NEXANS DELIVERS ROBUST PERFORMANCE IN 2023
_PRESS RELEASE_
- 2023 standard sales of €6.5 billion, €7.8 billion current sales, strong profitability expansion and excellent cash generation
- Nexans delivered on all its objectives, which were upgraded last July, confirming the depth of its transformation year after year
- Adj. EBITDA1 at a historic high of €665 million, up +8% year-on-year, and adj. EBITDA margin at 10.2%; EBITDA including share-based payments at €652 million, outperforming target
- Focus on value added solutions (SHIFT Prime) generating +€20 million incremental EBITDA in its Electrification businesses
- Outstanding Normalized FCF at €454 million, reflecting strict management of working capital and Generation & Transmission’s adjusted backlog growth
- Strong balance sheet maintained with net debt at €214 million and a 0.4x leverage ratio
- Proposed dividend up +10% to €2.30 per share
- Electrification Pure Player profile strengthened by M&A and investments
- Acquisition of Reka Cables in Finland with integration progressing ahead of plan, finalization of the divestment of Telecom Systems activity
- MoU signed to expand medium voltage capacities in Morocco and serve the booming demand for the grid in the region
- Halden high-voltage plant capacity extension completed early 2024 and new cable-laying vessel construction on track to deliver record Generation & Transmission adjusted backlog of €6.1 billion
- Continued progress in CSR performance: -36% decrease in Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions ahead of SBTi targets
- Full-year 2024 guidance announced:
- Adj. EBITDA of between €670 and 730 million
- Normalized Free Cash Flow of between €200 and 300 million
- Capital Markets Day to be held on November 13th, 2024
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Paris, February 15, 2024 – Nexans, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems to power the world, announces its financial results for the fiscal year 2023. The results were approved by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2024. Commenting on the Group’s 2023 results, Christopher Guérin, Nexans’ Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Nexans’ robust performance in 2023 once again demonstrated the scale of our disciplined transformation since 2019. We delivered a record adj. EBITDA margin, and exceeded normalized free cash flow generation expectations. I would like to thank all our employees, who are the driving force behind our journey.
We made considerable progress on our sustainability agenda with GHG emissions at –36% versus 2019 (Scopes 1, 2 and 3), extending the deployment of our E3 performance model across our units.
On the acquisition front, we finalized a high-quality acquisition, with Reka Cables in Finland, and exited the Telecom Systems business, strengthening the Group’s profile, now resolutely focused on sustainable Electrification. The recent announcement of the signed agreement2 to acquire La Triveneta Cavi in Italy, with recognized excellence within the European low-voltage segment, is an additional milestone in our journey to become a global Electrification Pure Player.
Despite the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, we are entering 2024 with confidence and expect another year shaped by strong performance.”
2023 KEY FIGURES
| (in millions of euros) | 2022 | 2023 |
| Sales at current metal prices | 8,369 | 7,790 |
| Sales at standard metal prices3 | 6,745 | 6,512 |
| Organic growth | +6.3% | -0.9% |
| Adj. EBITDA4 | 616 | 665 |
| Adj. EBITDA as a % of standard sales | 9.1% | 10.2% |
| Specific operating items | (16) | (53) |
| Depreciation and amortization | (180) | (179) |
| Operating margin | 420 | 432 |
| Reorganization costs | (39) | (49) |
| Other operating items | 14 | (9) |
| Operating income | 395 | 374 |
| Net financial income (loss) | (57) | (83) |
| Income taxes | (90) | (68) |
| Net income | 248 | 223 |
| Net debt | 182 | 214 |
| Normalized free cash-flow | 393 | 454 |
| ROCE | 20.5% | 20.7% |
2023 BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
In 2023, sales at standard metal prices reached €6,512 million. At constant scope and currency, organic growth was -0.9% compared to 2022, and +3.0% excluding Other activities, which are being scaled-down in line with the Group’s strategy. Electrification businesses (Generation & Transmission, Distribution, and Usage) declined by -1.5% organically reflecting (i) the exit from the Umbilical activity in the Generation & Transmission segment, (ii) the focus on profitability and product mix toward higher value-added solutions despite some normalization in the Usage segment, and (iii) excellent momentum in the Distribution segment on the back of buoyant utilities demand. The Non-electrification business was up +13.7% reflecting new developments in Auto-harnesses, recovery in Aerospace and solid momentum in Mining, while Other activities continued to be downsized by a strong -17.9% organically compared to 2022.
The scope effect included the positive contribution of two acquisitions in the Distribution and Usage businesses, partly offset by the divestment of the Telecom Systems business, Aginode, finalized in October 2023. After successfully acquiring Centelsa in Colombia in 2022, and achieving over €12 million in synergies one year ahead of schedule thanks to the SHIFT programs roll-out, Nexans is continuing its strategy of expansion in Electrification markets. On April 26, 2023, the Group completed the acquisition of Reka Cables in Finland. Nexans anticipates €11 million in recurring synergies after full ramp-up, meaning +€4 million run-rate synergies to be delivered 6 to 12 months ahead of the initial plan. These two acquisitions add €500 million current sales in Electrification and enhance Nexans' global portfolio in key segments.
Adjusted EBITDA reached €665 million in 2023, up by a strong +8.2% versus €616 million in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA margin was strong at 10.2% versus 9.1% in 2022, supported by cable businesses and illustrating Nexans’ value-driven model and embedded focus on performance. Electrification achieved a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.5% in 2023 thanks to the product mix shift toward innovative, higher value-added solutions, and structural profitability improvements in the Distribution and Usage segments, more than offsetting the decline in the Generation & Transmission segment affected by one-offs in the first half of the year.
In 2023, specific operating items included €13 million related to share-based payment expenses, and €40 million in relation to additional costs on long-term projects impacted by past reorganizations. These additional costs led to subsequent losses at completion which are not representative of the actual business performance. In 2022, EBITDA included €16 million of specific operating items related to share-based payment expenses.
EBITDA (including share-based payment expenses) amounted to €652 million in 2023, above the guidance upgraded in July, versus €599 million in 2022.
ROCE pursued its record-high trajectory, reaching 20.7% for the Group (20.5% in 2022), and 26.4% for the Electrification businesses.
Operating margin totaled €432 million in 2023, representing 6.6% of sales at standard metal prices (versus 6.2% in 2022).
The Group ended 2023 with operating income of €374 million, compared with €395 million in 2022. The main changes were as follows:
- Reorganization costs amounted to €49 million in 2023 versus €39 million in 2022. In 2023, this amount mainly included costs for the on-going termination of Umbilical projects in Norway, restructuring actions to implement a leaner organization, as well as costs related to new transformation actions launched during the period.
- The core exposure effect was a negative €12 million in 2023 versus a negative €30 million in 2022.
- Other operating income and expenses represented net income of €1 million in 2023, versus €46 million in 2022, of which:
- Net asset impairment for €23 million in 2023, versus zero in 2022. In 2023, the reversal of impairment was related to Australia and to the Amercable unit in the United States, both on the back of the continued stronger performance.
- Net losses on asset disposals amounted to €9 million in 2023, mainly related to the disposal of the Telecom Systems business and of an equity investment. In 2022, the net gain of €54 million was mainly related to the sale of the Hanover property in Germany.
The net financial expenses amounted to €(83) million in 2023, compared with €(57) million during the same period last year. The decrease is mainly related to the higher cost of net debt, as well as a negative currency impact.
Income tax expense stood at €68 million, down from €90 million in 2022. The tax rate amounted to 18% of operating income in 2023 as a result of higher deferred tax assets recognition.
Net income thus amounted to €223 million in 2023, versus €248 million in 2022, representing €5.1 per share.
CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
Normalized free cash flow grew by a strong 16% year-on-year to €454 million, in line with the Group’s solid operating performance and reflecting the strict management of working capital. Cash from operations was a strong €511 million in 2023. Change in working capital amounted to €287 million on the back of high Generation & Transmission project related advance payments. Thus, operating working capital represented 0.3% of the Group’s annual sales at December 31, 2023 (2.7% at December 31, 2022), below its normative level of ≤6%. The Normalized free cash flow also included a reorganization cash impact of €98 million in 2023, up year-on-year, mainly due to a non-recurring loss at completion in a Generation & Transmission project. Recurring capital expenditure amounted to €178 million (€141 million in 2022), representing 2.7% of Group standard sales in 2023. Normalized free cash flow also included financial interest for €73 million (€48 million in 2022), and other investing impacts for a negative €23 million (vs a positive €13 million in 2022).
Calculated based on normalized free cash flow, the adjusted EBITDA to cash conversion rate was 68%.
Free cash flow before M&A reached €234 million for the year (€271 million in 2022), and included strategic capital expenditure in the Generation & Transmission business of €199 million (€157 million in 2022), corresponding mainly to the expansion of the Halden plant in Norway, and the investment in a third cable-laying vessel. Thus, for full-year 2023, total capital expenditure amounted to €377 million. On top of strategic capital expenditure, the other items differing between normalized free cash flow and free cash flow before M&A corresponded to Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of €6 million in 2023 (€60 million in 2022) and normative project tax cash-out for €28 million (€25 million in 2022).
Net cash flow from M&A amounted to a net outflow of €79 million in 2023 and mainly included the acquisition of Reka Cables in Finland, as well as the divestment of Aginode. In 2022, this figure was a net outflow of €255 million related to the acquisition of Centelsa.
Equity operations included the payment of the 2022 dividend of €2.10 per share for a total amount of €93 million, and share buybacks for €6 million. There was a net outflow of €87 million related to unfavorable foreign exchange fluctuations and new leases liabilities.
Net debt remained well under control at €214 million at December 31, 2023, from €182 million at December 31, 2022, representing a 0.4x leverage ratio as per covenant definition5.
The Board of Directors decided that, at the Annual General Meeting of May 16, 2024, it will recommend a dividend payment of €2.30 per share in respect of 2023, a 9.5% increase versus the prior year, in line with the policy of increasing progressively the dividend as a mark of its confidence in the Group’s prospects.
SUSTAINABILITY
Committed to electrifying the future with impact, the Group is recognized by rating agencies as one of the best industry performers in terms of social responsibility. Nexans improved its Ecovadis score which reached 80 out of 100 (Top 1%), and increased its CDP Climate rating to A, joining the prestigious Climate “A list”. The Group was also included in the CAC® SBTi 1.5 index. These results demonstrate Nexans’ commitments to sustainability and the Group’s continued improvement over many years. Notable developments in 2023 included:
- The accelerated deployment of the E3 performance model to ensure the convergence of Economic, Engagement and Environment pillars. Some 300 managers were onboarded across the Group and for the first time, business leaders for Electrification sites were set Economic and Environmental targets.
- The reinforcement of Nexans’ commitments to fight global warming with the presentation of its updated Climate plan at its Annual General Meeting. In line with the expectations of the Paris Agreement to contain global warming at 1.5°C above preindustrial levels by the end of the century, the Group has set itself an ambitious target, based on the SBTi (Science Based Target initiative) approach targeting a 46% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 2019, and a 30% decrease in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. The company is also committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 for all scopes.
- Expansion of the Group’s sustainable offering with the launch of a new range of low-carbon medium voltage cables. By adopting a holistic approach all along the value chain, the Group reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of its low- and medium-voltage cables by 35% to 50% versus standard cables. Furthermore, the Group made significant progress with Trimet in their joint development project to improve the eco-balance of power cables by incorporating recycled aluminum content in the production of aluminum rods used.
2023 PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT
| GENERATION & TRANSMISSION (13% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)
| (in millions of euros) | 20226 | 2023 |
| Sales at standard metal prices | 958 | 870 |
| Organic growth | +11.6% | +0.8% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 159 | 83 |
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of standard sales | 16.6% | 9.5% |
Generation & Transmission standard sales came in at €870 million in 2023, up +0.8% organically compared to 2022, and +17% excluding the Umbilicals activity which the Group is currently discontinuing. Business was strong in the fourth quarter due to the execution of Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind 1 in the United States and the Tyrrhenian Link projects.
Despite the rebound initiated in the second half of 2023, the segment’s adjusted EBITDA reached €83 million in 2023, down -48% compared to 2022. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.5% in 2023, versus 16.6% in 2022. The gradual margin upturn in the second half of 2023 to 10.8% (versus 7.8% in the first half) came from improved project execution, and the US-based Charleston plant being fully ramped-up, partially offsetting the dilutive impact of the execution of legacy projects and unfavorable currency effect.
Customer activity remained robust, and in line with its risk-reward selectivity approach, the segment’s adjusted backlog reached €6.1 billion at December 31, 2023, up by 74% compared to December 31, 2022, boosted by the fourth-quarter order for the Great Sea Interconnector (formerly EuroAsia) and the Orkney project in the United Kingdom. On December 22, 2023, Nexans received an advance payment from IPTO as part of the First Notice to Proceed of the Great Sea Interconnector. This marked the first significant step in the contract signed last July.
The robust visibility of manufacturing and installation asset loads has been extended through 2030. Strategic investments continued as planned throughout the year, with the completion of the Halden plant extension in Norway early 2024 and the launch of an investment for a third cable-laying vessel to address substantial backlog growth.
| DISTRIBUTION (18% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)
| (in millions of euros) | 20226 | 2023 |
| Sales at standard metal prices | 1,088 | 1,186 |
| Organic growth | +12.2% | +4.5% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 88 | 156 |
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of standard sales | 8.1% | 13.2% |
Standard sales in the Distribution segment rose organically by +4.5% compared with 2022 to €1,186 million. Demand was solid reflecting secular megatrends, including grid modernization and renewable energy projects in Europe and North America. South America and Asia Pacific were slower due to the timing of orders, while the Middle East and Africa remained strong. In this context, the Group announced the signing of an MoU to build a new plant in Morocco the expand its production capacities.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by a sharp 78% year-on-year to €156 million, supported by new frame-agreements, operational excellence and the contribution from the Reka Cables acquisition completed in April 2023. In this context, the adjusted EBITDA margin reached a record 13.2%, compared with 8.1% in 2022.
| USAGE (26% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)
| (in millions of euros) | 20226 | 2023 |
| Sales at standard metal prices | 1,837 | 1,679 |
| Organic growth | +13.5% | -6.3% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 221 | 229 |
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of standard sales | 12.0% | 13.6% |
Standard sales in the Usage segment amounted to €1,679 million in 2023. Sales were down -6.3% organically compared with the prior year, reflecting the normalization of volumes mainly in Canada as anticipated. The Group benefited from a continued product mix improvement toward higher value-added solutions, driven by the accelerated pace of adoption of fire safety cables and the launch of new products and solutions. In this context, the Group announced the launch of a €40 million investment program over the next three years at its Autun site in France, in order to accelerate its industry 4.0 and fire safety offer. Europe was resilient despite the construction slowdown in some areas and destocking in the fourth quarter. Demand was weak in Asia Pacific, while Middle East and Africa remained well-oriented.
Adjusted EBITDA reached €229 million, up by 3.7% year-on-year, supported by sustained strength in pricing by higher value-added solutions, and the contribution from Reka Cables starting April 30, 2023, offset by a negative currency effect mainly reflecting the depreciation of Canadian currency and the devaluation of the Turkish currency. In this context, adjusted EBITDA margin reached the high level of 13.6% (vs 12.0% in 2022).
| NON-ELECTRIFICATION (Industry & Solutions) (27% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)
| (in millions of euros) | 20226 | 2023 |
| Sales at standard metal prices | 1,559 | 1,750 |
| Organic growth | +12.3% | +13.7% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 135 | 185 |
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of standard sales | 8.6% | 10.6% |
Standard sales in the Industry & Solutions segment were €1,750 million in 2023, representing strong organic year-on-year growth of +13.7% supported by solid momentum in Auto-harnesses, Shipbuilding, Rail and Mining, as well as a recovery in Aerospace. Automation witnessed a slowdown in the second half reflecting weakening orders after a period of solid execution.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by +37% to €185 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.6%, versus 8.6% last year, reflecting operational improvements and product mix.
| OTHER ACTIVITIES (16% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)
| (in millions of euros) | 20226 | 2023 |
| Sales at standard metal prices | 1,302 | 1,026 |
| Organic growth | -13.6% | -17.9% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 13 | 13 |
The Other Activities segment – corresponding for the most part to copper wire and telecom sales, and including corporate structural costs that cannot be allocated to other segments – reported standard sales of €1,026 million in 2023. Sales were down -17.9% organically year-on-year, mainly linked to the Group’s strategy to reduce copper wire external sales through tolling agreements in order to mitigate their dilutive effect.
The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was stable at €13 million in 2023, versus €13 million in 2022, reflecting profitability enhancement within the Metallurgy activity, more than offsetting the divestment of Aginode which marked the exit of the Group from the Telecom System business. Starting 2023, the segment’s adjusted EBITDA excluded share-based payment expenses amounting to €16 million in 2022 and €13 million in 2023.
2024 OUTLOOK
In 2024, Nexans expects to benefit from continued buoyant market demand, supported by global megatrends in electrification, as well as its structural transformation and value-added solutions to support its growth and profitability improvements. The Distribution market is currently entering a hyper cycle of investment. The record risk-reward backlog in Generation & Transmission provides solid visibility, and the Group will benefit from the contribution of the ramp-up of the Halden plant in Norway.
At the beginning of the year, the macroeconomic context is marked by ongoing weak demand in some geographies in construction. Countries affected in 2023, proved to be resilient thanks to value-added offers, customer selectivity and the strong focus on cash generation. In this demanding context, some initiatives are already in place and Nexans will draw on the agility and commitment of its teams to adapt to changes and continue to focus on cash generation. A progressive improvement is expected throughout the year and datacenters, industrial and mobility markets are expected to remain resilient.
In this context for 2024, assuming there are no conjunctural effects and excluding non-closed acquisitions and divestments, Nexans expects to achieve:
- Adjusted EBITDA of between €670 and 730 million;
- Normalized Free Cash Flow of between €200 and 300 million.
Moreover, the Group is confirming its 2024 Capital Markets Day targets and will continue the implementation of its strategic roadmap and priorities.
The full-year 2023 press release and presentation slides are available in the Investor Relations Results section at Nexans - Financial results.
A conference call is scheduled today at 9:00 a.m. CET. Please find below the access details:
Webcast
https://channel.royalcast.com/nexans/#!/nexans/20240215_1
Audio dial-in
- International switchboard: +44 (0) 33 0551 0200
- France: +33 (0) 1 70 37 71 66
- United Kingdom: +44 (0) 33 0551 0200
- United States: +1 786 697 3501
Confirmation code: Nexans
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Financial calendar
April 24th, 2024: 2024 first-quarter financial information
May 16th, 2024: Annual General Meeting
July 24th, 2024: 2024 first-half earnings
November 13th, 2024: Capital Markets Day
About Nexans
For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28,500 people in 41 countries, the Group is paving the way to a new world of safe, sustainable and decarbonized electricity that is accessible to everyone. In 2023, Nexans generated €6.5 billion in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives, bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and has committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Nexans. Electrify the Future.
Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A.
For more information, please visit www.nexans.com
Contacts
| Investor relations | Communication |
| Elodie Robbe-Mouillot Tel.: +33 (0)1 78 15 03 87 elodie.robbe-mouillot@nexans.com | Mael Evin (Havas Paris) Tel.: +33 (0)6 44 12 14 91 mael.evin@havas.com |
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