Natuzzi: Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2014 Financial Results

Improving Trend Confirmed

  • Total Net Sales up 12.6% over Fourth Quarter 2013
  • Other SG&A as Percentage of Net Sales Down by 3.8 P.P. against Fourth Quarter 2013
  • Quarterly Operating Loss Fell by 7.6%
  • Quarterly Net Loss Almost Halved (-48.1%)
  • Positive Net Financial Position at €2.8 Million (from +€0.2 Million as of September 30, 2014), after €11 Million of Extraordinary Cash-out Following the Lay–off of 429 Italian Workers in 2014 Fourth Quarter
  • Trend Confirmed in the First Months of 2015

SANTERAMO IN COLLE, Italy--()--The Board of Directors of Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ) (“Natuzzi” or the “Company”) has approved its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2014.

After the meeting of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, Pasquale Natuzzi, commented: “Our fourth quarter 2014 results confirm the improving trend in the Group’s main indicators.

Total net sales during the quarter were equal to €138.6 million, up 12.6% from fourth quarter 2013.

The corrective measures introduced in the second half of 2014 as a means to recover efficiency in our industrial plants have allowed the Group to gradually improve quarterly industrial margins.

We have also been successful in lowering our fixed (other) SG&A expenses, which fell to 17.7% of net sales in the fourth quarter 2014 from 21.5% of net sales in the fourth quarter 2013.

As a result of higher net sales and the cost-cutting measures described above, quarterly operating results (-€8.7 million) recorded a 7.6% improvement over fourth quarter 2013.

This improvement in our overall financial results is even more significant if we consider the progression of the above-mentioned items over the last four quarters, as set forth in the following table:

                                         
      1Q2014     2Q2014     3Q2014     4Q2014  
Total net sales*     -11.2%     -1.2%     +8.2%     +12.6%  
COGS**     -71.5%     -74.2%     -72.1%     -71.2%  
Other SG&A**     -21.8%     -20.9%     -18.2%     -17.7%  
EBIT**     -9.6%     -9.7%     -7.0%     -6.3%  

* quarterly percentage change in net sales over same quarter in 2013

 


** percentage of net sales

 
 

In 2014, turnover increased by 2.7% (to €461.4 million), yet EBITDA was equal to -€22.7 million from -€15.8 million. These results were mainly the consequence of two main factors:

1.

 

inefficiencies experienced during the first part of last year within our Chinese plant following the introduction of radical changes to our manufacturing process. While these changes have led to steadily improving production trends through the first months of 2015, they contributed to an additional €5.2 million in cost of sales in 2014. This was due to the adoption of what we believe were certain one-off extraordinary measures that were necessary in order to meet agreed delivery times and not compromise our customer service.

 

2.

low productivity in our Italian plants, due to the staffing of workers on a rotational basis as required by the October 2013 agreement. In March 2015, we entered into a new agreement, which has allowed us to stabilize our workforce, and that should result in improvements in productivity.

 
 

In the meantime, we have been carrying on with the innovation program as envisaged by the Group’s transformation plan:

i)

 

the re-engineering of our best-selling models, was completed by the year end;

 

ii)

we have reduced the number of models by 25% and the number of coverings by 38%;

 

iii)

as for innovations in industrial processes, we have developed and tested in our experimental plant located in Matera a new integrated production cycle and production planning software. First tests results are very encouraging.

 
 

In 2014 sales activity was characterized by a positive development in late spring, as a result of the overall review of our product collections and their presentations in the main world fairs (Milan, Guangzhou, High Point).

2014 overall order intake was up +6.8% (€436.5 million in 2014 vs €408.8 million in 2013), thanks to the renewed product collection. It is quite important to notice that we have been able to consistently improve our average sell-in price.

From a geographical standpoint, whilst the North American market showed positive sales growth, European sales continued to slowdown. Asia Pacific presented mixed results with positive and consistent growth in China, also due to the opening of 49 new stores.

In 2014 we acquired a significant number of European key customers.

Following the recent trend in currency dynamics, and thanks to the Group’s industrial presence in Romania, Natuzzi can take further advantage within the European market versus Asian exporters.

We expect the improving trend in our industrial operations that has started during the second part of 2014 to continue into 2015.”

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The Company will host a conference call on Monday March 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (4.00 p.m. Italian time, or 3.00 p.m. UK time) to discuss financial results.

The dial-in phone numbers for the live conference call are 1-888-437-9445 (toll-free) for persons calling from the U.S. or Canada, and 1-719-325-2315 for those calling from other countries.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements set forth 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, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Natuzzi’s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. More information about the potential factors that could affect the Company’s business and financial results is included in Natuzzi’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013. Natuzzi undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

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About Natuzzi S.p.A.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. designs, manufactures and sells a broad collection of couches, armchairs, home furniture and home accessories. With consolidated revenues of €461.4 million in 2014, Natuzzi is Italy’s largest furniture house and the player with the greatest global reach in its sector, with eight manufacturing plants, twelve commercial offices and more than 1,100 points of sale worldwide. Ethics and social responsibility, innovation, industrial know-how and integrated management of its value chain represent the points of strength that have made the Natuzzi Group a market leader and established Natuzzi as the most recognized furniture brand in the world among consumers of luxury goods. Natuzzi S.p.A. has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 1993. The Company is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified.

 
 
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Profit & Loss for the fourth quarter 2014 & 2013 on the basis of Italian GAAP
(expressed in millions Euro, except per share amounts)
             
Three months ended on Change Percentage of Sales
      31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13   %     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13
 
Upholstery net sales 120.9 108.6 11.3% 87.2% 88.2%
Other sales     17.8   14.6   22.0%     12.8%   11.8%
Total Net Sales     138.6   123.2   12.6%     100.0%   100.0%
                         
Cost of Sales     (98.7)   (85.0)   16.1%     -71.2%   -69.0%
of which: Depreciation, Amortization     (2.3)   (2.7)   -16.0%     -1.6%   -2.2%
                         
Industrial Margin     40.0   38.2   4.7%     28.8%   31.0%
 
Selling Expenses (24.2) (21.1) 14.4% -17.4% -17.2%
Transportation (14.5) (12.2) 19.0% -10.5% -9.9%
Commissions (2.4) (2.4) 1.6% -1.8% -2.0%
Advertising (7.2) (6.5) 10.5% -5.2% -5.3%
 
Other Selling and G&A (24.5) (26.5) -7.4% -17.7% -21.5%
of which: Depreciation, Amortization     (1.3)   (1.6)   -16.0%     -1.0%   -1.3%
EBITDA     (5.1)   (5.2)   -0.7%     -3.7%   -4.2%
                         
EBIT     (8.7)   (9.4)   -7.6%     -6.3%   -7.6%
 
Interest Income/(Costs), Net (0.9) (0.2)
Foreign Exchange, Net (2.0) (1.1)
Other Income/(Cost), Net     (3.2)   (18.2)              
Earning before Income Taxes     (14.8)   (29.0)         -10.7%   -23.5%
 
Current taxes (0.6) (0.7) -0.4% -0.6%
                         
Net Result     (15.4)   (29.7)         -11.1%   -24.1%
 
Minority interest (0.0) (0.0)
                         
Net Group Result     (15.4)   (29.7)         -11.1%   -24.1%
                         
Net Group Result per Share     (0.28)   (0.54)              
 
                         
Key Figures in U.S. dollars Three months ended on Change Percentage of Sales
(millions)     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13   %     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13
 
Total Net Sales 173.1 153.8 12.6% 100.0% 100.0%
Industrial Margin 49.9 47.7 4.7% 28.8% 31.0%
EBIT (10.9) (11.8) -6.3% -7.6%
Net Group Result (19.2) (37.1) -11.1% -24.1%
Net Group Result per Share (0.35) (0.68)
 
Average exchange rate (U.S.$ per 1€)     1.2488                  

 
 
UPHOLSTERY NET SALES BREAKDOWN
GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN
NET SALES (in €, million)     NET SALES (in seats sold)
Three months ended on Three months ended on
               
AREA 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta
Americas 54.6   45.2% 39.4   36.3% 38.5% 266,182   54.9% 200,557   45.1% 32.7%
Natuzzi 27.3 22.6% 25.2 23.2% 8.6% 101,079 20.8% 107,196 24.1% -5.7%
Private label 27.2   22.5% 14.2   13.1% 91.5% 165,103   34.0% 93,361   21.0% 76.8%
 
EMEA 50.1   41.5% 54.4   50.1% -7.8% 170,312   35.1% 196,273   44.2% -13.2%
Natuzzi 34.1 28.3% 42.9 39.5% -20.4% 87,873 18.1% 125,531 28.2% -30.0%
Private label 16.0   13.2% 11.5   10.6% 39.5% 82,439   17.0% 70,743   15.9% 16.5%
 
Asia-Pacific 16.1   13.4% 14.8   13.7% 8.9% 48,585   10.0% 47,655   10.7% 2.0%
Natuzzi 12.8 10.6% 13.9 12.8% -7.6% 25,471 5.3% 40,767 9.2% -37.5%
Private label 3.3   2.7% 0.9   0.9% 252.8% 23,114   4.8% 6,888   1.5% 235.6%
                             
TOTAL 120.9   100.0% 108.6   100.0% 11.3% 485,079   100.0% 444,485   100.0% 9.1%
 
BREAKDOWN BY BRAND
NET SALES (in €, million) NET SALES (in seats sold)
Three months ended on Three months ended on
 
BRAND 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta
Natuzzi 74.3 61.5% 82.0 75.5% -9.4% 214,423 44.2% 273,494 61.5% -21.6%
Private label 46.6   38.5% 26.6   24.5% 74.9% 270,656   55.8% 170,991   38.5% 58.3%
TOTAL 120.9   100.0% 108.6   100.0% 11.3% 485,079   100.0% 444,485   100.0% 9.1%
 
The "Natuzzi" brand includes the Group's three lines of product: Natuzzi Italia, Natuzzi Editions and Natuzi Re-Vive

 
 
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Profit & Loss for 2014 & 2013 on the basis of Italian GAAP
(expressed in millions Euro, except per share amounts)
             
Twelve months ended on Change Percentage of Sales
      31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13   %     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13
 
Upholstery net sales 409.1 402.8 1.6% 88.7% 89.7%
Other sales     52.3   46.3   13.0%     11.3%   10.3%
Total Net Sales     461.4   449.1   2.7%     100.0%   100.0%
 
Consumption (*) (218.0) (209.3) 4.1% -47.2% -46.6%
Labor (85.0) (79.1) 7.4% -18.4% -17.6%
Industrial Costs (30.2) (28.9) 4.6% -6.6% -6.4%
of which: Depreciation, Amortization     (9.7)   (10.3)   -5.9%     -2.1%   -2.3%
Cost of Sales     (333.2)   (317.3)   5.0%     -72.2%   -70.7%
                         
Industrial Margin     128.2   131.8   -2.7%     27.8%   29.3%
 
Selling Expenses (75.3) (70.8) 6.4% -16.3% -15.8%
Transportation (48.3) (45.6) 5.8% -10.5% -10.2%
Commissions (9.1) (9.0) 1.2% -2.0% -2.0%
Advertising (17.9) (16.2) 11.1% -3.9% -3.6%
 
Other Selling and G&A (89.9) (93.4) -3.7% -19.5% -20.8%
of which: Depreciation, Amortization     (4.6)   (6.3)   -27.3%     -1.0%   -1.4%
EBITDA     (22.7)   (15.8)         -4.9%   -3.5%
                         
EBIT     (37.0)   (32.3)         -8.0%   -7.2%
 
Interest Income/(Costs), Net (1.9) (0.5)
Foreign Exchange, Net (2.4) (2.8)
Other Income/(Cost), Net     (6.3)   (28.6)              
Earning before Income Taxes     (47.5)   (64.2)         -10.3%   -14.3%
 
Current taxes (1.8) (4.1) -0.4% -0.9%
                         
Net Result     (49.3)   (68.4)         -10.7%   -15.2%
 
Minority interest (0.0) (0.2)
                         
Net Group Result     (49.4)   (68.6)         -10.7%   -15.3%
                         
Net Group Result per Share     (0.90)   (1.25)              
 
 
Key Figures in U.S. dollars Twelve months ended on Change Percentage of Sales
(millions)     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13   %     31-Dec-14   31-Dec-13
 
Total Net Sales 613.0 596.6 2.7% 100.0% 100.0%
Industrial Margin 170.3 175.1 -2.7% 27.8% 29.3%
EBIT (49.1) (42.9) -8.0% -7.2%
Net Group Result (65.6) (91.1) -10.7% -15.3%
Net Group Result per Share (1.20) (1.66)
 
Average exchange rate (U.S.$ per 1€)     1.3285                  
 
(*) Purchases plus beginning stock minus final stock and leather processing

 
 
UPHOLSTERY NET SALES BREAKDOWN
GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN
NET SALES (in €, million)     NET SALES (in seats sold)
Twelve months ended on Twelve months ended on
               
AREA 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta
Americas 171.0   41.8% 162.5   40.3% 5.2% 842,263   50.7% 809,310   48.0% 4.1%
Natuzzi 96.5 23.6% 101.0 25.1% -4.4% 374,787 22.5% 425,502 25.2% -11.9%
Private label 74.5   18.2% 61.5   15.3% 21.1% 467,476   28.1% 383,808   22.8% 21.8%
 
EMEA 184.8   45.2% 189.7   47.1% -2.6% 644,681   38.8% 703,368   41.7% -8.3%
Natuzzi 142.1 34.7% 145.4 36.1% -2.3% 396,327 23.8% 430,367 25.5% -7.9%
Private label 42.6   10.4% 44.3   11.0% -3.7% 248,354   14.9% 273,001   16.2% -9.0%
 
Asia-Pacific 53.3   13.0% 50.6   12.6% 5.3% 175,351   10.5% 173,669   10.3% 1.0%
Natuzzi 48.4 11.8% 46.4 11.5% 4.2% 139,966 8.4% 143,548 8.5% -2.5%
Private label 5.0   1.2% 4.2   1.1% 17.9% 35,385   2.1% 30,121   1.8% 17.5%
                             
TOTAL 409.1   100.0% 402.8   100.0% 1.6% 1,662,295   100.0% 1,686,347   100.0% -1.4%
 
BREAKDOWN BY BRAND
NET SALES (in €, million) NET SALES (in seats sold)
Twelve months ended on Twelve months ended on
 
BRAND 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta 31-Dec-14   % 31-Dec-13   % delta
Natuzzi 287.0 70.1% 292.8 72.7% -2.0% 911,080 54.8% 999,417 59.3% -8.8%
Private label 122.1   29.9% 110.0   27.3% 11.0% 751,215   45.2% 686,930   40.7% 9.4%
TOTAL 409.1   100.0% 402.8   100.0% 1.6% 1,662,295   100.0% 1,686,347   100.0% -1.4%
 

The "Natuzzi" brand includes the Group's three lines of product: Natuzzi Italia, Natuzzi Editions and Natuzi Re-Vive

 
 
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets on the basis of Italian GAAP
(Expressed in millions of Euro)
           
ASSETS         31-Dec-14     31-Dec-13
 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 32.8 61.0
Marketable debt securities 0.0 0.0
Trade receivables, net 99.4 78.9
Other receivables 19.4 48.5
Inventories 90.2 79.0
Unrealized foreign exchange gains 0.3 0.6
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 1.3 1.9
Deferred income taxes         0.5     0.3
Total current assets         243.9     270.2
 
Non-current assets:
Net property, plant and equipment 130.8 143.6
Other assets         5.3     8.1
Total non-current assets         136.1     151.7
 
TOTAL ASSETS         380.0     421.9
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                
 
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings 20.8 25.0
Current portion of long-term debt 3.1 3.3
Accounts payable-trade 75.0 67.4
Accounts payable-other 30.0 25.8
Unrealized foreign exchange losses 0.5 0.2
Income taxes 1.1 7.1
Deferred income taxes 1.0 1.0
Salaries, wages and related liabilities         18.3     8.3
Total current liabilities         149.8     138.2
 
Long-term liabilities:
Employees' leaving entitlement 20.9 24.8
Long-term debt 6.0 4.2
Deferred income for capital grants 8.0 8.6
Other liabilities         21.2     34.4
Total long-term liabilities         56.2     72.1
                 
Minority interest         3.0     2.7
 
Shareholders' equity:
Share capital 54.9 54.9
Reserves 42.8 42.8
Additional paid-in capital 8.4 8.4
Retained earnings         64.9     102.8
Total shareholders' equity         171.0     208.9
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY         380.0     421.9

 
 
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows         Twelve months ended on
(Expressed in million of Euro)         31-Dec-14     31-Dec-13
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net earnings (loss) (49.4) (68.6)
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 14.2 16.6

Write-off of fixed assets

- 0.4
Impairment of long lived assets 2.5 8.6
One-time termination benefit - 20.0
Deferred income taxes (0.2) 0.1
Minority interest 0.0 0.2
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets 0.8 0.1
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) 0.7 0.5
Extraordinary items, net (0.8) -
Deferred income for capital grants         (0.5)     (0.6)
Non monetary operating items         16.7     45.8
 
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net (20.5) 14.2
Inventories (11.2) 3.3
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 0.6 0.1
Accounts payable 8.7 4.1
Income taxes (6.1) (2.1)
Salaries, wages and related liabilities 7.3 0.4
Other assets/liabilities, net         31.9     1.5
Net working capital         10.7     21.5
                 
One-time outflow from restructuring activities         (14.3)     (0.9)
                 
Net cash generated/(used) by operating activities         (36.2)     (2.2)
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment:
Additions (7.5) (7.1)
Disposals 7.1 0.2
Other Assets - (1.1)
Dividends distribution - (0.2)
Minority interest acquisition - (0.0)

Government grants received

        5.2     -
Net cash generated/(used) by investing activities         4.8     (8.2)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Long-term debt:
Proceeds 5.0 -
Repayments (3.3) (3.3)
Short-term borrowings         (4.2)     (1.9)
Net cash generated/(used) by financing activities         (2.5)     (5.2)
                 
Effect of translation adjustments on cash         5.7     (1.0)
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         (28.2)     (16.7)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year         61.0     77.7
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period         32.9     61.0
 

Contacts

NATUZZI INVESTOR RELATIONS
Piero Direnzo, +39.080.8820.812
pdirenzo@natuzzi.com
or
NATUZZI CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Vito Basile (Press Office), +39.080.8820.676
vbasile@natuzzi.com

Release Summary

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2014 FINANCIAL RESULTS: IMPROVING TREND CONFIRMED

Contacts

NATUZZI INVESTOR RELATIONS
Piero Direnzo, +39.080.8820.812
pdirenzo@natuzzi.com
or
NATUZZI CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Vito Basile (Press Office), +39.080.8820.676
vbasile@natuzzi.com