Natuzzi S.p.A.: Shareholder Letter and Financial Results
Natuzzi reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2021. Invoiced sales increased by 15.7% year-over-year to €115.6 million, with a gross margin of 35.6%, up from 31.4% in the same period of 2020. The operating profit stood at €0.6 million, down from €2.4 million in Q4 2020, due to exceptional transportation costs. For the full year, revenues were €427.4 million, a 30.2% increase from 2020. Significant growth was noted in order flow, with a backlog of €114.4 million and strong order momentum continuing into 2022, up 32.3% in the first 12 weeks compared to last year.
- Invoiced sales increased by 30.2% to €427.4 million for FY 2021, surpassing pre-COVID levels.
- Gross margin improved to 36.0% from 31.4% in FY 2020.
- Operating profit of €4.9 million compared to a loss of €10.6 million in FY 2020.
- Cash reserves increased to €53.5 million, up from €48.2 million in FY 2020.
- Strong order flow with a backlog of €114.4 million as of the end of 2021.
- Operating profit in Q4 2021 decreased to €0.6 million, impacted by high transportation costs.
- Operating expenses rose to €40.6 million in Q4 2021, a significant increase from €29.0 million in Q4 2020.
2021 – FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR RESULTS
FOURTH QUARTER 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
-
INVOICED SALES INCREASED
15.7% VS 4Q 2020 AND15.0% VS 4Q 2019, DESPITE PERSISTING DISRUPTION IN THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN -
GROSS MARGIN OF
35.6% , INCREASING FROM31.4% IN 4Q 2020 AND31.9% IN 4Q 2019, DESPITE PERDURING INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT -
OPERATING PROFIT OF
€0.6 MILLION , AFFECTED BY EXCEPTIONAL TRANSPORTATION COSTS SPIKE, COMPARED TO A PROFIT OF€2.4 MILLION IN 4Q 2020 AND A LOSS OF (€3.0) MILLION IN 4Q 2019
FISCAL YEAR 2021 HIGHTLIGHTS
-
INVOICED SALES +
30.2% VS FY 2020, RESULTING ALSO HIGHER THAN THE YEAR BEFORE COVID (+10.4% VS FY 2019). THE YEAR 2021 ALSO ENDS WITH€114.4 MILLION OF ORDER FLOW BACKLOG -
GROSS MARGIN OF
36.0% , FROM31.4% IN FY 2020 AND29.7% IN FY 2019 -
OPERATING PROFIT OF
€4.9 MILLION , COMPARED TO A LOSS OF (€10.6) MILLION IN FY 2020 AND A LOSS OF (€22.5) MILLION IN FY 2019 -
ADJUSTED EBITDA OF
€24.9 MILLION , COMPARED TO€12.3 MILLION IN 2020 AND€1.0 MILLION IN 2019 -
CASH OF
€53.5 MILLION AS OFDECEMBER 31, 2021 , FROM€48.2 MILLION AS OFDECEMBER 31, 2020 , AND€39.8 MILLION AS OFDECEMBER 31, 2019 -
POSITIVE ORDER MOMENTUM CONTINUES IN 2022: WRITTEN ORDERS DURING FIRST 12 WEEKS OF 2022 UP
32.3% VS SAME PERIOD IN 2021, DRIVEN IN PARTICULAR BY OUR BRANDS: BRANDED BUSINESS +42.6%
SANTERAMO IN COLLE,
Supply chain complications in the industry throughout most of 2021, such as the low availability of raw materials and semi-finished goods as well as shipping shortage and delays, have limited our ability to keep pace with continued growing demand.
As a consequence of the combined effect of the accelerated growth of the demand for our products and multiple supply chain bottlenecks, we ended 2021 with an order portfolio at
We reported increasing gross margins both on a quarterly and yearly basis, despite the challenges of a generalized inflationary environment, with escalating commodity and freight costs that put pressures on margins, particularly evident in 2021 fourth quarter.
In order to mitigate such supply-chain related issues, we are progressing with a series of initiatives which are aimed at enhancing the modernization of our factories, increasing efficiency and production capacity.
As anticipated in November, we started the “Factory 4.0” pilot in one of our factories in
Last year also saw significant changes on our organization which are now impacting positively on the way our team works. In November, we launched the new commercial organization, which pivots on the Brands rather than the distribution channels. This represents an important step forward in supporting our journey to become a lifestyle brand and a retailer with a clear strategy and a different positioning for each of the two brands. Each Chief Brand Officer is now fully on board and in charge of setting the brand marketing and merchandising strategy while interacting closely with the Regions to define the distribution priorities. We believe this has been a key step in the direction of becoming a Consumer and Brand Centric organization. The growth of both Brands in the first 12 weeks of 2022 confirms the positive impact of the new organization on our business.
We also introduced a new Business Unit to capture and develop further our Furnishing & Accessories business. Furnishings and accessories have been experiencing significant growth, increasing in 2021 by
This business unit, which will oversee the entire value chain, will adopt an “asset light” business model, as suppliers will be directly involved in both production and inventory management. The manager of this new division will join us in April. Mr.
We keep on working to strengthen our organization to support and accelerate our transformation. To execute our plans, we are still looking for a few specific talents to complement our team. I want to have in all key positions of the new organization managers which have an entrepreneurial mindset and share passion towards the vision we have developed to regain our Global Leadership position by 2026.
The other front we keep on working is retail, in an effort to complete our transition to a Brand Retailer group. On this front, I am pleased that our stores continue improving their performance, most notably in the US, which remains one of our strongest retail opportunities. During 2021, like-for-like sales of our DOS located in the US grew by
We are also very pleased with the pace of development and performance of retail in
We also concluded an important JV agreement to accelerate the growth of the rest of Apac and to reinforce our production capabilities in
***
The economic and geopolitical context remains extremely delicate. For this reason, we are applying a tight approach to cost management, reducing costs whenever it is possible without jeopardizing the current growth momentum. In addition, as we work to execute our 2022 budget, which is inspired by the ambition to strengthen our growth trajectory, we keep monitoring closely the evolution of the key markets we operate in, so to be ready, if needed, to timely take appropriate initiatives to adjust our cost structure and operating model to the evolving context.
4Q 2021 CONSOLIDATED REVENUE
4Q 2021 consolidated revenue amounted to
Excluding “other sales” of
To provide a better understanding of the different growth drivers of our operating model, invoiced sales from upholstered and other home furnishings are hereafter described according to the main dimensions of the Group’s business:
- A: Branded/Unbranded Business
- B: Distribution
A. BRANDED/UNBRANDED BUSINESS
The Group operates in the branded business (with the Natuzzi Italia, Natuzzi Editions and Divani&Divani by Natuzzi) and the unbranded business, the latter with collections dedicated to large-scale distribution.
A1. Branded business.
Within the branded business, Natuzzi is pursuing a dual-brands strategy:
-
Natuzzi Italia, our luxury furniture brand, offers products entirely designed and manufactured in
Italy and targets an affluent and more sophisticated global consumer with a highly inspirational collection that is largely the same across all our global stores to best represent our Brand. Natuzzi Italia products are almost exclusively sold in mono-brand stores (directly operated or franchises). -
Natuzzi Editions, our contemporary collection, offers products entirely designed in
Italy and produced in different plants strategically located to best serve individual markets (mainlyChina ,Romania ,Brazil ). Natuzzi Editions products are distributed inItaly under the brand Divani&Divani by Natuzzi. The store merchandising of Natuzzi Editions, starting from a common collection, is tailored to best fit the opportunities of each market. The Natuzzi Editions products are sold primarily through galleries and selected mono-brand franchise stores.
In 4Q 2021, Natuzzi’s branded invoiced sales amounted to
-
Natuzzi Italia invoiced sales amounted to
€42.9 million , an increase of29.7% compared to 4Q 2020 and of14.4% compared to 4Q 2019. -
Natuzzi Editions invoiced sales (including sales from “Divani&Divani by Natuzzi”) amounted to
€56.0 million , an increase of15.9% compared to 4Q 2020 and of28.2% compared to 4Q 2019.
A2. Unbranded business. Invoiced sales from our unbranded business amounted to
B. Distribution
As of
|
Direct Retail |
FOS** |
Galleries** |
Total |
|||
|
12 |
6 |
184 |
202 |
|||
West & |
37 |
97 |
135 |
269 |
|||
|
24(1) |
316 |
─ |
340 |
|||
Emerging Markets |
─ |
72 |
142 |
214 |
|||
Rest of the World |
16* |
82 |
91 |
189 |
|||
Total |
89 |
573 |
552 |
1,214 |
* It includes 11 Natuzzi Concessions (store-in-store points of sale) directly managed by the Mexican subsidiary of the Group.
** Managed by independent partners.
(1) All directly operated by our Joint Venture in
During 2021, Group’s direct retail invoiced sales amounted to
In 2021, invoiced sales from franchise stores amounted to
We continue executing our strategy to become a Brand Retailer. The weight of Retail (DOS and FOS) on total upholstered and home furnishings business in 2021 was
The Group also sells its products through the wholesale channel, consisting primarily of Natuzzi-branded galleries in multi-brand stores as well as mass distributors selling unbranded products.
In 2021, invoiced sales from the wholesale channel amounted to
4Q 2021 GROSS MARGIN
In 4Q 2021, we had a gross margin of
We remain vigilant in finding solutions to mitigate this inflationary pressure on gross margin, as we do not see yet signs of a return to a more stabilized trend in the cost of materials.
4Q 2021 OPERATING EXPENSES
During 4Q 2021, operating expenses (which include selling expenses, administrative expenses, other operating income/expenses, and the impairment of trade receivables) were
The main driver beyond the increase in operating expenses was transportation. Out of the
GROUP’S JOINT VENTURE IN
Given the relevance of the Chinese market for the Group, we herewith provide an update on our retail operations in that Region.
The Group’s commercial and distribution activities in
This Joint Venture distributes Natuzzi Italia and Natuzzi Editions branded products through a network of single-brand directly operated and franchised operated stores in
Under the Agreements, Natuzzi and Kuka own, respectively, a
- the sell-in generated by the Joint Venture under the consolidated revenue, and
- the Joint Venture’s
For the year 2021, Natuzzi’s invoiced sales in
In 2021, net profit deriving from the
As at the end of 2021, cash and cash equivalents in our Joint Venture in
FULL YEAR 2021 RESULTS AND A PERSPECTIVE ON OUR MULTI-YEAR TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY
In 2021, the Company returned to top line growth and improved results on all key dimensions of its P&L not only versus 2020 but also versus 2019, the year before COVID:
-
Total revenues of
€427.4 million , +30.2% vs 2020 and +10.4% compared to 2019; -
Gross margin of
36.0% , vs31.4% in 2020 and29.7% in 2019; -
Operating profit of
€4.9 million that compares to an operating loss of (€10.6) million in 2020, and of (€22.5) million in 2019 -
Adjusted EBITDA of
€24.9 million , vs€12.3 million in 2020 and€1.0 million in 2019
We believe it is useful to put 2021 numbers in the perspective of our multi-year transformation journey. In 2019, in fact, Natuzzi defined a new strategic plan, which has been than reconfirmed and further articulated in 2021, when the new CEO took position and the new governance became effective. Despite the COVID -19 did not provide a favourable environment to execute our transformation program, we are encouraged by the early signs of the impact on the P&L of our strategy and long-term plan.
The attached table summarize the key dimensions of our business from 2018 to 2021.
Consolidated figures for the years: | 2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
Revenue | 427.4 |
328.3 |
387.0 |
428.5 |
YoY % change in Revenue |
|
(15.1)% |
(9.7)% |
(4.5)% |
Branded sales on main business* |
|
|
|
|
* Sales of upholstered and other home furnishings products | ||||
Gross Profit | 153.8 |
103.2 |
115.0 |
120.3 |
Gross Margin |
|
|
|
|
Operating Profit/(Loss) | 4.9 |
(10.6) |
(22.5) |
(25.5) |
Operating Margin |
|
(3.2)% |
(5.8)% |
(5.9)% |
Adjusted EBITDA | 24.9 |
12.3 |
1.0 |
(15.5) |
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
|
|
(3.6)% |
Direct Retail | 2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
Total |
26.9 |
16.6 |
20.0 |
14.6 |
Total |
3.1 |
(1.0) |
1.0 |
(1.0) |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018(1) |
|
Group's Cash and cash equivalents (as at |
53.5 |
48.2 |
39.8 |
26.6 |
Figures in €/million, except % data; Unaudited
(1) As of
For the way in which the Company calculates the Adjusted EBITDA, please refer to our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW
During 2021, the Company provided
-
a profit for the period of
€4.4 million ; -
adjustments for non-monetary items of
€18.6 million , of which depreciation and amortization of€21.4 million ; -
(
€13.3) million of cash used due to higher working capital to support the increased business, of which (€16.0) million for inventory and (€5.9) million for trade and other receivables, partially offset by trade and other payables. -
interest and taxes paid of (
€9.2) million .
During 2021,
In the same period,
As a result, as of
As of
Unaudited consolidated statement of profit or loss for the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2020 on the basis of IFRS-IAS (expressed in millions Euro, except per ordinary share) |
|||||
Fourth Quarter ended on |
Change | Percentage of revenue | |||
% | |||||
Revenue | 115.6 |
99.9 |
|
|
|
Cost of Sales | (74.4) |
(68.5) |
|
- |
- |
Gross profit | 41.2 |
31.4 |
|
|
|
Other income | 1.4 |
0.9 |
|
|
|
Selling expenses | (32.0) |
(21.7) |
|
- |
- |
Administrative expenses | (9.9) |
(7.5) |
|
- |
- |
Impairment on trade receivables | (0.0) |
0.0 |
|
|
|
Other expenses | (0.2) |
(0.7) |
- |
- |
|
Operating profit/(loss) | 0.6 |
2.4 |
|
|
|
Finance income | 0.2 |
0.1 |
|
|
|
Finance costs | (1.5) |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
|
Net exchange rate gains/(losses) | 2.8 |
(0.8) |
|
- |
|
Gain from disposal and loss of control of a subsidiary | 0.3 |
─ |
|
|
|
Net finance income/(costs) | 1.7 |
(3.8) |
|
- |
|
Share of profit/(loss) of equity-method investees | 0.8 |
0.5 |
|
|
|
Profit/(Loss) before tax | 3.1 |
(0.8) |
|
- |
|
Income tax expense | (1.2) |
(2.8) |
- |
- |
|
Profit/(Loss) for the period | 1.9 |
(3.6) |
|
- |
|
Profit/(Loss) attributable to: | |||||
Owners of the Company | 1.5 |
(3.9) |
|||
Non-controlling interests | 0.4 |
0.3 |
|||
Profit/(loss) per Ordinary Share | 0.03 |
(0.07) |
Unaudited consolidated statement of profit or loss for the twelve months of 2021 and 2020 on the basis of IFRS-IAS (expressed in millions Euro, except per share data) |
|||||
Twelve Months ended on | Change | Percentage of revenue | |||
% | |||||
Revenue | 427.4 |
328.3 |
|
|
|
Cost of Sales | (273.6) |
(225.2) |
|
- |
- |
Gross profit | 153.8 |
103.2 |
|
|
|
Other income | 6.4 |
3.9 |
|
|
|
Selling expenses | (121.6) |
(84.5) |
|
- |
- |
Administrative expenses | (33.3) |
(29.4) |
|
- |
- |
Impairment on trade receivables | (0.1) |
(1.8) |
|
- |
|
Other expenses | (0.3) |
(1.9) |
- |
- |
|
Operating profit/(loss) | 4.9 |
(10.6) |
|
- |
|
Finance income | 0.2 |
0.3 |
|
|
|
Finance costs | (6.8) |
(7.8) |
- |
- |
|
Net exchange rate gains/(losses) | 1.9 |
(3.9) |
|
- |
|
Gain from disposal and loss of control of a subsidiary | 5.0 |
─ |
|
|
|
Net finance income/(costs) | 0.3 |
(11.4) |
|
- |
|
Share of profit/(loss) of equity-method investees | 3.6 |
1.5 |
|
|
|
Profit/(Loss) before tax | 8.8 |
(20.6) |
|
- |
|
Income tax expense | (4.4) |
(4.3) |
- |
- |
|
Profit/(Loss) for the period | 4.4 |
(24.9) |
|
- |
|
Profit/(Loss) attributable to: | |||||
Owners of the Company | 3.6 |
(24.7) |
|||
Non-controlling interests | 0.8 |
(0.2) |
|||
Profit/(loss) per Ordinary Share | 0.07 |
(0.45) |
Unaudited consolidated statements of financial position (condensed) on the basis of IFRS-IAS (Expressed in millions of Euro) |
||
ASSETS | ||
Non-current assets | 189.6 |
184.0 |
Current assets | 200.4 |
172.0 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 390.0 |
356.0 |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
Equity attributable to Owners of the Company | 82.3 |
74.3 |
Non-controlling interests | 1.5 |
1.0 |
Non-current liabilities | 107.5 |
104.0 |
Current liabilities | 198.7 |
176.7 |
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 390.0 |
356.0 |
Unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows (condensed) | ||
(Expressed in millions of Euro) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 0.5 |
12.3 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 7.0 |
2.3 |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (2.0) |
(5.6) |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 5.5 |
9.0 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year | 46.1 |
37.8 |
Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash held | 0.6 |
(0.8) |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period | 52.2 |
46.1 |
For the purpose of the statements of cash flow, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following: |
||
(Expressed in millions of Euro) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position | 53.5 |
48.2 |
Bank overdrafts repayable on demand | (1.2) |
(2.1) |
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows | 52.2 |
46.1 |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be expressed in a variety of ways, including the use of future or present tense language. Words such as “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “seek,” “believe,” “plan,” “goal,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “strategy,” “synergies,” “opportunities,” “trends,” “ambition,” “objective,” “aim,” “future,” “potentially,” “outlook” and words of similar meaning may signify forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, potential risks and uncertainties described at page 3 of this document relating to the supply-chain, the cost and availability of raw material, production and shipping and the modernization of our Italian manufacturing and those relating to the duration, severity and geographic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or to mitigate its impact, the potential negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, consumer demand and our supply chain, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's financial condition, business operations and liquidity. Additional information about potential factors that could affect the Company’s business and financial results is included in the Company’s filings with the
Additional Information
This news release is just one part of the Company’s financial disclosures and should be read in conjunction with other information filed with the
About
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For information:
Natuzzi Investor Relations
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FAQ
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