BIC : Third quarter and nine months 2017 Results

BIC Group - Press Release
Clichy - 25 October 2017
      

Third quarter and nine months 2017 Results^[1]

·         Nine month Net Sales: 1,528.7 million euros, up 0.4% as reported and down 0.1% on a comparative basis^[2]

o   Third Quarter Net Sales: 465.8 million euros, down 5.0% as reported and down 0.9% on a comparative basis²

·         Nine month Normalized^[3] IFO: 302.9 million euros - Normalized³ IFO margin: 19.8%

o    Q3 Normalized³ IFO: 83.5 million euros - Normalized³ IFO margin: 17.9%

·         Nine month Net Income Group Share: 187.3 million euros, down 12.3%

o   EPS Group Share: 4.02 euros, down 11.6%

o   Normalized EPS Group Share: 4.47 euros, down 3.5%

·         Net cash position at the end of September 2017: 181.6 million euros

Commenting on BIC Group's results for the first nine months of 2017, Bruno Bich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "2017 is a challenging year in many of our markets. Nine month Net Sales were solid in Europe across our 3 categories, driven by our momentum in Eastern European countries. North America's performance reflects unprecedented market disruption in the U.S. Wet Shave category as well as unexpected customer inventory reductions in Lighters. Our softness in Developing Markets is mostly due to Brazil, where retailers are cutting inventories in all 3 categories.

In this increasingly volatile market environment, we remain committed to managing our business on a long-term basis and leveraging BIC's core strengths: strong manufacturing skills, high-quality products sold at the right price, recognized Brands and ingenious teams. While managing short-term headwinds by adjusting Brand Support Investments and Operating Expenses, we continue to set the course for the future, investing in R&D to accelerate the pace of new product launches."

Net Sales Organic Growth is expected to be slightly below 2%, as communicated on 29-SEPT-2017. At this sales growth level, we expect 2017 Normalized Income from Operations margin to decline by less than 100 basis points.

Unaudited figures

9M 2017 Net Sales were 1,528.7 million euros, up 0.4% as reported and down 0.1% on a comparative basis. The favorable impact of currency fluctuations (+1.1%) was mainly due to the appreciation of the Brazilian real against the euro. Europe and Developing Markets grew by 4.5% and 0.8%, respectively, while North America declined by 3.9% on a comparative basis.

9M 2017 Gross Profit margin came in at 51.4%, compared to 52.1% for 9M 2016.

9M 2017 Normalized IFO was 302.9 million euros (i.e., a Normalized IFO margin of 19.8%). Q3 2017 Normalized IFO was 83.5 million euros (i.e., a Normalized IFO margin of 17.9%).

Income before tax for 9 months 2017 was 277.4 million euros, down from 307.3 million euros for the first nine months of 2016. Net finance revenue was a negative 0.8 million euros, compared to a positive 1.7 million euros for 9M 2016.

Net income Group Share was 187.3 million euros, down 12.3% as reported. The effective tax rate was 30.0% excluding the impact of the sale of BIC Graphic North America and Asian Sourcing.

• Net Income From Continuing Operations was 194.1 million euros;
• Net Income From Discontinued Operations was a negative 6.7 million euros and included the net loss related to the disposal of BIC Graphic North America and Asian Sourcing.

9M 2017 EPS Group share was 4.02 euros, compared to 4.55 euros for the same period last year, down 11.6%. Normalized EPS Group share decreased by 3.5% to 4.47 euros, compared to 4.63 euros. EPS Group Share in Q3 2017 was 1.24 euros, compared to 1.57 euros in Q3 2016, down 21.0%.

At the end of September 2017, the Group's net cash position stood at 181.6 million euros.

Net Cash from operating activities was +272.1 million euros, including +275.4 million euros in Operating Cash Flow. Net Cash was also impacted by investments in CAPEX, dividend payments and share buy-backs as well as the proceeds from the sale of BIC Graphic North America and Sourcing Asia.

• Ordinary Dividend of 3.45 euros per share paid in May 2017.
• 55.0 million euros in share buy-backs at the end of September 2017 (525,320 shares purchased at an average price of 104.78 euros).

Stationery 9M 2017 Net Sales grew by 2.9% as reported and by 3.1% on a comparative basis. Third-quarter 2017 Net Sales were down 1.3% as reported but grew by 2.6% on a comparative basis.

Developed Markets

• In Europe, 9M Net Sales recorded mid-single digit growth. While markets remained soft, the back-to-school sell-out was good across all European countries. We gained market share across the board, notably in France for the 14^th consecutive year in a row, and in the UK. This performance has been driven by reinforcing relationship with customers, targeting Brand Support investment and the success of New Products such as the BIC® 4-color 3+1 pen and the BIC® Intensity Writing felt pen.
• In North America, 9M Net Sales grew low-single digit in a slightly declining market. The market was flat during the Back-to-School (in value terms) and we gained share notably through the success of new product launches such as Gelocity® Quick Dry in the gel segment and the Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencil.

Developing Markets

• In Latin America, 1 HHthe 9M Net Sales increased low-single digit and we reinforced our overall market leadership thanks to the success of the Cristal Colors range and Cristal Up. In Brazil, we continued to gain market share in a softening market. We outperformed the market in Mexico, where we enjoyed a good Back-to-School sell-out.
• In the Middle-East and Africa, we delivered robust growth along with market share gains across the region, particularly in South Africa.
• 9M Domestic Sales of Cello Pens increased high-single digit with market share gains in our 2 main product segments: Ball Pens and Gels.

9M 2017 Normalized IFO margin for Stationery was 8.9%, compared to 9.9% in 9M 2016 (10.5% excluding the impact of the special employee bonus). Q3 2017 Normalized IFO margin was 3.6%, compared to 4.0% in Q3 2016. The decline in both Q3 and 9M 2017 margins was mainly due to the increase in Brand Support investment.

Lighters 9M 2017 Net Sales increased by 1.2% as reported and were stable on a comparative basis. Third-quarter 2017 Net Sales decreased by 5.8% as reported and by 1.7% on a comparative basis.

Developed Markets

• In Europe, 9M Net Sales recorded mid-single-digit growth. Eastern European countries continued their solid momentum, supported by distribution gains.
• In North America, 9M Net Sales were stable. Through mid-September 2017, our market share (in value terms) was stable in a slightly growing market. The Q3 sell-in was affected by several customers reducing their inventories.

Developing Markets

9M Net Sales declined mid-single-digit mainly due to Brazil where retailers are reducing their inventories.

9M 2017 Normalized IFO margin for Lighters was 40.0%, compared to 40.1% in 9M 2016 (40.6% excluding the impact of the special employee bonus), due to higher costs of production. The increase in operating expenses was more than offset by lower Brand Support investment. Q3 2017 Normalized IFO margin was 40.9%, compared to 41.7% in Q3 2016.

Shavers 9M 2017 Net Sales declined by 3.0% as reported and by 4.5% on a constant currency basis. Third-quarter 2017 Net Sales were down 7.9% as reported and by 5.1% on a constant currency basis.

Developed Markets

• In Europe, 9M Net Sales grew high-single-digit. We gained market share across the whole region. Eastern Europe's performance was driven by the success of the BIC® Flex 3 Hybrid and Miss Soleil shavers. The BIC Shave Club online subscription offer for refillable shavers, available in France since March, is performing well. Building on this initial success, we will extend the BIC Shave Club in the UK before the end of 2017.
• In North America, 9M Net Sales declined double-digit. At the end of September 2017, the total U.S. Wet Shave market^[7] declined by 8.9% (by 3.8% for the one-piece segment). The market continued to be heavily disrupted with increased competitive activity, unprecedented levels of pricing and promotional pressure in the one-piece segment and increased activity from Private labels. BIC's one-piece segment market share was 27.0%⁷ at the end of September, a 1.5-point drop compared to September 2016. In this context, we continue to focus on our strategy to offer improved performance at the right price. With BIC® Flex 5 Hybrid launched early 2017, we remain n°1 in the 5-blade men's one-piece segment with 36.8%⁷ market share in September 2017 (up 7.5 points on September 2016). In 2018, we will launch the BIC Soleil® Balance^TM, our new 5-blades disposable shaver for women offering BIC's best technology to women at an affordable price.

Developing Markets

9M Net Sales increased low-single-digit.

• In Latin America, we delivered mid-single-digit growth. The third quarter was impacted by inventory reduction in Brazil as well as by pricing pressure and increased competitive pressure in Mexico.
• In the Middle-East and Africa, Net Sales were stable.

9M 2017 Normalized IFO margin for Shaver's was 13.5% compared to 14.7% in 9M 2016 (15.4% excluding the impact of the special employee bonus) due to North American Net Sales and higher operating costs. Q3 2017 Normalized IFO margin was 13.8%, compared to 19.8% in Q3 2016, reflecting the evolution of North American Net Sales and the continued investments in the long-term development of the category.

9M 2017 Net Sales of Other Products declined by 10.7% as reported and by 6.7% on a comparative basis. Third-quarter 2017 Net Sales were down 20.4% as reported and by 5.0% on a comparative basis.

9M Net Sales for BIC Sport declined high-single digit on a comparative basis, mainly due to an increasingly competitive environment in the U.S.

9M 2017 Normalized IFO for Other Products was a negative 4.0 million euros compared to a negative 3.9 million euros in 9M 2016. Q3 2017 Normalized IFO for Other Products amounted to a negative 2.2 million euros, compared to a negative 2.4 million euros in Q3 2016.

BIC GRAPHIC

Following the Asset and Share Purchase Agreement signed on June 6, 2017, BIC Graphic North America and Asian Sourcing operations were sold to H.I.G. Capital on June 30, 2017.
Assets and Liabilities of BIC Graphic North America and Asian Sourcing have been accounted for in "Non-Current Assets Held For Sale" and "Discontinued Operations" since 31 December 2016, in accordance with IFRS 5^[8].

BIC TO INVEST APPROXIMATELY 28 MILLION EUROS IN A NEW WRITING INSTRUMENTS FACILITY IN INDIA

BIC's Indian subsidiary BIC Cello (India), has acquired land and building for the construction of a new writing instrument facility in Vapi (Gujarat state).
Total investment in this project is estimated at around 28 million euros (i.e. INR 210 crore) through December 2018 including the purchase of land and building for approximately 18 million euros in 2017. This investment will enhance the Group's manufacturing footprint in India, and enable it to meet consumer demand more effectively in this rapidly-growing market.
This new facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2018.

As of September 30, 2017, the total number of issued shares of SOCIÉTÉ BIC was 47,595,062 shares, representing:

• 69,044,905 voting rights,
• 67,739,504 voting rights excluding shares without voting rights.

Total number of treasury shares held at the end of September 2017: 1,305,401.

• Constant currency basis: constant currency figures are calculated by translating the current year figures at prior year monthly average exchange rates.
• Comparative basis: at constant currencies and constant perimeter. Figures at constant perimeter exclude the impacts of acquisitions and/or disposals that occurred during the current year and/or during the previous year, until their anniversary date. All Net Sales category comments are made on a comparative basis.
• Normalized IFO: normalized means excluding non-recurring items as detailed on page 3.
• Normalized IFO margin: Normalized IFO divided by net sales.
   
• Free cash flow before acquisitions and disposals: Net cash from operating activities - net capital expenditures +/- other investments.
• Free cash flow after acquisitions and disposals: Net cash from operating activities - net capital expenditures +/- other investments - acquisitions/disposals of equity investments / subsidiaries / business lines.
• Net cash from operating activities: principal revenue-generating activities of the entity and other activities that are not investing or financing activities
• Net cash position: Cash and cash equivalents + Other current financial assets - Current borrowings - Non-current borrowings.

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SOCIETE BIC consolidated and statutory financial statements as of September 30, 2017 were approved by the Board of Directors on October 24, 2017. A presentation related to this announcement is also available on the BIC website (www.bicworld.com).
This document contains forward-looking statements. Although BIC believes its estimates are based on reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. A description of the risks borne by BIC appears in the section, "Risk factors" in BIC's 2016 Registration Document filed with the French financial markets authority (AMF) on March 22, 2017.

For more information, please consult the corporate website: www.bicworld.com

BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters, shavers and promotional products. For more than 60 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication and thanks to everyday efforts and investments, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide for identifying BIC products which are sold in more than 160 countries around the world. In 2016, BIC recorded Net Sales of 2,025.8 million euros. The Company is listed on "Euronext Paris" and is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes. BIC is also part of the following Socially Responsible Investment indexes: CDP's Climate A List, CDP's Supplier Climate A List, CDP Supplier Engagement Leader Board, FTSE4Good indexes, Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe, Euronext Vigeo - Eurozone 120, Euronext Vigeo - Europe 120, Stoxx Global ESG Leaders Index.