EANS-News: PUMA exceeds annual earnings expectations as it posts record sales of 3 billion Euros in 2011
15.02.2012 – 10:03
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The issuer/originator is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- annual result Herzogenaurach (euro adhoc) - PUMA exceeds annual earnings expectations as it posts record sales of 3 billion Euros in 2011 2011 Fourth Quarter Highlights Consolidated sales totaled in excess of EUR 720 million, a currency adjusted increase of 15.8% Gross profit margin improved to 46.7% despite continuing input price pressure EBIT rose by over 72% to EUR 48.1 million Net earnings more than doubled to EUR 33.1 million Consequently, EPS leapt from EUR 0.93 to EUR 2.21 Long-term sponsorship agreement signed with German football champions Borussia Dortmund Multi-year sponsorship of Mercedes GP Formula 1 team announced 2011 Full Year Highlights PUMA delivers on its EUR 3 billion sales target for 2011 Gross profit margin continues to be in the upper echelons of the industry at 49.6% EBIT rose by 8.6% to EUR 333.2 million Net earnings rose by nearly 14% to just over EUR 230 million EPS increased from EUR 13.45 to EUR 15.36 Outlook for the Financial Year 2012 Management is targeting high single digit sales growth in 2012. PUMA enters the second year of its "Back on the Attack" strategy, continuing with the execution of selective investments into the growth drivers. Management foresees an improvement of net earnings in mid single-digits for the full year. "I am pleased to see that our sales and earnings performance in the financial year 2011 bear testament to the fact that PUMA is "Back on The Attack", and that our 5-year growth plan is already having a positive impact", said Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA SE. "We managed to surpass our sales target this year, eclipsing EUR 3 billion in sales for the first time, while PUMA´s net earnings also beat management´s expectations. With the support of a strong sports marketing portfolio we are well on track to explore the opportunities of the sports year 2012 as well as achieve our 2015 goal of EUR 4 billion in sales. We expect a sales increase in the high single digits for this year." Americas region drives sales growth in the fourth quarter PUMA´s fourth-quarter consolidated sales rose strongly to over EUR 720 million, up 15.8% currency adjusted and 15.6% in Euro terms when compared to last year, and surpassing all of PUMA´s previous fourth quarter results. This exceptional performance was once again underpinned by all regions, despite the continued economic uncertainty stemming from the Euro-zone debt crisis, which continued unabated during the last three months of 2011. Sales growth in the Americas driven by strong performance in Latin America PUMA excelled again in the Americas, where sales grew by 27.8% currency adjusted to EUR 271 million. The Latin American market continued to be a significant growth driver for PUMA, and Motorsport remains the top performing category in the region. The situation in the US improved, and sales accelerated during the fourth quarter, while PUMA´s lifestyle products in particular resonated well with consumers. Despite reluctant consumer behavior amid the Euro-zone debt crisis, EMEA sales rose by 8.3% currency adjusted to EUR 237 million. The UK and France performed well, while Russia was at the forefront of improved performance in Eastern Europe. Lifestyle products in particular continued to perform well, while our participation in the Volvo Ocean Race boosted sales in PUMA´s Sailing category. Fitness also posted significant growth rates. Sales in Asia/Pacific improved by 11% currency adjusted to EUR 212 million. PUMA´s football shoes and lightweight running products, especially our FAAS range, continued to stand out, while growing demand came from outdoor products in the region. Results in Japan, India and Korea remained very strong while China grew at the expected rate. PUMA´s performance in terms of segments mirrors that of the regions, in that all of them contributed strongly to the impressive performance. Footwear sales came in at EUR 339 million, an increase of 11.4% currency adjusted. Apparel grew by 12.7% currency adjusted to EUR 275 million and Accessories, including the consolidation of Cobra Golf, performed very well, up 43.6% currency adjusted to EUR 107 million. Gross Profit Margin improves In the fourth quarter, PUMA´s gross profit margin was 46.7%, up from 45.4% last year. The gross profit margin for footwear increased from 43.4% to 46.6%. Apparel retreated from 47.0% to 45.9%, whereas Accessories rose to 49.0% from 48.4%. This increase stems from the overall product mix and an acceptance of the selective price rises indicated previously by PUMA and implemented in the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter operating expenses rose in line with our growth strategy, by 18.4% to EUR 292.3 million, and was equivalent to 40.6% of sales, up from 39.6% for the same period last year. This increase derives from the further investments under the aegis of our "Back on the Attack" strategic growth plan. Additional funding in IT, the supply chain, marketing and product has grown as planned, as we continue to aim for the targets set out at the end of 2010. EBIT was up 72.6% in the fourth quarter, at EUR 48.1 million. This represents 6.7% of consolidated sales and is above last year´s ratio of 4.5%. The financial result declined from EUR -1.2 million to EUR -8.9 million, largely as a result of foreign exchange impacts relating to financing activities. EBT in the fourth quarter was up 47%, from EUR 26.7 million to EUR 39.3 million. Net Earnings excel with a 137% improvement Net earnings rose by EUR 19 million to EUR 33.1 million, a notable increase of 137%, meaning that earnings per share followed suit, up to EUR 2.21 from EUR 0.93 (diluted earnings EUR 2.21 per share versus EUR 0.92 last year) PUMA achieves its goal of EUR 3 billion in sales for the Full Year 2011 "Back on the Attack" growth plan already having a positive impact Much of PUMA´s success in 2011 can be attributed to its long-term strategic growth plan "Back on the Attack," launched in autumn 2010 and implemented from the beginning of last year. PUMA´s annual results attest that this roadmap, which aims to unlock our long-term brand potential of EUR 4 billion in sales by 2015, has already had a positive impact on the company´s performance during 2011. One aspect of this strategy is increasing PUMA´s brand desirability by differentiating PUMA´s Performance and Lifestyle categories. In 2011, we strengthened PUMA´s roots in performance, particularly in football, by significantly expanding the sports marketing portfolio of brand ambassadors. PUMA signed Sergio `Kun´ Agüero and Yaya Touré of Manchester City, Radamel Falcao of Atlético Madrid and Cesc Fàbregas of Barcelona. They will all feature as central figures in our global marketing campaigns in the coming years. PUMA signed up the reigning German football champions, Borussia Dortmund, to a new partnership as well as the South African Football Federation, the host of the next African Cup of Nations. With a portfolio of 12 African teams, we remain the leading football sponsor on the African continent. All these strategic moves underline our ambition to be the clear number 3 brand in the world of football. Record sales increase to more than EUR 3 billion Consolidated sales for the Full Year climbed 12.1% currency adjusted (11.2% in Euro terms) to just over EUR 3 billion. With this record result, PUMA has achieved its sales target for the full year. Regions Once again, all regions contributed to this excellent performance. Sales in EMEA rose by 7.7% currency adjusted to over EUR 1.31 billion. EMEA therefore accounted for 43.6% of total sales compared to the 2010 number of 45.1%. In the Americas, sales increased by 17.7% currency adjusted, equal to EUR 967 million and equal to 32.1% of total sales. Sales figures improved in every country in the region. Asia/ Pacific also recorded a double digit increase, with sales topping EUR 730 million, a currency adjusted increase of 13.3%. This was equivalent to 24.3% of total sales. Segments In terms of segments, Footwear continued to thrive, growing 9.9% currency adjusted to EUR 1.54 billion. Apparel rose at the same rate, surpassing the 1 billion Euro mark for the first time. Accessories posted an impressive 27.3% currency adjusted increase, up to EUR 434 million, after Cobra Golf had been integrated for a full year for the first time in the financial year 2011. Retail sales rise by EUR 45 million Of the total consolidated number, retail sales were EUR 515 million or 17.1%. This is an increase in absolute terms of EUR 45 million, but a slight decrease from 17.4% of total sales in 2010. As part of our growth strategy, we are still aiming for 20% of sales to be recorded in our own retail. Gross profit margin remains stable For the full year, gross profit margin is stable at 49.6% (prior year: 49.7%). This was achieved in the face of higher wage pressures and increasingly volatile commodity price movements. The Footwear margin rose slightly from 48.9% to 49.1%, Apparel dropped a percentage point to 49.6% and Accessories moved up one percentage point, to 51.6%. Operating expenses Full year operating expenses were up, by 14.8% to EUR 1,178 million, in line with the "Back on the Attack" growth strategy. Marketing & Retail rose by 9.8% to EUR 550.7 million, but dropped slightly as a percentage of sales to 18.3%. Other Selling Expenses rose in line with sales to EUR 387.1 million. As envisioned under the plan, RD&D expenses rose by 21.0% to EUR 77.0 million, and General and Administrative expenses rose by 31.8% to EUR 195.3 million, due to continued investments in infrastructure and systems to build the platform for future growth. This caused the expense ratio to rise from 5.5% to 6.5%. In addition, the Company reported other operating income of EUR 32.2 million, compared to EUR 35.5 million in 2010. Earnings EBIT rose by 8.6% to EUR 333.2 million. As a percentage of sales, EBIT was 11.1% for 2011, as compared to 11.3% for 2010. The financial result for 2011 came in at EUR -12.8 million versus EUR -5.3 million in 2010. Interest income rose by EUR 0.8 million to EUR 5.2 million, while foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to financing activities led to a negative result of EUR 6.9 million which did not occur in 2010. Other financial expense related items increased by EUR 1.4 million this year. Full year EBT rose, by 6.3% from EUR 301.5 million to EUR 320.4 million. Tax expenses declined for the full year, by 9.4% to EUR 90.0 million. The tax ratio was therefore at a normalized rate of 28.1%, compared to 32.9% in 2010. For the full year of 2011, net earnings jumped 13.8% to EUR 230.1 million, from EUR 202.2 million last year. EPS increased strongly, by 14.2% to EUR 15.36. Net Assets and Financial Position Equity Total assets (as of December 31, 2011) stood at EUR 2,581.8, an increase of 9.1% from last year´s EUR 2,366.6 million. Inventories and trade receivables were the main contributors. The equity ratio rose from 58.6% to 62.2%, which indicates continued improvement in our capital base. In absolute figures, shareholders' equity increased by 15.8% from EUR 1,386.4 million to EUR 1,605.2 million. Working Capital PUMA´s overall Working Capital increased by 32.0% to EUR 534.0 million. Inventories rose by 22.1% from EUR 439.7 million to EUR 536.8 million, which was necessary to accommodate our planned sales growth, and also a consequence of higher procurement prices which, amongst other things, led to this increase. Trade receivables also increased, up 19.3% from EUR 447.0 million to EUR 533.1 million as a result of our strong sales performance, particularly in the fourth quarter. Trade payables also rose strongly by 25.3% to EUR 431.4 million, partly balancing the increase in Working Capital. Cashflow/ Capex Free Cashflow for the full year dropped slightly to EUR 16.8 million versus EUR 17.1 million in 2010. With regards to our Capex, PUMA´s outgoings increased by 28.9% to EUR 71.1 million. As already discussed, this increase is almost entirely derived from investments in line with our growth strategy, into supply chain improvement, IT systems and the ongoing expansion of our retail store portfolio. Payments for acquisitions fell by almost 60% to EUR 44.2 million, as the 2010 number included PUMA´s purchase of Cobra Golf. The purchase of the outstanding stake in our China business from our joint venture partner accounted for the majority of acquisition payments made in 2011. Cash Position Total cash (as of December 31, 2011) fell by 6.5% to EUR 448.2 million. Bank debts were reduced by 18.0% to EUR 35.1 million. The net cash position decreased 5.4%, from EUR 436.8 million to EUR 413.1 million. Dividend The Administrative Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting on April 24, 2012, that an increased dividend of EUR 2.00 per share (EUR 1.80 in the previous year) be paid for the financial year 2011, due to the improvement in net earnings and in spite of a flat free cash flow. Share buyback PUMA did not activate its share buyback program during the fourth quarter of 2011. As of the balance sheet date, PUMA owned 147.831 of its own shares, equal to EUR 32.6 million. Outlook Management believes that PUMA can achieve increases in sales in the upper single-digit range in each of the next two years. This growth will be fuelled by further investments into marketing, product design and development, structure in emerging markets as well as the optimization of processes, organization and systems. Assuming moderate input cost inflation, combined with necessary operating expense increases, net earnings are expected to improve in the mid-single digit range for both years. Media Relations: Kerstin Neuber - Corporate Communications - PUMA SE - +49 9132 81 2984 - kerstin.neuber@puma.com Investor Relations: Carl Baker - Finance - PUMA SE - +49 9132 81 3188 - carl.baker@puma.com Notes to the editors: This press release and financial reports are posted on www.about.puma.com. The detailed report of PUMA´s Environmental Profit and Loss Account 2010 is now available on www.about.puma.com PUMA SE stock symbol: Reuters: PUMG.DE, Bloomberg: PUM GY, Börse Frankfurt: ISIN: DE0006969603- WKN: 6969603 Notes relating to forward-looking statements: This document contains forward-looking information about the Company´s financial status and strategic initiatives. Such information is subject to a certain level of risk and uncertainty that could cause the Company's actual results to differ significantly from the information discussed in this document. The forward-looking information is based on the current expectations and prognosis of the management team. Therefore, this document is further subject to the risk that such expectations or prognosis, or the premise of such underlying expectations or prognosis, become erroneous. Circumstances that could alter the Company's actual results and procure such results to differ significantly from those contained in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company include, but are not limited to those discussed be above. |PUMA | PUMA is one of the world´s leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com Further inquiry note: Kerstin Neuber Telefon: +49 (0)9132 81-2984 E-Mail: Kerstin.Neuber@puma.com end of announcement euro adhoc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- company: PUMA SE PUMA Way 1 D-91074 Herzogenaurach phone: +49 (0)9132 81 0 FAX: +49 (0)9132 81-2246 mail: investor-relations@puma.com WWW: http://about.puma.com/?lang=de sector: Consumer Goods ISIN: DE0006969603 indexes: Midcap Market Index, MDAX, CDAX, Classic All Share, HDAX, Prime All Share stockmarkets: free trade: Hannover, Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, regulated dealing: München, regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt language: English