from JACQUES BOGART (EPA:JBOG)
FULL-YEAR 2023 RESULTS: STEADY TURNOVER - DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN EBITDA (+10.3%) - ROBUST INCREASE IN OPERATING INCOME AND NET PROFIT - PERSISTENTLY STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION
At the end of the 2023 financial year, BOGART achieved a robust increase in its results, in line with the target. The successful initiatives in the France and Belgium network produced results, enabling the Group to post a 10.3% increase in EBITDA and net profit. Parallel to this, the Group's financial position remained sound and strong.
| €m | 2022 | 2023 | Change % |
| Turnover | 291.2 | 292.4 | +0.4% |
| o/w Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics | 54.9 | 56.4 | +2.7% |
| o/w Bogart Beauty Retail | 236.3 | 236.0 | -0.1% |
| Other revenues[1] | 11.9 | 12.4 | +4.2% |
| Total revenues | 303.1 | 304.8 | +0.6% |
| EBITDA[2] | 38.8 | 42.8 | +10.3% |
| EBITDA (excl. IFRS 16) | 9.5 | 16.0 | +68.4% |
| Operating income (loss) | (5.4) | 11.7 | n/a |
| Financial income (expense) | (4.0) | (6.9) | n/a |
| Income tax | 0.1 | (1.0) | n/a |
| Net profit (loss) Group share | (10.4) | 3.8 | n/a |
The consolidated financial statements for full-year 2023 were approved by the Board of Directors at its 29 April 2024 meeting. The Statutory Auditors conducted a legal audit of the financial statements. The annual financial report will be issued no later than 30 April 2024.
10.3% INCREASE IN EBITDA - POSITIVE NET INCOME
BOGART achieved revenue of €292.4 million, comparable with that of the previous year, factoring in scope effects (strategic reorganisations led in 2022 for the France and Belgium network and the repositioning of the Spanish subsidiary) and a currency effect, particularly in Israel. At constant consolidation scope and exchange rates, 2023 turnover increased by +5.4%.
Gross margin[3] stood at €153.0 million as of 31 December 2023, versus €150.0 million in 2022, up €3 million year-on-year thanks to a favourable change in the product mix.
Staff costs decreased by 4.7% to €67.0 million, versus €70.3 million in 2022, considering the strategic reorganisation measures implemented in France and Belgium and factoring in the automatic indexation of salaries in Belgium. As of 31 December 2023, BOGART's headcount totalled 2,064 (vs. 2,204 at end-2022).
Other recurring expenses remained under control in an inflationary environment, ending at €56.0 million, versus €53.2 million the previous financial year, and slightly up by 5.2%.
EBITDA[4] increased in the double-digits (10.3%) for the 2023 financial year, totalling €42.8 million (vs. €38.8 million a year earlier). Excluding IFRS 16, EBITDA in 2023 totalled €16.0 million versus €9.5 million, up by 68.4%.
EBITDA significantly increased by 38.5% for the Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics division, up from €8.3 million to €11.5 million (with strong momentum in Asia, Europe and Latin America). EBITDA for Bogart Beauty Retail came out to €27.3 million (vs. €26.7 million in 2022), factoring in a scope effect (IFRS 16 impact in connection with the closure of 26 stores in France and Belgium) and a currency effect, particularly in Israel (€0.7 million). Excluding IFRS 16, EBITDA totalled €3.3 million (vs. €0 million in 2022).
Depreciation, amortisation and provisions (excluding inventories) amounted to €32.1 million as of 31 December 2023 (€5.7 million excluding IFRS 16) versus €35.4 million in 2022 (€6.7 million excluding IFRS 16).
As a result, current operating income for 2023 stood at €12.5 million versus €3.8 million in 2022.
Current operating income significantly increased to €11.7 million (versus (€5.4) million the previous year). This change is mainly owing to an increase in turnover.
It also includes the sale of property assets (GMPC SA) for €6.6m and the discontinuation of the Spanish subsidiary's business activities for (€2.3) million, the end of network restructuring measures in France (transfer of business goodwill and restructuring for a net total of €1.6 million) and Belgium (voluntary redundancy plan kick-started in 2022 and continued in 2023, for a total of €2 million) as well as destruction of inventories for €1.1 million.
Financial expense totalled €(6.7) million versus €(4.0) million a year prior (in connection with rising interest rates in lease liabilities pursuant to IFRS 16, with no cash impact).
After booking a tax expense of €(1.0) million, net profit (loss) Group share considerably increased to €3.8 million as of 31 December 2023 versus €(10.4) million the previous year.
PERSISTENTLY STRONG FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
As of 31 December 2023, BOGART's shareholders' equity totalled €84.3 million versus €87.2 million a year earlier (after share buybacks of €0.4 million, a dividend payout of €2.6 million and the impact of the sale of the GMPC SA subsidiary for €2.3 million).
Cash flow increased to €33.7 million as of 31 December 2023 versus €29.4 million at end-2022.
Cash flows from operating activities stood at €16.1 million, including an increase in the Working Capital Requirement (WCR) of €17.6 million as of 31 December 2023, owing to a decrease in trade payables (notably including a €7 million repayment on tax liabilities) while receivables slightly increased (+€2 million).
Cash flows from investing activities totalled €1.7 million versus €(3.8) million as of 31 December 2022 and mainly factoring in €(5.4) million in capital expenditure versus €(6.6) million last year as well as a +€6.8 million change in scope (sale of GMPC SA).
Parallel to this, BOGART secured €8 million in new debt over the period and repaid €38.8 million in loans and financial debt (including €10.3 million in bank debt, the remainder being lease liabilities pursuant to IFRS 16).
All told, the Group reported gross cash of €53.2 million at 31 December 2023 (versus €69.2 million at 31 December 2022).
Lastly, loans and borrowings (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities of €111.1 million) slightly decreased to €80.8 million at 31 December 2023, compared with €81.6 million at 31 December 2022. The gearing ratio[5] was restricted to 32.8% of shareholders' equity.
CONTINUED PROFITABLE GROWTH IN 2024
In 2024, Bogart aims to continue its profitable growth strategy, propelled by its two divisions, namely Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics and Bogart Beauty Retail.
In fragrances, Parfums Jacques Bogart will continue rolling out Silver Scent AQUA worldwide, while Carven will launch a new eau de toilette and a new eau de parfum, Carven C'est Paris Elixir.
In addition, TED LAPIDUS will unveil its latest creations, including a trio of fragrances scheduled for the end-of-year holiday season.
Regarding cosmetics, STENDHAL will innovate by unveiling an all-new line of exceptional skincare products branded as Divine Alba. The Méthode Jeanne Piaubert, April and Close brands will continue expanding, having released 20-plus new products this year.
Lastly, in autumn, BOGART will showcase its tenth-ever brand.
What's more, 2024 will provide an opportunity for the Rose and Marius House of Haute Parfumerie to present initial progress on the back of BOGART's acquisition[6].
In 2024, BOGART will promote the Rose et Marius brand, which it acquired at the start of the year, through its network of international retailers and also through its directly-owned retailer network.
It should be noted that the Bogart Beauty Retail business got off to a good start in 2024.
In the 2024 financial year, the Group will also remain attentive to new opportunities to continue expanding and winning new market share in Europe. As a reminder, in early 2024, BOGART consolidated nine new independent fragrance stores in Germany within the HC Parfumeries network.
Overall, the Group now has 447 stores, with 47 in France, 91 in Germany, 44 in Israel, 69 in Slovakia, 193 in Belgium and Luxembourg and 3 in Dubai.
NEXT PUBLICATION:
BOGART WILL PUBLISH ITS HALF-YEAR TURNOVER ON 25 JULY 2024
APPENDIX
EBITDA/OPERATING INCOME RECONCILIATION TABLE
| €m - IFRS | 2022 | 2023 |
| EBITDA * | 38.8 | 42.8 |
| CVAE | -0.1 | -0.1 |
| Depreciation and impairment charges net of write-backs | -36.7 | -29.7 |
| Other non-recurring income (expense) | -7.4 | -1.3 |
| Operating income (loss) | -5.4 | 11.7 |
*EBITDA (excl. IFRS 16) increased from €9.5 million in 2022 to €16.0 million in 2023
INCOME STATEMENT
| in K€ | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 |
| Turnover | 292,402 | 291,233 |
| Other income from ordinary activities | 1,044 | 889 |
| Other income | 14,406 | 12,741 |
| Raw materials, commodities and used consumables | (139,423) | (141,119) |
| Staff costs | (66,997) | (70,309) |
| Income tax | (834) | (1,043) |
| Depreciation, amortisation and provisions | (32,097) | (35,366) |
| Other expenses | (55,979) | (53,200) |
| Discontinued operation | (2,329) | - |
| Other non-recurring expense | (6,933) | (9,893) |
| Other non-recurring operating income | 8,426 | 621 |
| Operating income (loss) | 11,686 | (5,446) |
| Financial income | 722 | 436 |
| Gross cost of financial debt | (7,401) | (5,277) |
| Net cost of financial debt | (6,679) | (4,841) |
| Other financial income and expense | (186) | 876 |
| Financial income (expense) | (6,865) | (3,965) |
| Accounted for under the equity method | 71 | 87 |
| Goodwill provision | (72) | (1,262) |
| Pre-tax profit | 4,820 | (10,586) |
| Income tax | (1,040) | 153 |
| Consolidated net profit | 3,780 | (10,433) |
| Share of non-controlling interests | - | - |
| Net profit (loss) Group share | 3,780 | (10,433) |
| Reported earnings per share (€) | 0.2576 | (0.7085) |
| Reported diluted earnings per share (€) | 0.2576 | (0.7085) |
BALANCE SHEET
| Assets (in K€) | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 |
| Non-current assets | ||
| Goodwill | 31,863 | 31,643 |
| Intangible assets | 8,495 | 8,706 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 126,574 | 148,426 |
| Associates and joint ventures | - | 335 |
| Fixed financial assets | 3,745 | 4,058 |
| Deferred tax assets | 8,837 | 8,375 |
| Total non-current assets | 179,514 | 201,543 |
| Current assets | ||
| Stocks and works-in-progress | 110,600 | 104,116 |
| Trade and other receivables | 20,586 | 18,483 |
| Other receivables and prepaid expenses | 14,357 | 13,948 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 53,202 | 69,252 |
| Income tax | - | 534 |
| Total current assets | 198,745 | 206,333 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 378,259 | 407,876 |
| Liabilities (in K€) | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||
| Share capital | 1,195 | 1,195 | ||
| Reserves | 79,326 | 96,434 | ||
| Profit (/loss) for the financial year | 3,780 | (10,433) | ||
| Total shareholders' equity (Group share) | 84,301 | 87,196 | ||
| Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||
| Total shareholders' equity | 84,301 | 87,196 | ||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||
| Provisions for non-current expenses | 2,174 | 2,237 | ||
| Non-current loans and borrowings | 59,223 | 62,245 | ||
| Non-current lease liabilities | 85,759 | 104,279 | ||
| Total non-current liabilities | 147,156 | 168,761 | ||
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Provisions for expenses | 2,128 | 2,466 | ||
| Current loans and borrowings | 11,213 | 10,393 | ||
| Current lease liabilities | 25,304 | 23,286 | ||
| Bank overdrafts | 10,412 | 8,983 | ||
| Trade payables | 65,791 | 65,058 | ||
| Other payables and accruals | 31,954 | 41,733 | ||
| Income tax | - | - | ||
| Total current liabilities | 146,802 | 151,919 | ||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 378,259 | 407,876 | ||
CASH FLOW STATEMENT (in K€)
| 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | |
| I- Operating activities | ||
| Net pre-tax profit | 4,820 | (10,586) |
| Depreciation, amortisation and provisions | 29,720 | 37,953 |
| Cost of debt | 4,068 | 2,885 |
| Elimination of gains and losses on the sale of assets | (4,251) | 189 |
| Share accounted for under the equity method | 335 | (87) |
| Change in income tax | (952) | (969) |
| Cash flow | 33,740 | 29,385 |
| Change in operating working capital requirement (WCR) | (17,634) | (9,354) |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 16,106 | 20,031 |
| II - Investing activities | ||
| Acquisition of intangible assets and business goodwill | (610) | (950) |
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | (4,801) | (5,626) |
| Acquisition of current and non-current financial assets | - | - |
| Acquisition of fixed financial assets | 313 | 2,169 |
| Cash requirement (investments) | (5,098) | (4,407) |
| Impact of changes in scope of consolidation | 6,778 | 597 |
| Divestments | 6,778 | 597 |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | 1,680 | (3,810) |
| III- Financing activities | ||
| Capital increase | - | - |
| Issued financial loans and borrowings | 8,000 | 27,500 |
| Repaid lease loans and liabilities | (38,824) | (63,147) |
| Treasury shares | (418) | (869) |
| Dividend payouts | (2,644) | (3,386) |
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | (33,886) | (39,902) |
| Impact of changes in exchange rates | (1,379) | 211 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 60,269 | 83,739 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 42,790 | 60,269 |
| Net increase/decrease in cash | (17,479) | (23,470) |
| ACTUS FINANCE & COMMUNICATION MEDIA RELATIONS MANON CLAIRET MCLAIRET@ACTUS.FR / TEL.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 73 | ACTUS FINANCE & COMMUNICATION INVESTOR RELATIONS ANNE-PAULINE PETUREAUX APETUREAUX@ACTUS.FR / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 |
[1] Revenues from licences and advertising rebillings for brands which are distributed to BOGART's own-brand networks.
[2] EBITDA = operating income + CVAE (French business value added tax) + depreciation, amortisation and provisions + destruction of stock + other non-recurring operating income and expenses
[3] Turnover – raw material purchases, commodities and consumables
[4] EBITDA = operating income + CVAE (French business value added tax) + depreciation, amortisation and provisions + destruction of stock + other non-recurring operating income and expenses
[5] Net debt/shareholders' equity ratio
[6] See the press release dated 15 January 2024