- Net earnings were $764.4 million,
or $0.71 per diluted share for the
first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared with $777.1 million, or $0.70 per diluted share for the first quarter of
fiscal 2021. Adjusted net earnings1 were
approximately $758.0 million compared with $795.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal
2021. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share1 were
$0.71, unchanged compared with the
corresponding quarter of last year.
- As we compare against a quarter fully impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, results varied by region as the pandemic and social
restrictive measures were at different levels year-over-year.
Merchandise categories most impacted by COVID-19, such as food,
continue to show a positive trend and, on a 2-year basis,
convenience activities performed well in our global network. Fuel
margins continue to be higher than pre-pandemic levels, while fuel
volumes continue to be challenged by work from home trends and
changes in local restrictions.
- Total merchandise and service revenues of $4.1 billion, an increase of 5.4%. Same-store
merchandise revenues decreased 0.2% in the United States and 9.6% in Canada, and increased 5.9% in Europe and other regions. On a 2-year basis,
same-store merchandise revenues increased at a compound annual
growth rate of 3.7% in the United
States, 4.9% in Europe, and
4.2% in Canada.
- Merchandise and service gross margin decreased 0.1% in
the United States to 34.2%, and
2.2% in Europe and other regions
to 38.4%, which was impacted by the integration of Circle K Hong
Kong. Gross margin in Canada
increased 1.2% to 32.3%, due to favorable changes in product
mix.
- Same-store road transportation fuel volume increased 11.8% in
the United States, 6.3% in
Europe and other regions, and
10.4% in Canada, due to higher
fuel demand compared to the corresponding quarter. On a 2-year
basis, same-store road transportation fuel volume decreased at a
compound annual growth rate of 6.1% in the United States, 3.3% in Europe, and 9.4% in Canada, still impacted by work from home
trends.
- Road transportation fuel gross margin of 36.75¢ per gallon in
the United States, a decrease of
4.55¢ per gallon, and US 10.32¢ per liter in Europe and other regions, a decrease of US
0.19¢ per liter, due to the unusually high fuel margins of the
comparable quarter. In Canada, it
increased by CA 0.67¢ per liter to CA 10.92¢ per liter. Fuel
margins remained healthy, driven by favorable market conditions,
procurement initiatives and fuel rebranding.
- Looking at gross profit1 on a 2-year basis provides
additional insight given the volatility in the various key measures
of our business. Excluding the impact of CAPL and Circle K Hong
Kong, merchandise and service, as well as road transportation fuel
gross profit, are higher by 10.9% and 19.4%, respectively, compared
with the pre-pandemic first quarter of fiscal 2020.
- Successful issuance of $1.0
billion of US-dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes,
including an inaugural tranche of Green Bonds totaling $350.0 million.
- The Corporation implemented a share repurchase program which
allows it to repurchase up to 4.0% of the public float of its Class
B subordinate voting shares. Under this program, shares for an
amount of $299.2 million were
repurchased.
LAVAL, QC, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - For its first
quarter ended July 18, 2021,
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. ("Couche-Tard" or the "Corporation")
(TSX: ATD.A) (TSX: ATD.B) announces net earnings of $764.4 million, representing $0.71 per share on a diluted basis. The results
for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were affected by a pre-tax net
foreign exchange gain of $8.6
million, as well as pre-tax acquisition costs of
$0.8 million. The results for the
comparable quarter of fiscal 2021 were affected by a pre-tax net
foreign exchange loss of $18.4
million, as well as pre-tax acquisition costs of
$3.9 million. Excluding these items,
the adjusted net earnings1 were approximately
$758.0 million for the first quarter
of fiscal 2022, compared with $795.0
million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, a decrease of
$37.0 million, or 4.7%, driven by
lower road transportation fuel margins in the United States and higher operating
expenses, partly offset by higher fuel demand and the net positive
impact from the translation of its Canadian and European operations
into US dollars. The adjusted diluted net earnings per
share1 stood at $0.71,
stable compared with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. All
financial information presented is in US dollars unless stated
otherwise.
___________________________________________________
|
1 Please refer to the section "Non-IFRS
Measures" for additional information on performance measures
not defined by
IFRS
|
"I am pleased to report that across our global network, we had
solid first quarter results, both in convenience and fuel,
even when compared to a very strong quarter last year.
Same-store sales were especially good in Europe, and across all our regions, we
have seen positive growth in food as the ease and the quality of
our offer are clearly resonating with our customers. While
remaining impacted by COVID-19 traffic patterns, fuel volumes
improved and we continued to achieve healthy margins as well
as expanded our global fuel business in terms of procurement
capabilities, pricing analytics, and the Circle K fuel
rebranding efforts, where results continued to be encouraging. No
doubt, as the pandemic continues to present operational and
supply chain challenges to the business, I remain incredibly proud
and grateful for the care and commitment to the business shown
by our team members, customers, and partners", said Brian Hannasch, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Alimentation Couche–Tard.
"This quarter, we made notable developments in our ambition to
grow the network. On the acquisition front, we entered into
a definitive agreement to purchase Wilsons Gas Stops and Go!
Stores that has a network of 226 company-operated and
dealer locations and a fuel terminal in Atlantic Canada. We also are moving forward
with a binding agreement to acquire 35 sites in the
United States, predominately in
Oregon and Washington, currently operated under the
Porter's brand. In both cases, we look forward to welcoming
strong sites with experienced team members into the Couche-Tard
family. On the organic front, we added 30 new store builds or
razed and rebuilds to our portfolio, which support our growth
platforms and brand promise. Additionally, we expanded our
Fresh Food, Fast program globally, adding nearly 500 stores,
which brings the total count to over 2,000 stores. Growing the
size and scale of the network is essential to our strategic goals
and we remain disciplined in creating value for
our shareholders", concluded Brian Hannasch.
Claude Tessier, Chief Financial
Officer, added: "In light of a strong quarter last year, we
delivered solid quarterly results for the first quarter of fiscal
2022. We saw good performance across most areas of the
organization, especially when looking at the results across the
past two years. On the operating cost side, we implemented
important measures in the prior year to control our expenses with
the uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore saw an
increase in our expenses this quarter also due to normal inflation,
a somewhat volatile labor market and investment in strategic
initiatives. For the 2-year period, our normalized expenses grew at
a compound annual growth rate of only 1.2%, continuing to reflect
our cost discipline. We exited the quarter in a strong financial
position with a cash balance of approximately $3.4 billion and a leverage ratio of 1.23. In
addition, we repurchased close to $300.0
million of our shares during the quarter, continuing to
provide value to our shareholders."
Significant Items of the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022
- As we compare against a quarter fully impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, results varied by region as the pandemic and social
restrictive measures were at different levels year-over-year.
Merchandise categories most impacted by COVID-19, such as food,
continue to show a positive trend and, on a 2-year basis,
convenience activities performed well in our global network. Fuel
margins continue to be higher than pre-pandemic levels, while fuel
volumes continue to be challenged by work from home trends and
changes in local restrictions.
Looking at gross profit1 on a 2-year basis provides
additional insight given the volatility in the various key measures
of our business. Excluding the impact of CAPL and Circle K Hong
Kong, merchandise and service, as well as road transportation fuel
gross profit, are higher by 10.9% and 19.4%, respectively, compared
with the pre-pandemic first quarter of fiscal 2020.
- We exercised common share warrants in Fire & Flower
Holdings Corp. ("Fire & Flower") for cash consideration of CA
$9.8 million ($7.9 million), which increased our ownership
interests to approximately 22.4%.
- On April 21, 2021, the Toronto
Stock Exchange approved the implementation of a share repurchase
program, which took effect on April 26,
2021. The program allows us to repurchase up to 4.0% of the
public float of our Class B subordinate voting shares. During the
first quarter of fiscal 2022, we repurchased 8,471,000 Class B
subordinate voting shares, for an amount of $299.2 million.
- On May 13, 2021, we issued
US-dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes totaling $1.0 billion, consisting of a $650.0 million tranche with a coupon of 3.439%
and maturing in 2041, as well as a $350.0
million Green Bonds tranche with a coupon of 3.625% and
maturing in 2051. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the Green
Bonds will be used to finance or refinance new or existing
environmentally friendly projects and community initiatives, which
furthers our commitment for a more responsible future. The net
proceeds from the $650.0 million
issuance, as well as cash on hand, were used to fully repay, on
May 14, 2021, our $1.0 billion US-dollar-denominated senior
unsecured notes that were set to mature on July 26, 2022. The repayment included an early
redemption premium of $27.7
million.
____________________________________
|
1 Please refer to the section "Non-IFRS
Measures" for additional information on performance measures not
defined by IFRS.
|
Changes in our Network during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022
- We completed the sale of 48 sites located in Oklahoma, within the
United States, to Casey's
General Stores Inc. for cash consideration of $40.3 million. The transaction resulted in a gain
of $13.6 million.
- On July 30, 2021, subsequent to
the end of the quarter, we entered into a binding agreement in
connection with the acquisition of Cape D'Or Holdings Limited,
Barrington Terminals Limited and other related holding entities,
which operate an independent convenience store and fuel network in
Atlantic Canada under the Esso,
Go! Store and Wilsons Gas Stops brands ("Wilsons"). The Wilsons
network comprises 79 company-operated convenience retail and fuel
locations, 147 dealer locations, and a fuel terminal in
Halifax, Canada. The transaction
is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2022 and is
subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals,
including those under the Competition Act (Canada).
- On August 24, 2021, subsequent to
the end of the quarter, we entered into a binding agreement to
acquire, through a single transaction, 35 company-operated stores
predominately located in Oregon
and Western Washington, within
the United States. This
transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of
fiscal 2022.
- We completed the construction of 16 stores and the relocation
or reconstruction of 14 stores. As of July
18, 2021, another 57 stores were under construction and
should open in the upcoming quarters.
Summary of changes in our store network
The following table presents certain information regarding changes in our store network over the 12–week period ended July 18,
2021:
|
12–week period ended July 18, 2021
|
Type of
site
|
Company-
operated
|
CODO
|
DODO
|
Franchised and
other affiliated
|
Total
|
Number of sites, beginning of period
|
9,976
|
398
|
697
|
1,257
|
12,328
|
Openings / constructions / additions
|
16
|
—
|
4
|
14
|
34
|
Closures / disposals / withdrawals
|
(89)
|
—
|
(9)
|
(9)
|
(107)
|
Store conversion
|
3
|
(1)
|
(3)
|
1
|
—
|
Number of sites, end of period
|
9,906
|
397
|
689
|
1,263
|
12,255
|
Circle K branded sites under licensing agreements
|
|
|
|
|
1,913
|
Total network
|
|
|
|
|
14,168
|
Number of
automated fuel stations included in the period-end
|
978
|
—
|
9
|
—
|
987
|
figures
|
Exchange Rate Data
We use the US dollar as our reporting currency, which provides
more relevant information given the predominance of our operations
in the United States.
The following table sets forth information about exchange rates
based upon closing rates expressed as US dollars per comparative
currency unit:
|
12–week periods ended
|
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19,
2020
|
Average for the period
|
|
|
Canadian dollar
|
0.8167
|
0.7289
|
Norwegian krone
|
0.1188
|
0.1027
|
Swedish krone
|
0.1187
|
0.1057
|
Danish krone
|
0.1620
|
0.1492
|
Zloty
|
0.2662
|
0.2481
|
Euro
|
1.2044
|
1.1124
|
Ruble
|
0.0136
|
0.0141
|
Hong Kong dollar
|
0.1288
|
—
|
|
|
Summary Analysis of Consolidated Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022
The following table highlights certain information regarding our operations for the 12-week periods ended July 18, 2021, and July 19, 2020. Europe and
other regions include the results from our
operations in Asia.
|
12-week periods
ended
|
(in millions of US
dollars, unless otherwise stated)
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19, 2020
Adjusted(3)
|
Variation
%
|
Statement of
Operations Data: Merchandise and service
revenues(1):
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
2,829.4
|
2,851.4
|
(0.8)
|
Europe and other
regions
|
561.4
|
343.2
|
63.6
|
Canada
|
677.2
|
663.2
|
2.1
|
Total merchandise and
service revenues
|
4,068.0
|
3,857.8
|
5.4
|
Road transportation
fuel revenues:
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
6,463.7
|
3,906.0
|
65.5
|
Europe and other
regions
|
1,793.6
|
1,182.4
|
51.7
|
Canada
|
1,137.9
|
677.0
|
68.1
|
Total road
transportation fuel revenues
|
9,395.2
|
5,765.4
|
63.0
|
Other
revenues(2):
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
10.8
|
7.5
|
44.0
|
Europe and other
regions
|
100.0
|
75.2
|
33.0
|
Canada
|
4.9
|
3.9
|
25.6
|
Total other
revenues
|
115.7
|
86.6
|
33.6
|
Total
revenues
|
13,578.9
|
9,709.8
|
39.8
|
Merchandise and service
gross profit(1)(4):
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
967.7
|
976.8
|
(0.9)
|
Europe and other
regions
|
215.4
|
139.2
|
54.7
|
Canada
|
219.0
|
206.3
|
6.2
|
Total merchandise and
service gross profit
|
1,402.1
|
1,322.3
|
6.0
|
Road transportation
fuel gross profit(4):
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
804.8
|
805.8
|
(0.1)
|
Europe and other
regions
|
246.7
|
236.5
|
4.3
|
Canada
|
108.0
|
81.7
|
32.2
|
Total road
transportation fuel gross profit
|
1,159.5
|
1,124.0
|
3.2
|
Other revenues gross
profit(2)(4):
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
10.8
|
7.5
|
44.0
|
Europe and other
regions
|
22.7
|
30.9
|
(26.5)
|
Canada
|
4.9
|
3.9
|
25.6
|
Total other revenues
gross profit
|
38.4
|
42.3
|
(9.2)
|
Total gross
profit(4)
|
2,600.0
|
2,488.6
|
4.5
|
Operating, selling,
administrative and general expenses
|
1,278.1
|
1,148.6
|
11.3
|
Gain on disposal of
property and equipment and other assets
|
(37.3)
|
(8.8)
|
323.9
|
Depreciation,
amortization and impairment
|
314.3
|
289.5
|
8.6
|
Operating
income
|
1,044.9
|
1,059.3
|
(1.4)
|
Net financial
expenses
|
74.3
|
88.0
|
(15.6)
|
Net
earnings
|
764.4
|
777.1
|
(1.6)
|
Per Share
Data:
|
|
|
|
Basic net earnings per
share (dollars per share)
|
0.71
|
0.70
|
1.4
|
Diluted net earnings
per share (dollars per share)
|
0.71
|
0.70
|
1.4
|
Adjusted diluted net
earnings per share (dollars per share)(4)
|
0.71
|
0.71
|
—
|
|
|
|
12-week periods
ended
|
(in millions of US
dollars, unless otherwise states)
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19, 2020
Adjusted(3)
|
Variation
%
|
Other Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
Merchandise and service gross margin(1):
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
34.5%
|
34.3%
|
0.2
|
United States
|
34.2%
|
34.3%
|
(0.1)
|
Europe and other regions
|
38.4%
|
40.6%
|
(2.2)
|
Canada
|
32.3%
|
31.1%
|
1.2
|
Growth of (decrease in) same-store merchandise revenues(5):
|
|
|
|
United States(6)
|
(0.2%)
|
7.7%
|
|
Europe and other regions(7)
|
5.9%
|
3.4%
|
|
Canada(6)
|
(9.6%)
|
19.9%
|
|
Road transportation fuel gross margin:
|
|
|
|
United States (cents per gallon)
|
36.75
|
41.30
|
(11.0)
|
Europe and other regions (cents per liter)
|
10.32
|
10.51
|
(1.8)
|
Canada (CA cents per liter)
|
10.92
|
10.25
|
6.5
|
Total volume of road transportation fuel sold:
|
|
|
|
United States (millions of gallons)
|
2,189.6
|
1,950.9
|
12.2
|
Europe and other regions (millions of liters)
|
2,391.7
|
2,250.5
|
6.3
|
Canada (millions of liters)
|
1,211.9
|
1,092.3
|
10.9
|
Growth of (decrease in) same-store road transportation fuel volume(6):
|
|
|
|
United States
|
11.8%
|
(21.2%)
|
|
Europe and other regions
|
6.3%
|
(12.4%)
|
|
Canada
|
10.4%
|
(25.6%)
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)
|
As
at July 18, 2021
|
As
at April 25, 2021
|
Variation
$
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
29,137.3
|
28,394.5
|
742.8
|
Interest-bearing debt(8)
|
9,595.9
|
9,602.0
|
(6.1)
|
Equity
|
12,461.7
|
12,180.9
|
280.8
|
Indebtedness Ratios(4):
|
|
|
|
Net interest-bearing debt/total capitalization(8)
|
0.33 : 1
|
0.35 : 1
|
|
Leverage ratio
|
1.23 : 1
|
1.32 : 1
|
|
Returns(4):
|
|
|
|
Return on equity
|
22.9%
|
24.3%
|
|
Return on capital employed
|
15.8%
|
15.9%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Includes revenues
derived from franchise fees, royalties, suppliers' rebates on some
purchases made by franchisees and licensees, as well as from
wholesale of merchandise. Franchise fees from international
licensed stores are presented in the United States.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Includes revenues
from the rental of assets and from the sale of aviation fuel and
energy for stationary engines.
|
(3)
|
Please refer to the
section "Change in Classification of Internal Logistics Costs" of
our Management Discussion and Analysis for the 12-week period ended
July 18, 2021 for additional information on changes affecting the
comparative period.
|
(4)
|
Please refer to the
section "Non-IFRS measures" for additional information on these
performance measures not defined by IFRS.
|
(5)
|
Does not include
services and other revenues (as described in footnotes 1 and 2
above). Growth in Canada and in Europe and other regions is
calculated based on local currencies.
|
(6)
|
For company-operated
stores only.
|
(7)
|
Includes the growth
of same-store merchandise revenues of Circle K Hong Kong starting
December 21, 2020.
|
(8)
|
This measure is
presented including the following balance sheet accounts: Current
portion of long-term debt, Long-term debt, Current portion of lease
liabilities, and Lease liabilities.
|
Revenues
Our revenues were $13.6 billion
for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, up by $3.9 billion, an increase of 39.8% compared with
the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. This performance is
mainly attributable to a higher average road transportation fuel
selling price, higher fuel demand, as well as the net positive
impact from the translation of revenues of our Canadian and
European operations into US dollars, which had an impact of
approximately $347.0 million.
Merchandise and service revenues
Total merchandise and service revenues for the first quarter of
fiscal 2022 were $4.1 billion, an
increase of $210.2 million compared
with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net
positive impact from the translation of revenues our Canadian and
European operations into US dollars, merchandise and service
revenues increased by approximately $92.0
million, or 2.4%. This increase is primarily attributable to
the contribution from acquisitions, which amounted to approximately
$154.0 million, partly offset by a
decline in same-store merchandise revenues in North America. Same-store merchandise revenues
decreased by 0.2% in the United
States and 9.6% in Canada
as they compared against a very strong quarter last year. In
Europe and other regions,
same-store merchandise revenues increased by 5.9%. On a 2-year
basis, same-store merchandise revenues increased at a solid
compound annual growth rate of 3.7% in the United States, 4.9% in Europe and 4.2% in Canada.
Road transportation fuel revenues
Total road transportation fuel revenues for the first quarter of
fiscal 2022 were $9.4 billion, an
increase of $3.6 billion compared
with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net
positive impact from the translation of revenues of our Canadian
and European operations into US dollars, road transportation fuel
revenues increased by approximately $3.4
billion, or 59.2%. This increase is mostly attributable to a
higher average road transportation fuel selling price which had a
positive impact of approximately $2.8
billion, as well as to higher fuel demand. Same-store road
transportation fuel volume increased by 11.8% in the United States, 6.3% in Europe and other regions, and 10.4% in
Canada. On a 2-year basis,
same-store road transportation fuel volume decreased at a compound
annual growth rate of 6.1% in the United
States, 3.3% in Europe and
9.4% in Canada. Fuel volumes are
still generally under pressure across our network, with continued
work from home trends, as well as evolving restrictive social
measures.
The following table shows the average selling price of road
transportation fuel of our company-operated stores in our various
markets for the last eight quarters, starting with the second
quarter of the fiscal year ended April 26,
2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
1st
|
Weighted
average
|
52–week period ended July 18, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
United States (US dollars per gallon)
|
2.14
|
2.16
|
2.72
|
2.97
|
2.48
|
Europe and other regions (US cents per liter)
|
63.19
|
65.84
|
79.29
|
79.09
|
71.42
|
Canada (CA cents per liter)
|
92.00
|
92.54
|
108.99
|
117.51
|
101.90
|
52–week period ended July 19, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States (US dollars per gallon)
|
2.55
|
2.51
|
2.21
|
2.04
|
2.36
|
Europe and other regions (US cents per liter)
|
70.86
|
73.92
|
60.95
|
56.89
|
66.83
|
Canada (CA cents per liter)
|
105.14
|
103.47
|
88.78
|
86.89
|
97.79
|
Other revenues
Total other revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were
$115.7 million, an increase of
$29.1 million compared with
the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net
positive impact from the translation of our Canadian and
European operations into US dollars, other revenues increased
by approximately $20.0 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 2022, mainly driven by higher
prices on our other fuel products.
Gross profit1
Our gross profit was $2.6 billion
for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, up by $111.4 million, or 4.5% compared with
the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021, mainly attributable
to higher fuel demand and the net positive impact from the
translation of our Canadian and European operations into US
dollars, which had an impact of approximately $81.0 million, partly offset
by lower road transportation fuel gross margins in
the United States.
__________________________________________________
|
1 Please refer to the section "Non-IFRS
Measures" for additional information on performance measures not
defined by IFRS
|
Merchandise and service gross profit
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, our merchandise and service
gross profit was $1.4 billion, an
increase of $79.8 million compared
with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net
positive impact from the translation of our Canadian and European
operations into US dollars, merchandise and service gross profit
increased by approximately $39.0
million, or 2.9%, mainly attributable to the contribution
from acquisitions, which amounted to approximately $45.0 million. Our gross margin decreased by 0.1%
in the United States to 34.2%.
Excluding the accelerated recognition of deferred credits in the
prior quarter, our gross margin in the
United States would have increased by 0.8%, favorably
impacted by changes in product mix and pricing initiatives. Our
gross margin decreased by 2.2% in Europe and other regions to 38.4%, mainly due
to the integration of Circle K Hong Kong, which has a different
product mix from our European operations. Excluding Circle K Hong
Kong, our gross margin in Europe
and other regions would have been 41.8%, impacted by favorable
changes in product mix. In Canada,
our gross margin increased by 1.2% to 32.3%, also impacted by
favorable changes in product mix.
Road transportation fuel gross profit
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, our road transportation
fuel gross profit was $1.2 billion,
an increase of $35.5 million compared
with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net
positive impact from the translation of our Canadian and European
operations into US dollars, our first quarter road transportation
fuel gross profit decreased by approximately $1.0 million, or 0.1%. Our road transportation
fuel gross margin was 36.75¢ per gallon in the United States, a decrease of 4.55¢ per
gallon, and US 10.32¢ per liter in Europe and other regions, a decrease of US
0.19¢ per liter, mainly driven by unusually higher margins in the
comparative quarter. In Canada, it
was CA 10.92¢ per liter, an increase of CA 0.67¢ per liter. Fuel
margins remained healthy, driven by favorable market conditions,
procurement initiatives and fuel rebranding.
The road transportation fuel gross margin of our
company-operated stores in the United
States and the impact of expenses related to electronic
payment modes for the last eight quarters, starting with the second
quarter of the fiscal year ended April 26,
2020, were as follows:
(US cents per
gallon)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
1st
|
Weighted
average
|
52–week period ended July 18, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
Before deduction of expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
37.48
|
31.86
|
35.25
|
37.58
|
35.34
|
Expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
4.79
|
4.66
|
5.10
|
5.38
|
4.96
|
After deduction of expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
32.69
|
27.20
|
30.15
|
32.20
|
30.38
|
52–week period ended July 19, 2020
|
28.29
|
27.04
|
46.88
|
42.99
|
34.72
|
Before deduction of expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
Expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
4.63
|
4.54
|
4.97
|
4.88
|
4.72
|
After deduction of expenses related to electronic payment modes
|
23.66
|
22.50
|
41.91
|
38.11
|
30.00
|
Generally, during normal economic cycles, road transportation
fuel margins in the United States
can be volatile from one quarter to another, while in
Europe and other regions and
Canada, fuel margins and expenses
related to electronic payment modes are not as
volatile.
Other revenues gross profit
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, other revenues gross profit
was $38.4 million, a decrease of
$3.9 million compared with the
corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net positive
impact from the translation of our Canadian and European operations
into US dollars, other revenues gross profit decreased by
approximately $7.0 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 2022, mainly driven by lower margins on our
other fuel products.
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses ("expenses")
For the first quarter of fiscal 2022, expenses increased by
11.3%, compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2021. If
we exclude certain items that are not considered
indicative of future trends, expenses increased by 3.5%.
|
|
|
12–week
period ended
July 18, 2021
|
Total variance, as
reported
|
11.3%
|
Adjusted for:
|
|
Increase from the net impact of foreign exchange translation
|
(3.4%)
|
Increase from higher electronic payment fees, excluding acquisitions
|
(2.4%)
|
Increase from incremental expenses related to acquisitions
|
(2.2%)
|
Acquisition costs recognized to earnings of fiscal 2021
|
0.3%
|
Acquisition costs recognized to earnings of fiscal 2022
|
(0.1%)
|
Remaining variance
|
3.5%
|
The increase of expenses in the first quarter was driven by
increased level of marketing activities and other discretionary
expenses, which were significantly reduced in the prior year
quarter due to the beginning of the pandemic, as well as by normal
inflation, higher labor costs from minimum wage increases and
pressure from low unemployment rates in certain regions and
incremental investments in our stores to support our strategic
initiatives. This increase was partly offset by lower COVID-19
related expenses compared to the corresponding quarter of the
previous fiscal year. On a 2-year basis, we maintained our strong
cost discipline, as demonstrated by a compound annual growth rate
of only 1.2% in the normalized expenses.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization
and impairment ("EBITDA1") and adjusted
EBITDA1
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, EBITDA stood at
$1.4 billion, an increase of 0.1%
compared with the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA for the
first quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased by $1.1 million, or 0.1%, compared with the
corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year, mainly due to
lower road transportation fuel gross margins in the United States, and higher operating
expenses, partly offset by higher fuel demand, as well as the net
positive impact from the translation of our Canadian and European
operations into US dollars, which amounted to approximately
$41.0 million.
Depreciation, amortization and impairment ("depreciation")
For the first quarter of fiscal 2022, our depreciation expense
increased by $24.8 million, compared
with the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the net impact
from the translation of our Canadian and European operations into
US dollars, the depreciation expense increased by approximately
$14.0 million for the first quarter
of fiscal 2022. This increase is mainly driven by the impact from
investments made through acquisitions, the replacement of
equipment, as well as the ongoing improvement to our network.
Net financial expenses
Net financial expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were
$74.3 million, a decrease of
$13.7 million compared with the first
quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the items shown in the table
below, net financial expenses increased by $0.3 million.
|
12-week periods ended
|
(in millions of US dollars)
|
July 18, 2021
|
July 19, 2020
|
Net financial expenses, as reported
|
74.3
|
88.0
|
Adjusted for:
|
(10.1)
|
2.9
|
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments in Fire & Flower and amortization of deferred differences
|
Net foreign exchange gain (loss)
|
8.6
|
(18.4)
|
Net financial expenses excluding items above
|
72.8
|
72.5
|
Income taxes
The income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 21.3% compared with 20.7% for the corresponding quarter of fiscal
2021. The increase in the income tax rate is mainly driven by a
lesser use of unrecognized capital losses compared
with the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2021.
_____________________________________________________
|
1 Please refer to the section "Non-IFRS
Measures" for additional information on performance measures not
defined by IFRS
|
Net earnings and adjusted net earnings1
Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were
$764.4 million, compared with
$777.1 million for the first quarter
of the previous fiscal year, a decrease of $12.7 million, or 1.6%. Diluted net earnings per
share stood at $0.71, compared with
$0.70 for the corresponding quarter
of the previous fiscal year. The translation of revenues and
expenses from our Canadian and European operations into US dollars
had a net positive impact of approximately $30.0 million on net earnings of the first
quarter of fiscal 2022.
Adjusted net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 were
approximately $758.0 million,
compared with $795.0 million for the
first quarter of fiscal 2021, a decrease of $37.0 million, or 4.7%. Adjusted diluted net
earnings per share1 were $0.71 for the first quarter of fiscal 2022,
unchanged compared with the corresponding quarter of fiscal
2021.
Dividends
During its August 31, 2021
meeting, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of CA
8.75¢ per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 to
shareholders on record as at September 9,
2021, and approved its payment effective September 23, 2021. This is an eligible dividend
within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
Non-IFRS Measures
To provide more information for evaluating the Corporation's
performance, the financial information included in our
financial documents contains certain data that are not
performance measures under IFRS ("non-IFRS measures"), which are
also calculated on an adjusted basis to exclude specific
items. We believe that providing those non-IFRS measures is useful
to management, investors and analysts, as they provide
additional information to measure the performance and financial
position of the Corporation.
The following non-IFRS measures are used in our financial disclosures:
- Gross profit;
- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and
impairment ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA;
- Adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted net earnings per
share;
- Net interest-bearing debt/total capitalization and leverage
ratios; and
- Return on equity and return on capital employed.
Non-IFRS measures are mainly derived from the consolidated
financial statements, but do not have standardized
meanings prescribed by IFRS. These non-IFRS measures should
not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial
measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, our
definitions of non-IFRS measures may differ from those of other
public corporations. Any such modification or reformulation
may be significant. These measures are also adjusted for the pro
forma impact of our acquisitions and impacts of new accounting standards, if they are considered to be material.
Gross profit. Gross profit consists of revenues less the
cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment.
This measure is considered
useful for evaluating the underlying
performance of our operations.
The table below reconciles revenues and cost of sales, excluding
depreciation, amortization and impairment to gross profit:
|
|
|
12-week periods
ended
|
(in millions of US
dollars)
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19, 2020
Adjusted(1)
|
Revenues
|
13,578.9
|
9,709.8
|
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment
|
10,978.9
|
7,221.2
|
Gross profit
|
2,600.0
|
2,488.6
|
|
|
(1)
|
Please refer to the
section "Change in Classification of Internal Logistics Costs" of
the Management Discussion and Analysis for the 12-week period ended
July 18, 2021 for additional information on changes affecting the
comparative
period.
|
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization
and impairment ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA
represents net earnings plus income taxes, net financial expenses
and depreciation, amortization and impairment. Adjusted EBITDA
represents EBITDA adjusted for acquisition costs and other specific
items. These performance measures are considered useful to
facilitate the evaluation of our ongoing operations and our ability
to generate cash flows to fund our cash requirements, including our
capital expenditures program and payment of dividends.
___________________________________________________
|
1
Please refer to the section "Non-IFRS
Measures" for additional information on performance measures not
defined by IFRS
|
The table below reconciles net earnings, as per IFRS, to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:
|
|
|
12-week periods
ended
|
(in millions of US
dollars)
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19,
2020
|
Net earnings, as reported
|
764.4
|
777.1
|
Add:
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
206.3
|
202.7
|
Net financial expenses
|
74.3
|
88.0
|
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
|
314.3
|
289.5
|
EBITDA
|
1,359.3
|
1,357.3
|
Adjusted for:
|
0.8
|
3.9
|
Acquisition costs
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
1,360.1
|
1,361.2
|
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted net
earnings per share. Adjusted net earnings represents net
earnings adjusted for net foreign exchange gains or losses,
acquisition costs and other specific items. These measures are
considered useful for evaluating the
underlying performance of our operations on
a comparable basis.
The table below reconciles reported net earnings, as per IFRS,
with adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted net
earnings per share:
|
12-week periods
ended
|
(in millions of US
dollars, except per share amounts)
|
July 18,
2021
|
July 19,
2020
|
Net earnings, as reported
|
764.4
|
777.1
|
Adjusted for:
|
(8.6)
|
18.4
|
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
|
Acquisition costs
|
0.8
|
3.9
|
Tax impact of the items above and rounding
|
1.4
|
(4.4)
|
Adjusted net earnings
|
758.0
|
795.0
|
Weighted average number of shares - diluted (in millions)
|
1,074.4
|
1,114.2
|
Adjusted diluted net earnings per share
|
0.71
|
0.71
|
Net interest-bearing debt/total capitalization. This
measure represents a measure of financial condition that is
especially used in financial circles.
The table below presents the calculation of this performance measure:
|
As
at
|
As at
|
(in millions of US
dollars)
|
July 18,
2021
|
April 25,
2021
|
Current portion of
long-term debt and current portion of lease liabilities
|
469.3
|
1,526.7
|
Long-term debt and
lease liabilities
|
9,126.6
|
8,075.3
|
Less: Cash and cash
equivalents, including restricted cash
|
3,452.3
|
3,019.2
|
Net interest-bearing
debt
|
6,143.6
|
6,582.8
|
Equity
|
12,461.7
|
12,180.9
|
Net interest-bearing
debt
|
6,143.6
|
6,582.8
|
Total
capitalization
|
18,605.3
|
18,763.7
|
Net interest-bearing
debt to total capitalization ratio
|
0.33 :
1
|
0.35 : 1
|
Leverage ratio. This measure represents a measure of
financial condition that is especially used in financial circles.
Net interest-bearing debt represents long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt and lease liabilities plus current portion of lease
liabilities.
The table below reconciles
net interest-bearing debt and adjusted EBITDA with the leverage ratio:
|
|
|
52-week periods ended
|
(in millions of US dollars)
|
July 18, 2021
|
April 25, 2021
|
Net interest-bearing debt
|
6,143.6
|
6,582.8
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
5,003.7
|
5,004.8
|
Leverage ratio
|
1.23
: 1
|
1.32 : 1
|
Return on equity. This measure is used to measure the
relation between our profitability and our net assets. Average
equity is calculated by taking
the average of the opening and
closing balance for the 52-week period.
The table below reconciles net earnings, as per IFRS, with the ratio of return on equity:
|
52-week periods ended
|
(in millions of US dollars)
|
July 18, 2021
|
April 25, 2021
|
Net earnings
|
2,692.8
|
2,705.5
|
Average equity
|
11,781.7
|
11,123.8
|
Return on equity
|
22.9%
|
24.3%
|
Return on capital employed. This measure is used to
measure the relation between our profitability and capital
efficiency. Earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT")
represents net earnings plus income taxes and net financial
expenses. Capital employed represents total assets less
short-term liabilities not bearing interests, which excludes
current portion of long-term debt and current portion of lease
liabilities. Average capital employed is calculated by taking the
average of the beginning and ending balance of
capital employed for the 52-week period.
The table below reconciles net earnings, as per IFRS, to EBIT with the ratio of return on capital employed:
|
|
|
52-week periods ended
|
(in millions of US dollars)
|
July 18, 2021
|
April 25, 2021
|
Net earnings
|
2,692.8
|
2,705.5
|
Add:
|
657.2
|
653.6
|
Income taxes
|
Financial expenses
|
328.8
|
342.5
|
EBIT
|
3,678.8
|
3,701.6
|
Average capital employed
|
23,332.3
|
23,252.3
|
Return on capital employed
|
15.8%
|
15.9%
|
Profile
Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and fuel retail,
operating in 26 countries and territories, with close to 14,200
stores, of which approximately 10,800 offer road transportation
fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is
one of the largest independent convenience store operator in
the United States and it is a
leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation
fuel retail in Canada,
Scandinavia, the Baltics, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in
Poland and Hong Kong SAR.
Approximately 124,000 people are employed throughout its
network.
For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. or to
consult its annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Management
Discussion and Analysis, please visit:
https://corpo.couche-tard.com.
The statements set forth in this press release, which describes
Couche-Tard's objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or
forecasts, may constitute forward- looking statements within
the meaning of securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs
such as "believe", "can", "shall", "intend", "expect", "estimate",
"assume" and other related expressions are used to identify
such statements. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their
very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts,
could differ materially from those indicated in or underlying these
statements, or could have an impact on the degree of
realization of a particular projection. Major factors that may lead
to a material difference between Couche-Tard's actual results
and the projections or expectations set forth in the
forward-looking statements include the effects of the integration
of acquired businesses and the ability to achieve projected
synergies, uncertainty related to the duration and severity of the
current COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in margins on motor fuel
sales, competition in the convenience store and retail motor
fuel industries, exchange rate variations, and such other risks as
described in detail from time to time in the reports filed by
Couche-Tard with securities authorities in Canada and the
United States. Unless otherwise required by applicable
securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The forward-looking information in this
release is based on information available as of
the date of the release.
Webcast on September 1, 2021, at 8:00 A.M. (EDT)
Couche-Tard invites analysts known to the Corporation to send
their two questions to its management before 7:00 P.M.
(EDT) on August 31, 2021,
at investor.relations@couche-tard.com.
Financial analysts, investors, media and any individuals
interested in listening to the webcast on Couche-Tard's results,
which will take place online on September 1, 2021, at 8:00
A.M. (EDT) can do so by either accessing the Corporation's
website at https://corpo.couche-tard.com and by
clicking in the "Investors/Events & Presentations" section or by dialing 1-888-390-0549 or 1-416-764-8682,
followed by the access code 12857083#.
Rebroadcast: For individuals who will not be able to
listen to the live webcast, a recording of the webcast will be
available on the Corporation's website for a
period of 90 days.
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SOURCE Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.