Earnings Release • Feb 18, 2021
Earnings Release
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Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, declared: "2020 has been a year of commitment for Carrefour. That of our teams, mobilized in the service of our customers, who have successfully taken on immense sanitary, logistical and human challenges. That of our entire Group, which consistently maintains the same level of extreme sanitary vigilance and the same attention to its social and environmental responsibility.
2020 was also a decisive year for Carrefour. In a crisis which is accelerating changes underway, our Group reached a watershed. Three years ago, the Carrefour 2022 plan marked a first turning point for our Group. Three years of flawless rollout of our transformation have established a growth model that is based on customer satisfaction and new consumer trends. Today, this model ensures the sustainable dynamism of our sales and the profitability of our Group, and allows us to generate significant financing capacity to continue our development. Our 2020 results are evidence of this.
We are confident for the future, and translate this confidence into new operational and financial commitments."
Notes: (1) Since the beginning of the plan; (2) Based on NielsenIQ's RMS data for total store value sales (excluding gas) for the 156-week period ending 27/12/2020 for the French total retail market (Copyright © 2021, NielsenIQ); (3) 2020 ROI includes income and expenses related to COVID-19 effects. Exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees (€128m in H1 2020) are accounted for under other non-current income and expenses; (4) 2019 comparison basis is restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (5) Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments. It includes cash-out of exceptional charges; (6) With capex between €1.5bn and €1.7bn, vs. €1.2bn in 2020
| (in €m) | 2019 restated(1) |
2020 | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales inc. VAT | 80,672 | 78,609 | +7.8% LFL |
| Recurring operating income (ROI)(2) | 2,099 | 2,173 | +16.4%, +€343m (constant FX) |
| Recurring operating margin | 2.9% | 3.1% | +17bps |
| Operating income | 1,071 | 1,686 | +57.4% / +€615m |
| Adjusted net income, Group share | 858 | 1,011 | +17.9% / +€154m |
| Net Free Cash Flow(3) | 324 | 1,056 | +€732m |
| Net Free Cash Flow restated for exceptional items | 1,045 | 1,594 | +€549m |
| Net financial debt (at December 31) | 2,615 | 2,616 | -€288m (constant FX) |
Notes: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) 2020 ROI includes income and expenses related to COVID-19 effects. Exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees (€128m in H1 2020) are accounted for under other non-current income and expenses (3) Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments. It includes cash-out of exceptional charges
Leader in the food transition for all and driven by the profound transformation it initiated in 2018, Carrefour is now on a sustainable growth path, posting solid performance, particularly in its key countries (France, Spain and Brazil).
In 2020, with like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of +7.8%, Carrefour achieved its best performance in at least 20 years:
| LFL growth | Q4 2020 | FY 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Group | +8.7% | +7.8% |
| France | +5.5% | +3.6% |
| Hypermarkets | +3.9% | +1.0% |
| Supermarkets | +9.8% | +6.8% |
| Convenience | +5.9% | +8.3% |
| Spain | +6.0% | +7.1% |
| Brazil | +22.9% | +18.2% |
The dynamic of sustainable growth relies on high levels of customer satisfaction.
New consumption trends, well-identified in the Carrefour 2022 plan and amplified by COVID-19, support the Group's growth momentum.
Bolstered by its strong balance sheet, its commercial and operational know-how and its strengthened market positions, Carrefour is positioned as a natural consolidator in the markets in which it is present. The Group is more attentive than ever to opportunities for moderate-sized acquisitions, offering perfect complementarity with its existing activities. The transactions announced during 2020 and carried out under attractive financial conditions are a perfect illustration of this strategy.
While remaining very selective, this targeted acquisition policy constitutes an additional source of profitable growth. The acquisitions announced in 2020, for an enterprise value of c.€760m, should contribute more than 2% of additional sales on a full-year basis.
Since 2018, the transformation dynamic has been accompanied by a culture of operational excellence and financial discipline. Carrefour thus achieved €3.0bn in annual savings in 2020 and has set itself a new target of an additional €2.4bn on an annual basis by 2023.
Carrefour is thus continuing to improve its purchasing conditions, both for goods for resale and not for resale, and continues to strengthen operational efficiency in stores and logistics, by relying on massification and process redesign.
Commercial momentum in retail activities is reflected today in robust operating leverage and an increase in recurring operating income from retail activities of c. +€630m at constant exchange rates in 2020. This virtuous growth should continue and thus drive steady improvement in profitability going forward.
In food e-commerce, the strong increase in volumes and better productivity are leading to a structural improvement in the business model. Food e-commerce growth contributed in 2020, and will continue to contribute, to the improvement in ROI and operating margin.
Selectivity and productivity efforts enable good control of the level of capex, while maintaining the quality of assets and the implementation of numerous development projects (notably in expansion and digital). In 2020, capex were reduced to €1,241m in the context of the sanitary crisis. Annual capex should amount to between €1.5bn and €1.7bn in the coming years.
The regular drop in the level of inventory also attests to the strong financial discipline.
Net Free Cash Flow1 objective from 2021 onwards
Good commercial momentum, combined with financial discipline, enabled the generation of Net Free Cash Flow of €1,056m in 2020, up +€732m compared to 2019.
Confident in its model of sustainable and profitable growth, Carrefour announces an objective of generating annual Net Free Cash Flow in excess of €1bn2 from 2021, after payment of exceptional charges.
After almost ten years of offering the option of a scrip dividend, Carrefour is now in a position to normalize its dividend policy.
Hence, the proposed dividend for the 2020 financial year is 0.48 euro per share. It will be paid fully in cash and is subject to the approval of the General Meeting of May 21, 2021.
The ordinary dividend, paid in cash, is expected to grow regularly.
In line with its ambitions of responsible and sustainable growth and Net Free Cash Flow generation, Carrefour has defined a capital allocation policy including:
While continuing its investments to better serve its customers, Carrefour aims to combine a robust balance sheet, enabling it to seize acquisition opportunities, financial efficiency and shareholder return.
1 Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments. It includes cash-out of exceptional charges 2 Including normalized capex between €1.5bn and €1.7bn vs. €1.2bn in 2020. See appendix for further details on assumptions
Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Carrefour teams have demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to ensure the continuity of food distribution, and then meet new consumer expectations in a complex and rapidlychanging environment.
The Group immediately implemented strong measures to protect the health of employees and customers. Carrefour continues to adapt to the new sanitary provisions and rules recommended by public authorities in each country. The integrated stores and warehouses have been certified by the local health security agencies, notably in France, Spain and Brazil, attesting to the high level of protection.
In a responsible business approach, exceptional bonuses and similar benefits were paid to field staff in 2020, for a total amount of €128m.
At the same time, the Chairman and CEO, the members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee waived part of their remuneration in 2020. The corresponding sums were allocated to financing solidarity actions for Group employees.
In a labor market impacted by the sanitary crisis, Carrefour is committed to youth employment and equal opportunities. The Group plans to recruit 15,000 young people in France in 2021. This represents 50% more than in 2020. Half of these recruitments will benefit young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods, in particular the priority areas known as "Quartiers de la Politique de la Ville".
In 2020, the CSR and Food Transition index, which measures the performance of the implementation of Carrefour's commitments, reached 115%, after 114% in 2019.
The results of the index exceeded expectations, notably for two commitments for which the Group has raised its objectives in 2020:
In order to accelerate the fight against deforestation, Alexandre Bompard has assumed leadership of an international coalition of 18 manufacturers and retailers that is acting by involving all players in the supply chain.
The rate of female representation in management positions increased in 2020 (+0.4 point for senior managers, +0.5 point for managers). Carrefour also obtained in 2020 GEEIS certification, in order to promote professional equality and diversity, in all countries.
External extra-financial indices recognize the Group's good performance: Carrefour is ranked the number one French retailer for its CSR commitments in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World and in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Diversity and inclusion are among Carrefour's major commitments. In all countries where the Group operates, equal opportunities and a culture of respect are promoted and translated into concrete actions.
Nothing is more foreign to Carrefour's values than the odious acts of violence that took place in Porto Alegre, where a client of a Group hypermarket, Joao Alberto Silveira Freitas, was killed on November 19, 2020 by subcontracted security guards.
Beyond supporting the family of Mr. Silveira Freitas and seeking that those responsible are brought to justice, Carrefour Brazil immediately took strong measures to prevent the repetition of such acts and to combat systemic racism. An audit was launched to thoroughly review the training policies for employees and subcontractors in terms of security and respect for diversity and the values of tolerance. This audit was followed by an action plan, defined with a fully independent External Committee for Freedom of Expression on Diversity and Inclusion, tasked with advising Carrefour Brazil in its actions against racism in its stores.
This action plan reinforces the actions already undertaken by Carrefour Brazil in the fight against racism over several years. It notably includes:
Q4 2020 sales are up +5.5% LFL (+5.4% LFL in food, +5.7% LFL in non-food). This quarter, market share increased +0.1 point and Carrefour outperformed in each of the benchmark channels: hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience and Drive1 .
Recurring operating income for 2020 was up +13.2% (+€73m) to €629m, compared to €555m in 2019. Operating margin increased by +24bps to 1.8%. This reflects the excellent dynamics of retail activities, whose profitability is up c. +€160m. ROI for France was impacted to the tune of -€90m by the drop in the contribution of financial services and the sharp slowdown in the activities of services (travel agencies, ticketing, etc.) and Promocash.
1 Based on NielsenIQ's RMS data for total store value sales (excluding gas) for the 156-week period ending 27/12/2020 for the French total retail market (Copyright © 2021, NielsenIQ)
2 The "TOP" project changes the organization of tasks in the stores. It is structured around 3 teams: A Front team mainly in charge of shelving, a Scan team that ensures compliance with various management parameters (labels, expiration dates, shortage) and a Back team in charge of the organization of flows (storage management, routing of goods and equipment necessary for shelving)
Europe's recurring operating income rose to €698m in 2020, compared to €659m in 2019, an increase of +6.4% (+€42m) at constant exchange rates. Operating margin improved by +15bpsto 3.3%. Almost all countries posted an increase in ROI. The profitability of retail activities increased by c.+€150m thanks to good commercial momentum and lower costs. ROI in Europe was impacted to the tune of -€110m by the drop in the contribution of financial services and the slowdown in sales to professionals.
In 2020, commercial momentum accelerated in Latin America, with LFL sales growth of +23.0%.
2020 recurring operating income of Latin America increased by +26.4% (+€220m) at constant exchange rates, to €786m. Operating margin increased by +25bps to 5.9%, reflecting a commercial strategy favoring volume growth.
In Taiwan (Asia), 2020 sales were up +3.7% at constant exchange rates (+1.3% in Q4) and +1.2% LFL (+0.1% in Q4). Carrefour strengthened its position at the end of December with the completion of the acquisition of 224 Wellcome convenience stores. These stores will be converted to the Carrefour banner in H1 2021.
Profitability improved again with ROI rising to €94m vs €83m in 2019, with an operating margin increasing to 4.5% from 4.2% in 2019. This increase reflected the good momentum of expansion and strict cost control.
Full-year 2020 gross sales increased by +7.8% on a like-for-like basis. The Group's gross sales stood at €78,820m pre-IAS 29, an increase of + 4.4% at constant exchange rates.
Net sales amounted to €70,719m.
Gross margin stood at 21.8% of net sales, down -39bps, reflecting price investments, the temporary increase in logistics costs and the evolution of the integrated/franchisee mix, partly offset by purchasing gains.
Distribution costs were down -56bps to 15.9% of net sales, compared to 16.4% in 2019. They benefited from cost savings plans and include costs related to store openings and new services offered to customers, notably in digital.
Group EBITDA reached €4,465m, representing a margin of 6.3%, up +21bps.
Group Recurring operating income (ROI) reached €2,173m, up +€343m (+16.4%) at constant exchange rates (the currency effect was negative at -€269m, notably due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real). Operating margin was up +17bps, to 3.1%.
The sharp rise in ROI (+€343m at constant exchange rates) reflected:
Non-recurring income and expenses stood at €(474)m, vs €(1,030)m in 2019. It notably included the payment of exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees for an amount of €(128)m in H1. Restructuring charges were down to €(93)m, compared to €(549)m in 2019.
Net income, Group share stood at €641m. It includes the following items:
Adjusted net income, Group share improved by + €154m to €1,011m compared to €858m in 2019.
1 2019 comparison basis is restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16
2 Excluding non-current income and taxes not assessed on pre-tax income
Net Free Cash Flow2 stood at €1,056m in 2020, up +€732m compared to 2019.
Net Free Cash Flow adjusted for exceptional items and discontinued operations stood at €1,594m, up +€549m compared to 2019.
Net financial debt decreased by €288m at constant exchange rates to €2,616m at December 31, 2020, compared to €2,615m at December 31, 2019. This change reflects the generation of Net Free Cash Flow of €1,056m, acquisitions for a total cash-out of €640m, the payment of dividends for an amount of €169m and other items (€41m).
Shareholders' equity, Group share, amounted to €9,795m at December 31, 2020, compared to €9,937m at December 31, 2019.
Since 2018, the Group has demonstrated great financial discipline and has strengthened its balance sheet and liquidity. Carrefour has one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. This is an important asset in the current context, marked by rapid changes in food retail and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of December 31, 2020, the Group was rated Baa1 negative outlook by Moody's and BBB stable outlook by Standard & Poor's.
The Group's liquidity was reinforced during the year by the bond issue closed in April for an amount of €1bn, maturing in December 2027. The success of this largely oversubscribed transaction attests to the great confidence of investors in the Carrefour signature.
In April, the Group repaid a bond in the amount of €802m.
In addition, Carrefour Brazil obtained bank financing in April for BRL 1.5bn over two and three years. At the end of December, the Brazilian subsidiary redeemed a bond maturing in April 2021, for an amount of BRL 1.0bn.
Finally, the Group has two bank credit facilities totaling €3.9bn, undrawn to date. In June 2020, these two facilities were the subject of a one-year maturity extension agreement, for 95% of the total amount, bringing their maturity to June 2025.
1 2019 comparison basis is restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16
2 Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments. It includes cash-out of exceptional charges
Operational objectives
The Carrefour Board of Directors met on February 17, 2021 under the chairmanship of Alexandre Bompard and approved the consolidated financial statements for the 2020 financial year. These accounts have been audited and the certification report is being issued.
Investor Relations Selma Bekhechi, Anthony Guglielmo et Antoine Parison Tel : +33 (0)1 64 50 79 81 Shareholder Relations Tel : 0 805 902 902 (toll-free in France) Group Communication Tel : +33 (0)1 58 47 88 80
The Group's sales amounted to €20,975m pre-IAS 29. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact in the fourth quarter of -7.9%, largely due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real and the Argentine Peso. Petrol had an unfavorable impact of -3.8%. The calendar effect was an unfavorable -0.1%. Openings contributed for +1.1%. The impact of the application of IAS 29 was -€86m.
| Sales | Variation ex petrol ex calendar |
Total variation inc. petrol | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| inc. VAT (€m) |
LFL | Organic | At current exchange rates |
At constant exchange rates |
||||
| France | 10,073 | +5.5% | +3.8% | -2.6% | -2.6% | |||
| Hypermarkets | 5,298 | +3.9% | +3.0% | -3.2% | -3.2% | |||
| Supermarkets | 3,332 | +9.8% | +6.1% | -0.1% | -0.1% | |||
| Convenience/other formats | 1,443 | +2.0% | +2.0% | -5.9% | -5.9% | |||
| Other European countries | 6,429 | +1.8% | +2.1% | -0.3% | +0.4% | |||
| Spain | 2,796 | +6.0% | +6.4% | +2.3% | +2.3% | |||
| Italy | 1,188 | -7.6% | -8.7% | -10.0% | -10.0% | |||
| Belgium | 1,198 | +5.7% | +6.0% | +6.8% | +6.8% | |||
| Poland | 590 | -4.2% | -3.5% | -7.6% | -2.9% | |||
| Romania | 656 | +1.6% | +5.4% | +3.6% | +5.9% | |||
| Latin America (pre-IAS 29) | 4,008 | +25.3% | +28.5% | -10.7% | +26.5% | |||
| Brazil | 3,417 | +22.9% | +26.7% | -11.7% | +24.5% | |||
| Argentina (pre-IAS 29) | 592 | +39.6% | +39.6% | -4.6% | +38.8% | |||
| Asia | 464 | +0.1% | -1.0% | +0.2% | +1.3% | |||
| Taiwan | 464 | +0.1% | -1.0% | +0.2% | +1.3% | |||
| Group total (pre-IAS 29) | 20,975 | +8.7% | +8.6% | -3.5% | +4.4% | |||
| IAS 29(1) | (86) | |||||||
| Group total (post-IAS 29) | 20,889 |
Note: (1) hyperinflation and currencies
The Group's sales amounted to €78,820m pre-IAS 29. Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact in 2020 of -6.8%, largely due to the depreciation of the Brazilian Real and the Argentine Peso. Petrol had an unfavorable impact of -3.6%. The calendar effect was a favorable +0.1%. Openings contributed for +1.2%. The impact of the application of IAS 29 was -€211m.
| Sales | Variation ex petrol ex calendar |
Total variation inc. petrol | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| inc. VAT (€m) |
LFL | Organic | At current exchange rates |
At constant exchange rates |
|
| France | 37,937 | +3.6% | +2.6% | -2.4% | -2.4% |
| Hypermarkets | 19,126 | +1.0% | +0.4% | -4.5% | -4.5% |
| Supermarkets | 12,792 | +6.8% | +4.7% | -0.2% | -0.2% |
| Convenience /other formats | 6,020 | +5.2% | +5.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Other European countries | 23,606 | +3.5% | +3.5% | +1.1% | +1.6% |
| Spain | 10,013 | +7.1% | +7.2% | +3.0% | 3.0% |
| Italy | 4,665 | -5.2% | -6.6% | -7.6% | -7.6% |
| Belgium | 4,509 | +8.3% | +8.4% | +8.6% | +8.6% |
| Poland | 2,093 | -0.6% | -0.6% | -4.4% | -1.1% |
| Romania | 2,327 | +2.1% | +5.3% | +3.6% | +5.6% |
| Latin America (pre-IAS 29) | 15,085 | +23.0% | +26.3% | -8.4% | +24.5% |
| Brazil | 12,711 | +18.2% | +22.1% | -9.8% | +20.1% |
| Argentina (pre-IAS 29) | 2,375 | +49.3% | +49.0% | -0.2% | +48.9% |
| Asia | 2,191 | +1.2% | +4.3% | +6.7% | +3.7% |
| Taiwan | 2,191 | +1.2% | +4.3% | +6.7% | +3.7% |
| Group total (pre-IAS 29) | 78,820 | +7.8% | +8.1% | -2.4% | +4.4% |
| IAS 29(1) | (211) | ||||
| Group total (post-IAS 29) | 78,609 |
Note: (1) hyperinflation and currencies
| Net sales | Recurring operating income | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in €m) | 2019 restated(1) |
2020 | Variation at constant exchange rates |
Variation at current exchange rates |
2019 restated(1) |
2020 | Variation at constant exchange rates |
Variation at current exchange rates |
| France | 34,765 | 34,135 | (1.8%) | (1.8%) | 555 | 629 | 13.2% | 13.2% |
| Europe (ex-France) | 20,999 | 21,239 | 1.6% | 1.1% | 659 | 698 | 6.4% | 5.9% |
| Latin America | 14,665 | 13,245 | 22.6% | (9.7%) | 833 | 786 | 26.4% | (5.7%) |
| Asia | 1,968 | 2,100 | 3.7% | 6.7% | 83 | 94 | 9.8% | 13.0% |
| Global functions | - | - | - | - | (32) | (33) | 2.0% | 2.7% |
| TOTAL | 72,397 | 70,719 | 4.3% | (2.3%) | 2,099 | 2,173(2) | 16.4% | 3.6% |
Note: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) 2020 ROI includes income and expenses related to COVID-19 effects. Exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees (€128m in H1 2020) are accounted for under other non-current income and expenses
| (in €m) | 2019 published |
2019 restated(1) |
2020 | Variation at constant exchange rates |
Variation at current exchange rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 72,397 | 72,397 | 70,719 | 4.3% | (2.3%) |
| Net sales, net of loyalty program costs | 71,651 | 71,651 | 69,967 | 4.3% | (2.4%) |
| Other revenue | 2,491 | 2,491 | 2,183 | (3.7%) | (12.4%) |
| Total revenue | 74,142 | 74,142 | 72,150 | 4.0% | (2.7%) |
| Cost of goods sold | (58,054) | (58,051) | (56,705) | 4.5% | (2.3%) |
| Gross margin | 16,088 | 16,091 | 15,445 | 2.5% | (4.0%) |
| As a % of net sales | 22.2% | 22.2% | 21.8% | (38bps) | (39bps) |
| SG&A | (11,906) | (11,906) | (11,233) | 0.3% | (5.7%) |
| As a % of net sales | 16.4% | 16.4% | 15.9% | (63bps) | (56bps) |
| Recurring operating income before D&A (EBITDA)(2) | 4,417 | 4,417 | 4,465 | 9.0% | 1.1% |
| EBITDA margin | 6.1% | 6.1% | 6.3% | 27bps | 21bps |
| Amortization | (2,093) | (2,086) | (2,039) | 1.3% | (2.2%) |
| Recurring operating income (ROI) | 2,088 | 2,099 | 2,173(3) | 16.4% | 3.6% |
| Recurring operating margin | 2.9% | 2.9% | 3.1% | 34bps | 17bps |
| Income from associates and joint ventures | 2 | 2 | (13) | ||
| Recurring operating income including income from associates and joint ventures |
2,090 | 2,101 | 2,160 | ||
| Non-recurring income and expenses | (1,030) | (1,030) | (3) (474) |
||
| Operating income | 1,060 | 1,071 | 1,686 | ||
| Financial result | (338) | (352) | (334) | ||
| Finance costs, net | (214) | (214) | (171) | ||
| Net interests related to leases commitment | (107) | (121) | (113) | ||
| Other financial income and expenses | (17) | (17) | (50) | ||
| Income before taxes | 722 | 719 | 1,351 | ||
| Income tax expense | (504) | (503) | (498) | ||
| Net income from continuing operations | 219 | 216 | 853 | ||
| Net income from discontinued operations | 1,092 | 1,092 | (22) | ||
| Net income | 1,311 | 1,308 | 831 | ||
| of which Net income, Group share | 1,129 | 1,126 | 641 | ||
| of which continuing operations | 32 | 29 | 663 | ||
| of which discontinued operations | 1,097 | 1,097 | (22) | ||
| of which Net income, Non-controlling interests | 182 | 182 | 190 | ||
| of which continuing operations | 187 | 187 | 190 | ||
| of which discontinued operations | (5) | (5) | - | ||
| Net Income, Group share, adjusted for exceptional items | 861 | 858 | 1,011 | ||
| Depreciation from supply chain (in COGS) | (235) | (232) | (253) | ||
| Net Income, Group share, adjusted for exceptional items, per share | 1.09 | 1.09 | 1.26 | ||
| Weighted average number of shares pre-dilution (in millions) | 791 | 791 | 806 |
Notes: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) also excludes depreciation and amortization from supply chain activities which is booked in cost of goods sold; (3) 2020 ROI includes income and expenses related to COVID-19 effects. Exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees (€128m in H1 2020) are accounted for under other non-current income and expenses
| (in €m) | December 31, 2019 Restated(1) |
December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Intangible assets | 9,429 | 9,358 |
| Tangible assets | 11,370 | 10,505 |
| Financial investments | 2,753 | 2,384 |
| Deferred tax assets | 824 | 679 |
| Investment properties | 312 | 259 |
| Right-of-use asset | 5,050 | 4,506 |
| Consumer credit from financial-service companies – Long-term | 2,283 | 1,933 |
| Other non-current assets | 569 | 490 |
| Non-current assets | 32,590 | 30,115 |
| Inventories | 5,867 | 5,326 |
| Trade receivables | 2,669 | 2,526 |
| Consumer credit from financial-service companies – Short-term | 4,007 | 3,295 |
| Tax receivables | 838 | 608 |
| Other current assets | 738 | 788 |
| Other current financial assets | 252 | 368 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4,466 | 4,439 |
| Current assets | 18,837 | 17,349 |
| Assets held for sale | 37 | 124 |
| TOTAL | 51,464 | 47,588 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Shareholders' equity, Group share | 9,937 | 9,795 |
| Minority interests in consolidated companies | 1,736 | 1,502 |
| Shareholders' equity | 11,673 | 11,297 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 655 | 467 |
| Provision for contingencies | 3,297 | 2,670 |
| Borrowings – Long-term | 6,303 | 6,305 |
| Lease liabilities – Long-term | 4,297 | 3,787 |
| Bank loans refinancing – Long-term | 1,817 | 1,506 |
| Tax payables – Long-term | 335 | 214 |
| Non-current liabilities | 16,703 | 14,949 |
| Borrowings – Short-term | 997 | 1,084 |
| Lease liabilities – Short-term | 941 | 936 |
| Trade payables | 13,646 | 12,560 |
| Bank loans refinancing – Short-term | 3,712 | 3,067 |
| Tax payables – Short-term | 1,095 | 1,039 |
| Other current payables | 2,649 | 2,617 |
| Current liabilities | 23,040 | 21,303 |
| Liabilities related to assets held for sale | 49 | 39 |
| TOTAL | 51,464 | 47,588 |
Note: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16
| (in €m) | 2019 Restated(1) |
2020 |
|---|---|---|
| NET DEBT AT OPENING | (3,510)(2) | (2,615) |
| Gross cash-flow (continuing operations) | 3,286 | 3,462 |
| Change in working capital requirement | (149) | (14) |
| Impact of discontinued operations | 109 | (54) |
| Cash-flow from operations | 3,247 | 3,395 |
| Capital expenditure | (1,725) | (1,241)(3) |
| Change in net payables to fixed assets suppliers | 99 | (75) |
| Net asset disposals | 98 | 145 |
| Impact of discontinued operations | (33) | - |
| Free cash flow | 1,686 | 2,223 |
| Free cash flow excluding exceptional items and discontinued operations | 2,229 | 2,761 |
| Financial investments | (110) | (595) |
| Proceeds from disposals of subsidiaries | 441 | 20 |
| Others | 208 | (65) |
| Impact of discontinued operations | 13 | - |
| Cash flow after investments | 2,238 | 1,583 |
| Capital increase | 75 | 1 |
| Dividends paid | (223) | (170) |
| Cost of net financial debt | (214) | (171) |
| Operating leases payment incl. interests | (1,003) | (1,032) |
| Others | 21 | (212) |
| NET DEBT AT CLOSE | (2,615) | (2,616) |
Notes: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) Finance lease liabilities recognized in accordance with IAS 17 were reclassified in lease commitments at January 1, 2019; (3) Restated for Makro
| (in €m) | 2019 Restated(1) |
2020 | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBITDA | 4,417 | 4,465 | 49 |
| Income tax | (499) | (477) | 22 |
| Financial result (excl. cost of debt and interest related to leases obligations) | (17) | (50) | (33) |
| Cash impact of restructuring items and others | (614) | (475) | 139 |
| Gross cash flow (excl. discontinued) | 3,286 | 3,462 | 176 |
| Change in working capital requirement | (149) | (14) | 135 |
| Discontinued operations | 109 | (54) | (163) |
| Operating cash flow (incl. exceptional items and discontinued) | 3,247 | 3,395 | 148 |
| Capital expenditure | (1,725) | (2) (1 241) |
484 |
| Change in net payables to fixed asset suppliers | 99 | (75) | (174) |
| Net asset disposals (business-related) | 98 | 145 | 46 |
| Discontinued operations | (33) | - | 33 |
| Free cash flow | 1,686 | 2,223 | 537 |
| Free cash flow from continuing operations, excl. exceptional items | 2,229 | 2,761 | 532 |
| Exceptional items and discontinued operations(3) | (543) | (538) | 5 |
| Operating leases payment (incl. interests) (financial lease IAS 17) – Excl. China | (42) | (37) | 5 |
| Operating leases payment (incl. interests) net of financial sub-lease payment received – Excl. China |
(927) | (959) | (31) |
| Operating leases payment (incl. interests) – China | (178) | - | 178 |
| Cost of debt | (214) | (171) | 43 |
| Net Free Cash Flow | 324 | 1,056 | 732 |
| Net Free Cash Flow from continuing operations, excl. exceptional items | 1,045 | 1,594 | 549 |
| Exceptional items and discontinued operations | (721) (4) | (538) | 183 |
Notes : (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) Restated for Makro; (3) Discontinued operations, restructuring (€341m in 2020 vs €580m in 2019), payment of exceptional bonuses and similar benefits to Group employees (€128m in 2020), Cargo capex cashed out (€35m in 2019) and others; (4) €(721)m = €(543)m [Exceptional items and discontinued operations(3 )] + €(178)m [Operating leases payment (incl. interests) – China]
| (en €m) | Total shareholders' equity |
Shareholders' equity, Group share |
Minority interests |
|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2019 (restated)(1) | 11,673 | 9,937 | 1,736 |
| 2020 total net income | 831 | 641 | 190 |
| Other comprehensive income/(loss), after tax | (1,061) | (726) | (335) |
| Dividends | (166) | (57) | (108) |
| Impact of scope and others | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| At December 31, 2020 | 11,297 | 9,795 | 1,502 |
Note: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16
| (en €m) | 2019 Restated(1) |
2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Net income, Group share | 1,126 | 641 |
| Restatement for non-recurring income and expenses (before tax) | 1,030 | 474 |
| Restatement for exceptional items in net financial expenses | 23 | 29 |
| Tax impact(2) | (106) | (147) |
| Restatement on share of income from companies consolidated by the equity method |
(17) | - |
| Restatement on share of income from minorities | (100) | (8) |
| Restatement for net income of discontinued operations, Group share | (1,097) | 22 |
| Adjusted net income, Group share | 858 | 1,011 |
Notes: (1) 2019 restated for the IFRS IC decision on IFRS 16; (2) Tax impact of restated items (non-recurring income and expenses and financial expenses) and exceptional tax items
Impact in Income Statement: The costs incurred in connection with the Covid-19 health crisis were recognized in recurring operating income for 2020, including necessary costs relating to logistics or product distribution in stores or to customers' homes, as well as costs relating to protecting the health of employees, customers and service providers.
In accordance with the Group's accounting principles, which have been applied consistently, exceptional bonuses and similar benefits were recognized in non-recurring expenses for a total amount of 128 million euros during the first half of 2020. These bonuses did not compensate employees for their work as such. Rather, they represented an act of corporate social responsibility, offering tax and employee benefits. The exceptional bonuses supplemented the usual components of fixed and variable compensation awarded to the employees concerned (in respect of overtime pay, various types of bonuses, profit-sharing, etc.), i.e., without replacing said components.
Others: For further detail, please refer to note 2.1 of the Consolidated Financial statements.
The impact on Group sales is presented in the table below:
| Sales incl. VAT (€m) | 2019 pre-IAS 29(1) |
LFL(2) | Calendar | Openings | Scope and others(3) |
Petrol | 2020 at constant rates pre-IAS 29 |
Forex | 2020 at current rates pre IAS29 |
IAS 29(4) | 2020 at current rates post-IAS 29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 18,819 | +7.8% | +0.9% | +1.3% | -0.8% | -1.5% | +7.5% | -4.2% | 19,445 | (10) | 19,435 |
| Q2 | 19,974 | +6.3% | -0.4% | +1.2% | -1.0% | -5.8% | +0.3% | -6.7% | 18,710 | (66) | 18,644 |
| Q3 | 20,199 | +8.4% | -0.2% | +1.1% | -0.9% | -2.9% | +5.5% | -8.0% | 19,690 | (49) | 19,641 |
| Q4 | 21,743 | +8.7% | -0.1% | +1.1% | -1.3% | -3.8% | +4.4% | -7.9% | 20,975 | (86) | 20,889 |
| FY | 80,735 | +7.8% | +0.1% | +1.2% | -1.0% | -3.6% | +4.4% | -6.8% | 78,820 | (211) | 78,609 |
Notes: (1) Restated for IFRS 5; (2) Excluding petrol and calendar effects and at constant exchange rates; (3) Including transfers; (4) Hyperinflation and currencies
Comparative data for 2019 have been restated (indicated as "2019 restated" or "31/12/2019 restated") in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 to reflect the decision by the IFRS Interpretation Committee (IFRS IC) published in December 2019 on leases falling within the scope of IFRS 16 (cf. note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
| Acquisitions | Country | Announcement | Status | Completion date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potager City | France | January 2020 | Completed | January 2020 |
| DejBox | France | January 2020 | Completed | January 2020 |
| 30 Makro stores | Brazil | February 2020 | Partially completed | Expected H1 2021 |
| Wellcome | Taiwan | June 2020 | Completed | December 2020 |
| Supersol | Spain | August 2020 | Signed | Expected H1 2021 |
| Bio c' Bon | France | November 2020 | Completed | November 2020 |
| Bioazur | France | October 2020 | Completed | November 2020 |
| Disposals | ||||
| Rue du Commerce | France | November 2019 | Completed | April 2020 |
| 60% of MarketPay | France | October 2020 | Signed | Expected H1 2021 |
| End-2019 | End-2020 | Objective | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational objectives | |||
| Improvement in the Group NPS® since the beginning of the plan |
+8 points | +20 points | RAISED +30 points by 2022 |
| Sales of Carrefour-branded products | 27% of sales +2 points yoy |
29% of sales +2 points yoy |
1/3 of sales by 2022 |
| Convenience store openings | +1,042 | +1,874 | +2,700 by 2022 |
| Financial objectives | |||
| Food e-commerce GMV | €1.3bn | €2.3bn | €4.2bn by 2022 |
| Sales of organic products | €2.3bn | €2.7bn | €4.8bn by 2022 |
| Cost-reduction plan | €2.0bn | First target of €3.0bn achieved |
ACHIEVED + NEW Additional €2.4bn on an annual basis by 2023 |
| Net Free Cash Flow(1) | €0.3bn | €1.1bn | NEW > €1bn/an |
| Capex | €1.7bn | €1.2bn | NEW €1.5bn to €1.7bn/year |
| Disposals of non-strategic real estate assets |
First target of €500m achieved |
€100m | €300m additional by 2022 |
Note: (1) Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments. It includes cash-out of exceptional charges
Carrefour's CSR and food transition index assesses Carrefour's annual extra-financial results. Designed to measure the performance of CSR policies over several years, the index sets an annual target for 17 indicators. The overall index score is a simple average of the scores for these 17 indicators.
| Category | Objective | 2019 | 2020 | Score 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Products | 106% | ||||
| 1. | Organic agriculture | 4.8 billion euros in sales of organic products by 2022 |
€2.3bn | €2.7bn | 90% |
| 2. | Agroecology | 10% Carrefour Quality Lines products within Fresh Products by 2022 |
6.6% | 7.4% | 101% |
| 3. | Sustainable fishing | 50% of Carrefour fish sold from sustainable fishing by 2020 |
47% | 44% | 88% |
| 4. | Sustainable forests | Roll-out of a Sustainable Forests action plan deforestation-linked products by 2020 |
68% | 83% | 83% |
| 5. | Packaging | Save 10,000 tons of packaging by 2025 (since 2017) |
3,460 | 6,154 | 168% |
| Stores | 163% | ||||
| 6. | Food waste | Reduce food waste by 50% by 2025 (vs. 2016) | -10% | -29% | 191% |
| 7. | Waste | Recover 100% of waste by 2025 | 66.5% | 66.2% | 96% |
| 8. | CO2 emissions | Reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 vs. 2019 (scopes 1 & 2) |
- | -9% | (1) 303% |
| 9. | "Food transition superheroes" |
2,000 employees identified as "food transition superheroes" in stores by 2020 |
870 | 2,286 | 114% |
| Customers | 100% | ||||
| 80% of customers think that Carrefour helps them | |||||
| 10. Food transition | enjoy a healthy and responsible diet alimentation by 2022 |
72% | 77% | 106% | |
| 11. Local products and purchasing |
100% of countries roll out a program focused on local products and purchasing by 2020 |
44% | 93% | 93% | |
| 12. Act For Food program | 100% of countries implement an annual Act for Food communication program |
100% | 100% | 100% | |
| 13. Healthier Diet action plan |
100% of countries rolling out a Healthier Diet action plan by 2020 |
56% | 100% | 100% | |
| Employees | 90% | ||||
| 14. Gender equality | 40% women among those appointed to key positions by 2025 |
32% | 23% | 88% | |
| & 100% of countries roll out GEEIS certification by 2020 |
78% | 100% | |||
| 15. Disability | Disabled employees to account for 4% of total Group employees by 2025 |
3.8% | 3.6% | 103% | |
| 16. Training | 13 training hours per Group employee by 2025 | 12 | 8 | 69% | |
| 17. Health and safety in the workplace |
100% of countries implement an action plan on health/safety/quality of life in the workplace by 2020 |
89% | 100% | 100% |
Note: (1) The score is capped to 250% in the calculation of the index
| Thousands of sq. m | Dec. 31 2019 |
Sept. 30 2020 |
Openings/ Store enlargements |
Acquisitions | Closures/ Store reductions/ Disposals |
Q4 2020 change |
Dec. 31 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 5,475 | 5,469 | +30 | +35 | -27 | +38 | 5,507 |
| Europe (ex Fr) | 5,596 | 6,106 | +78 | - | -20 | +59 | 6,165 |
| Latin America | 2,616 | 2,648 | +39 | +30 | -0 | +69 | 2,717 |
| Asia | 1,050 | 1,032 | +3 | - | -0 | +3 | 1,035 |
| (1) Others |
1,379 | 1,422 | +64 | - | -1 | +64 | 1,486 |
| Group | 16,116 | 16,677 | +215 | +65 | -48 | +232 | 16,910 |
Note: (1) Africa, Middle East and Dominican Republic
| N° of stores | Dec. 31 2019 |
Sept. 30 2020 |
Openings | Acquisitions | Closures/ Disposals |
Transfers | Total Q4 2020 change |
Dec. 31 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypermarkets | 1,207 | 1,205 | +8 | - | -1 | - | +7 | 1,212 |
| France | 248 | 248 | - | - | - | - | - | 248 |
| Europe (ex France) | 455 | 454 | +3 | - | -1 | - | +2 | 456 |
| Latin America | 188 | 185 | - | - | - | - | - | 185 |
| Asia | 175 | 172 | - | - | - | - | - | 172 |
| Others(1) | 141 | 146 | +5 | - | - | - | - | 151 |
| Supermarkets | 3,344 | 3,413 | +55 | +105 | -14 | +2 | +148 | 3,561 |
| France | 1,071 | 1,074 | +5 | +105 | -6 | +1 | +105 | 1 179 |
| Europe (ex France) | 1,798 | 1,850 | +29 | - | -7 | +1 | +23 | 1 873 |
| Latin America | 150 | 150 | +1 | - | - | - | +1 | 151 |
| Asia | 9 | 9 | +1 | - | - | - | +1 | 10 |
| Others(1) | 316 | 330 | +19 | - | -1 | - | +18 | 348 |
| Convenience stores | 7,261 | 7,729 | +155 | +14 | -69 | -2 | +98 | 7,827 |
| France | 3,959 | 3,970 | +62 | +14 | -27 | -1 | +48 | 4,018 |
| Europe (ex France) | 2,646 | 3,113 | +81 | - | -37 | -1 | +43 | 3,156 |
| Latin America | 530 | 524 | +10 | - | -4 | - | +6 | 530 |
| Asia | 68 | 65 | +2 | - | -1 | - | +1 | 66 |
| Others(1) | 58 | 57 | - | - | - | - | - | 57 |
| Cash & carry | 413 | 428 | +15 | +6 | -1 | - | +20 | 448 |
| France | 146 | 147 | - | - | - | - | - | 147 |
| Europe (ex France) | 60 | 65 | +4 | - | -1 | - | +3 | 68 |
| Latin America | 193 | 202 | +7 | +6 | - | - | +13 | 215 |
| Asia | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Others(1) | 14 | 14 | +4 | - | - | - | +4 | 18 |
| Group | 12,225 | 12,775 | +233 | +125 | -85 | - | +273 | 13,048 |
| France | 5,424 | 5,439 | +67 | +119 | -33 | - | +153 | 5,592 |
| Europe (ex France) | 4,959 | 5,482 | +117 | - | -46 | - | +71 | 5,553 |
| Latin America | 1,061 | 1,061 | +18 | +6 | -4 | - | +20 | 1,081 |
| Asia | 252 | 246 | +3 | - | -1 | - | +2 | 248 |
| Others(1) | 529 | 547 | +28 | - | -1 | - | +27 | 574 |
Note: (1) Africa, Middle East and Dominican Republic
Free cash flow corresponds to cash flow from operating activities before net finance costs and net interests related to lease commitment, after the change in working capital, less net cash from/(used in) investing activities.
Net Free Cash Flow corresponds to free cash flow after net finance costs and net lease payments.
Sales generated by stores opened for at least twelve months, excluding temporary store closures, at constant exchange rates, excluding petrol and calendar effects and excluding IAS 29 impact.
Like for like sales growth plus net openings over the past twelve months, including temporary store closures, at constant exchange rates.
Gross margin corresponds to the sum of net sales and other income, reduced by loyalty program costs and cost of goods sold. Cost of sales comprise purchase costs, changes in inventory, the cost of products sold by the financial services companies, discounting revenue and exchange rate gains and losses on goods purchased.
Recurring Operating Income corresponds to the gross margin lowered by sales, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization.
Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) also excludes depreciation and amortization from supply chain activities which is booked in cost of goods sold.
Operating Income (EBIT) corresponds to the recurring operating income after income from associates and joint ventures and non-recurring income and expenses. This latter classification is applied to certain material items of income and expense that are unusual in terms of their nature and frequency, such as impairment of non-current assets, gains and losses on sales of non-current assets, restructuring costs and provisions recorded to reflect revised estimates of risks provided for in prior periods, based on information that came to the Group's attention during the reporting year.
® Net Promoter, Net Promoter System, Net Promoter Score, NPS and the NPS-related emoticons are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., Fred Reichheld and Satmetrix Systems, Inc
This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Carrefour management's current views and assumptions. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Group. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such forward looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks described in the documents filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers as part of the regulated information disclosure requirements and available on Carrefour's website (www.carrefour.com), and in particular the Universal Registration Document. These documents are also available in English on the company's website. Investors may obtain a copy of these documents from Carrefour free of charge. Carrefour does not assume any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements in the future.
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