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VERKKOKAUPPA.COM OYJ: GROWTH CONTINUED WITH RECORD-HIGH SECOND QUARTER OPERATING PROFIT
Verkkokauppa.com Oyj Half-Year report 16 July 2021, 8:00 a.m. EEST
HALF-YEAR REPORT for 1 January – 30 June 2021
GROWTH CONTINUED WITH RECORD-HIGH SECOND QUARTER OPERATING PROFIT
Verkkokauppa.com arranges two news conferences today. News conference in Finnish is held at 10:00 am Finnish time. Another news conference for analysts and institutional investors is in English is at 11:00 am Finnish time. Details of the events can be found at the end of this release.
The complete report is attached to this release and also available at https://investors.verkkokauppa.com/en
Unless otherwise stated, the comparison figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period in the previous year (reference period). Figures are unaudited.
April – June 2021 in brief
Revenue was 130.5 million euros (123.1)
Gross profit was 22.4 million euros (21.4) or 17.2% of revenue (17.4%)
Operating profit was 5.1 million euros (4.4) or 3.9% of revenue (3.5%)
Comparable operating profit was 5.1 million euros (4.8) or 3.9% of revenue (3.9%)
Profit for the period was 3.8 million euros (3.3)
Earnings per share was 0.08 euros (0.07)
Investments were 1.7 million euros (0.4)
Operating cash flow was 3.5 million euros (-2.6)
The Board of Directors decided, according to authorization, to pay the 2nd dividend installment of
0.058 euros per share on 27 July 2021.
January – June 2021 in brief
Revenue was 264.5 million euros (248.3)
Gross profit was 44.2 million euros (40.8) or 16.7% of revenue (16.4%)
Operating profit was 10.3 million euros (7.8) or 3.9% of revenue (3.1%)
Comparable operating profit was 10.3 million euros (8.6) or 3.9% of revenue (3.5%)
Profit for the period was 7.6 million euros (5.7)
Earnings per share was 0.17 euros (0.13)
Investments were 2.1 million euros (0.7)
Operating cash flow was -5.5 million euros (1.0)
KEY RATIOS | 4-6/2021 | 4-6/2020 | Change % | 1-6/2021 | 1-6/2020 | Change % | 1-12/2020 |
Eur million | |||||||
Revenue | 130.5 | 123.1 | 6.1% | 264.5 | 248.3 | 6.5% | 553.6 |
Gross profit | 22.4 | 21.4 | 4.8% | 44.2 | 40.8 | 8.2% | 88.4 |
Gross margin, % | 17.2% | 17.4% | 16.7% | 16.4% | 16.0% | ||
EBITDA | 6.3 | 5.6 | 13.3% | 12.8 | 10.2 | 24.7% | 24.6 |
EBITDA, % | 4.9% | 4.6% | 4.8% | 4.1% | 4.4% | ||
Operating profit | 5.1 | 4.4 | 17.3% | 10.3 | 7.8 | 32.6% | 19.6 |
Operating margin, % | 3.9% | 3.5% | 3.9% | 3.1% | 3.5% | ||
Comparable operating profit | 5.1 | 4.8 | 5.9% | 10.3 | 8.6 | 20.1% | 20.4 |
Comparable operating margin, % | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.5% | 3.7% | ||
Net profit | 3.8 | 3.3 | 14.9% | 7.6 | 5.7 | 33.0% | 14.6 |
Investments | 1.7 | 0.4 | 324.3% | 2.1 | 0.7 | 219.3% | 1.4 |
Operating cash flow | 3.5 | -2.6 | -5.5 | 1.0 | 16.9 |
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE FOR 2021 REMAINS UNCHANGED
The company expects the revenue to be between 570–620 million euros (554 million euros) and comparable operating profit to be between 20–26 million euros (20.4 million euros) in 2021.
CEO PANU PORKKA’S REVIEW
Verkkokauppa.com’s second quarter was in line with our expectations. Our revenue grew by 6.1 percent against a strong comparison period and amounted to EUR 130.5 million. The transition of retail to online channels boosted our growth, and we were able to respond to consumer demand for seasonal products with a broad product range. In April–June, Verkkokauppa.com’s online sales, excluding exports, increased by 15.1 percent year on year, representing 61 percent of total sales.
Growth came from multiple sources. B2B sales, a strategic focus area for Verkkokauppa.com, increased strongly in the second quarter, by 38.4 percent. In April-June, particularly popular were computers and cameras, as well as from evolving categories sports gear and home & lighting. The revenue excluding exports, increased in April–June by 6.6 percent year on year.
Gross profit increased by 4.8 percent to EUR 22.4 million, representing 17.2 percent of revenue. Verkkokauppa.com’s comparable operating profit grew by 17.3 percent in April–June to EUR 5.1 million. Profitability improved thanks to the increased share of product categories with higher profit margins in total sales.
In June, Verkkokauppa.com was awarded as one of the most innovative companies in Finland in the Finnish Innovation Index, conducted by Hanken School of Economics to assess the perceptions of consumers about the most innovative companies.
We are continuing the long-term development of our operations in line with our strategy, focusing on developing our efficient fulfilment processes and our excellent customer experience. The Jätkäsaari logistics automation investment program, commenced this summer to increase warehouse capacity and create cost efficiencies, has progressed as planned. The first phase of the investment is to build a fully automated AutoStore® small item warehouse. The construction is well underway, and the technical design of the warehouse and the preparations for the space have begun. When completed in early 2022, the new warehouse will enable even faster deliveries and better product availability, with considerably more efficient warehouse space utilization.
We are confident about the development of our business in the second half of the year. We believe that the increasing shift of consumers to online sales channels is permanent. This development supports Verkkokauppa.com, a major player in the consumer goods ecommerce market. One of our strategic goals is to strengthen Verkkokauppa.com’s position in the B2B segment, and we can be satisfied with our progress in this area as well. We have a stable market position and a loyal customer base to whom we provide a wide and exciting assortment.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT
REVENUE AND PROFITABILITY
4-6/ | 4-6/ | 1-6/ | 1-6/ | 1-12/ | |||
EUR million | 2021 | 2020 | Change% | 2021 | 2020 | Change% | 2020 |
Revenue | 130.5 | 123.1 | 6.1% | 264.5 | 248.3 | 6.5% | 553.6 |
Operating profit | 5.1 | 4.4 | 17.3% | 10.3 | 7.8 | 32.6% | 19.6 |
Operating margin, % | 3.9% | 3.5% | 3.9% | 3.1% | 3.5% | ||
- advisory costs related to transfer to official list of Nasdaq Helsinki | - | 0.5 | - | 0.8 | 0.8 | ||
Comparable operating profit | 5.1 | 4.8 | 5.9% | 10.3 | 8.6 | 20.1% | 20.4 |
Comparable operating margin, % | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.5% | 3.7% |
Share of sales, %
4-6/2021 | 4-6/2020 | 1-6/2021 | 1-6/2020 | FY 2020 | |
Customer segments | |||||
Consumer | 72% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 74 % |
B2B | 22% | 17% | 22% | 19% | 18 % |
Export | 6% | 7% | 7% | 11% | 8 % |
| |||||
On-line | 61% | 56% | 61% | 53% | 56 % |
Off-line | 33% | 37% | 32% | 36% | 36 % |
Website visits, million | 17.4 | 20.4 | 37.3 | 37.3 | 87.0 |
Sales includes orders and deliveries in transit. On-line and off-line sales exclude export sales.
April-June 2021
In April-June 2021, Verkkokauppa.com’s revenue grew by 6.1 percent year on year, totaling 130.5 million euros (123.1). Especially the sales of computers, cameras, sports and nutrition as well as home and lighting were strong.
The shift of retail to online channels continued. In the second quarter, Verkkokauppa.com’s online sales increased 15.1 percent year on year, representing 61 percent of total sales (56%). Visits to the Verkkokauppa.com website declined year on year, totaling 17.4 million (20.4) during the second quarter. During the comparison period and in the early days of corona pandemic, there was a record number of new visitors getting to know Verkkokauppa.com webstore. Visitor’s conversion percent, ie. share of buying customers has been developing favorably compared to last year. Sales for corporate customers (B2B) increased 38.4 percent, representing 22 percent of total sales (17%). For export business, sales remained close to the level of the comparison period, representing 6 percent of total sales (7%). The revenue excluding exports, increased during April-June by 6,6 percent year on year.
The company-financed customer financing proceeds were 1.0 million euros (0.9) including both interest income and fee income.
Personnel costs increased in April–June by 11.5 percent to 9.4 million euros (8.4). The increase resulted mainly from IT and administration. During the reporting period, other operating expenses decreased slightly to 7.1 million euros (7.5).
Operating profit in April-June increased 0.8 million euros, totaling 5.1 million euros (4.4), representing 3.9 percent of revenue (3.5%). Comparable operating profit was 5.1 million euros (4.8) and profit for the period 3.8 million euros (3.3).
Earnings per share were 0.08 euros (0.07) in April–June.
January–June 2021
In January–June, Verkkokauppa.com’s revenue grew by 6.5 percent year on year, totaling 264.5 million euros (248.3).
The company-financed customer financing proceeds were 2.0 million euros (1.8) including both interest income and fee income. The credit loss allowance was increased to 1.2 million euros (1.1) at the end of June.
Personnel costs increased in January–June by 8.2 percent to 18.4 million euros (17.0). The increase resulted mainly from IT and purchasing. During the reporting period, other operating expenses decreased slightly to 13.4 million euros (13.8).
In the first half, Operating profit increased by 2.5 million euros, totaling 10.3 million euros (7.8), representing 3.9 percent of revenue (3.1%). Comparable operating profit was 10.3 million euros (8.6) and profit for the period 7.6 million euros (5.7).
Earnings per share were 0.17 euros (0.13) in January–June.
FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS
Operating cash flow was -5.5 million euros (1.0) in January–June 2021. Operating cash flow was impacted by change in working capital. Drivers for change in working capital were mainly growth in inventories when preventing possible availability shortage, preparing for summer season sales and campaigns, as well as a decline in accounts payable.
Ordinary seasonal fluctuations are reflected for cash and cash equivalents, cash flow and accounts payable, which usually reach the highest point at the end of the fourth quarter and the lowest point at the end of the second quarter.
Investments totaled 2.1 million euros (0.7) in January–June 2021. During the reporting period the company invested and capitalized 0.2 million euros (0.4) in salary costs. In the first half, a dividend of EUR 14.9 million (4.7) in total was distributed for the shareholders.
Verkkokauppa.com has revolving credit facilities totaling 20 million euros, which have not been utilized. Of these credit facilities, 15 million euros are for three years, and 5 million euros for five years as of 1 July 2019.
SHORT-TERM RISKS AND BUSINESS UNCERTAINTIES
Verkkokauppa.com’s risks and uncertainties reflect the market and general economic trends, for example, demand for consumer electronics, wholesale trade business, the business environment and competition. The company’s business operations are also influenced by risks and uncertainties relating to, for example, business strategy, investments, procurement and logistics, information technology, and other operative aspects of the business. The aforementioned risks and uncertainties may affect the company’s operations, financial position and performance both positively and negatively. Risks and uncertainties have been presented in more detail in the Annual Report.
Uncertainty in the development of the economy and the financial markets in Finland, Europe and the world may have a negative impact on the business and growth opportunities of Verkkokauppa.com. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people’s lives and the operation of businesses in Finland and globally alike. The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and its overall impacts on the Company’s business are difficult to assess.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR 2021
Verkkokauppa.com’s business operations are estimated to develop positively. The company believes that it will succeed in further growing its market share in the chosen categories. The strong balance sheet enables the company to continue expanding its operations in accordance with its strategy.
The company has benefited from the shifting consumer behavior accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the sales in the online sales channel have shown strong growth. The company estimates that the increasing shift of customers to online sales is permanent.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on spending on travel and service sectors. This has positively affected the consumer demand for goods, but on the other hand, it has limited the lower-margin wholesale business. The COVID-19 situation may have an impact on the company’s operations and its ability to safely serve customers in the brick-and-mortar stores.
The uncertainties concerning the future business outlook remain and relate to macroeconomic developments as well as the prevailing pandemic and the post-pandemic environment. The pandemic may still cause unforeseen impacts on the overall economic development, consumer demand as well as consumer purchase behavior and B2B sales in the future. Nevertheless, the company believes that it is well positioned and will be a relative winner in the “new normal” business environment of the future.
NEWS CONFERENCES
A press conference for analysts, investors and media will be held in Finnish by LiveStream webcast on Friday, 16 July 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (EEST), in which Verkkokauppa.com’s CEO Panu Porkka will present the developments in the reporting period.
A press conference in English will be held by LiveStream webcast on Friday, 16 July 2021 at 11:00 a.m. (EEST). Questions can be sent beforehand or during the presentation via e-mail to investors@verkkokauppa.com.
Presentation materials for both events are available at https://investors.verkkokauppa.com/en/presentations. For both press conferences, a LiveStream is available at www.verklive.com.
CAPITAL MARKETS DAY
Verkkokauppa.com will arrange the company’s first Capital Markets Day on 29 September 2021 in Jätkäsaari, Helsinki.
Helsinki, Finland, 16 July 2021
Verkkokauppa.com Oyj
Board of Directors
More information:
Panu Porkka, CEO, Verkkokauppa.com Oyj
panu.porkka@verkkokauppa.com
Mikko Forsell, CFO, Verkkokauppa.com Oyj
mikko.forsell@verkkokauppa.com
Tel. +358 50 434 2516
Marja Mäkinen, Head of Investor Relations, Verkkokauppa.com Oyj
marja.makinen@verkkokauppa.com
Tel. +358 40 671 2999
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Main media
www.verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com empowers its customers to follow their passion by providing a wide product assortment of around 70,000 products. Verkkokauppa.com Oyj serves its retail and corporate customers through its webstore, megastores, 24h kiosk and network of collection points as well as fast deliveries and various services. As Finland’s most popular and most visited domestic online retailer, its deliveries cover around 70 percent of the Finnish population within the next day. The Company has four megastores: in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki, where its headquarters is also located. Verkkokauppa.com employs more than 700 people and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange with the ticker VERK.
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