CNOVA NV 2024 Second Quarter Activity & First Half Financial Performance

Rhea-AI Summary

Cnova released its Q2 2024 and H1 2024 results, showing progress towards operational profitability.

Key Metrics: EBITDA after rents improved by €2M, and free cash flows enhanced by €101M YoY. Product GMV showed month-over-month growth in Q2 2024, culminating in a +7% increase in July. However, overall GMV declined by 12% in H1 2024 YoY, and net sales decreased by 19%.

Segment Performance: Marketplace share rose to 65% of product GMV, while B2B revenues grew by 87%. Service revenues increased by 5%, supported by B2B activities. Gross margin and EBITDA improved, reflecting a focus on high-margin services.

Strategic Initiatives: Cnova continued its transformation plan, enhancing marketplace offerings and implementing AI solutions to improve customer experience. The company also advanced its CSR strategy, with sustainable products accounting for 22.7% of Product GMV in Q2 2024.

Financial Challenges: Net loss from continuing operations was €52.4M, although this showed improvement compared to the previous year.

Positive

• Free cash flows improved by €101M YoY
• EBITDA after rents increased by €2M
• Gross margin rate grew by 7 points
• B2B revenues increased by 87%
• Marketplace share of product GMV rose to 65%

Negative

• Overall GMV declined by 12% in H1 2024 YoY
• Net sales decreased by 19%
• Net loss from continuing operations was €52.4M

Insights

Financial Analyst

Cnova's financial results for the first half of 2024 show a company in transition, with some positive signs amid ongoing challenges:

• Overall GMV declined 10.9% year-over-year, but the decline is improving compared to full year 2023 trends.
• Net sales decreased 18.9%, largely due to the strategic shift towards marketplace and B2B services.
• Gross margin rate improved significantly, growing 7 percentage points to 36.6% of net sales.
• EBITDA after rents grew 10% to €18.2 million, showing improved profitability.
• Free cash flow improved by €101 million compared to H1 2023.

The company's strategic pivot towards higher-margin marketplace and B2B activities is showing promise, with services revenues growing 4.6% and now representing 33.5% of net sales. However, the transition is putting pressure on topline growth in the near-term.

Cnova's focus on AI and sustainability initiatives could help differentiate it in a competitive e-commerce landscape. The company's ability to continue improving profitability while stabilizing GMV will be key to watch in coming quarters.

E-commerce Specialist

Cnova's Q2 2024 results highlight both challenges and opportunities in the evolving e-commerce landscape:

• The marketplace GMV share increased to 66.5% in Q2, up 6.5 percentage points year-over-year, indicating strong progress in the platform model.
• Express delivery GMV share remains high at 51.2%, with Fulfilment by Cdiscount growing to 39.2% of GMV.
• The company's NPS score improved by 3.3 points to 56.3, suggesting enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Cnova is leveraging AI to improve search relevance and product information, which could boost conversion rates.
• "More sustainable products" now represent 22.7% of Product GMV, up 6.9 points year-over-year, aligning with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

The shift towards a marketplace model and focus on sustainability are smart strategic moves in the current e-commerce environment. However, Cnova will need to carefully manage the transition to ensure it can compete effectively with larger players while maintaining profitability. The company's investments in AI and improved customer experience could be key differentiators if executed well.

Corporate Strategy Consultant

Cnova's H1 2024 results and strategic initiatives reveal a company undergoing significant transformation:

• The focus on high-margin services (marketplace, advertising, B2B) is improving profitability, with gross margin rate up 7 points to 36.6%.
• B2B revenues grew 87.2%, indicating strong potential in this segment.
• The company is rationalizing costs, with SG&A expenses down €6.6 million year-over-year.
• Investments in AI and sustainability align with key market trends and could provide competitive advantages.
• The new brand identity launched in June 2024 aims to reinforce Cnova's value proposition around price, choice and responsible consumption.

While the strategic shift is showing promise in terms of profitability improvement, it's creating near-term pressure on topline growth. The company will need to find a balance between its marketplace transition and maintaining scale to compete effectively.

The ongoing changes in Casino Group's ownership structure and potential buyout of minority shareholders add an element of uncertainty. Cnova's management will need to navigate these corporate developments while executing on their operational strategy.

Overall, Cnova's strategy appears sound, but execution and market response in the coming quarters will be critical to assess its long-term viability in a highly competitive e-commerce landscape.

CNOVA N.V.
First Half Financial performance & Second Quarter 2024 activity
Update on Casino group situation

Cnova pursues its path towards operational profitability with an improving EBITDA after rents by +€2m and free cash-flows improving by +€101m vs. 23

Product GMV1 gradually improving month after month: Marketplace: -5% in 1Q24, -4% in April, -1% in May, +2% in June and +7% in July2 Direct sales: -28% in 1Q24, -26% in April, -28% in May, -18% in June and -9% in July2 Product GMV1 declining by -12% in 1H24 vs. 23, improving compared to FY23 trend Like-for-like3 Overall GMV declining by -11% in 1H24 vs. 23, improving compared to FY23 trend (-14% vs. 22). With the successful implementation of the transformation plan, Cnova is now gradually recovering in 2Q24 (-9% vs. 23) compared to 1Q24 (-12% vs. 23) in a challenging environment for Cdiscount’s core markets such as Home (-6% vs. 23) & Technical goods (-3% vs. 23)4 Like-for-like3 Net sales decreasing by -19% in 1H24 vs. 23, as a result of declining GMV and the strategic shift to Marketplace representing 65% of Product GMV in 1H24 (+7pts vs. 23) Services revenues5 amounting to €158m in 1H24, increasing by +5% vs. 23, representing 33% of overall like-for-like3 net sales, growing by +8pts vs. 23, mostly supported by B2B revenues increasing by +87% vs. 23 Gross margin rate growing by +7pts vs. 23 and EBITDA after rents growing by +€2m in 1H24 (+10% vs. 23), thanks to Cnova’s turnaround towards more operational profitability Free-cash flows improving by +€101m in 1H24 vs. 23, thanks to consistent payments to suppliers and a thorough monitoring, whilst 1H23 had been impacted by conciliation proceedings Cnova continuously pursuing the development of its CSR strategy with “More sustainable products” representing 22.7% of Product GMV in the 2nd quarter 2024 (+6.9pts vs. 23) Strong NPS growing by +2.1pts in 1H24 vs. 23, with Marketplace NPS increasing by +3.4pts vs. 23

AMSTERDAM – July 26, 2024, 18:00 CET Cnova N.V. (Euronext Paris: CNV; ISIN: NL0010949392) (“Cnova”) today announced its second quarter activity and first half unaudited financial results for 2024.

Thomas Métivier, Cnova’s CEO, commented:

“After two years of transformation where we drastically improved our operational profitability by developing our marketplace, retail media and B2B activities, refocusing our direct sales business and streamlining our costs’ structure, we are now focusing our efforts on our commercial bounce back. Our immediate priority is to reinforce our commercial promise on prices, choice and responsible consumption with a new and modern brand identity. Proving the market fit of our value proposition for French customers, new customer acquisition is growing again, and commercial trend is improving month on month despite adverse market conditions.

We keep enhancing our Artificial Intelligence and Technology leadership to improve the experience we offer to our B2C consumers, merchants and B2B customers with a clear focus on projects supporting growth.”

 Financial highlights

Financial performance (€m)		2023 Half year	2024 Half year		Change vs. 23
					Reported	L-f-L6
Overall GMV (including VAT)		1,380.6	1,195.0		-13.4%	-10.9%
E-commerce platform		1,338.4	1,140.2		-14.8%	-12.2%
o/w Direct sales		463.6	336.5		-27.4%
o/w Marketplace		647.4	628.0		-3.0%
Marketplace share		58.3%	65.1%		+6.8pts
o/w B2C services		80.8	83.4		+3.2%
o/w Other revenues		146.6	92.3		-37.0%	-13.4%
B2B activities		42.2	54.8		+29.8%
o/w Octopia B2B revenues		11.4	18.0		+58.9%
o/w Octopia Retail & others		24.2	21.1		-12.9%
o/w C-Logistics		6.7	15.7		x2
Net sales		612.5	471.0		-23.1%	-18.9%
EBITDA7		33.9	31.3		-€2.6m
% of Net sales		5.5%	6.6%		+1.1pt
EBITDA7 after rents		16.7	18.2		+€1.6m
% of Net sales		2.7%	3.9%		+1.2pt
Operating EBIT		-14.3	-14.9		-€0.6m
% of Net sales		-2.3%	-3.2%		-0.8pt
Net Financial Result		-26.8	-28.7		-€1.9m
Net loss from continuing operations		-65.4	-52.4		+€13.0m

Free cash-flows		2023 Half year	2024 Half year		Change
(€m)					vs. 23
EBITDA after rents		16.7	18.2		+1.6
(-) Capital expenditures		-32.3	-28.0		+4.3
(-) CB4X financial costs		-11.1	-9.3		+1.8
(+/-) Non-recurring items		-5.1	-9.1		-4.0
Free cash-flows before change in WC & taxes		-31.7	-28.2		+3.5
(+/-) Change in working capital and taxes		-170.7	-73.5		+97.3
Free cash-flows8		-202.4	-101.6		+100.7
Change in Net Financial Debt		-209.9	-121.6		+88.3

1^st semester activity

Overall GMV decreased by -10.9% like-for-like⁹ in the 1^st semester 2024, confirming Cnova’s strategic choice to develop its service activities in order to improve operational profitability.

Services revenues stood at €158m in the 1^st semester 2024, improving by +4.6% vs. 23, representing 33.5% of like-for-like⁹ net sales (+7.5pts vs. 23), with:

• Marketplace generating €90m revenues¹⁰ in the 1^st semester 2024, with Marketplace GMV share standing at 65.1% (+6.8pts vs. 23, +26.8pts vs. 19)
• Advertising services net revenues¹¹ reaching €33m in the 1^st semester 2024, with growing Retail Media (+2.9% vs. 23), driven by Marketplace sellers (+5.0% vs. 23) with an expanding number of active sellers (+4.0% vs. 23). Advertising GMV take rate stood at 4.5% in the 1^st semester 2024 (+0.4pt vs. 23, +3.1pts vs. 19) despite declining Product GMV
• B2C services¹² revenues decreasing by -4.4% vs. 23, with negative volume impact on direct sales associated services (guarantees extension and cards), while Travel and Mobile services performed well, improving by +10.4% vs. 23
• B2B services¹³ revenues increasing by +87.2% vs. 23, standing at €28m in the 1^st semester 2024, mainly driven by the dynamic of logistic services. Over the 1^st semester 2024, C-Logistics has launched two clients, respectively specialized in luxury goods and pet food

Business KPIs		2023 Half Year	2024 Half year		Change vs. 23
Marketplace10		94.6	89.5		(5.4)%
Advertising11		34.1	33.2		(2.4)%
B2C12		7.2	6.9		(4.4)%
B2B13		15.0	28.1		+87.2%
Services revenues		150.9	157.7		+4.6%
Services revenues share in net sales9		26.0%	33.5%		+7.5pts
Marketplace GMV share		58.3%	65.1%		+6.8pts

 2^nd quarter highlights

GMV	2Q24 vs. 23
Total GMV like-for-like14 evolution	(9.2)%
Marketplace GMV evolution	(1.8)%
Marketplace GMV share growth	+6.5pts

 In the 2^nd quarter 2024, Cnova’s overall GMV decreased by -9.2% like-for-like¹⁴. This year-on-year evolution was mainly driven by:

• Direct sales contributing -8.4pts (-25.7% y-o-y), following Cnova’s business model shift and assortment rationalization, especially for products with low contribution margins
• Marketplace contributing -0.9pt (-1.8% y-o-y), with Marketplace GMV share growing by +6.5pts, standing at 66.5% in the 2^nd quarter 2024
• C-Logistics B2B contributing +0.7pt (+93.9% y-o-y) with an increasing number of shipped parcels for external clients (+31.9% vs. 23)
  
  

 In the 2^nd quarter 2024, Cnova has enhanced its customer value proposition, as illustrated by:

• A strong overall NPS standing at 56.3pts in the 2^nd quarter 2024 (+3.3pts vs. 23), mostly driven by Marketplace NPS reaching 55.0pts in the 2^nd quarter 2024 (+4.5pts vs. 23)
• Increasing share of reactivated clients by +3.6pts in the 2^nd quarter 2024 vs. 23
• Loyalty actions and reward mechanisms dedicated to Cdiscount à Volonté (CDAV) members
• An artificial intelligence-powered chat dedicated to customer relationships

On June 24^th, 2024, Cdiscount.com launched its new brand identity, as part of the strategic transformation undertaken since 2021: expand its marketplace, offering more choice and ensuring attractive prices, while pursuing the development of its sustainable offer. Cdiscount’s new brand platform relies on three pillars:

• “Moins cher” (Less expensive): increase purchasing power amidst inflation, offering discounts and hundreds of thousands of products every day that are more than 10% less expensive than the competition
• “Malin” (Clever): allow customers to meet their needs, to equip themselves and to cope with unforeseen events thanks to 4X payment installments, personalized delivery solutions and a loyalty program that allows them to save money
• “Engagé” (Committed): support customers with their more responsible consumption offering “More sustainable products”, which represent 22.7% of Product GMV in 2Q24 (+6.9pts vs. 23)
  

Marketplace KPIs	2Q24	vs. 23
Marketplace GMV share	66.5%	+6.5pts
Total express delivery GMV share	51.2%	(1.0)pt
o/w Cdiscount Express Seller GMV share	12.0%	(4.1)pts
o/w Fulfilment by Cdiscount GMV share	39.2%	+3.2pts

 In the 2^nd quarter 2024, Marketplace GMV declined by -1.8%, while generating well-oriented KPIs:

• Marketplace GMV share growing by +6.5pts vs. 23
• Advertising services provided to Marketplace sellers generating steady and resilient net revenues in the 2^nd quarter 2024 vs. 23, with an expanding number of active sellers (+1.8% vs. 23), boosted by “Discover” offers aiming to recruit new sellers
• Fulfilment by Cdiscount GMV share increasing by +3.2pts vs. 23, standing at 39.2% in the 2^nd quarter 2024. Cdiscount Express Seller program, dedicated to sellers able to offer express delivery to CDAV customers, covered 12.0% of Marketplace GMV and focused on profitability
• Marketplace NPS reaching 55.0pts in the 2^nd quarter 2024, growing by +4.5pts vs. 23

  

Generative Artificial Intelligence (“GenAI”) supporting Cnova’s customer-centric approach

Artificial intelligence-powered algorithms were implemented all along the customer journey, enabling to enhance the relevance of the Cdiscount.com search engine (+4.6pts in search engine click rate in the 2^nd quarter 2024 vs. 23).

Through the development of numerous GenAI use cases, Cnova seeks to generate more value, enrich customer experience and improve internal efficiency. These initiatives also enable Cnova to support its Marketplace sellers in promoting their products.

To improve its product catalog and marketability, Cnova has internally developed and deployed specific GenAI use cases since May 2023, such as:

• Product features enrichment: to date, c. 6 million products with features improved by GenAI
• Product reclassification: to date, c. 27 million products reclassified and increase by c. 30% in conversion for products reclassified through GenAI
• Product headlines and descriptives improvement: to date, c. 10 million products processed by GenAI
   
  

Cnova pursues the development of its CSR strategy

In April 2024, Cnova signed the Sustainable Consumption Pledge, a voluntary initiative carried out by the European Commission to promote sustainable consumption beyond legal requirements. This initiative allowed Cnova to reaffirm its commitments, including identifying and reducing its carbon footprint, minimizing the environmental impact of its products, increasing circularity in its operations, and ensuring social sustainability throughout its value chain. Accelerating the transition to sustainable daily consumption is at the core of Cnova's strategy and a cornerstone of Cdiscount's new brand identity, launched in June 2024.
  

To reduce its carbon footprint and drive customers towards a more responsible consumption, Cnova launched a program in 2021 focused on "more sustainable products". In the 2^nd quarter 2024, “more sustainable products” GMV increased by +19.8% vs. 23, accounting for 22.7% of Cdiscount's Product GMV (+6.9pts vs. 23).

In the 1^st half 2024, Cnova pursued its actions towards more sustainable logistics. The company took part in revising the "Charte logistique e-commerce responsable," an initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of e-commerce logistics by raising consumer awareness, reducing packaging, and making transportation greener. With over 15 years of commitment to this cause, Cnova achieved a new milestone, with 88.4% of its parcels targeted by void reduction actions.

 First Half 2024 financial performance

Cnova N.V. (€m)	Half year		Change
	2023	2024	vs. 2023
Overall GMV (including VAT)	1,380.6	1,195.0	-13.4%
Net sales	612.5	471.0	-23.1%
Gross margin	181.7	172.5	-5.1%
As a % of Net sales	29.7%	36.6%	+7.0pts
As a % of GMV (excluding VAT)	15.8%	17.3%	+1.5pt
SG&A (excluding D&A)	-147.8	-141.2	+€6.6m
As a % of Net sales	-24.1%	-30.0%	-5.8pts
As a % of GMV (excluding VAT)	-12.8%	-14.2%	-1.3pts
EBITDA	33.9	31.3	-€2.6m
As a % of Net sales	5.5%	6.6%	+1.1pt
As a % of GMV (excluding VAT)	2.9%	3.1%	+0.2pt
Depreciation & Amortization	-48.2	-46.2	+€2.0m
Operating EBIT	-14.3	-14.9	-€0.6m
Other non-current operating income / (expenses)	-3.0	-7.3	-€4.2m
Net financial income / (expenses)	-26.8	-28.7	-€1.9m
Profit before tax	-44.1	-50.9	-€6.8m
Income taxes	-21.3	-1.4	+€19.9m
Net loss	-65.6	-53.8	+€11.7m
Net loss from continuing operations	-65.4	-52.4	+€13.0m

  

Net sales amounted to €471m in the 1^st semester 2024, a -23.1% reported decrease compared to 2023 and a -18.9% like-for-like¹⁵ decrease. Net sales evolution has mostly been impacted by decreasing direct sales revenues, impacted by Cnova’s voluntary business shift towards more service activities, as illustrated by Marketplace GMV share growing by +6.8pts vs. 23. B2B revenues have increased by +87.2% vs. 23, supported by Octopia B2B (+58.9%) and C-Logistics B2B (x2).

Gross margin stood at €172m in the 1^st semester 2024, representing 36.6% of net sales. Thanks to Cnova’s business model turnaround towards high-margin services, gross margin rate has increased by +7.0pts vs. 23, with accretive effects mainly from Marketplace activities (including fulfilment services provided to Marketplace sellers), Advertising services and B2B activities.

SG&A (excluding D&A) costs amounted to €-141m in the 1^st semester 2024, representing -30.0% of net sales (-5.8pts vs. 23), improving by €7m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, with:

• Fulfilment costs (excluding D&A) deteriorating by €3m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, mostly due to growing B2B fulfilment activities, notably with C-Logistics’ existing clients ramp-up and new clients launched, partly offset by decreasing variable costs due to lower business volumes. Considering rents, Fulfilment costs are improving by €1m thanks to optimized warehouses capacities
• Marketing costs (excluding D&A) improving by €2m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, mostly due to the reduction in headcount, as part of the Efficiency Plan, along with rationalized marketing costs on specific activities, partly offset by growing acquisition costs along with higher media-brand costs, with the launch of Cnova’s new brand identity, in the 2^nd quarter 2024
• Technology & Content costs (excluding D&A) improving by €5m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, mostly due to headcount optimization for Cdiscount, with the voluntary shift from Direct sales to Marketplace, along with Octopia’s staff costs and external services rationalization, partly offset by inflation effects
• General & Administrative costs (excluding D&A) improving by €3m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, mostly impacted by the reduction in headcount, as part of the Efficiency Plan

 Consequently, EBITDA stood at €31m in the 1^st semester 2024, representing 6.6% of net sales (+1.1pt vs. 23). EBITDA after rents amounted to €18m, increasing by +€2m in the 1^st semester 2024 (+9.5% vs. 23) compared to the 1^st semester 2023.

 Depreciation & Amortization stood at €-46m in the 1^st semester 2024. In accordance with IFRS 16, D&A include the amortization of the right-of-use asset which represents lessees’ right to exploit leased elements over the duration of a lease agreement, which were impacted by warehousing capacities rationalization.

 Operating EBIT amounted to €-15m, deteriorating by €-1m vs. 23, mostly due to EBITDA deteriorating by

-€3m, partly offset by decreasing Depreciation & Amortization compared to the 1^st semester 2023.

 Other non-current operating expenses stood at €-7m in the 1^st semester 2024, deteriorating by €-4m compared to the 1^st semester 2023. The 1^st half 2023 was mostly impacted by conciliation, transformation and restructuring costs. The 1^st half 2024 was mainly impacted by restructuring costs notably warehouses early termination costs.

 Financial result amounted to €-29m, deteriorating by €-2m vs. 23, mostly driven by higher financial costs mainly due to higher drawings, notably on cash pooling, partly offset by lower CB4X financial costs in line with the decreasing Product GMV on Cdiscount.com over the 1^st semester 2024.

 Net loss stood at €-54m, improving by €12m compared to the 1^st semester 2023, mainly driven by decreasing income taxes as an exceptional write-off in deferred tax assets at C-Logistics level for -€18m was booked in June 2023.

  

Free cash-flows		2023 Half year	2024 Half year		Change
(€m)					vs. 23
EBITDA after rents		16.7	18.2		+€1.6m
(-) Capital expenditures		-32.3	-28.0		+€4.3m
(-) CB4X financial costs		-11.1	-9.3		+€1.8m
(+/-) Non-recurring items		-5.1	-9.1		-€4.0m
Free cash-flows before change in WC & taxes		-31.7	-28.2		+€3.5m
(+/-) Change in working capital and taxes		-170.7	-73.5		+€97.3m
Free cash-flows16		-202.4	-101.6		+€100.7m
Change in Net Financial Debt		-209.9	-121.6		+€88.3m

  

Free cash-flows amounted to €-102m in the 1^st semester 2024, improving by +€101m vs. 23, with:

• Increasing free cash-flows before working capital & taxes, driven by a greater EBITDA after rents (+€2m) together with rationalized capital expenditures (+€4m) and optimized CB4X financial costs (+€2m), partly offset by non-recurring items (-€4m), related to restructuring and warehouses early termination costs
• Enhanced working capital (+€97m) thanks to consistent payments to suppliers and a thorough monitoring, whilst the 1^st half 2023 had been impacted by conciliation proceedings, especially payables reduction following credit insurers guarantees shrinkage

Update on Casino group situation – Main events

On March 28^th, 2024, Casino announced the effective completion of its financial restructuring, resulting in a change of control of Casino group to France Retail Holdings S.à.r.l. ("FRH"), a special purpose vehicle set up by a consortium consisting of EP Equity Investment III S.à.r.l. ("EP"), Fimalac and Attestor, controlled by EP, a company controlled by Mr. Daniel Křetínský.

Pursuant to the completion of the financial restructuring of Casino group on March 27^th, 2024, France Retail Holdings S.à.r.l. has acquired indirectly (via Casino Guichard-Perrachon S.A.) 99.27% of the voting rights in Cnova, thus acquiring predominant control (overwegende zeggenschap) over Cnova.

On April 30^th, 2024, following the agreements reached on January 24^th, 2024, with Auchan Retail France and Groupement Les Mousquetaires as well as on February 8^th, 2024 with Carrefour to sell a combined total of 287 stores, Casino group announced the sale of 121 stores.

On May 7^th, 2024, Casino group announced that FRH and Casino have jointly submitted a petition to the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, the Netherlands, for an exemption of the obligation to make a mandatory tender offer. If the exemption is granted, Casino will within three months initiate a buy-out procedure (uitkoopprocedure) in which the Enterprise Chamber will determine the price to be paid for shares of minority shareholders of Cnova N.V., whereby Casino will claim a buy-out price similar to the price that would be paid in a mandatory tender offer.

The petition also includes a request for a further extension of the period. The Enterprise Chamber previously extended this period by thirty days in its judgment of April 25^th, 2024.

On May 7^th, 2024, Cnova announced that Mrs. Béatrice Davourie was appointed as replacement non-executive director and Chairman of the Board of Cnova NV, effective as per May 10^th, 2024.

On May 24^th, 2024, Casino group announced that FRH and Casino have received a judgment of the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, the Netherlands, granting an additional thirty-day extension of the time period. As a result, the period provided is extended by thirty days as of May 27^th, 2024.

On May 31^st, 2024, following the agreements reached on January 24^th, 2024, with Groupement Les Mousquetaires and Auchan Retail France and as well as on February 8^th, 2024 with Carrefour to sell a combined total of 287 stores, Casino group announced the sale of 90 stores.

On June 21^st, 2024, Casino group announced that FRH and Casino group have on June 20^th, 2024, received a judgment of the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, the Netherlands, granting an exemption of the obligation to make a mandatory tender offer for the shares and depositary receipts of Cnova N.V., subject to the condition that Casino shall within four months initiate statutory buyout proceedings (uitkooprocedure) in which the price for Cnova shares is at least equal to the price per share that FRH would have had to offer in a mandatory tender offer under French law, and whereby the obligation to make a mandatory tender offer will revive should Casino not timely initiate the aforementioned buyout proceedings or the Enterprise Chamber reject the statutory buyout claim.

On July 2^nd, 2024, Casino group announced the sale of 66 stores following the agreements reached on January 24^th, 2024, with Groupement Les Mousquetaires and Auchan Retail France.

Casino group also announced that it has sold its controlling 51% stake in 5 hypermarkets to Groupement les Mousquetaires. Groupement les Mousquetaires already hold a 49% stake in these hypermarkets from September 30th, 2023.

***

Cnova publishes today on its website, Friday July, 26^th, its 2024 semi-annual report.

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About Cnova N.V.

Cnova N.V., the French ecommerce leader, serves 7.1 million active customers via its state-of-the-art website, Cdiscount. Cnova N.V.’s product offering provides its B2C clients with a wide variety of very competitively priced goods, fast and customer-convenient delivery options, practical and innovative payment solutions as well as travel and entertainment services. Cnova N.V. also serves B2B clients internationally through Octopia (Marketplace-as-a-Service solutions), Cdiscount Advertising (advertising services for sellers and brands) and C-Logistics (end-to-end logistic ecommerce solution). Cnova N.V. is part of Casino group, a global diversified retailer. Cnova N.V.'s news releases are available at www.cnova.com. Information available on, or accessible through, the sites referenced above is not part of this press release.

This press release contains regulated information (gereglementeerde informatie) within the meaning of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht) which must be made publicly available pursuant to Dutch and French law. This press release is intended for information purposes only.

Cnova Investor Relations Contact: investor@cnovagroup.com Tel : +33 6 79 74 30 94

Media contact: directiondelacommunication@cdiscount.com Tel: +33 6 18 33 17 86 cdiscount@vae-solis.com Tel: +33 6 17 76 79 71

***

Appendices

Cnova N.V. Half Year 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Consolidated Income Statement		Half year 2023 Revised	Half year 2024
(€m)
Net sales		587.6	471.0
Cost of sales		-407.9	-298.5
Gross margin		179.6	172.5
% of net sales		30.6%	36.6%
SG&A(1)		-193.4	-187.4
% of net sales		-32.9%	-39.8%
Fulfilment costs		-60.8	-62.3
Marketing costs		-34.1	-33.1
Technology & Content costs		-73.6	-69.4
General & Administrative costs		-24.8	-22.6
Operating EBIT(2)		-13.8	-14.9
% of net sales		-2.3%	-3.2%
Other expenses		-2.9	-7.3
Operating profit / (loss)		-16.7	-22.2
Net financial income / (expense)		-26.6	-28.8
Profit / (loss) before tax		-43.3	-51.0
Income tax gain / (expense)		-21.3	-1.4
Net profit / (loss) from continued operations		-64.5	-52.4
Net profit /(loss) from discontinued operations(3)		-1.0	-1.5
Net profit/(loss) for the period		-65.6	-53.8
% of net sales		-11.2%	-11.4%
Attributable to Cnova equity holders(4)		-63.9	-53.4
Attributable to non-controlling interests(4)		-1.6	-0.5
Adjusted EPS (€)(5)		-0.19	-0.15

1)   SG&A: selling, general and administrative expenses
2)   Operating EBIT: operating profit/(loss) before other expenses (strategic and restructuring expenses, litigation expenses and impairment and disposal of assets expenses)
3)   In accordance with IFRS 5 (Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations), net loss from discontinued operations is related to Via Varejo litigation settlement for the period ended June 30, 2024. Net result generated by Carya is reported under “Net profit/(loss) from discontinued operations” for the period ended June 30, 2023
4)   Including discontinued
5)   Adjusted EPS: net profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of Cnova before other expenses and the related tax impacts, divided by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares of Cnova during the applicable period

Consolidated Balance Sheet		2023 End December	2024 End June
(€m)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		11.0	18.8
Trade receivables, net		92.7	75.6
Inventories, net		100.5	100.5
Current income tax assets		1.8	1.0
Other current assets, net		144.9	173.3
Total current assets		351.0	369.2
Other non-current assets, net		7.1	6.6
Deferred tax assets		15.0	14.0
Right of use, net		71.4	66.5
Property and equipment, net		16.4	15.6
Intangible assets, net		208.4	198.7
Goodwill		60.7	58.2
Total non-current assets		379.1	359.6
Assets held for sale		0.0	0.0
TOTAL ASSETS		730.1	728.8
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Current provisions		4.5	0.9
Trade payables		252.9	190.6
Current financial debt		183.6	34.7
Current lease liabilities		31.0	24.0
Current taxes and social liabilities		55.3	80.2
Other current liabilities		205.1	186.5
Total current liabilities		732.4	516.9
Non-current provisions		6.8	7.4
Non-current financial debt		416.9	695.1
Non-current lease liabilities		64.4	56.5
Other non-current liabilities		16.1	15.2
Deferred tax liabilities		0.1	0.0
Total non-current liabilities		504.3	774.2
Share capital		17.3	17.3
Reserves, retained earnings & additional paid-in capital		-591.6	-646.6
Equity attributable to equity holders of Cnova		-574.4	-629.3
Non-controlling interests		67.8	67.0
Total equity		-506.6	-562.3
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES		730.1	728.8

  

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement		First 6 months 2023	First 6 months 2024
(€m)
Net profit (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Parent		-62.9	-51.9
Net profit (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		-1.6	-0.5
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations		-64.5	-52.4
Depreciation and amortization expense		48.1	46.2
(Gains) losses on disposal of non-current assets and impairment of assets		0.8	3.0
Other non-cash items		-3.3	-0.5
Financial expense, net		26.6	28.8
Current and deferred tax expenses		21.3	1.4
Income tax paid		-1.7	0.6
Change in operating working capital		-166.9	-73.2
Inventories of products		34.5	-0.4
Trade payables		-198.6	-58.4
Trade receivables		23.4	22.8
Others		-26.3	-37.2
Net cash from / (used in) continuing operating activities		-139.7	-46.1
Net cash from / (used in) discontinued operating activities		-2.9	-4.9
Purchase of property, equipment & intangible assets		-31.8	-28.0
Purchase of non-current financial assets		0.2	-0.0
Proceeds from disposal of P&E, intangible assets & non-current fin. assets		4.7	2.9
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired		-	-0.4
Changes in loans granted (including to related parties)		155.6	0.1
Net cash from / (used in) continuing investing activities		128.6	-25.4
Net cash from / (used in) discontinued investing activities		-0.5	0.0
Additions to financial debt		79.4	198.2
Repayments of financial debt		-10.2	-6.0
Repayments of lease liability		-13.9	-16.6
Interest paid on lease liability		-3.8	-1.9
Interest paid, net		-27.0	33.6
Net cash from / (used in) continuing financing activities		24.5	140.1
Net cash from / (used in) discontinued financing activities		-0.6	-0.0
Effect of changes in foreign currency translation adjustments		0.0	0.1
Change in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations		13.3	68.7
Change in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations		-4.0	-4.9
Cash and cash equivalents, net, at period begin		-54.3	-58.1
Cash and cash equivalents, net, at period end		-45.0	5.7

---

¹ Placed Direct sales and Marketplace GMV excl. VAT (before cancellation due to fraud detection and/or customer non-payment)
² Evolution of placed GMV as of July 25^th, 2024 compared to the same period last year

³ Like-for-like figures exclude Carya and Neosys (disposed) along with Géant and Cdiscount Pro (discontinued)
⁴ Source: Fevad (figures covering from January 2024 to May 2024 compared to the same period last year)

⁵ Including Marketplace commissions, subscription fees and other revenues, Advertising services, Fulfilment by Cdiscount, warranties extension, CUP cards commissions, B2C services, Octopia B2B (Fulfilment-as-a-Service, Merchants-as-a-Service and Marketplace-as-a-Service) and C-Logistics B2B
⁶ Like-for-like figures exclude Carya and Neosys (disposed) along with Géant and Cdiscount Pro (discontinued)
⁷ EBITDA: operating profit/(loss) from ordinary activities (EBIT) adjusted for operating depreciation & amortization
⁸ Free cash-flows from continuing operations before financial interest
⁹ Like-for-like figures exclude Carya and Neosys (disposed) along with Géant and Cdiscount Pro (discontinued)
¹⁰ Including Marketplace commissions after price discounts, subscription fee and revenues from fulfilment services to sellers
¹¹ Including both revenues from marketing services to suppliers and sellers
¹² Including Travel, Mobile, CUP cards commissions, warranty services and others
¹³ Including Fulfilment-as-a-Service, Merchants-as-a-Service and Marketplace-as-a-Service (Octopia) and C-Logistics B2B activities
¹⁴ Like-for-like figures exclude Carya and Neosys (disposed) along with Géant and Cdiscount Pro (discontinued)
¹⁵ Like-for-like figures exclude Carya and Neosys (disposed) along with Géant and Cdiscount Pro (discontinued)
¹⁶ Free cash-flows from continuing operations before financial interest

 

Attachments

• 2022 07 26_Cnova Press release_H1 2022 VF
• Cnova NV_Activity Press release_2Q24

FAQ

How did Cnova's EBITDA after rents perform in H1 2024?

Cnova's EBITDA after rents improved by €2M in H1 2024.

What was the growth rate of free cash flows for Cnova in H1 2024?

Free cash flows for Cnova improved by €101M YoY in H1 2024.

How did Cnova's Product GMV trend in Q2 2024?

Cnova's Product GMV improved month-over-month, culminating in a +7% increase in July 2024.

What was the percentage drop in Cnova's overall GMV in H1 2024?

Cnova's overall GMV declined by 12% in H1 2024 YoY.

What portion of Cnova's Product GMV was represented by the Marketplace in H1 2024?

The Marketplace represented 65% of Cnova's Product GMV in H1 2024.

What were Cnova's net sales in H1 2024?

Cnova's net sales were €471M in H1 2024, a decrease of 19% compared to the previous year.

How did B2B revenues perform for Cnova in H1 2024?

B2B revenues for Cnova increased by 87% in H1 2024.

What was Cnova's net loss from continuing operations in H1 2024?

Cnova's net loss from continuing operations was €52.4M in H1 2024.