- Revenue growth of 7%, including organic growth of 2.2%
-
Operating profit up 8.6% excluding the currency effect and operating margin up 30 basis points due to:
- The benefits from the operational efficiency improvement and cost reduction program
- An improving profitability in On-site Services
- A rise in operating profit for Benefits and Rewards Services activity, up 17% excluding currency effect
- Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent up +17.6% excluding the currency effect
- Fiscal 2015 objectives confirmed
ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France, April 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sodexo (NYSE Euronext Paris FR 0000121220-OTC: SDXAY). At the Board of Directors' meeting on April 14, 2015, chaired by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo Chief Executive Officer Michel Landel presented the Group's performance for the first half of Fiscal 2015 which ended on February 28, 2015.
Financial performance for the first half of Fiscal 2015:
| (in millions of euro) |
First Half Fiscal 2015 (as of February 28, 2015) |
First Half Fiscal 2014 (as of February 28, 2014) |
Change (excluding currency effect) |
Currency effect | Total change |
| Revenues | 9,931 | 9,283 | +2.2% | +4.8% | +7.0% |
| Organic growth | +2.2% | +2.4% | |||
| Operating profit before exceptional expenses1 | 620 | 559 | +8.6% | +2.3% | +10.9% |
| Operating margin before exceptional expenses1 | 6.2% | 5.9% | |||
| Exceptional expenses | 0 | (30) | |||
| Operating profit (reported)( | 620 | 529 | +14.7% | +2.5% | +17.2% |
| Effective tax rate | 35.5% | 36.0% | |||
|
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent |
343 | 278 | +17.6% | +5.8% | +23.4% |
Commenting on these figures, Sodexo CEO Michel Landel said:
"The results for the first half of fiscal 2015 are in line with our expectations. These results continue to show the effects of our different actions in terms of productivity, for all our activities. Thus we confirm our objectives for the full fiscal year".
Revenues
Consolidated revenues for the first half of Fiscal 2015 were 9.9 billion euro, an increase of 7% from the prior year period. Currency effects for the period were positive for most currencies, impacting revenues as well as other line items in the statement of income.
Organic growth
Organic revenue growth in the first half of Fiscal 2015 was 2.2%.
Organic growth in On-site Services of 1.9% was driven by:
- The success of integrated Quality of Life services offers in the United Kingdom and Ireland,
- Good growth dynamics in the Corporate segment in North America thanks to facilities management expertise and
- A return to growth in Remote Site revenues.
Included in this activity are revenues from facilities management services, representing nearly 30% of the consolidated total, which continue to grow significantly faster than foodservices, again confirming the relevance of the Group's strategic positioning. Organic growth in facilities management services revenues exceeded 6% for the period.
Organic growth in the Corporate segment was 3.9%. This performance is explained by several contrasting factors:
- The relevance of integrated Quality of Life Services offers in all geographic regions, due in particular to their technical maintenance services component.
- The return to growth in the Remote Sites activity, thanks to the many contracts won during Fiscal 2014, mainly in Latin America and Australia.
- The continued decline in foodservices volumes, especially in Europe, as clients maintained their efforts to achieve additional cost savings and reduce headcount.
The 0.1% organic growth in the Health Care and Seniors segment was mainly due to modest new business development in Fiscal 2014, and also to the impact of the decision to terminate part of the HCR ManorCare contract in the United States at the end of Fiscal 2014.
Education segment revenues declined by 0.4% at a constant consolidation scope and currency exchange rates, and reflected continued growth on existing American university campus sites. This impact was offset by the decision to terminate a contract with public schools in the city of Detroit, in the United States. Revenue growth was also strong in emerging countries, where Sodexo leveraged its expertise in serving Education segment clients.
The decisions to terminate under-performing contracts as part of the program to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs had a negative impact of 105 million euro on the activity's revenues. Excluding the impact of these decisions, organic growth in On-site services would have been 3.1%
Organic growth in Benefits and Rewards Services of nearly 10% reflected continued strong momentum in Latin America.
Operating profit
Reported operating profit was 620 million euro, an increase of 17.2% as reported and 14.7% excluding the currency effect.
Operating profit for the first half of Fiscal 2014 included 30 million euro of exceptional charges related to the program to improve operating efficiency and reduce costs. Excluding these costs from the operating profit for the first half of Fiscal 2014, the increase is 10.9% at current currency exchange rates and 8.6% excluding currency effects.
Operating profit for the first half of Fiscal 2015 reflects increases (excluding currency effects) as follows:
- 7.1% in North America
- 9.7% in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and
- Nearly 28% in the Rest of the World (Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and remote sites)
In Continental Europe, operating profit was more or less stable compared to the prior year period.
In addition, higher issue volumes and stringent cost control led to an increase in operating profit for the Benefits and Rewards Services activity of 17% before currency effects. After taking account of exchange rate variations in Latin America, operating profit growth in this activity was limited to 3.3% at constant exchange rate.
These performances take into account the 35 million euro in additional savings generated during the period by the program to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, raising the total savings obtained since the program was launched in Fiscal 2013 to 135 million euro. It should be noted that this program was launched in September 2012 and ended in February 2014. The program's objective was to reduce overheads and on-site operating costs. Most of the exceptional charges represented net costs to exit certain contracts or activities determined to be insufficiently profitable, as well as costs related to various cost reduction measures and restructuring costs in several countries worldwide.
The consolidated operating margin was 6.2% versus 5.9% in the first half of Fiscal 2014.
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent
With the reduction in net financing costs and the slightly lower effective tax rate, profit attributable to equity holders of the parent was 343 million euro, up 23.4% as reported or 17.6% excluding the currency effect. It should also be noted that Group net profit for the first half of the prior year included exceptional expenses related to the operational efficiency and cost reduction program.
Financial position
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to 235 million euro, a marked improvement (+29%) over the first half of Fiscal 2014 that notably resulted from the sharp rise in operating profit.
The seasonality of the Group's activities generally leads to negative cash flow in the first half of the year before improving in the second half to generate positive cash flow for the full year.
Net cash used in financing activities increased sharply as a result of the reimbursement of an 880 million euro bond issue in January 2015.
Net debt as of February 28, 2015 was 805 million euro vs. 674 million euro as of February 28, 2014 and represented 23% of consolidated shareholders' equity as compared to 23% as of February 28, 2014 demonstrating Sodexo's very solid financial position.
Acquisitions of the period
In the Benefits and Rewards activity Sodexo finalized the acquisition of Motivcom plc, a leading rewards and employee benefits provider to corporates in the United Kingdom, on November 21, 2014. The total consideration of this transaction was 41 million pounds. With this acquisition, Sodexo offers a more comprehensive incentive and recognition proposition to companies of all sizes, thereby strengthening its global offer of services which improve Quality of Life.
Economic, social and environmental responsibility
Sodexo's commitment to economic, social and environmental responsibility has been further demonstrated during the first half of Fiscal 2015. Initiatives included:
- In January 2015, for the 8th consecutive year, Sodexo confirmed its leadership in corporate social responsibility when it was classified as the industry's best performing company in the benchmark RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook. The Group was given the award for Industry Leader, as well as the only Gold Class award in its sector.
- Sodexo is the first international company to participate in the Aon Hewitt Certified Best Employer program. Seventeen countries representing the Group's three activities were certified Best Employer by Aon Hewitt in driving high employee engagement, effective leadership, a high performance culture and a compelling employer brand strategy.
- Sodexo topped the French Ministry of Women's Rights' league table of SBF 120 companies for gender balance within its leadership team. This award recognizes that 43% of Sodexo's Executive Committee and 38% of its Board of Directors are women, the creation of strong women's networks throughout the global organization and a commitment to gender equality at the heart of its strategy and performance.
Outlook
At the April 14, 2015 Board of Directors' meeting, Chief Executive Officer Michel Landel reminded the Board of the relevance of the Group's long-term strategy, founded on a unique Quality of Life Services offering, a global network in 80 countries for its activities, and uncontested leadership in emerging countries.
As announced in November 2014, the Group's objectives for Fiscal 2015 are as follows:
- Organic revenue growth of around 3%.
-
Around 10% growth in operating profit (at constant exchange rates and excluding exceptional items)
leading to a further improvement in operating margin for Fiscal 2015 and a 0.8% overall increase in operating margin, excluding the currency effect, for Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2015, in line with the objective set in November 2013.
Michel Landel also noted that senior management was firmly focused on enhancing competitiveness. These initiatives pursued over the last several years allow Sodexo to continue its investments, in particular in the area of human resources, in order to accelerate growth and continue the Group's transformation. Accordingly, Michel Landel confirmed to the Board of Directors his confidence in the Group's ability to meet its medium-term objectives.
Conference Call
Sodexo will hold a conference call (in English) today at 8:30 am (French time) to comment on the results for the first half of Fiscal 2015. This presentation can be followed live via webcast on www.sodexo.com.
The press release, presentation and webcast will be available on the Group's website www.sodexo.com, under the "Latest News" section, and the "Finance - Financial Results" section.
A recording of the conference call will be available until April 30, 2015 by dialing + 44 (0) 1452 550 000, followed by the passcode 87 22 26 72.
Financial calendar
| Nine months Fiscal 2015 revenues | July 8, 2015 |
| Fiscal 2015 results | November 19, 2015 |
| Annual Shareholders' Meeting, Fiscal 2016 | January 19, 2016 |
About Sodexo
Founded in 1966 in Marseille by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 80 countries, Sodexo serves 75 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Through its more than 100 services, Sodexo provides clients an integrated offering developed over more than 45 years of experience: from reception, maintenance and cleaning, to foodservices and facilities and equipment management; from Meal Pass, Gift Pass and Mobility Pass benefits for employees to in-home assistance and concierge services. Sodexo's success and performance are founded on its independence, its business and financial model and its ability to continuously develop and engage its 420,000 employees throughout the world.
|
Key figures (as of August 31, 2014) 18 billion euro in consolidated revenues 420,000 employees 18th largest employer worldwide 80 countries 32,700 sites 75 million consumers served daily 14.7 billion euro in market capitalization (as of April 15, 2015) |
Forward-looking statements:
This press release contains statements that may be considered as forward-looking and as such may not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements represent management's views as of the date they are made and Sodexo assumes no obligation to update them. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Main risks and uncertainties
The main risks and uncertainties are not materially different from those identified by the Group in the "Risk Factors" section of the Fiscal 2014 Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers on November 17, 2014, except for those related to Sodexo's business in Venezuela which are described in Appendix 3.
Contacts
| Analysts and Investors | Media |
|
Pierre BENAICH Tel & Fax: +33 1 57 75 80 56 e-mail: pierre.benaich@sodexo.com |
Laura SCHALK Tel & Fax: +33 1 57 75 85 69 email: laura.schalk@sodexo.com |
APPENDIX 1
Comments by activity and by geographic region
Revenues by activity
| (in millions of euro) | First-half Fiscal 2015 | First-half Fiscal 2014 | Organic growth2 |
Change (at constant exchange rates) |
Change (at current exchange rates) |
| On-site Services | |||||
| North America | 4,014 | 3,579 | +1.5% | +1.1% | +12.1% |
| Continental Europe | 2,926 | 2,961 | -0.3% | -0.3% | -1.2% |
| Rest of the World | 1,745 | 1,635 | +4.1% | +4.1% | +6.7% |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | 821 | 707 | +8.4% | +8.4% | +16.1% |
| Total On-site Services | 9,506 | 8,882 | +1.9% | +1.8% | +7.0% |
| Benefits and Rewards Services | 428 | 404 | +9.8% | +12.8% | +6.1% |
| Elimination of intra-group revenues | (3) | (3) | |||
| TOTAL | 9,931 | 9,283 | +2.2% | +2.2% | +7.0% |
Operating profit by activity3
| (in millions of euro) | First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Change (at constant exchange rates) |
Change (at current exchange rates) |
| On-site Services | ||||
| North America | 284 | 238 | +7.1% | +19.3% |
| Continental Europe | 127 | 128 | +0.0% | -0.8% |
| Rest of the World | 74 | 54 | +27.8% | +37.0% |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | 36 | 31 | +9.7% | +16.1% |
| Total On-site Services | 521 | 451 | +7.8% | +15.5% |
| Benefits and Rewards Services | 158 | 153 | +17.0% | +3.3% |
| Corporate expenses | (56) | (42) | ||
| Elimination of intra-group revenues | (3) | (3) | ||
| TOTAL | 620 | 559 | +8.6% | +10.9% |
1. On-site Services
Revenues
By region:
| (in millions of euro) | First-half Fiscal 2015 | First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth |
Acquisitions | Currency effect |
Change (at current exchange rates) |
| On-site Services | ||||||
| North America | 4,014 | 3,579 | +1.5% | -0.4% | +11.0% | +12.1% |
| Continental Europe | 2,926 | 2,961 | -0.3% | - | -0.9% | -1.2% |
| Rest of the World | 1,745 | 1,635 | +4.1% | - | +2.6% | +6.7% |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | 821 | 707 | +8.4% | - | +7.7% | +16.1% |
| TOTAL | 9,506 | 8,882 | +1.9% | -0.1% | +5.2% | +7.0% |
By client segment:
| (in millions of euro) | First-half Fiscal 2015 | First-half Fiscal 2014 | Organic growth |
| Corporate | 4,848 | 4,544 | +3.9% |
| Health Care and Seniors | 2,297 | 2,148 | +0.1% |
| Education | 2,361 | 2,190 | -0.4% |
| TOTAL | 9,506 | 8,882 | +1.9% |
1.1 North America
Revenues
| (in millions of euro) |
First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Corporate | 945 | 820 | +6.6% | |||
| Health Care and Seniors | 1,350 | 1,224 | -1.0% | |||
| Education | 1,719 | 1,535 | +0.7% | |||
| TOTAL | 4,014 | 3,579 | +1.5% | -0.4% | +11.0% | +12.1% |
On-site Services revenues in North America totaled 4 billion euro in the first half of Fiscal 2015, an increase of 12.1% over the prior year period. Organic growth for the period was 1.5%.
Organic growth in the Corporate segment was 6.6%, reflecting the continued success of Facilities Management services offers for clients such as Bloomberg, Citigroup, Alcatel-Lucent and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as solid growth on sites in the Defense segment. A number of contracts were won during the period, with clients such as Archer Daniels Midland Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the California Academy of Sciences and Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
Revenues in the Health Care and Seniors segment declined by 1.0% due to the decision to terminate part of the contract with HCR ManorCare in Fiscal 2014 and also following the disposal of certain laundry activities. In addition, new business development was limited in Fiscal 2014. However, the signature of new contracts since the start of Fiscal 2015 provide further confirmation of the market's potential and should permit a return to growth. The contracts won in this segment included University of Louisville Hospital (Kentucky), Sutter General Hospital (California), Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center (Connecticut) and Vidant Medical Center for seven sites in North Carolina in the United States.
In Education, organic revenue growth was 0.7%. Growth remained strong in the Universities segment, led by increased sales of board plans, but revenues were nevertheless affected by the decision to terminate the contract with public schools in the city of Detroit, due to the city's financial difficulties and the risk of bad debts. Recent contract wins include the Medical University of South Carolina.
Operating profit
On-site Services operating profit in North America totaled 284 million euro, an increase of 19.3% compared to the prior year period. Excluding the currency effect, the increase was 7.1%.
The numerous measures undertaken as part of the Group's structured approach to improving productivity had a favorable impact during the period, especially measures to reflect inflation in pricing and other measures resulting in gains in on-site productivity, particularly in the Education segment.
Progress in these areas led to an improvement in the On-site Services operating margin in North America, to 7.1% from 6.6% in the first half of Fiscal 2014.
1.2 Continental Europe
Revenues
| (in millions of euro) |
First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Corporate | 1,744 | 1,728 | +2.1% | |||
| Health Care and Seniors | 681 | 702 | -2.6% | |||
| Education | 501 | 531 | -5.2% | |||
| TOTAL | 2,926 | 2,961 | -0.3% | - | -0.9% | -1.2% |
On-site Services revenues in Continental Europe were nearly 3 billion euro, a level consistent with the prior year period.
In the Corporate segment, organic growth was 2.1%, reflecting a further decline in foodservices volumes, particularly in France, Italy and Finland, and the adverse impact of the contract terminations decided between September 2012 and February 2014 as part of the program to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. These negative impacts were offset by the continued success of Sodexo's Quality of Life services offers, particularly those comprising extensive multi-technical services. In addition, revenues were boosted by the ramp-up of contracts signed in Fiscal 2014 with such clients as Carlsberg and Johnson & Johnson in several countries. New contracts signed during the period included ST Microelectronics and Immeuble Pacific in France and the national police service in the Netherlands.
The 2.6% decline in revenues in the Health Care and Seniors segment was mainly due to weak growth at existing sites, particularly in France, and limited new business development in the prior year. Contracts won during the first half of Fiscal 2015 included medical equipment supply contracts for communities in the Östergötland province and a further range of services for the Östergötland hospital in Sweden.
In the Education segment, the 5.2% decrease in revenues stemmed mainly from the decision made in Fiscal 2014 not to renew certain contracts in several countries, such as in Italy, as a result of pressure on school budgets. Contracts were won during the first half of 2015 with the Conseil Général des Yvelines and Ecole Supérieure d'Art et de Design in France and Tampere University of Technology (TTY) in Finland.
Operating profit
At 127 million euro, operating profit from On-site Services in Continental Europe remained stable compared to the first half of Fiscal 2014. Operating margin was 4.3%, consistent with the prior year period. Sodexo's teams were able to adapt their offers in most countries in response to client efforts to cut costs, while simultaneously improving profitability. Nevertheless, steep food cost inflation in Russia, linked to the geo-political situation, and start-up costs for new contracts in the Benelux region adversely affected the region's contribution to growth in On-site Services operating profit.
1.3 Rest of the World (Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and Remote Sites)
Revenues
| (in millions of euro) |
First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Corporate | 1,578 | 1,493 | +3.0% | |||
| Health Care and Seniors | 98 | 81 | +21.8% | |||
| Education | 69 | 61 | +7.7% | |||
| TOTAL | 1,745 | 1,635 | +4.1% | - | +2.6% | +6.7% |
In the Rest of the World (Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and Remote Sites), Sodexo reaffirmed its leadership in emerging and high potential countries. Revenues for the first half of Fiscal 2015 totaled 1.7 billion euro.
Organic growth in On-site Services revenues in the Rest of the World was 4.1%. Remote Sites (which represented 44% of revenues in the Rest of the World in Fiscal 2014) returned to growth in the first half of Fiscal 2015, generating organic growth of more than 6% thanks to strong sales development in Fiscal 2014 when contract wins included Woodside Energy and Groote Eylandt with Gemco (BHP Billiton) in Australia and Petrex in Peru and, more recently, Mineral Resources/Jerriwah Village in Australia and Compania Minera Nevada in Chile.
Excluding Remote Sites, organic growth in the Rest of the World was 2.4%, reflecting sustained growth in demand for Quality of Life Services in the Health Care and Education segments, but also the short term consequences of the severe economic slowdown in Latin America, especially in Brazil.
In the Corporate segment, organic revenue growth of 3.0% reflected the development in the Remote Sites activity as described above and an increase in other services provided to corporate clients. Strong growth was recorded in India and Southeast Asia. Many contracts were signed in emerging countries, with such clients as Vipshop e-business Company in China, Hyundai SARB in the United Arab Emirates, and Queiroz Galvao, Tivit and Heinz in Brazil.
The 21.8% organic revenue growth in the Health Care and Seniors segment was led by strong performance and commercial successes, notably in India, Brazil and Southeast Asia. The pace of solid revenue growth, achieved by leveraging Sodexo's worldwide expertise in the Health Care and Seniors segment, effectively illustrates the relevance of the Group's global approach by client segment. During the first half of Fiscal 2015, Sodexo won a number of contracts, including with the Rio de Janeiro Perinatal Hospital in Brazil, the Star Castle retirement home in China and Cyberabad Citizens Health Services in India.
Growth in Education also remained solid both in Latin America and in Asia, contributing organic growth of 7.7%.
Operating profit
On-site Services operating profit in the Rest of the World rose 37% to 74 million euro. Excluding the currency effect, the increase was 27.8%. This excellent performance was attributable to productivity gains in most regions and to short term volume and activity levels, particularly in the offshore drilling market.
1.4 United Kingdom and Ireland
Revenues
| (in millions of euro) |
First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Corporate | 581 | 503 | +8.1% | |||
| Health Care and Seniors | 168 | 141 | +10.9% | |||
| Education | 72 | 63 | +5.2% | |||
| TOTAL | 821 | 707 | +8.4% | - | +7.7% | +16.1% |
Revenues in the United Kingdom and Ireland rose 16.1% to 821 million euro, including organic growth at a high 8.4%.
In the Corporate segment, revenue growth accelerated to 8.1%, reflecting the performance of services with a significant facilities management component to clients such as GSK, Rexam, Carlsberg and Zurich as well as non-recurring services supplied to support the launch of the integrated services contract with Northumberland County Prison. Recent contract wins include Diageo, which chose Sodexo to provide Quality of Life Services at 76 sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sodexo was also chosen by the British government for the Transforming Rehabilitation Programme for offenders in six regions of the United Kingdom.
In Health Care and Seniors, organic growth accelerated to 10.9% thanks to the ramp-up of several contracts and service extensions at several hospitals, including the five London hospitals operated by Imperial College Healthcare.
In Education, the prestigious contract with University College London won in Fiscal 2014 helped to drive a return to growth in the first half of Fiscal 2015, with the 5.2% increase in revenues representing the segment's best performance since Fiscal 2012.
Operating profit
On-site Services operating profit in the United Kingdom and Ireland amounted to 36 million euro, up 16.1% or 9.7% excluding the currency effect. Despite the challenges of starting new contracts, operating profit grew at the same rate as revenues. As a result, operating margin was stable at 4.4%. Operating profit in the United Kingdom continued to include costs associated with the upcoming Rugby World Cup that were incurred and accounted for in the first half of Fiscal 2015 although the related revenues will be earned and recognized in Fiscal 2016.
2. Benefits and Rewards Services
Issue volume
| (in millions of euro) |
First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth4 |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Latin America | 4,030 | 4,038 | +12.3% | |||
| Europe and Asia | 4,590 | 4,300 | +3.1% | |||
| TOTAL | 8,620 | 8,338 | +7.2% | +1.4% | -5.2% | +3.4% |
Revenues
| (in millions of euro) | First-half Fiscal 2015 |
First-half Fiscal 2014 |
Organic growth4 |
Acquisitions | Currency effect | Total growth |
| Latin America | 229 | 223 | +17.7% | |||
| Europe and Asia | 199 | 181 | +1.4% | |||
| TOTAL | 428 | 404 | +9.8% | +3.0% | -6.7% | +6.1% |
The Benefits and Rewards Services activity maintained its strong growth dynamic observed in Fiscal 2014, with organic growth for the first half of Fiscal 2015 at 9.8%.
In Latin America, organic growth continued at a remarkable rate, with issue volume up 12.3% and revenue up 17.7%, supported in particular by solid advances in Brazil, Chile and Venezuela. This performance was mainly attributable to increased face values of vouchers and cards issued in Brazil and Venezuela, as well as the higher interest rate environment in these countries. Despite the temporary economic slow-down in those countries, Sodexo has continued to increase market penetration and add beneficiaries thanks to its relevant and diversified services. For example, Sodexo recorded notable contract gains in Chile - with the Junaeb - and in Brazil with the success of the Culture card issued to employees of the Brazilian Post Office (Correios).
In Europe and Asia, organic revenue growth was 1.4% on issue volume up 3.1%. These advances were attributable to new Quality of Life Services services and double-digit growth in Turkey, India and China. In Europe, despite the sluggish economy, revenues continued to grow in most countries, albeit at a modest rate.
Recent new awards included Samsung Electronics Indonesia, Crédit Agricole Touraine Poitou in France, Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer tunisiens in Tunisia, GE Medical Systems in Turkey and AXIS Bank Ltd in India.
Operating profit
Operating profit from Benefits and Rewards Services amounted to 158 million euro, up 3.3% as reported or 17% excluding the currency effect compared to the first half of Fiscal 2014.
The growth in operating profit was led by higher issue volume and improved efficiency in voucher and card processing costs and other operating expenses. At the same time, Sodexo continued to invest in research, innovation and development during the period, focusing on quality of life services.
Operating margin was 36.9% compared to 37.9% for the prior year period. In the first half of Fiscal 2014, an exchange rate of 1 U.S. dollar = 10.2 bolivars (1 euro = 14.1 bolivars) was used. Based on the bolivar exchange rate at August 31, 2014 of 1 U.S. dollar = 51.06 bolivars (1 euro = 67.34 bolivars), operating margin for the first half of Fiscal 2014 would have been 36.6%. Hence the increase in operating margin excluding the currency effect is 0.3%.
APPENDIX 2
Financial Statements for the first half of Fiscal 2015
(audited)
Consolidated income statement
| (in millions of euro) |
First Half Fiscal 2015 |
Change |
First Half Fiscal 2014 |
||
|
(millions of euro) |
% revenue |
(millions of euro) |
% revenue | ||
| Revenues | 9,931 | 100% | + 7.0% | 9,283 | 100% |
| Cost of sales | (8,349) | -84.1% | (7,850) | -84.6% | |
| Gross profit | 1,582 | 15.9% | +10.4% | 1,433 | 15.4% |
| Sales Department costs | (142) | -1.4% | (134) | -1.4% | |
| General and administrative costs | (804) | -8.1% | (790) | -8.5% | |
| Other operating income | 4 | 35 | 0.4% | ||
| Other operating costs | (22) | -0.2% | (20) | -0.2% | |
| Operating profit | 618 | 6.2% | +17.9% | 524 | 5.6% |
| Share of profit of companies consolidated by the equity method that directly contribute to the Group's business | 2 | 0.0% | 5 | 0.1% | |
| Operating profit after share of profit of certain companies consolidated by the equity method | 620 | 6.2% | +17.2% | 529 | 5.7% |
| Interest income | 25 | 0.3% | 6 | 0.1% | |
| Financing costs | (104) | -1.0% | (91) | -1.0% | |
| Share of profit of other companies consolidated by the equity method | 1 | 0.0% | 4 | 0.0% | |
| Profit before tax | 542 | 5.5% | +21.0% | 448 | 4.8% |
| Income tax expense | (191) | -1.9% | (158) | -1.7% | |
| PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD | 351 | 3.5% | +21.0% | 290 | 3.1% |
| Of which: | |||||
|
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests |
8 | 0.1% | 12 | 0.1% | |
| Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent | 343 | 3.5% | +23.4% | 278 | 3.0% |
Consolidated statement of financial position
| ASSETS | LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||
| (in millions of euro) | February 28, 2015 | August 31, 2014 | (in millions of euro) | February 28, 2015 | August 31, 2014 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
| Common stock | 628 | 628 | ||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,109 | 1,109 | ||||
|
Reserves and retained earnings |
1,777 | 1,452 | ||||
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent | 3,514 | 3,189 | ||||
| Non-controlling interests | 40 | 32 | ||||
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | Total shareholders' equity | 3,554 | 3,221 | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 600 | 555 | ||||
| Goodwill | 5,433 | 4,971 | NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||
| Other intangible assets | 538 | 524 | Borrowings | 2,763 | 2,895 | |
| Client investments | 440 | 361 |
Derivative financial instruments |
2 | 1 | |
|
Companies consolidated by the equity method |
70 | 60 | Employee benefits | 484 | 449 | |
|
Other non-current financial assets |
126 | 122 | Other non-current liabilities | 216 | 233 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | - | 17 | ||||
| Other non-current assets | 17 | 16 | Provisions | 101 | 104 | |
| Deferred tax assets | 223 | 226 | Deferred tax liabilities | 246 | 148 | |
| Total non-current assets | 7,447 | 6,852 | Total non-current liabilities | 3,812 | 3,830 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||
| Current financial assets | 26 | 8 | Bank overdrafts | 58 | 61 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 24 | 35 | Borrowings | 318 | 957 | |
| Inventories | 278 | 265 |
Derivative financial instruments |
10 | 15 | |
| Income tax receivable | 271 | 185 | Income tax payable | 131 | 132 | |
| Trade and other receivables | 4,401 | 3,627 | Provisions | 72 | 88 | |
| Restricted cash and financial assets related to the Benefits and Rewards Services activity | 749 | 758 | Trade and other payables | 4,018 | 3,592 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,573 | 2,748 | Vouchers payable | 2,796 | 2,582 | |
| Total current assets | 7,322 | 7,626 | Total current liabilities | 7,403 | 7,427 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 14,769 | 14,478 |
TOTAL LIABLITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
14,769 | 14,478 | |
Consolidated cash flow statement
| (in millions of euro) |
First Half Fiscal 2015 |
First Half Fiscal 2014 |
| Operating activities | ||
| Operating profit | 618 | 524 |
| Elimination of non-cash and non-operating items | ||
| Depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets | 129 | 125 |
| Provisions | (17) | 1 |
| Gains and losses on disposals and other | (3) | (28) |
| Dividends received from companies consolidated by the equity method | 4 | 5 |
| Change in working capital from operating activities | (248) | (194) |
| Change in inventories | 3 | 2 |
| Change in trade and other receivables | (586) | (415) |
| Change in trade and other payables | 93 | 101 |
| Change in vouchers payable | 218 | 174 |
| Change in financial assets related to the Benefits and Rewards Services activity | 24 | (56) |
| Interest paid | (125) | (105) |
| Interest received | 23 | 3 |
| Income tax paid | (146) | (149) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 235 | 182 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | (154) | (122) |
| Disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | 12 | 21 |
| Change in client investments | (18) | (40) |
| Change in financial assets | (7) | 5 |
| Acquisitions of subsidiaries | (45) | (48) |
| Dispositions of subsidiaries | - | - |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (212) | (184) |
| Financing activities | ||
| Dividends paid to parent company shareholders | (275) | (247) |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders of consolidated companies | (10) | (10) |
| Sales of treasury shares (net) | 1 | 32 |
| Increase in capital | - | - |
| Acquisitions of non-controlling interests | - | (1) |
| Proceeds from borrowings | 4 | 262 |
| Repayment of borrowings | (1,034) | (163) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (1,314) | (127) |
| CHANGE IN NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (1,291) | (129) |
| Net effect of exchange rates and other effects on cash | 119 | (40) |
| Net cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 2,687 | 1,307 |
| NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | 1,515 | 1,138 |
APPENDIX 3
Foreign currency effects
Sodexo operates in 80 countries. The impact of the most significant currencies on consolidated revenue and operating profit is presented below:
| Currency |
Change compared to the euro first-half Fiscal 2015 (in%) |
(in millions of euro) | ||
| Revenues | Operating profit | Profit for the period | ||
| Euro/USD | +11.5% | 397 | 29 | 13 |
| Euro/BRL | +0.8% | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Euro/GBP | +7.8% | 62 | 2 | 2 |
| Euro/VEF | -75.5% | (45) | (22) | (1) |
The following table shows changes in exchange rates for the main currencies used to convert the financial statements of subsidiaries compared with the first half of Fiscal 2014.
| Currency |
Closing rate as of February 28, 2015 |
Average rate First Half of Fiscal 2015 |
Closing rate as of February 28, 2014 |
Average rate First Half of Fiscal 2014 |
| U.S. dollar (USD) | 1.12 | 1.22 | 1.38 | 1.36 |
| Pound Sterling (GBP) | 0.73 | 0.78 | 0.83 | 0.84 |
| Real (BRL) | 3.26 | 3.12 | 3.21 | 3.15 |
| Bolivar (VEF) | 57.39 | 57.39 | 14.10 | 14.10 |
Additional Note on currency conversion for the Venezuelan Bolivar
Starting in Fiscal 2010, the Group decided to no longer use the official exchange rate set by the Venezuelan government, and instead exclusively use the actual exchange rate obtained in the Group's most recent currency transactions.
On March 24, 2014, the Venezuelan government created a new foreign exchange platform called SICAD II. On June 12, 2014, Sodexo carried out its first transaction on this platform, at the rate of 1 U.S. dollar = 52.10 bolivars (or 1 euro = 70.72 bolivars).
Continuing the conversion method used since 2010 and in the absence of any new transactions in the first half of Fiscal 2015, in the consolidated financial statements for this period, amounts denominated in Venezuelan bolivars continued to be converted at the rate used for the most recent transactions, which were carried out in August 2014. The rate applied is therefore 1 U.S. dollar = 51.06 bolivars and 1 euro = 57.39 bolivars as of February 28, 2015.
On February 10, 2015, the Venezuelan government announced the creation of a new foreign exchange platform called SIMADI (Marginal Currency Exchange System), which would replace the SICAD II system and lead to a devaluation of the bolivar against the dollar. As the system is very new, the Group considers that it would be premature to use it and has not carried out any SIMADI transactions.
Based on an exchange rate observed on SIMADI on February 26, 2015 of 1 U.S. dollar = approximately 173 bolivars, the impact on the Group's main financial indicators at February 28, 2015 would be as follows:
|
First-half Fiscal 2015 (in millions of euro) |
|||||
| Currency | Impact on revenues | Impact on operating profit | Impact on profit attributable to equity holders of the parent | Impact on total cash and cash equivalents | Impact on shareholders' equity |
| Bolivar (VEF) | (10) | (5) | (0.3) | (41) | (16) |
1 Before exceptional costs related to the operational efficiency improvement program in H1 2014.
2 Organic growth: change in revenues at constant consolidation scope and excluding currency effects ,with the exception of the Venezuelan Bolivar, for which the rate used for the first half of Fiscal 2014 was 1 USD = 51.06 Bolivar.
3 Excluding exceptional expenses recognized in the first half of Fiscal 2014 for the operational efficiency improvement and cost reduction program.
4 Organic growth: change in revenues at constant consolidation scope and excluding currency effects (with the exception of the Venezuelan Bolivar, for which the rate used for the first half of Fiscal 2014 was 1 USD = 51.06 Bolivar.
PR Sodexo First-half Fiscal 2015 results EN http://hugin.info/157633/R/1911582/682111.pdf
HUG#1911582