RCH Richelieu Hardware Ltd

8 acquisitions, including
4 completed in January 2023

Fourth quarter ended November 30, 2022:

• Sales totalled $457.5 million, up 14.9%, including 6.7% from internal growth and 8.2% from acquisitions.
• EBITDA increased 7.5% to $76.7 million.
• Diluted net earnings per share were $0.80.

For Year 2022:

• Sales were $1.8 billion, up 25.2% %, including 13.4% from internal growth and 11.8% from acquisitions. 42.2% increase in sales in the United States, representing 40% of total sales.
• Earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization (EBITDA) increased to $287.4 million, up 22.6%. The EBITDA margin was 15.9%.
• Net earnings attributable to shareholders increased by 18.8% to $168.4 million and reached $2.99 diluted per share, up 19.1%.
• Repurchase of 327,329 common shares for $12.3 million.
• Four acquisitions completed during the year, including three in the United States and one in Canada for additional sales of approximately $125 million on an annual basis. Four other acquisitions were made in Canada subsequently to the end of the fiscal year, in January 2023, for estimated annual sales of $18 million.
• Sound and robust financial position, with working capital of $562.5 million (2.6:1 ratio), and a return on average equity of 22.7% as at November 30, 2022.

Increased dividend by 15.4% to $0.15 per share for the first quarter of 2023.

MONTREAL , Jan. 19, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - "Richelieu (TSX: RCH) has achieved strong growth in 2022 through the contributions of our recent acquisitions and our diversified market segments in Canada and the U.S., including our new specialty markets - thanks also to our ongoing innovation strategy and the quality of our team's execution. Our sales to manufacturers were $1.6 billion, up 28.9%, including a 14.2% increase in Canada and a 49.7% increase (in U.S. dollars) in the United States, where our three acquisitions closed in the first quarter (Compi Distributors, HGH Hardware Supply, and National Builders Hardware) made a solid contribution to growth. Sales to retailers totalled $251.5 million, up 6.3%. The increases in EBITDA and the net earnings reflect the rise in sales and our ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and control costs," said Richard Lord, president and CEO of Richelieu.

"In addition to the three acquisitions made in the United States, we acquired a specialty hardware distributor in Canada, Quincaillerie Deno, last September. In January 2023, we concluded four new acquisitions that contribute to diversify our offering and our customer base: Quincaillerie Rabel, a distributor of specialty hardware with a distribution center in Terrebonne, QC - Trans-World Distributing, a distributor of industrial fasteners, with a distribution center in Dartmouth, NS - Unigrav and Usimm, two companies offering custom products, including a 3D scanning centre, for the architectural and industrial markets, located respectively in Drummondville and Montreal, QC. These new transactions will add approximately $18 million in sales on an annual basis," added Mr. Lord.

ANALYSIS OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2022, COMPARED WITH THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Consolidated sales reached $1.8 billion, an increase of $362.4 million or 25.2% over 2021, of which 13.4% from internal growth and 11.8% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to 2021, the consolidated sales growth would have been 23.5% for the year ended November 30, 2022.

Sales to manufacturers grew to $1.6 billion, compared with $1.2 billion for fiscal 2021, an increase of $347.5 million or 28.9%, of which 15.9% from internal growth and 13.0% from acquisitions. These increases are the result of the sustained demand in the renovation market as well as higher selling prices. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores grew by 6.3% or $14.9 million to total $251.5 million, entirely from acquisitions.

In Canada, Richelieu achieved sales of $1.1 billion, compared with $944.8 million for fiscal 2021, up by $129.9 million or 13.7%, of which 10.3% from internal growth and 3.4% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers rose to $876.7 million, up by $109.1 million or 14.2%, of which 11.7% from internal growth and 2.5% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores reached $198.0 million, compared with $177.2 million, up by $20.8 million or 11.7% over fiscal 2021, of which 4.4% from internal growth and 7.3% from acquisitions.

In the United States, the Corporation recorded sales of US$562.5 million, compared with US$395.6 million for fiscal 2021, an increase of US$166.9 million or 42.2%, of which 15.4% from internal growth and 26.8% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers totalled US$521.2 million, compared with US$348.2 million, an increase of US$173.0 million or 49.7% over fiscal 2021, of which 19.4% from internal  growth and 30.3% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores were down by 12.9% compared to fiscal 2021. Considering exchange rates, U.S. sales expressed in Canadian dollars amounted to $728.1 million, compared with $495.6 million for 2021, an increase of 46.9%. They accounted for 40.4% of consolidated sales in fiscal 2022, whereas they represented 34.4% of the consolidated sales in fiscal 2021.

Earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization (EBITDA) totalled $287.4 million, up by $53.0 million or 22.6% over 2021 resulting mainly from the increase in sales. The gross margin remained stable compared to the previous year and EBITDA margin stood at 15.9%, compared with 16.3% for 2021.

Amortization expenses amounted to $48.6 million compared with $37.0 million for 2021, an increase of $11.6 million resulting from the increase in the amortization of intangible assets and right-of-use assets mainly relating to business acquisitions as well as lease renewals and expansions made during the previous periods. Financial costs were $7.1 million compared with $2.7 million, an increase of $4.4 million resulting mainly from the use of lines of credit and the increase in lease obligations. Income taxes amounted to $61.7 million, an increase of $9.3 million over 2021.

Net earnings rose 19.4%. Considering non-controlling interests, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation totalled $168.4 million, an increase of 18.8% compared to 2021.  Net earnings per share amounted to $3.01 basic and $2.99 diluted, compared with $2.54 basic and $2.51 diluted for 2021, an increase of 18.5% and 19.1% respectively.

Fourth-quarter consolidated sales amounted to $457.5 million, compared with $398.2 million for the corresponding quarter of 2021, an increase of $59.3 million or 14.9%, of which 6.7% resulting from internal growth and 8.2% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to the fourth quarter of 2021, the consolidated sales growth would have been 11.7% for the quarter ended November 30, 2022.

Richelieu achieved sales of $398 million in the manufacturers market, compared with $338.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of $59.1 million or 17.4%, of which 7.8% from internal growth and 9.6% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores stood at $59.5 million, equivalent to the fourth quarter of 2021.

In Canada, Richelieu recorded sales of $273.5 million, an increase of $13.4 million, or 5.2%, over the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales to manufacturers amounted to $226.0 million, an increase of 5.0% of which 4.5% resulting from internal growth and 0.5% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores reached $47.5 million, up by $2.6 million or 5.8%.

In the United States, sales totalled US$136.4 million, compared with US$109.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of US$26.5 million or 24.1%, of which 2.8% resulting from internal growth and 21.3% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers amounted to US$127.5 million, an increase of US$29.0 million or 29.4% over the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores were down by US$2.5 million, or 21.9%, from the corresponding quarter of 2021. Considering exchange rates, total U.S. sales expressed in Canadian dollars stood at $184.0 million, an increase of 33.2%. They accounted for 40.2% of consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2022, whereas they had represented 34.7% of the period's consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to $76.7 million compared with $71.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, up 7.5%. The gross margin remained stable compared to the previous year and EBITDA margin stood at 16.8%, compared with 17.9% for the fourth quarter of 2021, influenced by slightly lower margin of certain acquisitions.

Amortization expenses amounted to $13.1 million compared with $10.6 million for the corresponding quarter of 2021, an increase of $2.5 million. Financial costs are up $2.1 million mainly due to the use of credit lines and the increase in lease obligations. Income taxes amounted to $15.0 million, compared with $15.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Net earnings were up by 2.0%. Considering non-controlling interests, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation amounted to $44.9 million, up by 0.8% over the fourth quarter of 2021. Net earnings per share were $0.80 basic and diluted, compared with $0.80 basic and $0.79 diluted for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Cash flows from operating activities (before net change in non-cash working capital balances) amounted to $60.4 million or $1.07 per share, compared with $55.7 million or $0.99 per share for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of 8.3% resulting primarily from net earnings and items not affecting cash and cash equivalent increases. Net change in non-cash working capital balances used cash flows of $58.6 million, reflecting the change in inventory and accounts receivable of $54.9 million, whereas the change in accounts payable and other items used cash flows of $3.7 million. Consequently, operating activities provided cash flows of $1.7 million, compared with $14.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Financing activities used cash flows of $19.7 million, compared with $11.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. This change primarily resulted from common shares repurchases of $4.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 while no share repurchases were made in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

Investing activities used cash flows of $7.6 million in the fourth quarter, of which $1.8 million for business acquisitions and $5.8 million mainly for equipment to maintain and improve operational efficiency including additions resulting from ongoing expansion projects.

Cash flows from operating activities (before net change in non-cash working capital balances) reached $224.5 million or $3.98 diluted per share, compared with $183.0 million or $3.24 diluted per share for 2021, an increase of 22.7% stemming primarily from an increase in net earnings. Net change in non-cash working capital balances used cash flows of $260.7 million, mainly representing changes in inventory of $240.5 million whereas accounts receivable, accounts payable and other items used cash flows of $20.2 million. Consequently, operating activities used cash flows of $36.2 million compared with  a cash inflow of $104.4 million for 2021.

Financing activities used cash flows of $66.6 million, compared with $53.7 million for 2021. During the year, Richelieu repaid long-term debt of $5.2 million, paid lease obligations of $25.9 million and issued shares for $6.3 million, compared to a long-term debt repayment of $6.4 million, lease obligations payments of $19.4 million and a $5.2 million share issue in 2021. Dividends paid to shareholders of the Corporation amounted to $29.1 million compared to $19.4 million up 50.1% over 2021. The Corporation also repurchased common shares for an amount of $12.3 million compared with $13.1 million in 2021.

Investing activities used cash flows of $66.8 million, of which $44.3 million for business acquisitions and $22.6 million, mainly for equipment to maintain and improve operational efficiency including additions resulting from ongoing expansion projects.

Total assets amounted to $1.3 billion as at November 30, 2022, compared with $964.2 million as at November 30, 2021. Current assets increased by 38.2% or $251.6 million from November 30, 2021.This increase stems from the addition of current assets following the business acquisitions made during the first quarter and from the rise in inventories resulting from the higher cost of products and easing of the supply chain challenges including the acceleration of delivery times, especially from Asia. Non-current assets increased by 22.3% mainly due to the business acquisitions.

As at November 30, 2022, bank overdraft, net of cash and cash equivalent,  amounted to $112.0 million, compared with cash of $58.7 million as at November 30, 2021, the Corporation had a working capital of $562.5 million for a current ratio of 2.6 : 1, compared with $456.4 million (3.3:1 ratio) and the return on average shareholders' equity was 22.7%.

As at November 30, 2022, the Corporation's share capital consisted of 55,784,790 common shares (55,841,119 shares as at November 30, 2021). In 2022, upon the exercise of stock options under the stock option plan, Richelieu issued 271,000 common shares at an average price of $23.19 (263,925 in 2021 at an average price of $19.54). In addition, 327,329 common shares were repurchased for cancellation for a cash consideration of $12.3 million in 2022 (316,374 common shares for a cash consideration of $13.1 million in 2021). The Corporation granted 276,000 stock options in fiscal 2022 (289,000 in 2021) and cancelled 17,125 (31,875 in 2021). Consequently, as at November 30, 2022, 1,679,000 stock options were outstanding (1,691,125 as at November 30, 2021).

On January 19, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share to shareholders of record as at February 2, 2023, payable on February 16, 2023. The declared dividend is designated as an eligible dividend within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). 

Richelieu is a leading North American importer, manufacturer and distributor of specialty hardware and complementary products. Its products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, residential and commercial woodworkers, door and window, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of high-end products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. Its product selection consists of over 130,000 different items targeted to a base of more than 100,000 customers who are served by 107 centres in North America – 48 distribution centres in Canada, 57 in the United States and two manufacturing plants in Canada, specifically Cedan Industries Inc. which specializes in the manufacturing of a wide variety of veneer sheets and edgebanding products and Menuiserie des Pins Ltée which manufactures components for the window and door industry and a broad selection of decorative mouldings.

JANUARY 19, 2023  CONFERENCE CALL AT 2:30 P.M. (EASTERN TIME)

Financial analysts and investors interested in participating in the conference call on Richelieu's results to be held at 2:30 p.m. on January 19, 2023, may dial 1-888-390-0620 a few minutes before the start of the call. For those unable to participate, a taped rebroadcast will be available as of 5:45 p.m. on January 19, 2023 until midnight on January 26, 2023, by dialing 1-888-259-6562, access code: 635654 #.  Members of the media are invited to listen in.

Photos are available on www.richelieu.com

SOURCE Richelieu Hardware Ltd.