Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

Sogefi Interim / Quarterly Report 2022

Apr 28, 2022

4192_ir_2022-04-28_cbf45f3b-1088-4e85-9fff-437ad0b56e4e.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT AS AT MARCH 31, 2022

(Translation into English of the original Italian version)

JOINT-STOCK COMPANY - SHARE CAPITAL EURO 62,461,355.84 MILANO MONZA-BRIANZA LODI COMPANY REGISTER AND TAX CODE N. 00607460201 COMPANY SUBJECT TO THE DIRECTION AND COORDINATION OF CIR S.p.A. REGISTERED OFFICE: 20121 MILANO, VIA CIOVASSINO, 1/A - TEL. 02.467501 OFFICES: 78280 GUYANCOURT (FRANCIA), AVENUE CLAUDE MONET, 1 SITO INTERNET: WWW.SOGEFIGROUP.COM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' REPORT ON OPERATIONS AS AT MARCH 31, 2022

THE AUTOMOTIVE MARKET IN 2022

In the first few months of the year the difficulties in sourcing specific components continued (which also led to the temporary closure of some factories of the main world manufacturers), as did the shortages of raw materials and the increase in raw material and energy prices. Starting at the end of February, this problematic situation was compounded by the difficulties linked to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Russia by Europe, the United States and other countries around the world, which led to a reduction in world trade and a further rise in raw material and energy prices.

Against this backdrop, in the first quarter of 2022, global automobile production was down 4.5% compared to 2021; in March, the decline became more pronounced at - 11.4%. Europe performed the worst, with car production at -17% compared to the first quarter of 2021 (-24.3% in March); production also fell in NAFTA and Mercosur (- 1.8% and -13.3% respectively), while China showed a positive trend (+6.1%).

Despite the above, IHS maintains a forecast for global manufacturing growth of 4.4% in 2022.

INFORMATION ON OPERATIONS

The Group revenues grew by 8% compared to 2021: production volumes remained substantially stable (compared to a market at -4.5%) and sales prices were adjusted to take into account the increases in raw material costs (particularly steels) recorded over the last 12 months.

The economic results were positive:

  • net income was Euro 10.7 million (Euro 11.8 million in 2021);
  • positive free cash flow was Euro 43.7 million (Euro 32.4 million in 2021);
  • net debt before IFRS 16 at March 31, 2022 was Euro 213.4 million, down from Euro 258.2 million at December 31, 2021 and Euro 261.1 million at the end of March 2021.

The first quarter of 2022 was also positive for business activity.

During the quarter, the SOGEFI CabinHepa+cabin filter, which uses HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) media and filters mechanically, capturing particles 50 times smaller than a conventional cabin filter, won the 2022 Product of the Year award in France. The new European E-Mobility Tech Center, based in eastern France, was also inaugurated. It is dedicated to research and development of new E-mobility products and equipped with Europe's largest 3D printer.

The Air and Cooling division entered into major contracts in NAFTA to supply thermal management products and cooling plates for electric mobility. In particular, a new contract was signed, the largest electric mobility contract ever entered into by Sogefi, with a manufacturer of electric commercial vehicles, for the production of aluminium cooling plates welded with laser technology to control the temperature of the battery. Filtration obtained a significant number of contracts for the supply of oil filters and air purification filters. Suspensions obtained contracts in Europe for coil springs and stabilizer bars, most of which will be manufactured in Romania.

RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER 2022

It should be noted that the values for the period 2021 include the application of IFRS 5 ("Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations") to the Argentinian subsidiary of the Filtration business unit, which was sold in August 2021.

Revenues

In the first quarter of 2022, Sogefi's revenues amounted to Euro 381.1 million, up 8% on the corresponding period of 2021 (Euro 352.8 million).

Turnover grew in all geographies: +4.1% in Europe, +13.5% in North America, +31.9% in South America and +7.6% in Asia. Sogefi outperformed the market in all areas except China, where in the same period of the previous year Sogefi had already reported strong growth in revenues thanks to the launch of new programs.

(in millions of Euro) Q1 2022 Q1 2021 reported
change
2022 vs 2021
constant
exchange
rates
2022 vs 2021
reference
market
production
Amount Amount % % %
Europe 234.1 224.9 4.1 3.7 (17.0)
North America 79.4 69.9 13.5 5.6 (1.8)
South America 21.0 15.9 31.9 32.5 (13.3)
Asia 48.1 44.7 7.6 0.5 4.7
- of which China 24.6 23.8 3.6 (5.5) 6.1
Intercompany eliminations (1.5) (2.6)
TOTAL 381.1 352.8 8.0 5.4 (4.5)

By Business Unit, Suspensions reported revenues up 9.5%, with a particularly significant rate of increase in South America. Filtration reported revenues up 11.6%, with strong performance from the Aftermarket in Europe and the North American operations. The Air and Cooling division grew by 2.7% due to exchange rates, while at constant exchange rates it contracted slightly (-1.7%).

(in millions of Euro) Q1 2022 Q1 2021 reported
change
2022 vs 2021
constant
exchange
rates
2022 vs 2021
Amount Amount % %
Suspensions 133.7 122.1 9.5 8.5
Filtration 133.6 119.7 11.6 9.1
Air&Cooling 114.8 111.8 2.7 (1.7)
Intercompany eliminations (1.0) (0.8)
TOTAL 381.1 352.8 8.0 5.4

P&L Highlights

(in millions of Euro) Note (*) Q1 2022 Q1 2021 Change
Amount % Amount % Amount %
Sales revenues 381.1 100.0 352.8 100.0 28.3 8.0
Variable cost of sales 274.3 72.0 244.5 69.3 29.8 12.2
CONTRIBUTION MARGIN 106.8 28.0 108.3 30.7 (1.5) (1.4)
Fixed Costs (a) 55.8 14.6 57.0 16.2 (1.2) (2.2)
Restructuring costs 1.9 0.5 1.3 0.4 0.6 42.5
Other expenses (income) (b) (0.9) (0.2) (4.2) (1.3) 3.3 (78.3)
EBITDA (c) 50.0 13.1 54.2 15.4 (4.2) (7.7)
Depreciation and amortization/Write-downs (d) 28.8 7.5 28.8 8.2 0.0 0.1
EBIT 21.2 5.6 25.4 7.2 (4.2) (16.7)
NET INCOME (LOSS) OF OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
10.8 2.8 13.6 3.8 (2.8) (20.4)
Net income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax effects
- - (0.8) (0.2) 0.8 100.0
GROUP NET RESULT 10.7 2.8 11.8 3.4 (1.1) (9.5)

(*) The notes in the table are explained in detail in the annex at the end of this report

EBITDA1 amounted to Euro 50.0 million compared with Euro 54.2 million in the first quarter of 2021; gross profitability (EBITDA / Revenue %) fell to 13.1%, from 15.4% in the first quarter of 2021. This reflects a decline in contribution margin to 28%, compared to 30.7% in the first quarter of 2021, due to higher material and energy costs. In contrast, fixed costs as a percentage of revenue are down from 16.2% (in the same period of 2021) to 14.6%.

EBIT amounted to Euro 21.2 million, compared with Euro 25.4 million in 2021.

Financial expenses, at Euro 4.5 million, were down on those in the first quarter of 2021 (Euro 5.8 million) thanks to the reduction in debt and the cost of debt; tax expenses were essentially stable at Euro 5.9 million (Euro 6.0 million in 2021).

The net result was a positive Euro 10.7 million (Euro 11.8 million in the first quarter of 2021).

The Free Cash Flow was positive for Euro 43.7 million versus Euro 32.4 million in Q1 2021. The Free Cash Flow reflects the positive results and specific actions on working capital implemented by the Group.

Net debt before IFRS16 stood at Euro 213.4 million at March 31, 2022, down from the end of 2021 (Euro 258.2 million) and from March 31, 2021 (Euro 261.1 million). Including financial payables for rights of use as per IFRS 16, net debt at March 31, 2022 stood at Euro 281.8 million, down from Euro 327.6 million at December 31, 2021.

As of March 31, 2022, the Group has committed credit lines in excess of requirements of Euro 321 million.

At March 31, 2022, Shareholders' equity, excluding minority interests, amounted to Euro 205.8 million versus Euro 187.7 million at December 31, 2021.

The employees of Sogefi Group as of March 31, 2022 were 5,533, compared to 5,462 as of December 31, 2021 and 5,798 as of March 31, 2021.

1 EBITDA is calculated by adding to the item "EBIT" the item "Depreciation and amortization" and the amount of the write-downs of tangible and intangible fixed assets contained in the item "Other non-operating expenses (income)", equal to Euro 0 million at 31 March 2022 (Euro 0.5 million in the corresponding period of the previous year).

PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESS UNITS

Filtration Business Unit

In the first quarter of 2022, Filtration business unit reported revenues of Euro 133.6 million, up by 11.6% (+ 9.1% at constant exchange rates) compared to the same period of 2021.

The EBITDA margin was 13.9%, compared to 15.4% in the first quarter of 2021, which would be reduced to 13.4% excluding non-operating income of Euro 2.4 million realized in the first quarter of 2021.

EBIT was positive for Euro 11.2 million, up from 10.4 million in the first quarter of 2021, with a stable operating profitability of 8.4%.

The employees of the business unit as of March 31, 2022 were 1,995 (1,974 as of December 31, 2021).

Suspension Business Unit

In the first quarter of 2022, the Suspension business unit reported revenues of Euro 133.7 million, up by 9.5% at historical exchange rates and 8.5% at constant exchange rates, which mainly reflects the business trend in South America, North America and India and the adjustment of sales prices.

The EBITDA margin was 6.1%, down from 10.6% in the same period of 2021. The business unit was particularly affected by higher steels and energy costs (raw materials costs went from 46.7% to 51.3% of revenues).

EBIT was negative for Euro 1.2 million, compared to Euro +4.5 million in the first quarter of 2021.

The employees of the business unit as of March 31, 2022 were 2,276 (2,267 as of December 31, 2021).

Air & Cooling Business Unit

In the first quarter of 2022, the Air and Cooling business unit reported revenues of Euro 114.8 million, up by 2.7% at historical exchange rates but down by 1.7% at constant exchange rates. Revenues declined in Europe, due to market trends, and in China, where in the first quarter of 2021 the turnover was particularly high.

The EBITDA margin was 18.9%, higher than the first quarter of 2021 (18.4%).

EBIT amounted to Euro 11.0 million, compared to Euro 9.7 million in the same period of the previous year, with an increase in operating profitability to 9.6% compared to 8.7% in the first quarter of 2021.

The employees of the business unit as of March 31, 2022 were 1,204 (1,169 as of December 31, 2021).

IMPACTS OF COVID-19 AND RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT ON THE BUSINESS

In 2022, despite the continuing pandemic crisis, the effects on the market in which the Company operates were less severe than those suffered in the previous two years. However, demand remains weak, particularly in Europe and NAFTA, and operational challenges related to uneven production levels and staff absences caused by the pandemic continue. The current lockdown in some areas of China could have negative impacts both directly, on manufacturing activities in China, and indirectly, on raw materials imported from the country.

In 2022, the Sogefi Group continued to apply all the rules for health and safety in the workplace aimed at reducing the risk of contagion, namely social distancing, the use of individual protective equipment and measures to limit the presence of personnel in the workplace, i.e. working from home.

Regarding the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, it should be pointed out that Sogefi has a very limited direct presence in the countries involved: in 2021 revenues earned in these countries accounted for 0.7% of Sogefi's total revenues. Sales to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have been discontinued since March. As a result, in the first quarter of 2022, Sogefi recorded impairment losses of Euro 1.1 million on assets held in Russia. With the exception of these losses, the impact on revenues and margins was not significant.

Regarding the indirect impact of the conflict, Sogefi, like the whole automotive sector, could suffer consequences on production volumes linked to the closure of the factories of the main world manufacturers present in Russia (such as, for example, Renault) and in general the repercussions of a further rise in the prices of raw materials and of increased supply difficulties.

OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR

Visibility as to the market trend in the next few months of 2022 remains low. The uncertainties related to the evolution of the pandemic, availability and prices of raw materials, transportation and supply logistics from Asian markets, and thus the recovery of the automotive sector have been amplified by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

For 2022, however, IHS maintains a forecast of global manufacturing volumes recovering 4.4% from 2021, with Europe at +11.3%, NAFTA at +13%, South America at +9.6% and China essentially breaking even (-0.9%).

With regard to commodity prices, the early months of 2022 have seen a further rise and it is difficult to make forecasts for 2022. It should be noted that in the first quarter of 2022, sales prices were adjusted to reflect the increase in raw material costs recorded in 2021. Faced with a further rise in the cost of raw materials and energy following the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Sogefi's management is committed to seeking fair agreements with all its customers, as it did in the first quarter, in order to continue to have sustainable long-term business relationships.

Assuming that there are no further factors causing a serious deterioration in the macroeconomic and production scenario (significant tightening of sanctions against Russia, extension of the conflict outside Ukraine, shortages and price rises in energy and raw materials compared to the current ones that would compromise the sustainability of the supply chain), Sogefi confirms its target of achieving operating results for the whole of 2022, excluding non-recurring costs, substantially in line with the result recorded in 2021.

Milan, 22 April 2022

For THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Chief Executive Officer Frédéric Sipahi

ANNEX: NOTES RECONCILING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHOWN IN THE REPORT ON OPERATIONS AND THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT 31 MARCH 2022

(a) The item corresponds to the sum of the lines "Manufacturing and R&D overheads", "Distribution and sales fixed expenses" and "Administrative and general expenses"; (b) The item corresponds to the sum of the lines "Losses (gains) on disposal",

"Exchange (gains) losses" and "Other non-operating expenses (income)", with the exception of the amount relating to the write-downs of tangible and intangible fixed assets;

(c) The item corresponds to the sum of the lines "EBIT", "Depreciation and amortization" and the amount of the write-downs of tangible and intangible fixed assets included in the item "Other non-operating expenses (income)";

(d) The item corresponds to the sum of the lines "Depreciation and amortization" and the amount of the write-downs of tangible and intangible fixed assets included in the item "Other non-operating expenses (income)".

SOGEFI GROUP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in millions of Euro)

ASSETS 03.31.2022 12.31.2021
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 163.6 120.9
Other financial assets 3.2 1.3
Inventories 123.8 111.9
Trade receivables 164.0 136.7
Other receivables 12.1 10.9
Tax receivables 29.6 25.6
Other assets 6.2 2.7
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE - -
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 502.5 410.0
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Land 12.2 12.2
Property, plant and equipment 367.9 368.6
Other tangible fixed assets 5.7 4.7
Rights of use 65.6 67.4
Intangible assets 235.1 236.7
Other financial assets available for sales - -
Financial receivables 6.6 4.0
Other receivables 38.4 38.8
Deferred tax assets 34.5 36.3
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 766.0 768.7
TOTAL ASSETS 1,268.5 1,178.7
LIABILITIES 03.31.2022 12.31.2021
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Bank overdrafts and short-term loans 5.9 2.0
Current portion of medium/long-term financial debts 88.5 86.9
and other loans
Short-term financial debts for rights of use 17.2 17.1
Other short-term liabilities for derivative financial instruments - -
Trade and other payables 374.1 317.6
Tax payables 8.6 4.8
Other current liabilities 44.3 33.5
Current provisions 15.2 16.7
LIABILITIES RELATED TO ASSETS HELD FOR SALE - -
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 553.8 478.6
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Financial debts to bank 216.0 219.0
Non current portion of medium/long-term financial debts 74.6 74.2
and other loans
Medium/long-term financial debts for right of use 53.1 54.4
Other medium/long-term financial liabilities for derivative
financial instruments - -
Non-current provisions 55.2 56.3
Other payables 67.1 65.9
Deferred tax liabilities 25.5 25.3
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 491.5 495.1
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 62.5 62.5
Reserves and retained earnings (accumulated losses) 132.6 123.2
Group net result for the period 10.7 2.0
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HOLDING
COMPANY 205.8 187.7
Non-controlling interests 17.4 17.3
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 223.2 205.0
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1,268.5 1,178.7

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in millions of Euro) Consolidated
shareholders'
equity - Group
Capital and
reserves
pertaining to
non-controlling
interests
Total Group and
non-controlling
shareholders'
equity
Balance at December 31, 2021 187.7 17.3 205.0
Dividends - - -
Currency translation differences 4.2 - 4.2
Other changes 3.2 - 3.2
Net result for the period 10.7 0.1 10.8
Balance at March 31, 2022 205.8 17.4 223.2

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT RECLASSIFIED

(in millions of Euro) Period
01.01 – 03.31.2022
Period
01.01 – 03.31.2021 (*) Change
Amount % Amount % Amount %
Sales revenues 381.1 100.0 352.8 100.0 28.3 8.0
Variable cost of sales 274.3 72.0 244.5 69.3 29.8 12.2
CONTRIBUTION MARGIN 106.8 28.0 108.3 30.7 (1.5) (1.4)
Manufacturing and R&D overheads 30.4 8.0 31.2 8.8 (0.8) (2.3)
Depreciation and amortization 28.8 7.5 28.3 8.0 0.5 1.9
Distribution and sales fixed expenses 7.6 2.0 7.8 2.3 (0.2) (3.1)
Administrative and general expenses 17.8 4.7 18.0 5.1 (0.2) (1.7)
Restructuring costs 1.9 0.5 1.3 0.4 0.6 42.5
Losses (gains) on disposal - - - - - -
Exchange (gains) losses (1.2) (0.3) (1.6) (0.5) 0.4 29.4
Other non-operating expenses (income) 0.3 - (2.1) (0.6) 2.4 (114.3)
EBIT 21.2 5.6 25.4 7.2 (4.2) (16.7)
Financial expenses 5.1 1.4 6.1 1.8 (1.0) (15.5)
Financial (income) (0.6) (0.2) (0.3) (0.1) (0.3) 95.7
Losses (gains) from equity investments - - - - - -
RESULT BEFORE TAXES 16.7 4.4 19.6 5.5 (2.9) (14.8)
Income taxes 5.9 1.6 6.0 1.7 (0.1) (1.9)
NET INCOME (LOSS) OF OPERATING 10.8 2.8 13.6 3.8 (2.8) (20.4)
ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) from discontinued - - (0.8) (0.2) 0.8 100.0
operations, net of tax effects
NET
RESULT
INCLUDING
THIRD
PARTY 10.8 2.8 12.8 3.6 (2.0) (15.4)
Loss (Income) attributable to non-controlling (0.1) (1.0) (0.2) 0.9 88.0
interests -
GROUP NET RESULT 10.7 2.8 11.8 3.4 (1.1) (9.5)

(*) The values for the first quarter of 2021, relating to "Assets held for sale", have been reclassified following the application of IFRS 5 "Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations" to the line "Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax effects".

CONSOLIDATED NET FINANCIAL POSITION

(in millions of Euro) 03.31.2022 12.31.2021 03.31.2021
A. Cash 163.6 120.9 232.8
B. Cash equivalents - - -
C. Other current financial assets 9.8 5.1 8.0
D. Liquidity (A) + (B) + (C) 173.4 126.0 240.8
E. Current Financial Debt (including debt instruments, but excluding
current portion of non-current financial debt) 5.9 2.0 1.1
F. Current portion of non-current financial debt 105.7 104.1 164.7
G. Current financial indebtedness (E) + (F) 111.6 106.1 165.8
H. Net current financial indebtedness (G) - (D) (61.8) (19.9) (75.0)
I. Non-current financial debt (excluding the current portion and debt
instruments) 269.0 273.3 308.3
J. Debt istruments 74.6 74.2 95.1
K. Non-current trade and other payables - - -
L. Non-current financial indebtedness (I) + (J) + (K) 343.6 347.5 403.4
M. Total financial indebtedness (H) + (L) 281.8 327.6 328.4

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

03.31.2022 12.31.2021 03.31.2021
38.4 124.6 41.3
24.0 (13.0) 9.3
2.3 28.8 6.2
64.7 140.4 56.8
0.1 21.1 1.8
64.8 161.5 58.6
20.0 120.0 24.6
- (5.4) -
(1.1) (3.7) (1.6)
43.7 32.4 32.4
- (3.0) (3.0)
2.1 1.1 0.3
2.1 (1.9) (2.7)
45.8 30.5 29.7
(327.6) (358.1) (358.1)
(281.8) (327.6) (328.4)

CONTENT AND FORMAT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Introduction

The consolidated Interim financial report as at March 31, 2022, which has not been externally audited, has been prepared in compliance with International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS) and to this end, the financial statements of consolidated companies have been duly reclassified and adjusted.

The interim financial report has been drawn up in accordance with the provisions of art. 154-ter, paragraph 5 of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 2/24/98 (Consolidated Law on Finance) and subsequent amendments. Therefore, the provisions of the international accounting standard regarding interim financial information (IAS 34 "Interim financial reporting") have not been adopted.

2. Consolidation principles

Consolidation is performed on a line-by-line basis. The criteria adopted for the application of this method have not changed with respect to those used as at December 31, 2021.

3. Accounting Standards applied

The accounting standards applied in the preparation of the financial statements as at March 31, 2022 are the same as those applied to the financial statements as at December 31, 2021.

This financial information has been prepared on a going concern basis.

DECLARATION PURSUANT TO ART. 154-BIS, PARAGRAPH 2, LEGISLATIVE DECREE NO. 58/1998

Subject: Interim financial report as at March 31, 2022

The undersigned, Mr. Yann Albrand - Manager responsible for preparing the Company's financial reports-

declares

pursuant to paragraph 2 of article 154-bis of the Consolidated Law on Finance that the accounting information contained in this document corresponds to the document results, books and accounting records.

Milan, April 22, 2022

SOGEFI S.p.A (Yann Albrand)