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Touax: 2023 RESULTS

TOUAX
TOUAX

PRESS RELEASE        Paris, 21 March 2024 – 17 h 45

YOUR OPERATIONAL LEASING SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

2023 RESULTS

A profitable and resilient business model within the context of rising interest rates and normalisation of the containerised traffic

  • Business volume of €157.1m, down slightly (-€4.3m) due to the normalisation of the container market

  • Limited impact on EBITDA (€55.3m, -€2.6m) thanks to growth of other activities (freight railcars, river barges, modular buildings)

    • Group share of net profit: €3.6m

« TOUAX’s results in 2023 confirm the resilience of its business model despite the normalisation of the container market, after two exceptional years in 2021 and 2022.
The almost-stability of our EBITDA demonstrates the quality of our international network, combined with the diversification of our activities, which enable us to benefit from growth opportunities while limiting the impact of economic cycles. With its position in a fast-growing market at the heart of sustainable transport infrastructure, a solid financial structure and long-term partners and investors, the group is well positioned to pursue its growth » remarked Fabrice and Raphaël Walewski, Touax SCA’s managing partners.

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Consolidated EBITDA at end-December 2023 amounts to €55.3 million, a -€2.6 million decrease, due to a slight contraction in business volumes (decrease of restated revenues from activities by -€4.3 million). The group share of net profit amounts to €3.6 million (vs. €7.5 million in 2022), mainly impacted by the lower contribution of the container business and the increase in financial expenses due to higher interest rates (-€5.6 million).

In 2023 TOUAX SCA completed two financing operations (Euro PP bond and banking club deal), totalling €45 million and extending the debt maturity to 2027.

The net book value per share is €10.97. Based on the market value of the assets, the revalued NAV1 per share came to €20.59, as of December 31, 2023.

At the Annual General Meeting, the managing partners will propose a dividend of 12 cents per share (corresponding to c.25% of net profit for the year), up 20% on last year.

The consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2023, were approved by the Management Board on March 20, 2024, and were submitted to the Supervisory Board on March 21, 2024. The auditing of these statements is underway.

KEY ACCOUNTING ITEMS

Key figures

2023

2022

(in € million)

Restated Revenue(*) from activities

157.1

161.5

Of which Freight railcars

58.3

56.1

Of which River barges

15.0

17.5

Of which Containers

66.9

81.4

Of which Miscellaneous and eliminations

16.9

6.4

EBITDA

55.3

57.9

Operating income

28.3

31.1

Financial result

-21.0

-15.4

Profit before taxes

7.3

15.7

Corporate tax

-1.5

-6.3

Consolidated net profit (loss) (Group’s share)

3.6

7.5

Earnings per share (€)

0.52

1.07

Total non-current assets

406.3

394.6

Total assets

563.4

571.7

Total shareholders’ equity

147.6

153.7

Net financial debt (a)

285.7

273.0

Operating cash flow (b)

21.1

-1.5

Loan to Value ratio (c)

59.1%

59.5%

(a) including €231.8m in debt without recourse at 31 Dec. 2023.

 

 

The Net financial debt takes into account the mark-to-market values of debt derivatives

 

 

(b) including €29.6m of net equipment acquisitions (€60.0m end of Dec 2022)

 

 

c) Loan to Value ratio : Ratio of consolidated gross financial debt to total assets less goodwill and intangible fixed assets

(*) The key indicators in the Group’s activity report are presented differently from the IFRS income statement, to enable an understanding of the activities’ performance. As such, no distinction is made in third-party management, which is presented solely in agent form.
This presentation has no impact on EBITDA, operating income, or net income. The accounting presentation of revenue from activities is presented in the appendix to the press release.

A SLIGHT DECLINE IN RESTATED REVENUE FROM ACTIVITES AS THE CONTAINER MARKET NORMALISES

Restated revenue from activities over 2023 totalled €157.1 million (€159.6 million at constant scope and currency), down by -2.7% compared with 2022 (-1.2% at constant scope and currency).

The owned activity, which came to €147.9 million at the end of 2023, is down by -€2.6 million.
The leasing revenues continue to grow over the year (+€3.9 million; +5.8%) confirming their recurring contribution to group revenues. The freight railcar (88.7%), river barge (100%) and container (95.1%) average utilisation rates were at a high level in 2023.
Ancillary services declined by -€4.9 million, impacted by the normalisation of container pick-up charges related to the container sales activity, and by the lower chartering activity on the Rhine basin (whose impact on the profitability is limited).
Sales of owned equipment also declined by -€1.6 million (-2.7%), with a significant drop in sales of owned containers (-€11 million) but partly offset by sales within Modular Buildings activity.

The management activity amounts to €9.2 million with a decrease of -€1.7 million over the year, impacted by lower syndication volumes but partially compensated by commissions on the sale of investor equipment.

ANALYSIS OF CONTRIBUTION BY DIVISION

The restated revenue from the Freight Railcars division reached €58.3 million in 2023, an increase of +€2.0 million (+3.8%).
Leasing income rose by +6% (+€3.1 million) to €55.3 million over the year, supported by an average utilisation rate rising to 88.7% in 2023 (87.6% in 2022) and with new asset acquisition generating additional revenue. Sales of owned equipment decreased by -€1.1 million.

The restated revenue from the River Barges division is down by -€2.4 million to €15 million, impacted by the lower chartering activity on the Rhine basin after the dynamism of 2022 (-€2.9 million). The leasing revenue is up by +6% (+€0.4 million) taking advantage from investments made in Europe in 2022 and the full invoicing of barge rentals in South America in 2023.

The restated revenue from the Containers division came to €66.9 million at the end of December 2023, a decrease of -€14.5 million (-17.8%) due to the normalisation of the sector after two exceptional years in 2021 and 2022.
This change is mainly due to the decline of revenue from the sale of new containers (-€11 million for sales of owned equipment and -€2.8 million for ancillary services), with a fall in price in 2023. However, the leasing revenue took advantage of recurrent investments and increases by +€1.2 million.
The management activity is down by -€1.9 million, with a fall in syndication fees (-€1.4 million) and management fees (-€0.9 million, due to the decline in the fleet). Meanwhile, commissions on sales of investor equipment rose by +€0.4 million.

Revenue from the Modular Buildings division presented under "Miscellaneous” strongly increased in 2023 to €16.9 million (+€10.5 million) with more orders delivered following the end of the Covid crisis.

A PROFITABILITY MAINLY IMPACTED BY THE RISING OF INTEREST RATES

EBITDA came to €55.3 million, a decrease of -€2.6 million (-4.5%).

EBITDA in the Freight Railcars division rose to €31.4 million (+3%) compared with €30.6 million in 2022, supported by higher leasing revenue. However, the operating expenses are also higher due to the +€0.9 million increase in maintenance and repair costs.
The River Barges division posted an EBITDA of €5.3 million over the year, giving a slight increase of +€0.3 million (+6%).
EBITDA in the Containers division fell by a substantial -€7.6 million to €15.2 million (-33%) with the contraction of container sales.
This unfavourable trend was partially offset by the recovery in sales for the Modular Buildings division.

The group’s depreciation and amortization increased by +€2.6 million with the new investments made in 2022 and 2023.

Operating income reached €28.3million, down by -€2.8 million compared with 2022, after taking into account the net exceptional income of €2.4 million (linked on the one hand to accounting income of €3.5 million relating to the purchase in January 2023 of minority interests in the Modular Buildings business in Africa, and on the other hand to a $1.0 million conviction in the United States for the former subsidiary of Modular Buildings for an old dispute).

Financial income came to -€21 million, compared with -€15.4 million in 2022. The increase in net interest expense is 85% explained by the interest rate rising, partially offset by hedging in place. As the net debt only slightly increases, the volume effect is limited on the financial income.

Corporate income tax amounted to -€1.5million, +€4.8 million compared with 2022 when an exceptional tax provision of €3.8 million was accounted (no cash impact) in the Containers division.

Net income Group share amounted to €3.6 million (compared with €7.5 million in 2022), mainly explained by the increase of interest rates, while our diversified business model limits cycle impacts of our activities.

A BALANCED FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

The strength of the TOUAX’s balance sheet is reflected in the Loan to Value ratio of 59.1% as of end-December 2023, compared with 59.5% in 2022.
The financial structure has been reinforced by the debt refinancing carried out by the parent company Touax SCA, providing greater certainty over the debt profile until mid-2027 (EuroPP issuance of €5.4 million and implementation of a club-deal bank financing of €40 million).

Shareholders' equity amounts to €147.6 million, compared with 153.7 million euros at the end of December 2022.
At the group level, the allocation of the full-year profit of €3.6 million was offset by distributions (dividend and payment to general partners) totalling -€1.5 million, by a negative change in reserves mainly due to translation adjustments and decrease in hedge value amounting to -€5.2 million, and by a -€1.7 million reduction in minority interests in the Freight Railcars business.

The level of cash on the balance sheet at 31 December 2023 remains comfortable, at €39.0 million.

FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK AT THE HEART OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

In the short term TOUAX remains cautious with the current economic challenges: uneven growth by geographical area, high interest rates, major geopolitical risks.

Despite turbulences, trade volumes remain at a satisfactory level 2. The year-end utilisation rates (88% for freight railcars, 100% for river barges and 97% for containers) demonstrate the resilience of the economies and markets where the group operates.

In an uncertain environment, the flexibility provided by our leasing solutions is sought by our clients and creates investment opportunities.

The requirement for fleet renewal and fleet modernization remain important, particularly as part of our customers objectives for reducing CO2 emissions. With its expertise in the intermodal, rail and river transport sectors, TOUAX benefits from a unique position at the heart of sustainable transport infrastructure, and increases its commitment to Corporate and Social Responsibility, for a low-carbon economy.

The strengthening of TOUAX's CSR commitment has been confirmed by the increase in its extra-financial ratings. TOUAX was awarded the EcoVadis3 2023 Gold Medal (72/100) and now belongs to the top 5% of companies in all sectors.

On the asset management business for third-party investors, committed funds from infrastructure funds (available in 2024) have reached €134 million and will support TOUAX’s growth.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • March 22, 2024:         Video conference call to present the annual results in English

    • May 15, 2024:                Q1 2024 revenue from activities

  • June 12, 2024:                 Annual General Meeting

TOUAX Group leases out tangible assets (freight railcars, river barges and containers) on a daily basis worldwide, both on its own account and for investors. With €1.2 billion of assets under management, TOUAX is one of the leading European players in the leasing of such equipment.

TOUAX is listed on the EURONEXT stock market in Paris - Euronext Paris Compartment C (ISIN code: FR0000033003) - and is listed on the CAC® Small, CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext©PEA-PME 150 indices.

For further information please visit: www.touax.com

Contacts :

TOUAX        SEITOSEI ● ACTIFIN
Fabrice & Raphaël WALEWSKI        Ghislaine Gasparetto
touax@touax.com        ggasparetto@actifin.fr
www.touax.com        Tel : +33 1 56 88 11 22 +33 1 46 96 18 00

        

APPENDICES

1 – Analysis of revenue from activities

Restated Revenue from activities

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023

Q4 2023

TOTAL 2023

Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

TOTAL 2022

(in € thousand)

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

17,139

17,510

17,412

18,985

71,046

15,509

16,909

17,178

17,530

67,126

Ancillary services

5,030

4,271

5,299

5,124

19,724

5,732

4,884

7,390

6,607

24,613

Total leasing activity

22,169

21,781

22,711

24,109

90,770

21,241

21,793

24,568

24,137

91,739

Sales of owned equipment

13,053

16,895

13,024

14,206

57,178

14,862

14,249

15,392

14,282

58,785

Total sales of equipment

13,053

16,895

13,024

14,206

57,178

14,862

14,249

15,392

14,282

58,785

Total of owned activity

35,222

38,676

35,735

38,315

147,948

36,103

36,042

39,960

38,419

150,524

Syndication fees

0

544

-2

667

1,209

0

2,522

65

150

2,737

Management fees

1,021

1,018

1,024

1,018

4,081

978

986

1,083

1,655

4,702

Sales fees

861

1,710

674

643

3,888

336

1,349

801

999

3,485

Total of management activity

1,882

3,272

1,696

2,328

9,178

1,314

4,857

1,949

2,804

10,924

Other capital gains on disposals

1

1

-1

0

1

0

0

6

2

8

Total Others

1

1

-1

0

1

0

0

6

2

8

Total Revenue from activities

37,105

41,949

37,430

40,643

157,127

37,417

40,899

41,915

41,225

161,456

2 - Table showing the transition from summary accounting presentation to restated presentation

Revenue from activities

2023

Restatement

Restated 2023

2022

Restatement

Restated 2022

(in € thousand)

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

71,046

 

71,046

67,126

 

67,126

Ancillary services

23,867

-4,143

19,724

32,729

-8,116

24,613

Total leasing activity

94,913

-4,143

90,770

99,855

-8,116

91,739

Sales of owned equipment

57,178

 

57,178

58,785

 

58,785

Total sales of equipment

57,178

0

57,178

58,785

0

58,785

Total of owned activity

152,091

-4,143

147,948

158,640

-8,116

150,524

Leasing revenue on managed equipment

36,669

-36,669

0

44,399

-44,399

0

Syndication fees

1,209

 

1,209

2,737

 

2,737

Management fees

1,563

2,518

4,081

1,285

3,417

4,702

Sales fees

3,888

 

3,888

3,485

 

3,485

Total of management activity

43,329

-34,151

9,178

51,906

-40,982

10,924

Other capital gains on disposals

1

 

1

8

 

8

Total Others

1

0

1

8

0

8

Total Revenue from activities

195,421

-38,294

157,127

210,554

-49,098

161,456

3 - Breakdown of restated revenue from activities by division

Restated revenue from activities

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023

Q4 2023

TOTAL 2023

Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

TOTAL 2022

(in € thousand)

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

11,124

11,615

11,856

12,443

47,038

10,544

11,142

11,292

11,768

44,746

Ancillary services

1,938

1,937

2,082

2,308

8,265

1,858

1,177

1,820

2,564

7,419

Total leasing activity

13,062

13,552

13,938

14,751

55,303

12,402

12,319

13,112

14,332

52,165

Sales of owned equipment

76

132

133

86

427

110

238

369

833

1,550

Total sales of equipment

76

132

133

86

427

110

238

369

833

1,550

Total of owned activity

13,138

13,684

14,071

14,837

55,730

12,512

12,557

13,481

15,165

53,715

Syndication fees

0

0

0

295

295

0

446

1

0

447

Management fees

538

553

586

576

2,253

466

451

507

557

1,981

Total of management activity

538

553

586

871

2,548

466

897

508

557

2,428

Total Freight railcars

13,676

14,237

14,657

15,708

58,278

12,978

13,454

13,989

15,722

56,143

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

1,878

1,886

1,880

1,894

7,538

1,619

1,789

1,869

1,821

7,098

Ancillary services

2,072

1,629

2,090

1,567

7,358

1,807

2,385

3,788

2,319

10,299

Total leasing activity

3,950

3,515

3,970

3,461

14,896

3,426

4,174

5,657

4,140

17,397

Sales of owned equipment

0

5

0

47

52

0

0

0

16

16

Total sales of equipment

0

5

0

47

52

0

0

0

16

16

Total of owned activity

3,950

3,520

3,970

3,508

14,948

3,426

4,174

5,657

4,156

17,413

Management fees

11

14

20

31

76

14

5

11

11

41

Total of management activity

11

14

20

31

76

14

5

11

11

41

Total River Barges

3,961

3,534

3,990

3,539

15,024

3,440

4,179

5,668

4,167

17,454

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

4,133

4,004

3,671

4,643

16,451

3,342

3,973

4,013

3,935

15,263

Ancillary services

1,020

705

1,127

1,249

4,101

2,070

1,325

1,779

1,722

6,896

Total leasing activity

5,153

4,709

4,798

5,892

20,552

5,412

5,298

5,792

5,657

22,159

Sales of owned equipment

10,211

10,949

8,994

9,656

39,810

13,205

12,575

12,967

12,085

50,832

Total sales of equipment

10,211

10,949

8,994

9,656

39,810

13,205

12,575

12,967

12,085

50,832

Total of owned activity

15,364

15,658

13,792

15,548

60,362

18,617

17,873

18,759

17,742

72,991

Syndication fees

0

544

-2

372

914

0

2,076

64

150

2,290

Management fees

472

451

418

411

1,752

498

530

565

1,087

2,680

Sales fees

861

1,710

674

643

3,888

336

1,349

801

999

3,485

Total of management activity

1,333

2,705

1,090

1,426

6,554

834

3,955

1,430

2,236

8,455

Total Containers

16,697

18,363

14,882

16,974

66,916

19,451

21,828

20,189

19,978

81,446

Leasing revenue on owned equipment

4

5

5

5

19

4

5

4

6

19

Ancillary services

0

0

0

0

0

-3

-3

3

2

-1

Total leasing activity

4

5

5

5

19

1

2

7

8

18

Sales of owned equipment

2,766

5,809

3,897

4,417

16,889

1,547

1,436

2,056

1,348

6,387

Total sales of equipment

2,766

5,809

3,897

4,417

16,889

1,547

1,436

2,056

1,348

6,387

Total of owned activity

2,770

5,814

3,902

4,422

16,908

1,548

1,438

2,063

1,356

6,405

Other capital gains on disposals

1

1

-1

0

1

0

0

6

2

8

Total Others

1

1

-1

0

1

0

0

6

2

8

Total Miscellaneous & eliminations

2,771

5,815

3,901

4,422

16,909

1,548

1,438

2,069

1,358

6,413

Total Restated revenue from activities

37,105

41,949

37,430

40,643

157,127

37,417

40,899

41,915

41,225

161,456



1 The market value is calculated by independent experts, based 50% on the replacement value and 50% on the value-in-use for railcars, the value-in-use for containers and the replacement value for river barges with the exception of a long-term contract in South America for which the value-in-use was used. This market value is substituted for the net book value when calculating the net asset value.

2 Clarkson forecasts January 2024: +5.5% (including 2% related to Red Sea re-routing) in percentage of containerised traffic (TEU-miles) vs. +1.6% in 2023
3 EcoVadis: evaluation of the main CSR impacts according to four themes: Environment, Social & Human Rights, Ethics and Responsible Purchasing

Attachment