to a lesser extent, the depreciation of the Ukrainian hryvnia and the Russian rouble.
At constant scope and exchange rates, revenue grew +7.7% in the first half of the year (+5.6% excluding Argentina). This was due to a strong performance in the second quarter, with organic growth of +17.6% (+15.2% excluding Argentina). After a slow start to the year, still adversely affected by numerous lockdowns, business trends improved dramatically in the second quarter, which saw a strong recovery in all countries. The gradual reopening of the on-trade channel (HoReCa – Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés) during the second quarter of 2021 contributed significantly to growth.
All product categories posted strong sales in the second quarter compared with last year, except for food jars, which were particularly buoyant in 2020 during the lockdowns in the second quarter. Spirits rebounded sharply in the second quarter as exports to Asia and the United States picked up.
An increase in sales prices at the start of the year and an excellent product mix at Group level also boosted first-half revenue.
By region, revenue for H1 2021 breaks down as follows:
- Southern and Western Europe saw revenue grow by +5.4% on a reported basis and +5.5% at constant exchange rates and scope in H1 2021. All countries and product categories recorded growth in the first half, except food jars. Sales of spirits rocketed after being hit hard in the first half of 2020. Sales of still wine and beer also recorded strong growth. Sparkling wines picked up thanks to Italy and brisk sales of Prosecco rosé. Sales prices remained stable in the region.
- In Northern and Eastern Europe, revenue on a reported basis was down -9.0% compared with H1 2020, which had proved more resilient than in Southern and Western Europe. The decrease was smaller at constant exchange rates and scope, at -5.6%; exchange rates’ fluctuations had a negative impact of -3.4% due to the depreciation of the Ukrainian hryvnia and the Russian rouble. The fall in volumes in the first half was mainly concentrated in the first quarter, as volumes improved in the second quarter across all product categories. Sales prices also remained stable in the region.
- In Latin America, the Group reaped the benefits of having increased capacities in 2020. Revenue rose sharply: +27.9% increase on a reported basis and +58.9% excluding the effect of local currency depreciation (+51.7% organic growth excluding Argentina). Over the six months, volumes increased in all countries and product categories, except food jars. In addition, previous increases in selling prices in the region – particularly in Argentina in response to local hyperinflation – were another contributing factor.
Adjusted EBITDA
Breakdown of adjusted EBITDA by region
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2020 |
| Southern and Western Europe |
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| Adjusted EBITDA (i) | 231.8 | 195.8 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 25.0% | 22.2% |
| Northern and Eastern Europe |
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| Adjusted EBITDA (i) | 58.3 | 68.9 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 22.6% | 24.3% |
| Latin America |
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| Adjusted EBITDA (i) | 54.6 | 33.9 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 38.5% | 30.6% |
| Group Total |
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| Adjusted EBITDA (i) | 344.7 | 298.7 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 26.0% | 23.4% |
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(i) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated based on operating profit adjusted for depreciation, amortisation and impairment, restructuring costs, acquisition and M&A costs, hyperinflationary effects, management share ownership plans, subsidiary disposal‐related effects and contingencies, plant closure costs and other items.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by +15.4% in H1 2021 (and +20.8% at constant exchange rates and scope) to €345 million. The unfavourable exchange rates effect amounted to -€16 million, mainly due to the depreciation of Latin American currencies as well as the depreciation of the Ukrainian hryvnia and the Russian rouble.
Verallia generated a positive spread1 in all regions, with prices remaining stable in Europe and increasing in Latin America to offset cost inflation. A particularly favourable product mix and a net reduction in production costs of €21 million (or 2.7% of cash production costs) also made a significant contribution to the improvement in adjusted EBITDA. These positive developments largely offset the slight dip in activity attributed to continued destocking in the context of five furnace repairs and the successful start-up of two new furnaces (in Spain and Italy) during the first half.
The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 26.0% from 23.4% in H1 2020.
By region, adjusted EBITDA for H1 2021 breaks down as follows:
- Southern and Western Europe reported an adjusted EBITDA of €232 million (vs €196 million in H1 2020) and a margin of 25.0%, up from 22.2%. This solid performance was due to the positive spread on sales and the excellent contribution of the product mix. The region’s industrial performance was also good, despite the difficulties encountered by France in Q1 due to social movements linked to the transformation plan, which affected production.
- In Northern and Eastern Europe, adjusted EBITDA was €58 million (vs €69 million in H1 2020), taking its margin to 22.6%, compared with 24.3% previously. This fall is due to the decline in volumes associated with a strong negative exchange rates’ impact and maintenance costs linked to the rebuilding of two furnaces.
- In Latin America, adjusted EBITDA amounted to €55 million (vs €34 million in H1 2020), representing a margin of 38.5% compared with 30.6% previously. This excellent performance is due to the strong growth in sales volumes in a highly dynamic market, combined with a positive spread and solid industrial performance. In addition, Brazil benefited from the positive impact of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court’s decision on the ICMS tax.
The increase in net income to €133 million is mainly the result of the improvement in adjusted EBITDA, that is more than compensating for the increase in the net financial expense and in the income taxes. The net income includes an amortisation expense for customer relations, recognised upon the acquisition of Saint-Gobain’s packaging business in 2015 of €22 million (net of taxes). Excluding this expense, the net income would be €155 million. This expense was €22 million in H1 2020.
The booked capital expenditure stood at €109 million, compared with €92 million in H1 2020. These investments consist of €98 million of recurring investments (i.e. 7.4% of consolidated revenue), compared with €64 million in H1 2020, and €11 million of strategic investments (vs €27 million in H1 2020).
Operating cash flow2 came in higher at €212 million, compared with €138 million in H1 2020, thanks to the growth in adjusted EBITDA and the significant improvement in working capital requirement. Based on number of days’ sales compared with 30 June 2020, inventories remained at a very low level while late payments continue to be well managed (stable at a very low level).
Very solid balance sheet
Verallia improved its net debt ratio in the first half: net debt amounted to €1,266 million at 30 June 2021 after two share buybacks by the Group for €109 million (in March and June 2021). This corresponds to a net debt ratio of 1.9x adjusted EBITDA for the last 12 months, compared with 2.1x at 31 March 2021, down from 2.5x at 30 June 2020.
In addition, Verallia decided not to extend its additional credit facility of €250 million (RCF2), implemented in April 2020.
Lastly, to diversify its funding sources and in line with its ESG strategy unveiled in January 2021, on 14 May 2021 Verallia successfully placed its inaugural “Sustainability‐Linked” bond issue for a total of €500 million, maturing in seven years and with a coupon of 1.625%. The net proceeds of the issue were used to repay some of the Group’s debt. This landmark transaction allows Verallia to (i) diversify its funding sources by tapping the bond market, (ii) extend the average maturity of its debt, and (iii) strengthen visibility of its sustainability commitment.
The Group still had significant liquidity3 of €848 million as of 30 June 2021.
Share buyback
On 9 June 2021, Verallia repurchased 1.6 million shares for €48.8 million. This coincided with the sale by Apollo4 of its stake of around 10% in Verallia via an accelerated private placement. The shares were cancelled on 24 June 2021 (see below).
In addition, on 5 March 2021, the Group also participated in an accelerated private placement of Apollo by acquiring 2.1 million shares for €60 million. These repurchased shares have been and will be used to cover employee share ownership programmes (the sixth of which ended on 24 June 2021 – see below) and Group performance share plans.
Results of voting at the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting of 15 June 2021
With a quorum of more than 85%, the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company on 15 June 2021 adopted, with approval rates ranging from 84.8% to 99.9%, all the resolutions put to the vote.
The Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting also voted for a cash dividend of €0.95 per share, with an ex-dividend date of 1 July 2021 and a payment date of 5 July 2021.
Success of the 2021 employee shareholding offer
Almost 3,200 employees (i.e. 41% of eligible persons worldwide) took part in the Group’s sixth employee shareholding offer at a unit subscription price of €25.525. In France, the operation was well received, with nearly 75% of eligible employees subscribing.
As a result, employee shareholders now hold 3.54% of Verallia’s share capital, directly and through Verallia’s FCPE (corporate mutual fund). The percentage of employee shareholders is approximately 41%.
On 24 June 2021, following this transaction (which was oversubscribed), the Company issued 616,364 new ordinary shares representing 0.5% of the share capital and voting rights. To counter the dilutive effect of this transaction, the Company simultaneously reduced its share capital by cancelling 1.6 million treasury shares acquired under the share buyback programme6.
2021 Outlook
Provided there are no new widespread Covid lockdowns, the strong business performance in the first half of 2021 means that Verallia’s net sales should reach around €2.6 billion with volumes in 2021 returning to 2019 level.
Verallia also expects 2021 adjusted EBITDA to increase significantly on the previous year. The adjusted EBITDA should be higher than initially expected at around €675 million (compared with €650 million forecast in February 2021).
About Verallia – At Verallia, our purpose is to re-imagine glass for a sustainable future. We want to redefine how glass is produced, reused and recycled, to make it the world’s most sustainable packaging material. We are joining forces with our customers, suppliers and other partners across the value chain to develop new, healthy and sustainable solutions for all.
With around 10,000 employees and 32 glass production facilities in 11 countries, we are the European leader and the world’s third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products. We offer innovative, customised and environmentally friendly solutions to over 10,000 businesses around the world.
In 2020, Verallia produced more than 16 billion glass bottles and jars and posted revenue of €2.5 billion. Verallia is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: VRLA – ISIN: FR0013447729) and is included in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid & Small et CAC All-Tradable.
For more information, visit www.verallia.com
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The consolidated financial statements of the Verallia Group for the financial year ended 30 June 2021, which were subject to a limited review by the Group’s Statutory Auditors, were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 July 2021 and will be available on www.verallia.com.
An analysts’ conference call will be held on Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 9.00 am (CET) via an audio webcast service (live and replay) and the results presentation will be available on www.verallia.com.
Financial calendar
- 07 October 2021: Digital Investor Day – Press release and virtual presentation at 3.00 pm (CET).
- 28 October 2021: Financial results for Q3 2021 – Press release before the market opening and conference call/presentation at 9.00 am (CET) on that day.
Disclaimer
Certain information included in this press release does not constitute historical data but constitutes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding Verallia’s present and future business strategies and the economic environment in which Verallia operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results or other events, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed and identified in Chapter 3 “Risk Factors” in the Universal Registration Document approved by the AMF, available on the Company’s website (www.verallia.com) and the AMF’s website (www.amf-france.org). These forward-looking information and statements are not guarantees of future performances.
This press release includes only summary information and does not purport to be comprehensive.
Personal data protection
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Verallia SA, as data controller, processes personal data for the purpose of implementing and managing its internal and external communication. This processing is based on legitimate interests. The data collected (last name, first name, professional contact details, profiles, relationship history) is essential for this processing and is used by the relevant departments of the Verallia group and, where applicable, its subcontractors. Verallia SA transfers personal data to its service providers located outside the European Union, who are responsible for providing and managing technical solutions related to the aforementioned processing. Verallia SA ensures that the appropriate guarantees are obtained in order to supervise these data transfers outside of the European Union. Under the conditions defined by the applicable regulations for the protection of personal data, you may access and obtain a copy of the data concerning you, object to the processing of this data and request for it to be rectified or erased. You also have a right to restrict the processing of your data. To exercise one of these rights, please contact the Group Financial Communication Department at [email protected]. If, after having contacted us, you believe that your rights have not been respected or that the processing does not comply with data protection regulations, you may submit a complaint to CNIL (Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés — French regulatory body).
APPENDICES
Key figures
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2020 |
| Revenue | 1,327.7 | 1,274.6 |
| Reported growth | +4.2% | -4.1% |
| Organic growth | +7.7% | -0.9% |
| of which Southern and Western Europe | 927.9 | 880.3 |
| of which Northern and Eastern Europe | 257.9 | 283.3 |
| of which Latin America | 141.9 | 111.0 |
| Cost of sales | (1,006.0) | (1,002.9) |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (86.9) | (80.1) |
| Acquisition-related items | (29.9) | (30.4) |
| Other operating revenue and expenses | 2.2 | (27.1) |
| Operating profit | 207.1 | 134.1 |
| Net financial income (expense) | (32.3) | (19.5) |
| Profit (loss) before tax | 174.8 | 114.6 |
| Income tax | (43.5) | (35.3) |
| Share of net profit (loss) of associates | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Net profit (loss) for the year (i) | 132.5 | 79.3 |
| Earnings per share | €1.07 | €0.64 |
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| Adjusted EBITDA (ii) | 344.7 | 298.7 |
| Group Margin | 26.0% | 23.4% |
| of which Southern and Western Europe | 231.8 | 195.8 |
| Southern and Western Europe margin | 25.0% | 22.2% |
| of which Northern and Eastern Europe | 58.3 | 68.9 |
| Northern and Eastern Europe margin | 22.6% | 24.3% |
| of which Latin America | 54.6 | 33.9 |
| Latin America margin | 38.5% | 30.6% |
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| Net debt at the end of the period | 1,266.2 | 1,475.7 |
| Last 12 months adjusted EBITDA | 671.7 | 601.1 |
| Net debt/last 12 months adjusted EBITDA | 1.9x | 2.5x |
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| Total capex (iii) | 109.4 | 91.5 |
| Cash conversion (iv) | 68.3% | 69.4% |
| Change in operating working capital | (23.7) | (69.0) |
| Operating cash flow (v) | 211.6 | 138.2 |
| Strategic investments (vi) | 11.2 | 27.2 |
| Recurring investments (vii) | 98.2 | 64.4 |
(i) Net income for H1 2021 includes an amortisation expense for customer relations, recognised upon the acquisition of Saint-Gobain’s packaging business in 2015, of €22 million (net of taxes). Excluding this expense, the net income would be €155 million. This expense was €22 million in H1 2020.
(ii) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated on the basis of operating profit adjusted for depreciation, amortisation and impairment, restructuring costs, acquisition and M&A costs, hyperinflationary effects, management share ownership plans, subsidiary disposal-related effects and contingencies, plant closure costs and other items.
(ii) Capex (capital expenditure) represents purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets necessary to maintain the value of an asset and/or adapt to market demand or to environmental and health and safety constraints, or to increase the Group’s capacity. It excludes the purchase of securities.
(iv) Cash conversion represents adjusted EBITDA less capex, divided by adjusted EBITDA.
(v) Operating cash flow represents adjusted EBITDA less capex, plus changes in operating working capital requirement including changes in payables to fixed asset suppliers.
(vi) Strategic investments represent the acquisitions of strategic assets that significantly enhance the Group’s capacity or its scope (for example, the acquisition of plants or similar facilities, greenfield or brownfield investments), including the building of additional new furnaces. From 2021 onwards, they will also include investments related to the implementation of the plan to reduce CO2 emissions.
(vii) Recurring investments represent acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets necessary to maintain the value of an asset and/or adapt to market demands and to environmental, health and safety requirements. It mainly includes furnace renovation and maintenance of IS machines.
Change in revenue by type in € million during H1 2021
| In € million |
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| Revenue H1 2020 | 1,274.6 |
| Volumes | +44.6 |
| Price/Mix | +53.3 |
| Exchange rates | (44.8) |
| Revenue H1 2021 | 1,327.7 |
Change in adjusted EBITDA by type in € million during H1 2021
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| Adjusted EBITDA H1 2020 (i) | 298.7 |
| Activity contribution | (6.0) |
| Spread price-mix/costs | +45.4 |
| Net productivity | +21.3 |
| Exchange rates | (16.0) |
| Other | +1.4 |
| Adjusted EBITDA H1 2021 (i) | 344.7 |
(i) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated based on operating profit adjusted for depreciation, amortisation and impairment, restructuring costs, acquisition and M&A costs, hyperinflationary effects, management share ownership plans, subsidiary disposal‐related effects and contingencies, plant closure costs and other items.
Comparison between Q1 and Q2
| In € million | Q1 | Q2 | ||
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| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 |
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| Revenue | 604.9 | 644.8 | 722.9 | 629.9 |
| Reported growth | -6.2% |
| +14.8% |
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| Organic growth | -2.0% |
| +17.6% |
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| Adjusted EBITDA | 151.7 | 151.3 | 193.0 | 147.4 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 25.1% | 23.5% | 26.7% | 23.4% |
Reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted EBITDA
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2020 |
| Operating profit | 207.1 | 134.1 |
| Depreciation and amortisation (i) | 136.2 | 139.6 |
| Restructuring costs (ii) | (2.7) | 19.1 |
| IAS 29 Hyperinflation (Argentina) (iii) | (0.7) | 0.7 |
| Management share ownership plan and associated costs | 4.4 | 1.8 |
| Other | 0.4 | 3.4 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 344.7 | 298.7 |
(i) Includes depreciation and amortisation of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets acquired through business combinations and impairment of property, plant and equipment, including those linked to the transformation plan implemented in France in 2020.
(ii) Corresponds mainly to the transformation plan in France.
(iii) The Group has applied IAS 29 (Hyperinflation) since the second half of 2018.
Reconciliation of Cash conversion to adjusted EBITDA
| In € million | H1 2021 | H1 2020 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 344.7 | 298.7 |
| Capex | (109.4) | (91.5) |
| Cash flows (adjusted EBITDA – Capex) | 235.3 | 207.2 |
| Cash conversion | 68.3% | 69.4% |
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash conversion are alternative performance indicators within the meaning of AMF position no. 2015-12.
Adjusted EBITDA and cash conversion are not standardised accounting measures that meet a single, generally accepted definition as per IFRS.
Contacts
Media contacts
Verallia – Florence de Nadaï – [email protected]
Brunswick – Benoit Grange, Hugues Boëton, Tristan Roquet Montegon – [email protected] – +33 1 53 96 83 83
Verallia Investor Relations contact
Alexandra Baubigeat Boucheron – [email protected]
