Announcement
FLLYR: MFT: Mainfreight Full Year Results to 31 March 2020
08:31am
MFT
27/05/2020 08:31
FLLYR
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0831 HRS Mainfreight Limited
FLLYR: MFT: Mainfreight Full Year Results to 31 March 2020
MAINFREIGHT LIMITED
Financial result for the twelve months ended 31 March 2020 (Unaudited)
Commentary
Mainfreight is pleased to announce our full year financial results to 31
March 2020; a satisfactory improvement on the prior year. Sales revenues for
the year are $3.09 billion, and net profit before abnormals $147.98 million.
A dividend of 34 cents per share has been approved, payable on 17 July 2020.
As with our half-year financial results released in November 2019, the full
year financial results are reported under the NZ IFRS 16 Leases standard,
which took effect for our accounting periods commencing from 1 April 2019.
For the purpose of providing clarity, we have provided figures for the full
year with and without applying NZ IFRS 16, in both our financial statements
and in this commentary.
Without NZ IFRS 16 ("apples with apples")
Revenue $3.095 billion Up $141.31 million or 4.8%
EBITDA* $281.01 million Up $23.96 million or 9.3%
Net profit $156.10 million Up $15.02 million or 10.6%
[* EBITDA (Adjusted): Earnings before net interest expense, tax,
depreciation, amortisation, abnormal
items, royalties (segment only; not Group)]
Adjusted for foreign exchange impact, revenue is up 3.6%, EBITDA up 8.6%, and
net profit (before abnormals) is up 9.9%. Abnormal items reflect a gain of
$11.23 million, and include a positive tax adjustment of $14.70 million,
one-off redundancy costs in Europe of $0.51 million, and $2.96 million
relates to the final write off of the European brand name.
Under NZ IFRS 16 ("apples with oranges")
Revenue $3.095 billion Up $141.31 million or 4.8%
EBITDA $398.67 million Up $141.62 million or 55.1%
Net profit $147.98 million Up $6.89 million or 4.9%
NZ IFRS 16 introduces a single lessee accounting model, requiring Mainfreight
as a lessee to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of
more than 12 months. As a lessee, we are required to recognise a
right-of-use asset representing our right to use the underlying leased asset,
and a lease liability representing our obligation to make lease payments.
The impact of NZ IFRS 16 on profit before tax for the full year is a decrease
of $11.23 million (net profit decrease of $8.13 million), but an increase in
EBITDA of $111.88 million. Total assets increased by $618.04 million to
$2.305 billion.
We are pleased with this result, and the contributions and development of all
our businesses across the world. This financial performance provides us with
the confidence to now tackle the ongoing supply chain disruptions brought
about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the depressed economic conditions we
expect to encounter.
As noted in our trading updates released on 8 April 2020, the Company has
taken a number of actions to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as
trading conditions become uncertain. The following measures remain in place
and have assisted the business to transition through the pandemic crises in
as reasonable shape as we could expect:
o Hiring freeze in place, and our usual annual wage and salary review
deferred
o Elimination of casual labour, and holiday leave utilised where appropriate
o All unnecessary discretionary expenditure reduced
o A 50% reduction in Managing Director's salary and other Directors' fees
o The New Zealand Government's wage subsidy was accessed in early April, but
has been returned (see commentary below for more detail)
o Capital expenditure of $120 million has been deferred.
Trading across the global business for the seven weeks from 1 April 2020, has
seen sales revenues improve 5.7% on the prior year (down 0.3% excluding FX),
bolstered in part by air charter revenues, albeit at lower margins. Profit
before tax is $9.0 million, down $6.48 million. This trading update is an
estimate, based on the weekly profit and loss details provided by our 282
world-wide branches.
Group Operating Cash Flows
Operating cash flows were $300.80 million ($200.16 million pre-NZ IFRS 16),
up from $197.42 million in the prior year, reflecting increased profitability
and acceptable cash collection.
Current debt facilities total $499 million, of which $235 million remained
undrawn. Net debt at 31 March 2020, was $157.38 million, up from $130.48
million at 31 March 2019, an increase of $26.90 million. Gearing ratios
remained consistent at 14.0% (13.5% at 31 March 2019).
At 30 April 2020, net debt is estimated at $132 million. Cash collection
remains satisfactory across all five regions.
During the year net capital expenditure totalled $155.03 million, with
expenditure for land and buildings accounting for $111.72 million, plant and
equipment of $26.64 million, and information technology of $16.67 million.
With our decision to defer several capital projects, our expectations are for
capital expenditure for the full financial year ending 31 March 2021 to be
approximately $80 million.
Dividend
After careful consideration, the Directors have approved a final dividend at
the same level as the prior year, being 34.0 cents per share fully imputed at
the 28% company tax rate. With the record date on 10 July 2020; payment will
be made on 17 July 2020.
This decision was made following careful review of the Company's position
including current and expected trading, capital expenditure requirements,
cash flows and debt facility levels. This takes the full dividend for the
year to 59.0 cents per share; a 5.4% increase year on year.
Divisional Performance (figures in local currencies)
New Zealand (NZ$)
Revenue $752.91 million Up $34.12 million or 4.7%
EBITDA (pre-NZ IFRS 16) $115.89 million Up $5.33 million or 4.8%
EBITDA (post-NZ IFRS 16) $139.77 million
Our New Zealand businesses continued to expand the network, giving us a
stronger regional presence across all three products.
Although we have chosen to reduce capital expenditure in the 2021 financial
year, we will continue with the completion of our new Transport facilities
for Mount Maunganui, Levin, Blenheim, Gore and Oamaru.
Additional Warehousing sites, some leased, are being considered for Auckland.
Our Air & Ocean division continued to find market share and post-year end has
had considerable success in gaining new customers
April/May 2020 Trading Estimates
Lockdown Level 4 26 March to 27 April 2020
Lockdown Level 3 28 April to 14 May 2020
Lockdown Level 2 15 May
During the seven-week trading period to 19 May 2020, New Zealand has seen a
16% decline in sales revenues, and a resulting reduction in profit before tax
to be at break even, down $7 million. Trading improved as New Zealand moved
from Alert Level 4 through to Level 2, with some May weekly profits now
exceeding those of the equivalent weeks in the prior year.
Taking a somewhat cautious view, we expect to see Transport volumes increase;
delivery expectations are being met and we have good levels of sales
activity. We are seeing increased enquiry for our Warehousing solutions, and
significant air freight volumes are being moved via air charters to and from
Asia and the USA.
Australia (AU$)
Revenue AU$756.80 million Up AU$46.63 million or 6.6%
EBITDA (pre-NZ IFRS 16) AU$61.80 million Up AU$6.42 million or 11.6%
EBITDA (post-NZ IFRS 16) AU$99.60 million
A strong recovery during our second half was led by pleasing progress from
our Warehousing and Transport divisions.
Warehousing increased their footprint by an additional 18,400m2, with
utilisation of 87% at year end. The majority of this new volume has found
its way into our domestic Transport freight network.
Transport's regional expansion has seen improving profitability from branches
alongside an increasing number of new customers.
Our Air & Ocean operations have continued on steadily, albeit not developing
similar levels of air freight activity as the other regions
April/May 2020 Trading Estimates
Partial lockdown April / May 2020
The partial lockdown response by the Australian Government has seen freight
volumes continue at more-or-less normal trading levels.
Sales revenues for the seven-week period increased 13% compared to the same
period in the prior year, and profit before tax improved to AU$6 million, up
by AU$4 million.
Strong sales enquiry continues and gains in market share see results
improving through May. We expect this to continue through the 2021 financial
year.
Europe (Euro EUR)
Revenue EUEUR401.39 million Up EUEUR25.11 million or 6.7%
EBITDA (pre-NZ IFRS 16) EUEUR29.57 million Up EUEUR6.30 million or 27.1%
EBITDA (post-NZ IFRS 16) EUEUR49.70 million
Ongoing improvement in our levels of service, better freight mix, warehouse
management, and an increase in sales capability has resulted in progress for
our European operations.
In our Transport division, stronger cross-dock and vehicle management has
seen margins improve, with a significant increase in sales revenues.
Warehousing utilisation improved, and a further commitment to increasing our
Zaltbommel facility with a "phase 2" development of 26,000 m2 was completed.
Utilisation across all facilities is currently at 93.9%.
Our Air & Ocean business saw nominal revenue growth and a decline in profits,
as additional overhead costs were incurred in developing network and sales
capability, including the opening of our first Spanish operation, in
Barcelona.
April/May 2020 Trading Estimates
Lockdown Different levels adopted by each country
Full lockdown For Spain, Italy, France, UK and Russia (now starting to relax)
Partial lockdown Across the balance
Borders remained open for freight
Trading for April and May saw short weeks due to several public holidays,
impacting already depleted freight volumes and activity.
Sales revenues declined 5% in the seven weeks compared to the same period
last year, with profit before tax at break-even, down EUEUR1 million.
As European countries begin to reopen for trading, we are seeing freight
volumes improve, and pick activity in our warehouses increase. Our Air &
Ocean operations have had more frequent import air freight shipments
Asia (US$)
Revenue US$61.36 million Down US$13.08 million or 17.6%
EBITDA (pre-NZ IFRS 16) US$3.91 million Down US$2.39 million or 37.9%
EBITDA (post-NZ IFRS 16) US$5.40 million
Our Asian business has had a disappointing finish to the year, as US import
tariffs reduced volumes from China, and activity from Hong Kong decreased due
to civil unrest, both contributing to lacklustre financial results for the
full year.
The pandemic coincided with the usual Chinese New Year shut down of trade,
and affected freight volume to and from all regions during February and
March. While production in China has returned, the inability of importers to
receive product under the varying levels of lockdown within our other
regions, has seen fluctuating freight tonnage.
Development of our Southeast Asian operations remains a key to diversifying
our Asian business and reducing reliance on China trade alone.
April / May 2020 Trading Estimate
Lockdown Restrictions in China have eased, but remain more substantial in
Southeast Asia
The seven-week period from 1 April 2020 has seen revenues improve 41% on the
same period last year, and profit before tax increase by US$0.5 million to
US$1.1 million. The large revenue increase is assisted by low margin air
charter activity from China and Hong Kong. We expect this level of
improvement to continue for a period of time, particularly while demand for
PPE product continues.
We continued to expand the network in Southeast Asia with the opening of our
first branch in South Korea, in Seoul.
The Americas (US$)
Revenue US$493.29 million Down US$0.57 million or 0.1%
EBITDA (pre-NZ IFRS 16) US$28.01 million Up US$1.90 million or 7.3%
EBITDA (post-NZ IFRS 16) US$39.11 million
A mixed result from our USA business, as sales revenues flat lined with lower
than expected sales gains in Transport and Air & Ocean operations. EBITDA
however showed improvement as Transport managed road volume better, improving
margins. Warehousing activity levels also lifted their result.
CaroTrans, our wholesale sea freight consolidation business, finished ahead
of the year prior with improving margins.
Our Warehousing division has seen good development throughout the year, and
has further increased its footprint to 85,935m2, an increase of 44%.
Utilisation across the business was 79.0% at year end.
In our Transport business, we continue to be focused on growing our own road
line haul network, along with gaining more FMCG customers, to better
complement our desire for regular, every day freight volumes.
The Air & Ocean division struggled earlier in the first half year with
declining revenues, particularly related to China imports. Our four largest
branches have since split their air and sea operations, to allow greater
focus on these two distinct modes and we have seen some early signs of
improvement.
April / May 2020 Trading Estimate
Lockdown Restrictions vary by State in the USA ("stay at home" mandate is
widespread), and in areas of Canada, Chile and Mexico
As the USA moved into full lockdown, Transport freight volume declined
significantly. Stronger air freight volume has assisted Air & Ocean revenue
to increase.
Sales revenues overall have remained in line with the year prior during the
seven weeks from 1 April 2020, however profit before tax has declined to US$1
million, a reduction of US$2 million. Operating margins have reduced
through poor transport utilisation and air charters from Asia.
The Americas remains a key area of development potential for us.
Based on the weekly results and discussions with our team, the economic
effects of the pandemic may well be greater and last longer in the USA than
in other parts of our global network.
New Zealand Wage Subsidy
Early in the New Zealand lockdown, our New Zealand Transport and Warehousing
operations experienced significant revenue reduction. We were uncertain at
this time, just how bad trading would become. Uppermost in our minds was the
protection of jobs for our people.
Accordingly, we applied for and were granted the Government 12-week wage
subsidy. We applied for a total of 1,526 people. The $10.61 million subsidy
was received by 16 April.
Pleasingly, our trading levels have improved through late April and into May,
and our efforts to reduce overhead costs, defer capital expenditure, and gain
new business in the period, have been relatively successful. Our offshore
businesses have also traded better than expected for the most part. Cash
flows remain positive, and our bank debt headroom has not been needed.
Therefore we are in a better position than many, and while qualifying under
the Government's criteria, we felt it was appropriate to return the subsidy.
We are supportive of the Government measures taken in these extreme
circumstances, with the aim to protect New Zealand employment. Our
congratulations to them for those decisions.
Outlook
The past year's result is satisfactory and confirms the ongoing success of
our growth strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, and will continue to
affect economic conditions for some time. While freight remains able to
cross borders, slowing consumer demand will see freight volumes and supply
chain activity contract.
In the first seven weeks of trading in the 2021 financial year, Mainfreight
has adapted as well as we would have expected to the erratic trading
conditions. We have been positively surprised at the levels of activity in
New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and some parts of Europe, and this has been
reflected in our estimated weekly profits in April and May. The Americas
region has seen less activity than others, and appears to be the one region
that will take more time for us to see a significant level of recovery.
The actions taken by the business to reduce costs and adapt to the economic
changes is providing a measure of assurance for the year ahead. Our sales
teams are very active and we are gaining new business.
We have full confidence in our strategies, network, customers - and most
importantly, our people - to deliver improving results as we progress through
a period of uncertain economic recovery.
We remain cautiously optimistic.
Mainfreight will release its financial results for the first half of the 2021
financial year to the market on 11 November 2020.
For further information, please contact Don Braid, Group Managing Director,
telephone +64 9 259 5503, +64 274 961 637 or email don@mainfreight.com.
End CA:00353746 For:MFT Type:FLLYR Time:2020-05-27 08:31:25
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