SMCP SMCP SA

2022 Full Year ResultsPress release - Paris, March 2nd, 2023.

Financial targets achieved:Strong sales performance driven by positive momentum in Europe and Americaand doubling of Net Income

• Record Sales at €332m in Q4, up +4% on an organic1 basis vs. 2021, despite a high comparison basis.
• 2022 Sales at €1,206m, up +13% on an organic basis vs. 2021, driven by a like-for-like growth of +14%.
• Sales momentum driven by Europe and America as well as APAC region excluding Mainland China, which has been significantly impacted by the sanitary situation. Excluding Mainland China, the Group recorded an organic growth of +23% vs 2021.
• Success of the full-price strategy with an average discount rate down by 4 points in one year and 9 points in two years.
• Store network stable over the year, but positive momentum with 13 net openings in Q4.
• Strong growth of Adjusted EBIT to €111m (9.2% of sales) from €96m in 20212.
• Net profit doubles and reaches €51m.
• Robust financial structure and continued deleveraging to 1.9x adjusted EBITDA3.
• 2023 objectives:

- Mid- to high-single digit sales growth vs. 2022 at constant exchange rates,- Adjusted EBIT margin up vs. 2022

Commenting on those results, Isabelle Guichot, CEO of SMCP, stated: “The Group registers another very good performance this year, with sales growth in all regions except for Continental China due to Covid-related constraints. The work we have been doing for several years on the desirability of our brands has enabled us to adjust our sales prices in line with inflation, while continuing to deploy our full-price strategy. We have thus been able to maintain a solid level of profitability, allowing us to double our net profit compared to the previous year. We also made major progress in our CSR strategy, accelerating our transparency and circular economy initiatives, improving our CDP rating, and announcing the launch of our SMCP Retail Lab training school. Finally, we opened new shops in key areas, notably in China, in anticipation of the business recovery. I thank all the teams for their dedication and together we look forward to 2023 with confidence, perfectly positioned to seize future growth opportunities.”

SALES BREAKDOWN BY REGION

In France, sales are up by +23% organic compared to 2021 and exceed 2019 level. This growth was driven exclusively by like-for-like, and mainly in physical stores (in Paris, thanks to local customers and tourists, but also in the rest of France). This performance is all the more impressive given that it includes a -5.5 points drop in the discount rate over the year. Digital sales are in line with 2021, with more qualitative sales thanks to a reduction in the number of promotional operations.The physical shop network optimization plan is coming to an end and the number of stores openings in France picked up in the fourth quarter with five net openings.

The EMEA region recorded the strongest growth of the Group with an organic increase of 31% compared to 2021, driven by the largest markets such as the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Middle East. This performance was driven by brick & mortar as well as digital sales, which grew by +12% compared to 2021. The region is +9% ahead of 2019.The reduction of the discount rate is -3pts in 2022 and -12pts over two years. After some net POS closures in the first nine months of the year, the network regained growth momentum with eight net openings in the fourth quarter.

In APAC, the Group recorded a -20% decline in organic sales vs 2021, mainly due to the sanitary situation in Mainland China. After a first part of the year heavily impacted by the COVID restrictions (stores and warehouse closures for long periods, and a drop in traffic), the fourth quarter was strongly penalized by a spike in positive cases, following the lifting of the anti-COVID restrictions, and resulting in store closures (30% of the network closed or on reduced hours in December). Outside Mainland China, the region performed well, particularly in Australia with a fully reopened network, in Korea driven by strong local demand, and in Singapore and Malaysia which benefited from a return of tourists. The region continued to expand with four net openings over the year, to seize opportunities linked to the market recovery.

In Americas, sales increased by +16% organically compared to 2021, driven entirely by like-for-like growth (+17%). Growth was homogeneous in all markets: United States, Canada and Mexico. Digital sales continued their excellent momentum (+21%). The pre-pandemic level was largely exceeded (+15% compared to 2019 in organic terms). The average discount rate fell by -5pts in 2022 and -17pts in two years. The region continued to expand with three net openings in the year.

Unless stated otherwise, all figures used to analyze the performance are disclosed by taking into account the impact of the application of IFRS 16.

2022 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Adjusted EBITDA increased by €21m from €246m in 2021 to €267m in 2022 (adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% of sales), thanks to Sales growth, combined with a 0.8 point increase in management gross margin (74.4%) and continued rigorous cost management throughout the year.

Improvement in gross margin was driven by a significant progress on our full price strategy, deliberately reducing the proportion of promotional sales (with a reduction in the discount rate of 4 points in 2022 and 9 points over two years).

Total Opex (store costs9 and general and administrative expenses SG&A) as a percentage of sales increased by 0.8 point. The sanitary situation in China and inflation weigh on store costs, partly offset by better SG&A absorption. In addition, in the 2022 accounts, marketing traffic costs (0.8 point) were reclassified from SG&A to store costs.Depreciation, amortization, and provisions at -€156m in 2022, compared with -€150m in 2021. Excluding IFRS 16, depreciation and amortization slightly decreased in absolute value, and represent 4.1% of sales in 2022 (compared to 4.8% in 2021).

As a result, adjusted EBIT increased by €15m, from €96m in 2021 to €111m in 2022. The adjusted EBIT margin is 9.2% in 2022 (in line with 2021), a very satisfactory performance in the second half of the year, reaching 10.2%.

Other non-current expenses went down to -€12m in 2022 (compared to -€26m in 2021) and consisted mainly of store impairments, with no cash impact.

Despite the context, the Group has managed to reduce its financial expenses from -€27m in 2021 to -€24m in 2022 (including respectively -€12m and -11m€ of interests on lease liabilities) thanks to the reduction in the average debt outstanding.

Income tax at -€17m in 2022 compared to -€12m in 2021, reflecting the growth of pre-tax income.

Net income - Group share doubles in 2022 to reach €51m.

2022 FREE CASH FLOW AND NET FINANCIAL DEBT

The Group generated €34m of free cash flow in 2022, with a good performance in the second half of the year (€29m).

Working capital requirements increased from €134m in 2021 to €178m in 2022, due to an increase in inventories to accompany the growth of sales expected in 2023, combined to a restocking in China due to health constraints and to the impact of inflation. Working capital weight on total sales is 15% in 2022, compared with 13% in 2021 and 18% in 2020.

At the same time, the Group maintained a strict control on its investments throughout the year, reaching €45m1 in 2022, nearly stable compared to 2021 (€43m) and better absorbed in terms of weight on sales by half a point.

Net financial debt decreased by €25m, from €318m at 31 December 2021 to €293m at 31 December 2022. This decrease, combined with the improvement in adjusted EBITDA, results in a decrease in the net financial debt/EBITDA10 ratio from 2.5x at 31 December 2021 to 1.9x at 31 December 2022.

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

For the year 2023, SMCP expects a mid- to high-single digit sales growth compared to 2022. In terms of profitability, the Group aims to improve its adjusted EBIT margin (as a % of sales).

The Group's mid-term financial ambitions are:

- Mid- to high-single digit sales growth until 2026 and mid-single digit growth after 2026;

- Continue to selectively grow the physical network, measured not only in terms of number of POS but also in terms of total selling surface;

- Gross margin ratio at 75% by continuing the full-price strategy and optimizing inventories;

- Better absorption of store costs and SG&A.

This will allow SMCP group to target an adjusted EBIT margin of 12% by 2026, then growing by around 0.5 point per year for the following years.

OTHER INFORMATION

Closing of the annual accounts

The Board of Directors met on March 1st to approve the consolidated accounts for the year 2022. The review procedures have been carried out by the statutory auditors and the related report is being issued.

Evolution of the shareholders’ situation

The Board of Directors of SMCP has taken note of GLAS’ communication dated March 1st, 2023, according to which GLAS, acting as Trustee in respect of the bonds exchangeable for SMCP shares issued by European TopSoho S.à r.l. in 2018, has indicated that it is initiating a process to sell the 37% of the Company’s capital pledged in the context of the above-mentioned bond issue. The Company welcomes this first step, which could allow SMCP to regain a stable shareholding structure on which it could rely to pursue its development strategy. GLAS further indicated that the process should last several months and that it is not yet possible to assess whether it will trigger a mandatory takeover bid.

The Board of Directors has entrusted the ad hoc Committee established in January 2022, composed of Ms. Orla Noonan, Mr. Xavier Véret and Mr. Christophe Cuvillier, all of whom are independent directors within the meaning of the Afep-MEDEF Code, with the task of monitoring developments in this process, while ensuring that the interests of the Company, its employees and all of its shareholders are strictly respected.

The Company has appointed Rothschild & Co as financial advisor to assist in this process.

Board composition

Jean Loez was elected by the social and economic committee as a board member representing the employees to replace Marina Dithurbide.

A conference call with investors and analysts will be held today by CEO Isabelle Guichot and CFO Patricia Huyghues Despointes, from 9:00 a.m. (Paris time). Related slides will also be available on the website (www.smcp.com), in the Finance section.

FINANCIAL INDICATORS NOT DEFINED IN IFRS

The Group uses certain key financial and non-financial measures to analyze the performance of its business. The principal performance indicators used include the number of its points of sale, like-for-like sales growth, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin.

Number of points of sale

The number of the Group’s points of sale comprises total retail points of sale open at the relevant date, which includes (i) directly-operated stores, including free-standing stores, concessions in department stores, affiliate-operated stores, factory outlets and online stores, and (ii) partnered retail points of sale.

Organic sales growth

Organic sales growth refers to the performance of the Group at constant currency and scope, i.e. excluding the acquisition of Fursac.

Like-for-like sales growth

Like-for-like sales growth corresponds to retail sales from directly operated points of sale on a like-for-like basis in a given period compared with the same period in the previous year, expressed as a percentage change between the two periods. Like-for-like points of sale for a given period include all of the Group’s points of sale that were open at the beginning of the previous period and exclude points of sale closed during the period, including points of sale closed for renovation for more than one month, as well as points of sale that changed their activity (for example, Sandro points of sale changing from Sandro Femme to Sandro Homme or to a mixed Sandro Femme and Sandro Homme store). Like-for-like sales growth percentage is presented at constant exchange rates (sales for year N and year N-1 in foreign currencies are converted at the average N-1 rate, as presented in the annexes to the Group's consolidated financial statements as of December 31 for the year N in question).

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin

Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Group as operating income before depreciation, amortization, provisions and charges related to share-based long-term incentive plans (LTIP). Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to EBITDA before charges related to LTIP.Adjusted EBITDA is not a standardized accounting measure that meets a single generally accepted definition. It must not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flow from operating activities, or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA margin corresponds to adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.

Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBIT margin

Adjusted EBIT is defined by the Group as earning before interests and taxes and charges related to share-based long-term incentive plans (LTIP). Consequently, Adjusted EBIT corresponds to EBIT before charges related to LTIP. Adjusted EBIT margin corresponds to Adjusted EBIT divided by net sales.

Management Gross margin

Management gross margin corresponds to the sales after deducting rebates and cost of sales only. The accounting gross margin (as appearing in the accounts) corresponds to the sales after deducting the rebates, the cost of sales and the commissions paid to the department stores and affiliates.

Retail Margin

Retail margin corresponds to the management gross margin after taking into account the points of sale’s direct expenses such as rent, personnel costs, commissions paid to the department stores and other operating costs.

The table below summarizes the reconciliation of the management gross margin and the retail margin with the accounting gross margin as included in the Group’s financial statements for the following periods:

Net financial debt

Net financial debt represents the net financial debt portion bearing interest. It corresponds to current and non-current financial debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and net of current bank overdrafts.

***

METHODOLOGY NOTE

Unless otherwise indicated, amounts are expressed in millions of euros and rounded to the first digit after the decimal point. In general, figures presented in this press release are rounded to the nearest full unit. As a result, the sum of rounded amounts may show non-material differences with the total as reported. Note that ratios and differences are calculated based on underlying amounts and not based on rounded amounts.

***

DISCLAIMER: FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information contained in this document includes projections and forecasts. These projections and forecasts are based on SMCP management's current views and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Group. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such projections and forecasts as a result of numerous factors, risks and uncertainties, including the impact of the current COVID-19 outbreak. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified under Chapter 3 “Risk factors and internal control” of the Company’s Universal Registration Document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers - AMF) on 19 April 2022 and available on SMCP's website (www.smcp.com).This document has not been independently verified. SMCP makes no representation or undertaking as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. None of the SMCP or any of its affiliate’s representatives shall bear any liability (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss arising from any use of this document or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with this document.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

• April 27, 2023 – 2023 Q1 Sales publication

APPENDICES

Breakdown of DOS

Breakdown of POS

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ABOUT SMCP

SMCP is a global leader in the accessible luxury market with four unique Parisian brands: Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and Fursac. Present in 47 countries, the Group comprises a network of over 1,600 stores globally and a strong digital presence in all its key markets. Evelyne Chetrite and Judith Milgrom founded Sandro and Maje in Paris, in 1984 and 1998 respectively, and continue to provide creative direction for the brands. Claudie Pierlot and Fursac were respectively acquired by SMCP in 2009 and 2019. SMCP is listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market (compartment A, ISIN Code FR0013214145, ticker: SMCP).

CONTACTS

1 Organic growth | All references in this document to the “organic sales performance” refer to the performance of the Group at constant currency and scope2 All 2021 figures have been retreated with impacts of IFRS IC decision on the configuration and customization costs software used as a SaaS contract3 Net debt / adjusted EBITDA excluding IFRS

4 EMEA covers the Group's activities in European countries excluding France (mainly the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy) as well as the Middle East (including the United Arab Emirates).5 APAC includes the Group's Asia-Pacific operations (mainly Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia).6 Claudie Pierlot and Fursac brands7 Net Income Group Share divided by the average number of ordinary shares as of December 31st, 2022, minus existing treasury shares held by the Group.8 Net Income Group Share divided by the average number of common shares as of December 31st, 2022, minus the treasury shares held by the company, plus the common shares that may be issued in the future. This includes the conversion of the Class G preferred shares and the performance bonus shares – LTIP which are prorated according to the performance criteria reached as of December 31st, 2022.9 Excluding IFRS 1610 adjusted EBITDA excluding IFRS

Attachment

• Press Release - SMCP - 2022 FY Results

SMCP (EU:SMCP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024

SMCP (EU:SMCP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024