Global Blue Reports a Strong Operational Performance With Improved Financial Position and Stengthened Balance Sheet
Global Blue reported a 36% YoY increase in revenue to €422m for FY23/24, with a 91% rise in Adjusted EBITDA to €149m. The EBITDA margin improved by 10.2 percentage points to 35.2%. The company's net leverage ratio improved from 6.5x to 3.4x. The Tax-Free Shopping recovery saw significant gains, with Continental Europe and Asia Pacific showing 141% and 223% recoveries, respectively.
Strategic initiatives focused on digitalization, commercial gains, and product development have shown solid progress. Financial guidance for FY24/25 remains firm with an expected Adjusted EBITDA of over €200m.
Net debt was reduced, and debt maturity extended to 2030. The company's repricing of loans and revolving credit facilities is expected to save €6m annually in interest costs.
- 36% YoY revenue increase to €422m.
- 91% YoY increase in Adjusted EBITDA to €149m.
- Improved EBITDA margin by 10.2 percentage points to 35.2%.
- Significant improvement in the net leverage ratio from 6.5x to 3.4x.
- Debt maturity extended to 2030.
- Expected annual interest savings of €6m from loan repricing.
- Strong recovery in Tax-Free Shopping, with 141% in Continental Europe and 223% in Asia Pacific.
- Strategic focus on digitalization, commercial gains, and product development showing progress.
- Financial guidance for FY24/25 reaffirms Adjusted EBITDA of over €200m.
- Increased net finance costs by €13.8m due to higher interest rates.
- Adjusted Income Tax Expense increased from €10.6m to €25.1m.
- Non-controlling interests rose from €2.1m to €7m.
- Fixed costs increased from €154.8m to €173.3m.
Insights
Global Blue Group Holding AG demonstrated a robust operational performance with a significant 36% increase in revenue to €422m and an impressive 91% rise in Adjusted EBITDA to €149m for FY23/24. This achievement is noteworthy considering the post-pandemic recovery period, reflecting strong management and strategic execution. The Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 10 percentage points to 35.2%, indicating effective cost management and enhanced operational efficiency.
From a balance sheet perspective, the company has made considerable strides in deleveraging, reducing its net leverage ratio from 6.5x to 3.4x over the past year. This is a significant improvement and aligns well with their target of bringing it below 2.5x post FY24/25. The extension of debt maturity to 2030 further solidifies their financial standing, providing more flexibility and stability for future growth.
Looking at the short-term guidance reaffirmed for FY24/25 with an Adjusted EBITDA target of more than €200m, the outlook appears optimistic. The strategic focus on digitalization, commercial gains and product development seems to be yielding positive results, as evidenced by the successful recovery in Tax Free Shopping, especially in Asia Pacific with a 223% recovery rate.
However, one should be wary of potential macroeconomic risks that could impact consumer spending, particularly in the travel sector which is a significant part of Global Blue's revenue stream. Overall, the company exhibits strong financial health and strategic foresight, making it a potentially attractive opportunity for investors focusing on mid-to-long-term growth.
The strong performance of Global Blue in FY23/24 can be attributed to several factors, including the acceleration of the Tax Free Shopping recovery and the company's focus on digitalization. The substantial recovery in Tax Free Shopping in both Continental Europe and Asia Pacific, with recovery rates of 141% and 223% respectively, indicates a robust rebound in international travel and consumer spending.
The company's strategic initiatives, particularly the ongoing digitalization in Tax Free Shopping Solutions, have resulted in significant commercial gains. The increase in the Success Ratio to 56% contributed an additional 8% growth in Tax Free Shopping Revenue. This digital transformation not only enhances customer experience but also positions Global Blue as a market leader in this segment.
Moreover, the Payments segment has shown strong retention rates and significant revenue growth. The hospitality payment gateway initiative, which saw the signing of 5 Acquirers and the rollout of over 350 hotels, demonstrates the company's ability to diversify and expand its revenue streams.
While the overall performance and strategies appear promising, it is essential to consider market dynamics such as changing consumer behaviors, potential regulatory changes and the competitive landscape. As the company continues to innovate and expand, maintaining its market position and adapting to new market trends will be important for sustained growth.
Global Blue's financial results for FY23/24 highlight a strong recovery in the travel and tourism sector, a key driver for their Tax Free Shopping and Payments solutions. The impressive revenue growth of 36% year-over-year to €422m is a clear indicator of the pent-up demand for international travel post-pandemic, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific, which saw a remarkable 223% recovery in Tax Free Shopping.
The significant deleveraging and balance sheet strengthening are also noteworthy. Reducing the net leverage ratio from 6.5x to 3.4x in just one year demonstrates effective debt management and a focus on long-term financial health. The extension of debt maturity to 2030 further supports this by providing the company with a more extended timeframe to manage its obligations and invest in growth opportunities.
The company's reaffirmed financial guidance for FY24/25, targeting an Adjusted EBITDA of over €200m, is a strong signal to investors about their confidence in continued growth and profitability. Additionally, the strategic focus on digitalization and product development aligns with broader market trends towards increased use of technology and innovation in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
However, while the outlook is positive, economic uncertainties such as inflation, interest rate changes and potential geopolitical tensions could impact consumer spending and travel patterns. Investors should keep an eye on these macroeconomic factors, which could introduce volatility to Global Blue's otherwise positive trajectory.
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Strong YoY growth in Group Revenue of
36% to€422m , alongside a91% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to€149m in line with short-term guidance
-
Improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margin of 10ppts to
35.2% and a64% drop-through(1)
- Strengthened balance sheet, with meaningful net leverage ratio(2) improvement to 3.4x in March 2024 (vs. 6.5x in March 2023) and extension of debt maturity to 2030
-
Continuation of the Tax Free Shopping recovery in April/May 2024 with recovery in Continental Europe at
141% and223% inAsia Pacific vs128% and166% respectively in Q4 FY23/24
- Solid progress against strategic initiatives with focus on increased digitalization, commercial gains, and product development
-
Financial guidance reaffirmed – FY24/25 Adjusted EBITDA of >
€200m
SIGNY,
Global Blue’s CEO, Jacques Stern, commented:
“FY23/24 was a year of significant progress for Global Blue, where we achieved considerable growth and profitability, generated robust cash flow, and substantially reduced the Group's debt.
“We delivered our financial guidance, with
“With strong progress in our strategic initiatives and continued benefits from the acceleration of the Tax Free Shopping recovery, particularly in
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FY23/24 financial results showed a significant improvement against operational and strategic objectives.
Strong operational performance
The Group delivered a
Rapid deleveraging and solid Balance Sheet
The Group delivered a significant improvement in the net leverage ratio(2) to 3.4x at end March 2024 from 6.5x at end March 2023 and in line with the Group target of <2.5x post FY24/25.
To further strengthen the balance sheet, in December 2023, the Group refinanced its debt with a senior term loan of
Continuation of the improvement in the Tax Free Shopping recovery
In April/May 2024, the recovery in Tax Free Shopping Group reported LfL Issued Sales-in-Store(3) continued to progress in both Continental Europe and
The recovery in Continental Europe reached
In
Solid progress against strategic initiatives
During the period, the Group made significant strides in its focus on digitalization, commercial gains, and product development.
In Tax Free Shopping Solutions, the ongoing digitalization initiative resulted in a 4-point increase in the Success Ratio(4) to
In Payments, FX Solutions maintained a strong market position, with a net retention rate(5) of
Confirmation of guidance and long-term targets
Building on the successes of FY23/24 and with the acceleration of the Tax Free Shopping recovery, in particular in
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Q4 FY23/24 Financial Performance
€M |
Q4 FY21/22 |
Q4 FY22/23 |
Q4 FY23/24 |
Q4 FY23/24 vs. Q4 FY22/23 (%) |
Revenue Tax Free Shopping Solutions Payments Post-Purchase Solutions |
28.1 7.3 3.8 |
62.4 17.7 6.7 |
76.6 21.7 6.9 |
|
Revenue |
39.2 |
86.8 |
105.2 |
|
Variable costs |
(7.9) |
(22.0) |
(26.9) |
|
Contribution |
31.3 |
64.8 |
78.3 |
|
Fixed costs |
(33.3) |
(43.5) |
(44.4) |
|
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA Margin(%) |
(2.1) |
21.3
|
33.9
|
|
Adjusted Depreciation & Amortisation |
(9.9) |
(9.7) |
(11.8) |
|
Net Finance Costs |
(5.9) |
(9.0) |
(13.8) |
|
Adjusted Profit before Tax |
(17.9) |
2.5 |
8.4 |
|
Adjusted Income Tax Expense |
1.3 |
(3.1) |
(5.5) |
|
Non-Controlling Interests |
(0.1) |
(0.4) |
(1.3) |
|
Adjusted Net Income Group Share |
(16.4) |
(1.0) |
1.6 |
|
Revenue
The Group delivered Revenue of
Tax Free Shopping Solutions delivered Revenue of
Payments delivered Revenue of
Post-Purchase Solutions delivered Revenue of
Adjusted EBITDA
The Group delivered Adjusted EBITDA of
FY23/24 Financial Performance
€M |
FY21/22 |
FY22/23 |
FY23/24 |
FY23/24 vs. FY22/23 (%) |
Revenue Tax Free Shopping Solutions Payments Post-Purchase Solutions |
89.6 23.3 13.1 |
228.8 61.8 20.9 |
311.7 83.0 27.5 |
|
Group Revenue |
125.9 |
311.5 |
422.3 |
|
Variable costs |
(26.7) |
(78.8) |
(100.4) |
|
Contribution |
99.2 |
232.7 |
321.9 |
|
Fixed costs |
(109.2) |
(154.8) |
(173.3) |
|
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA Margin(%) |
(9.9) |
78.0
|
148.7
|
|
Adjusted Depreciation & Amortisation |
(40.2) |
(36.7) |
(39.4) |
|
Net Finance Costs |
(24.6) |
(36.6) |
(50.3) |
|
Adjusted Profit before Tax |
(74.7) |
4.7 |
59.0 |
|
Adjusted Income Tax Expense |
5.7 |
(10.6) |
(25.1) |
|
Non-Controlling Interests |
(0.6) |
(2.1) |
(7.0) |
|
Adjusted Net Income Group Share |
(69.6) |
(8.1) |
26.9 |
|
Revenue
The Group delivered Revenue of
Tax Free Shopping Solutions delivered Revenue of
Payments delivered Revenue of
Post-Purchase Solutions delivered Revenue of
Adjusted EBITDA
The Group delivered Adjusted EBITDA of
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA implied an improvement in margin of 10.2ppts to
Adjusted Profit before Tax
The Group delivered Adjusted Profit Before Tax of
Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, and Net Debt
The Group delivered an increase of
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Repricing of Term Loan and RCF
In May 2024, the Group successfully allocated the repricing of both the term loan and RCF. The repricing is expected to close on or prior to June 30, 2024, and upon closing will reduce the interest rate margin applicable to the Group under both the term loan and RCF by 100ppts (from
LATEST TAX FREE SHOPPING TRENDS
Sales-in-Store(3) Volumes well ahead of 2019 levels
In April/May 2024, Tax Free Shopping Sales-In-Stores(3) LfL reported a
In Continental Europe, the recovery reached
In
Year-on-Year Performance with high volume growth
Year-on-year Sales-in-Store(3) is increasing at high double digit growth in Continental Europe and triple digit growth in
In April/May 2024, Sales-in-Store(3) in Continental Europe increased by +
In
FY23/24 ACHIEVEMENTS
During the period, the Group made significant strides in its focus on digitalization, commercial gains, and product development.
In Tax Free Shopping Solutions, the ongoing digitalization efforts across the issuing, validation, and refunding processes resulted in a 4ppts increase in the Success Ratio(4) to
The Payments business also maintained a strong retention rate, with a net retention rate(5) of
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND LONG-TERM TARGETS
In September 2023, the Group issued guidance and long-term targets as it continues to benefit from the strong growth drivers of the business; Global Blue Group Holding AG - Global Blue Introduces Financial Guidance and Long-term Targets.
Global Blue reiterates its guidance, including the expected Adjusted EBITDA of more than
______________________________________________
1Refers to the portion of Revenue growth that drops through to the Adjusted EBITDA line.
2Net Leverage refers to Net Debt divided by the last 12 months Adjusted EBITDA excluding Post-Purchase Solutions Adjusted EBITDA losses.
3Refers to the Issued Sales-In-Store (Spend), like-for-like (at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).
4Refers to the percentage of eligible Tax Free Shopping transactions that are issued and refunded, calculated on the basis of the Issue Ratio: the percentage of eligible transactions that are issued a tax free form, and the Refund Ratio: the percentage of transactions for which a tax free form has been issued and successfully refunded.
5Net Retention Rate for a given year is a percentage calculated as: 1 + the Sales-in-Store gained from new accounts and store openings in the given year, net of lost accounts and store closures, divided by the total Sales- in-Store for the given year. Net Retention Rate does not adjust for luxury inflation through the period.
6Annualized extrapolation includes Tax Free Shopping, Payments, and Post-Purchase Solutions performance in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 FY22/23, and Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 FY23/24, applied to the year.
WEBCAST INFORMATION
An audio recording of commentary on the results, along with supplemental financial information, can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at Global Blue Group Holding AG - Investor Relations.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
This press release contains certain Non-IFRS Financial Measures. These non-IFRS measures may not be indicative of Global Blue’s historical operating results nor are such measures meant to be predictive of Global Blue’s future results. Not all companies calculate non-IFRS measures in the same manner or on a consistent basis. As a result, these measures and ratios may not be comparable to measures used by other companies under the same or similar names. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on the non-IFRS measures presented in this press release.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding Global Blue or its management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. The words “anticipate,” “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Global Blue’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Global Blue. There can be no assurance that the future developments affecting Global Blue will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Global Blue’s control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These include commercial expectations and other external factors, including political, legal, fiscal, market and economic conditions and factors affecting travel and traveller shopping, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and applicable legislation, regulations and rules (including, but not limited to, accounting policies and accounting treatments), movements in foreign exchange rates, inflation and other factors described under “Risk Factors” in Global Blue’s Annual Report on Form 20-F/A for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and in other reports we file from time to time with the SEC, all of which are difficult to predict and are beyond Global Blue’s control. Except as required by law, Global Blue is not undertaking any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ABOUT GLOBAL BLUE
Global Blue is the business partner for the shopping journey, providing technology and services to enhance the experience and drive performance.
With over 40 years of expertise, today we connect thousands of retailers, acquirers, and hotels with nearly 80 million consumers across more than 50 countries, in three industries: Tax Free Shopping, Payments and Post-Purchase solutions.
With c2,000 employees, Global Blue generated
For more information, please visit www.globalblue.com
Source: Global Blue
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240605664777/en/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Frances Gibbons, Head of Investor Relations
+44 (0) 7815 034 212
fgibbons@globalblue.com
Source: Global Blue
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