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In this article, we discuss the full-year results of three retailers in the country. These entities are categorised under the Consumer Discretionary on ASX. On 28 August 2019, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary (Sector) index was trading at 2,533.7 or 3.4 points, up by 0.13 percent (at AEST 2:10 PM). Concurrently, S&P/ASX 200 was trading higher by 20 points at 6,491.2 points (at AEST 2:08 PM).
Wesfarmers Limited (ASX: WES)
On 27 August 2019, the Australian retail giant released the full-year results for the period ended 30 June 2019. Accordingly, the revenue for the period was at $27,920 million compared to revenues of $26,763 million in FY2018.
In FY2019, the company divested Bengalla, Kmart Tyre and Auto Service (KTAS), Quadrant Energy, and demerged Coles. As a result, the profit after tax from continuing operations was $1,940 million in FY2019 compared to $1,409 million in FY2018, and the profit after tax from discontinued operations was $3,570 million in FY2019.
Meanwhile, the company declared a fully franked dividend of 78 cents per share payable on 9 October 2019 to the shareholder, in records on 2 September 2019.
Financial Overview (Source: WESâs 2019 Full-Year Results Briefing Presentation)
Retail: Reportedly, in Bunnings, the company had delivered solid result depicting a diversified customer base and product offering. Besides, the trading conditions moderated for Kmart Group, where the performance of Kmart was below expectations.
Meanwhile, in Officeworks, the company achieved resilient earnings and sales growth while enforcing a price leadership position. The growth was underpinned by enhancements in online offerings along with new and expanded product ranges.
Industrials: Reportedly, the company continued earnings growth in chemicals, energy and fertilisers businesses depicting the strong demand from key customers along with capital investments to improve capacity, productivity and product range.
Meanwhile, the performance was subdued in Industrial and Safety business attributing to the impact on Blackwoodsâ earnings due to ongoing investment in customer service and the enterprise resource planning system.
Other Businesses: Reportedly, the corporate overheads and other businesses achieved earnings of $122 million against a loss of $122 million in the previous year. Besides, the segment includes the companyâs 15% share of Colesâ NPAT and excluding Coles, the earnings from the segment increased $127 million. Meanwhile, the company recorded a $61 million gain related to the investment in Barminco following the purchase by Ausdrill.
Outlook: Reportedly, the strategies applied during the half-year had repositioned the portfolio and strengthened the balance sheet of the company. The strong & diversified portfolio of the company provides better positioning to face a range of economic conditions.
Besides, the retail divisions of the company are well placed, and the company would continue to invest in capabilities, including digital offering, creation of a platform for expanding addressable markets and improving efficiencies.
Meanwhile, the performance of industrial segments is tied to the international commodity prices, exchange rates, seasonal outcomes and competitive factors. The company intends to build upon the capabilities and platform to capitalise on growth opportunities within the existing business, acquired investment and other value-accretive transactions. Further, the company would only pursue growth opportunities, with potential to deliver shareholders value, over the long period of time.
On 28 August 2019, WESâ stock was trading at A$39.175, up by 0.192% (at AEST 1:40 PM).
Coles Group Limited (ASX: COL)
Recently, on 22 August 2019, the group had reported full-year results for the period ended 30 June 2019. Accordingly, the total revenue was at $38,464.2 million in FY2019, down by 1.7% from $39,145.4 million in FY2018. Meanwhile, the profit after tax was $1,434.7 million in FY2019, down by 9.7% from $1,578.8 million in FY2018. Besides, the company has declared a fully franked dividend of 35.5 cents per share payable on 26 September 2019 to the shareholders, in records on 29 August 2019.
FY19 Highlights (Source: COLâs FY19 Results Presentation)
Supermarkets: Reportedly, the sales revenue stood at $30.9 billion for the period, up by 3.2% over the previous year. Sales revenue was backed by online, new stores and successful collectable campaigns. The company recorded sales growth across all states, particularly in meat, bakery and dairy.
Meanwhile, the gross margin of the segment improved by 20bps to 24.8% attributing to strategic sourcing and execution of the companyâs Own Brand powerhouse strategy. EBIT was up 2.2% to $1,183 million underpinned by higher sales, and improved gross margin.
Liquor: Reportedly, the sales from the segment were $3.1 billion, up by 1.9% over the prior year. By the end of the year, twenty-three Liquorland and twenty-nine FCLM conversions were completed. Besides, the company continued with investment in the store network with 27 new stores opened and 16 stores were closed.
Meanwhile, the company achieved improvement of 41bps in the gross margin, which were attributed to margin improvement from exclusive liquor brands and improved supplier collaboration.
Express: Reportedly, the C-store sales were up 1.2% for the period attributing to decline in tobacco sales. However, the company witnessed double digit growth in the food-to-go (FTG) category. The fuel volumes were down by 13% during the period, and an agreement was signed with Viva Energy Group Limited (ASX: VEA) to improve fuel pricing. Meanwhile, the segment generated EBIT of $50 million, with flat EBIT in the second half.
Other: Reportedly, the segment includes corporate costs, the company 50% share of flybuys net profits, and net gain loss generated by the companyâs property portfolio. Besides, the corporate costs during the second half were below the estimated costs of $66 million.
Meanwhile, the share of flybuys attributed to a loss of $1 million in the second half, against a profit of $6 million in the first half. The company recorded net gains of $7 million for the year from several property settlements.
On 28 August 2019, COLâs stock was trading at A$13.46, down by 0.737% (at AEST 1: 58 PM).
Noni B Limited (ASX: NBL)
On 27 August 2019, the company reported the full-year results for the period closed 30 June this year. Accordingly, the revenues were up by 136.8% to $88.2 million in FY2019. The company recorded NPAT of $8.2 million in FY2019 compared to $17.3 million in FY2018, and the decline was attributed to restructuring costs and additional depreciation on acquired brands.
Growth Since FY14 (Source: NBL - 2019 Annual Report)
Reportedly, the company has seen substantial improvements in the results since FY2015, and now the company is prioritising gross margin growth, which resulted in an underlying EBITDA of $45.5 million. Besides, the company has improved and invested in the online channel strategy, and the sales contribution of online sales grew to 9.8%.
Meanwhile, the company achieved supply chain consolidation, systems integration and optimisation of the store network in FY2019, and operating cost alignment delivered benefits in FY2019.
Strategies for Growth: Reportedly, the companyâs loyalty database host 4.4 million emails, which reflect the potential for future growth. Besides, the company intends to increase the store footprint across all brands. It would also drive digital expansion through increased product and non-apparel category offerings, broader presence on global marketplaces, and launch of new non-apparel category websites.
Financial Position: Reportedly, the balance sheet continues to strengthen with the positive operating cash flow of $23.5 million and net cash of $7.1 million at the year end. Under the current liabilities front, the company is carrying no borrowings.
Meanwhile, the company had declared a fully franked dividend of 5.5 cents per share payable on 24 October to the shareholders, on record on 10 October 2019.
FY20 Outlook: Reportedly, the company would continue to place customer interest on a priority. It expects EBITDA in FY2020 to be in accordant with market consensus of $75 million. The company intends to capitalise on Groupâs data, store expansion and online strategies.
On 28 August 2019, NBLâs stock was trading at A$2.63, up by 1.544% (at AEST 2:06 PM).
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