BOUCHERVILLE, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 27, 2014) -
Unless otherwise indicated in this press release, all amounts are expressed in US dollars.
Uni-Select Inc. (TSX:UNS), a major automotive aftermarket product distributor with activities across North America, reports solid results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. Sales, EBITDA, net earnings and earnings per share recorded significant increases in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year. This performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the Corporation's various sales initiatives and the soundness of the internal strategic and operational plan (Action Plan), under implementation since the third quarter. Uni-Select also gained additional efficiency in the fourth quarter through its improved service levels and the completion of its ERP software implementation process.
"I am very pleased with the fourth quarter results announced today and delighted by the strong and favourable impact of the Action Plan on our operational margins - which doubled in the fourth quarter. These results illustrate our team's continued commitment towards our strategic goals and long-term growth targets. Our sales initiatives and our improved service levels, permitted by a more stable ERP system, allowed us to post a strong organic growth. These factors compensated for the lost sales from recent store and warehouse closures realized under the Corporation's Action Plan," said Richard G. Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Select.
"We will keep our focus on executing the Action Plan to optimize our network and achieve our inventory and cost reduction objectives. We also intend to pursue growth organically and deliver superior fill rates, an approach that should enable us to deliver increased profitability, allowing further growth and debt reduction. We intend to remain the partner of choice for independent wholesalers and continue to strengthen our leadership position in the automotive aftermarket product distribution," added Mr. Roy.
(In thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) | FOURTH QUARTER | FISCAL YEAR | ||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | |
Sales | 425,580 | 418,240 | 1,788,085 | 1,797,591 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 24,475 | 12,310 | 101,185 | 94,804 |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 5.8% | 2.9% | 5.7% | 5.3% |
EBITDA | 19,818 | 10,398 | 92,379 | 87,099 |
Restructuring charges, write-off of assets and others | - | - | 35,180 | 18,458 |
Adjusted earnings | 13,117 | 5,708 | 50,660 | 45,876 |
Net earnings | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,438 |
Adjusted earnings per share | 0.62 | 0.26 | 2.37 | 2.12 |
Earnings per share | 0.48 | 0.21 | 1.00 | 1.36 |
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
(All percentage increases and decreases represent year-over-year changes for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, unless otherwise noted.)
Uni-Select generated an overall 1.8% sales increase in the fourth quarter to $426 million, fuelled by a 5.5% growth of organic sales. Sales of the US operations reached $305 million, up 5.1% organically. Canadian operations delivered $121 million in sales in the same period, up 6.5% organically. The overall positive organic growth comes from the good performance of our sales initiatives and the recruitment of new customers. The more stable ERP system and the solid internal execution resulted in improved service levels and efficiencies, contributing to the organic growth. The organic sales increase was sufficient to exceed the 2.1% decline in sales resulting from store closures and the n declining Canadian dollar.
The Corporation's adjusted EBITDA margin doubled in the fourth quarter to 5.8% compared to 2.9% last year. The increase is mainly attributable to healthy organic sales growth and to significant cost savings realized under the Action Plan, including the closure of non-profitable distribution locations. These savings totaled $8.7 million in the fourth quarter resulting in recurring cumulative cost savings of approximately $13 million.
Under the Corporation's Action Plan, five corporate stores and one warehouse were closed and six stores were sold to customers in the fourth quarter. As a direct result of a strong internal focus on protecting sales volumes while closing corporate stores, sales erosion in the fourth quarter was lower than expected. The Action Plan was expected to bring about $20 million of sales erosion for 2013, well above the actual erosion of $13.1 million. Inventory reductions for 2013 were lower than forecasted at $4.2 million. However, the Corporation remains confident to reach its total inventory reduction objective of $40 million by 2015 as previously announced. Uni-Select benefits from extensive support and strong collaboration from its suppliers as it coordinates inventory movements.
FISCAL YEAR RESULTS
(All percentage increases and decreases represent year-over-year changes for the fiscal year 2013 compared to the fiscal year 2012, unless otherwise noted.)
In 2013, sales amounted to $1.8 billion, down 0.5%, while organic sales grew 1.9%. In the US, sales totaled $1.3 billion, with an organic sales growth of 1.7%. Sales from the Canadian operations reached $494 million, including an organic sales growth of 2.3%. Sales for the year were impacted by a decrease of 1.5% related to store closures under the Action Plan and the declining Canadian dollar that were not completely offset by the organic growth recorded in the previous three quarters. Adjusted EBITDA margin for Fiscal 2013 improved to 5.7% in 2013, up from 5.3%.
A softer first quarter, impacted by an unfavorable economic environment and by temporary disruptions in the deployment of the Corporation's ERP impacted 2013 results. The declining Canadian dollar also negatively impacted sales by $14.9 million and net earnings by $0.7 million for the year.
In 2013, the Corporation generated $76.8 million in cash from operating activities, of which $31.6 million were used to reduce indebtedness. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation's outstanding net debt stood at $278 million, down 10% from last year. Since January 1, 2012, Uni-Select reduced its net debt by $74 million or 21%. In 2013, the Corporation also repurchased 287,501 common shares for a cash consideration of $6.4 million.
DIVIDEND
Uni-Select's Board of Directors declared a dividend of C$0.13 per share payable on April 22, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2014. This dividend is an eligible dividend for tax purposes.
CONFERENCE CALL
Uni-Select will host a conference call to discuss its 2013 fourth quarter results on February 27, 2014 at 3 PM (EST). To join the conference, dial 1 888 789-9572 followed by 3159362.
A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 PM on Thursday March 6, 2014. To access the replay, dial 1 800 408-3053 followed by 260135.
ABOUT UNI-SELECT
Founded in 1968, Uni-Select is a major distributor of replacement parts, equipment, tools, accessories, paint and related products for motor vehicles in North America. Leader in the Canadian industry, Uni-Select is the 5th largest distributor and the leading independent distributor of automotive paint and related products in North America. With its 5,500 employees, Uni-Select efficiently services a wide network of independent installers and wholesalers, including over 6,600 which operate under one of its banner programs in North America. Uni-Select is headquartered in Boucherville, QC and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol UNS.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The information provided in this press release includes some forward-looking information, which includes certain risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to the implementation of the Action Plan resulting from the strategic review process, which may cause the final results to be significantly different from those listed or implied within this news release. For example, the foregoing estimates of cost and inventory reductions may be considered forward-looking information and are based upon certain key assumptions, including (i) the closure, sale or consolidation of the number of stores and distribution centres, and related reduction of headcounts, as planned and within the timeframe contemplated by the Action Plan and (ii) the timely completion of all other components of the Action Plan as planned. Uni-Select cautions that assumptions used to prepare the foregoing estimates, although reasonable at the time they were made, may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate. The foregoing factors could therefore cause the actual cost and inventory reductions to be derived under the Action Plan to differ materially from the amounts set forth in the foregoing estimates. For additional information with respect to risks and uncertainties, refer to the Annual Report filed by Uni-Select with the Canadian securities commissions. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release, and Uni-Select does not undertake to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.
Unless otherwise indicated in this press release, all amounts are expressed in US dollars.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following terms do not have any standardized meaning according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). As a result, they are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other corporations.
(1) "EBITDA" represents operating profit before finance costs, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, write-off and others, equity income, income taxes and net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests. This measure is a financial indicator of a corporation's ability to service and incur debt. It should not be considered by an investor as an alternative to sales or net earnings, as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity, but as additional information.
(2) "Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share" are used by Management to assess EBITDA, net earnings and net earnings per share from operating activities, excluding certain adjustments, net of income taxes (for adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share), which may affect the comparability of the Corporation's financial results. Management considers that these measures are more representative of the Corporation's operational performance and more appropriate in providing additional information. These adjustments include, amongst others, the non‐capitalizable costs related to the development and implementation of the ERP system, costs related to the closure and disposal of stores, as well as restructuring charges, write‐off of assets and others. The exclusion of these items does not indicate that they are non‐recurring.
(3) "Organic growth" represents the increase in pro forma consolidated sales between two given periods, excluding the impact of acquisitions, sales and disposals of stores, exchange-rate fluctuations and, when necessary, the variance in the number of billing days.
(4) "Total net debt" consists of long-term debt including the portion due within a year (as shown in note 16 of the 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements) net of cash.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Management Report, the unaudited financial statements and the accompanying notes for the Fourth Quarter of 2013 and the audited financial statements and the accompanying notes for Fiscal 2013 are available in the "Investors" section on the Corporation's website at uniselect.com as well as on SEDAR at sedar.com. The Corporation's Annual Report may also be found on these websites as well as other information related to Uni-Select, including its Annual Information Form.
Action Plan Financial Executive Summary
Internal strategic and operational plan (Action Plan) announced on July 11, 2013
Announced on July 11, 2013 | Achieved | |||||||
(in millions of US$) | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | TOTAL | 3rd quarter 2013 | 4th quarter 2013 | Year-to-date(1) (Dec. 31, 2013) |
|
Sales erosion | $ 20.0 | $ 45.0 | $ 5.0 | $ 70.0 | $ 4.5 | $ 8.6 | $ 13.1 | |
Cost reduction | $ 10.0 | $ 15.0 | $ 5.0 | $ 30.0 | $ 4.3 | $ 8.7 | $ 13.0 | |
Restructuring charges and write-off of assets | $ 40.0 | $ 5.0 | - | $ 45.0 | $ 36.9 | $ 2.4 | $ 39.3 | |
Recorded | 36.0 | - | - | 36.0 | $ - | $ - | $ 35.2 | |
As incurred | 4.0 | 5.0 | - | 9.0 | $ 1.7 | $ 2.4 | $ 4.1 | |
Inventory reduction | $ 8.0 | $ 22.0 | $ 10.0 | $ 40.0 | $ 0.8 | $ 3.4 | $ 4.2 | |
Capex | $ 7.0 | $ 9.0 | - | $ 16.0 | $ 1.5 | $ 0.9 | $ 2.4 |
(1) | 7-month period |
UNI-SELECT INC. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS |
(In thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) |
Three-month period ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | (audited) | ||||||
Sales | 425,580 | 418,240 | 1,788,085 | 1,797,591 | |||||
Earnings before the following items: | 19,818 | 10,398 | 92,379 | 87,100 | |||||
Finance costs, net | 3,604 | 4,602 | 15,654 | 19,541 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 7,490 | 6,644 | 29,297 | 26,873 | |||||
Restructuring charges, write-off of assets and others | - | - | 35,180 | 18,458 | |||||
Earnings (loss) before equity income and income taxes | 8,724 | (848 | ) | 12,248 | 22,228 | ||||
Equity income | 580 | 642 | 2,652 | 2,630 | |||||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 9,304 | (206 | ) | 14,900 | 24,858 | ||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | |||||||||
Current | (3,980 | ) | (1,426 | ) | 4,627 | 2,772 | |||
Deferred | 3,085 | (3,279 | ) | (11,055 | ) | (7,261 | ) | ||
(895 | ) | (4,705 | ) | (6,428 | ) | (4,489 | ) | ||
Net earnings | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,347 | |||||
Attributable to shareholders | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,438 | |||||
Attributable to non-controlling interests | - | - | - | (91 | ) | ||||
Net earnings | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,347 | |||||
Earnings per share basic and diluted | 0.48 | 0.21 | 1.00 | 1.36 | |||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) | |||||||||
Basic | 21,279 | 21,591 | 21,411 | 21,623 | |||||
Diluted | 21,313 | 21,591 | 21,411 | 21,624 | |||||
UNI-SELECT INC. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
(In thousands of US dollars) |
Three-month period ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | (audited) | ||||||
Net earnings | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,347 | |||||
Other comprehensive income | |||||||||
Items that will subsequently be reclassified to net earnings: | |||||||||
Effective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (net of income tax of $135 for the three-month period and $57 for the year (nil and $496 respectively for 2012) | (367 | ) | 18 | (155 | ) | (1,330 | ) | ||
Net change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges transferred to earnings (net of income tax of $60 for the three-month period and $341 for the year ($138 and $650 respectively for 2012)) | 160 | 399 | 873 | 1,790 | |||||
Unrealized exchange gains (losses) on the translation of financial statements to the presentation currency | 4,794 | 3,139 | 11,920 | (4,916 | ) | ||||
Unrealized exchange gains (losses) on the translation of debt designated as a hedge of net investments in foreign operations | (7,118 | ) | (4,220 | ) | (17,550 | ) | 6,888 | ||
(2,531 | ) | (664 | ) | (4,912 | ) | 2,432 | |||
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to net earnings: | |||||||||
Remeasurements of long-term employee benefit obligations (net of income tax of $1 for the three-month period and $1,617 for the year ($745 and $422 respectively for 2012)) | (116 | ) | 4,223 | 4,283 | 1,151 | ||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,647 | ) | 3,559 | (629 | ) | 3,583 | |||
Comprehensive income | 7,552 | 8,058 | 20,699 | 32,930 | |||||
Attributable to shareholders | 7,552 | 8,058 | 20,699 | 33,021 | |||||
Attributable to non-controlling interests | - | - | - | (91 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income | 7,552 | 8,058 | 20,699 | 32,930 | |||||
UNI-SELECT INC. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY |
(In thousands of US dollars, audited) |
Attributable to shareholders | |||||||||||||||||
Share capital | Contributed surplus |
Equity component of the convertible debentures | Retained earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Total | Attributable to non-controlling interests | Total equity |
||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2011 | 88,940 | 452 | 1,687 | 367,272 | 6,229 | 464,580 | 1,033 | 465,613 | |||||||||
Net earnings | - | - | - | 29,438 | - | 29,438 | (91 | ) | 29,347 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 1,151 | 2,432 | 3,583 | - | 3,583 | |||||||||
Comprehensive income | - | - | - | 30,589 | 2,432 | 33,021 | (91 | ) | 32,930 | ||||||||
Contributions by and distributions to shareholders: | |||||||||||||||||
Share issuances | 29 | - | - | - | - | 29 | - | 29 | |||||||||
Share repurchases | (406 | ) | - | - | (1,690 | ) | - | (2,096 | ) | - | (2,096 | ) | |||||
Dividends | - | - | - | (11,269 | ) | - | (11,269 | ) | - | (11,269 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 38 | - | - | - | 38 | - | 38 | |||||||||
(377 | ) | 38 | - | (12,959 | ) | - | (13,298 | ) | - | (13,298 | ) | ||||||
Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control: | |||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of non-controlling interests | - | (98 | ) | - | - | - | (98 | ) | (955 | ) | (1,053 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange translation adjustment on non-controlling interests | - | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | 13 | |||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 88,563 | 392 | 1,687 | 384,902 | 8,661 | 484,205 | - | 484,205 | |||||||||
Net earnings | - | - | - | 21,328 | - | 21,328 | - | 21,328 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | - | 4,283 | (4,912 | ) | (629 | ) | - | (629 | ) | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | - | 25,611 | (4,912 | ) | 20,699 | - | 20,699 | ||||||||
Contributions by and distributions to shareholders: | |||||||||||||||||
Share repurchases | (1,292 | ) | - | - | (5,116 | ) | - | (6,408 | ) | - | (6,408 | ) | |||||
Dividends | - | - | - | (10,681 | ) | - | (10,681 | ) | - | (10,681 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 940 | - | - | - | 940 | - | 940 | |||||||||
(1,292 | ) | 940 | - | (15,797 | ) | - | (16,149 | ) | - | (16,149 | ) | ||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 87,271 | 1,332 | 1,687 | 394,716 | 3,749 | 488,755 | - | 488,755 | |||||||||
UNI-SELECT INC. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS |
(In thousands of US dollars) |
Three-month period ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | (audited) | ||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Net earnings | 10,199 | 4,499 | 21,328 | 29,347 | |||||
Non-cash items: | |||||||||
Finance costs, net | 3,604 | 4,602 | 15,654 | 19,541 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 7,490 | 6,644 | 29,297 | 26,873 | |||||
Restructuring charges, write-off of assets and others | - | (2,320 | ) | 35,180 | 15,037 | ||||
Difference between amount paid for post-employment benefits and current year expenses | (982 | ) | (584 | ) | (982 | ) | (584 | ) | |
Income tax recovery | (895 | ) | (4,705 | ) | (6,428 | ) | (4,489 | ) | |
Other non-cash items | (1,291 | ) | 1,010 | (665 | ) | 1,653 | |||
Changes in working capital items | (26,207 | ) | 13,814 | (4,373 | ) | 33,528 | |||
Interest paid | (1,376 | ) | (1,116 | ) | (13,098 | ) | (17,139 | ) | |
Income taxes recovered (paid) | (1,849 | ) | 234 | 899 | (1,370 | ) | |||
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities | (11,307 | ) | 22,078 | 76,812 | 102,397 | ||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Business acquisitions | (35 | ) | (1,118 | ) | (1,467 | ) | (6,346 | ) | |
Repurchase of non-controlling interests | - | - | - | (1,053 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from business disposals | 5,040 | 99 | 5,040 | 522 | |||||
Balances of purchase price | (118 | ) | 534 | (508 | ) | (596 | ) | ||
Advances to merchant members | (5,123 | ) | (4,329 | ) | (15,278 | ) | (12,840 | ) | |
Receipts on investments and advances to merchant members | 3,809 | 474 | 9,838 | 4,659 | |||||
Dividends received from equity investments | 916 | 943 | 916 | 943 | |||||
Acquisitions of property and equipment | (3,980 | ) | (5,148 | ) | (13,897 | ) | (12,900 | ) | |
Disposals of property and equipment | 1,098 | 51 | 1,828 | 680 | |||||
Acquisitions and development of intangible assets | (2,894 | ) | (3,776 | ) | (8,922 | ) | (15,424 | ) | |
Cash flows used in investing activities | (1,287 | ) | (12,270 | ) | (22,450 | ) | (42,355 | ) | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Increase in long-term debt | 34,978 | 13,591 | 236,669 | 54,949 | |||||
Repayment of long-term debt | (19,211 | ) | (19,151 | ) | (273,616 | ) | (102,654 | ) | |
Merchant members' deposits in the guarantee fund | 44 | (14 | ) | (329 | ) | (152 | ) | ||
Share issuances | - | - | - | 29 | |||||
Share repurchases | (638 | ) | (1,348 | ) | (6,408 | ) | (2,096 | ) | |
Dividends paid | (2,594 | ) | (2,841 | ) | (10,737 | ) | (11,063 | ) | |
Cash flows generated by (used in) financing activities | 12,579 | (9,763 | ) | (54,421 | ) | (60,987 | ) | ||
Effects of fluctuations in exchange rates on cash | (2 | ) | - | (6 | ) | 12 | |||
Net decrease (increase) in cash | (17 | ) | 45 | (65 | ) | (933 | ) | ||
Cash, beginning of period | 74 | 77 | 122 | 1,055 | |||||
Cash, end of period | 57 | 122 | 57 | 122 | |||||
UNI-SELECT INC. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION |
(In thousands of US dollars) |
December 31, | |||||
2013 | 2012 | ||||
ASSETS | |||||
Current assets: | |||||
Cash | 57 | 122 | |||
Trade and other receivables | 220,942 | 203,186 | |||
Income taxes receivable | 16,883 | 27,917 | |||
Inventory | 532,045 | 528,634 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 11,417 | 11,527 | |||
Total current assets | 781,344 | 771,386 | |||
Equity investments and advances to merchant members | 36,855 | 36,249 | |||
Property and equipment | 49,494 | 49,731 | |||
Intangible assets | 140,598 | 153,572 | |||
Goodwill | 184,449 | 187,081 | |||
Deferred tax assets | 13,151 | 4,642 | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | 1,205,891 | 1,202,661 | |||
LIABILITIES | |||||
Current liabilities: | |||||
Trade and other payables | 341,429 | 309,104 | |||
Provision for restructuring charges and others | 15,185 | 4,392 | |||
Dividends payable | 2,598 | 2,815 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt and merchant members' deposits in the guarantee fund | 4,667 | 19,073 | |||
Total current liabilities | 363,879 | 335,384 | |||
Long-term employee benefit obligations | 19,561 | 26,903 | |||
Long-term debt | 273,165 | 290,476 | |||
Convertible debentures | 46,829 | 49,099 | |||
Merchant members' deposits in the guarantee fund | 6,988 | 7,768 | |||
Derivative financial instruments | 890 | 1,891 | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | 5,824 | 6,935 | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 717,136 | 718,456 | |||
EQUITY | |||||
Share capital | 87,271 | 88,563 | |||
Contributed surplus | 1,332 | 392 | |||
Equity component of the convertible debentures | 1,687 | 1,687 | |||
Retained earnings | 394,716 | 384,902 | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 3,749 | 8,661 | |||
TOTAL EQUITY | 488,755 | 484,205 | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | 1,205,891 | 1,202,661 | |||
Contact Information:
uniselect.com
Contact: Karine Vachon
Investor Relations and Communications Manager
450 641-6972
investorrelations@uniselect.com