Strong revenue growth, margin expansion and FCF delivery in 2024,
while investing significantly and reaching key transformation
milestones
Regulated information
- Portfolio refocus nearly complete and major steps
taken in transforming European and North American
footprint;
- Innovation and operating efficiencies strengthened
competitiveness, leading to 6% volume & mix growth and 28% adj.
EBITDA increase;
- Solid operational result facilitated step up of
investments in transformation and growth, while raising FCF to €48
million;
- 2025 outlook for revenue to grow by 3% to 5% LFL,
adj. EBITDA by 4% to 7%, and FCF to remain
strong;
CEO quote
Gustavo Calvo Paz, Ontex’s CEO, said: “We achieved
key strategic milestones last year, thanks to the dedication of
Ontex’s teams. With all planned strategic divestments finalized or
agreed, we will be fully focused on retailer and healthcare brands
by end 2025. We also achieved a major step to make our European
footprint leaner, with the transformation of our Belgian operations
to be finalized early 2026. These measures are necessary to
continue driving our competitiveness and profitability, as we did
in the last two years. We achieved strong volume growth in 2024, in
North America, and in selected categories in Europe. Our biggest
category has now become adult care, positioning us well to serve
the needs of a growing and more active elderly population. Our
margins expanded back to our historic levels, and while we continue
to invest in our transformation, our free cash flow delivery has
strengthened further. I have confidence that we will drive our free
cash flow up over time, as we execute our growth and efficiency
plans, and as the step-up investment phase of our transformation
journey will fade down after 2025.”
FY 2024 results
- Revenue [1] was €1,860 million, up 3.5% like
for like. Volumes were up 5.7% including mix effects, growing in
all categories, and by double digits in baby care in North America,
as well as in adult care and baby pants in Europe. Sales prices
were 2.2% lower, reflecting the decrease of raw material indices
and investments in increased competitiveness. Forex fluctuations
were positive, adding 0.2%, bringing total growth at 3.7%.
- Adjusted EBITDA [1] was €223 million, up 28%.
Sustained delivery of the cost transformation program added €70
million, driving competitiveness and profitability. Volume and mix
growth contributed €21 million and lower prices had a €(39) million
effect. While lower raw material prices, in line with indices,
added €39 million, continued inflation drove other operating and
SG&A costs up by €(28) million and €(10) million respectively.
Forex fluctuations had an adverse effect of €(3) million. The
adjusted EBITDA margin [1] rose to 12.0%, up 2.3pp
year on year. The operating profit [1] was €76
million, including one-time restructuring expenses of €(73)
million, primarily related to the restructuring of the Belgian
operations.
- Adjusted profit from continuing operations doubled to €76
million, and including the one-time restructuring charges, profit
from continuing operations was €21 million. The loss from
discontinued operations was €(11) million, reflecting lower adj.
EBITDA due to the scope reduction, and divestment-related one-time
costs. The profit for the period for the Total Group was thereby
€10 million.
- Free cash flow amounted to €48 million, a significant increase
compared to €9 million in 2023. Strong operational delivery and
working capital management, more than offset the temporary step-up
in investments to transform the Group in an accelerated way.
Capital expenditure rose to €(112) million, reaching close to 6% of
revenue in Core Markets, and €(39) million one-time spent was
related mostly to the transformation of the Belgian
operations.
- Net financial debt for the Total Group dropped €53 million to
€612 million over the year. Combined with the adjusted EBITDA
improvement, the leverage ratio was brought down from 3.25x at the
start of the year to 2.46x at the end.
Q4 2024 results
- Revenue [1] was €476 million, up 6.6% like for
like versus 2023. Volumes were up 9.0% including mix effects, and
grew in all categories. The increase was driven primarily by the
growth acceleration in North America as well as sustained growth in
selected categories in Europe. As anticipated, sales prices were
largely stable sequentially, and 2.4% lower year on year,
reflecting the past raw material index decreases and investments in
increased competitiveness. Forex fluctuations were supportive,
adding 0.2%, bringing total growth at 6.8% year on year.
- Adjusted EBITDA [1] was €57 million, up 22%
year on year. The cost transformation program delivered €17
million, driving stronger profitability and competitiveness. Volume
and mix growth contributed €7 million. Sales prices had a €(11)
million adverse impact. While raw material prices were stable
overall year on year, continued inflation drove other operating
costs up by €(6) million. SG&A costs were stable sequentially,
but €4 million lower than in 2023. Forex fluctuations had an
adverse effect of €(1) million. The adjusted EBITDA margin rose to
11.9%, up 1.5pp year on year. The operating
profit [1] was €36 million, versus €23 million in
2023, reflecting the strong operational improvement.
- Discontinued operations generated an operating loss of €(5)
million, compared to a profit of €13 million in 2023. Revenue was
8.4% lower like for like and the adjusted EBITDA margin dropped to
5.6%, reflecting more challenging market conditions in Brazil. The
operating result also includes an impairment of €(6) million on the
Turkish assets, triggered by the divestment process.
Strategic developments since Q4 2024
- In November, Ontex entered into a new syndicated facilities
agreement, encompassing a new revolving credit facility with a
maximum drawable amount of €270 million and a five-year maturity.
The new facility replaces the previous one, which had maximum
drawable amount of €242 million, and similarly holds a floating
interest rate based on EURIBOR plus a margin, subject to certain
conditions including the leverage ratio.
- In December, Ontex launched a share buyback program to acquire
a maximum of 1.8% of its issued shares by June 2025. The acquired
shares are to contribute to meeting Ontex’s obligations under its
current and future long-term incentive plans.
- In January 2025, Ontex reached a binding agreement to sell its
Turkish business activities to Dilek Grup for an enterprise value
of approximately €24 million, net of cash disposed, and prior to
taxes and transaction costs. The closing is expected during the
third quarter of 2025 subject to customary conditions. With this
agreement, Ontex will conclude its strategic refocus on retailer
and healthcare brands in Europe and North America in 2025.
Including the previously announced divestment of the Brazilian
business, about €100 million net proceeds are expected to be
received in the year.
2025 outlook
Based on solid delivery in the last two years, Ontex is well
positioned to successfully complete its intensive three-year
transformation journey, and thereby expects the following for
2025:
- Revenue to grow by 3% to 5% like for like, supported by
double-digit volume growth in North America;
- Adjusted EBITDA to grow by 4% to 7%, supported by revenue
growth and further improvement of operational efficiencies;
- Free cash flow to remain strong, while continuing the step-up
of investments in Ontex’s transformation. This step-up will be
nearing completion by the end of 2025.
Key business indicators
Business
results |
Q4 |
Year |
in € million |
2024 |
2023 |
% |
% LFL |
2024 |
2023 |
% |
% LFL |
Core Markets
(continuing operations) |
Revenue |
476.5 |
446.0 |
+6.8% |
+6.6% |
1,860.5 |
1,794.7 |
+3.7% |
+3.5% |
Adult Care |
205.7 |
191.5 |
+7.4% |
+7.5% |
800.5 |
736.4 |
+8.7% |
+9% |
Baby Care |
201.4 |
191.2 |
+5.4% |
+5.1% |
793.4 |
790.0 |
+0.4% |
-0.1% |
Feminine Care |
59.5 |
57.3 |
+3.7% |
+3.2% |
236.6 |
241.3 |
-1.9% |
-2.5% |
Adj.
EBITDA |
56.8 |
46.5 |
+22% |
|
222.6 |
173.9 |
+28% |
|
Adj. EBITDA margin |
11.9% |
10.4% |
+1.5pp |
|
12.0% |
9.7% |
+2.3pp |
|
Operating
profit |
36.3 |
23.5 |
+55% |
|
75.8 |
88.3 |
-14% |
|
Emerging Markets
(discontinued operations) [2] |
Revenue |
72.7 |
98.7 |
|
-8.4% |
306.9 |
546.8 |
|
-5.5% |
Adj.
EBITDA |
4.1 |
11.8 |
|
|
29.2 |
49.4 |
|
|
Adj. EBITDA margin |
5.6% |
12.0% |
-6.4pp |
|
9.5% |
9.0% |
+0.5pp |
|
Operating
profit/(loss) |
( 4.6) |
12.8 |
|
|
2.1 |
22.3 |
|
|
Total Group
[2] |
Revenue |
549.2 |
544.7 |
|
+4.3% |
2,167.4 |
2,341.5 |
|
+2.0% |
Adj.
EBITDA |
60.8 |
58.3 |
|
|
251.9 |
223.3 |
|
|
Adj. EBITDA margin |
11.1% |
10.7% |
+0.4pp |
|
11.6% |
9.5% |
+2.1pp |
|
Operating
profit |
31.8 |
36.2 |
|
|
77.9 |
110.6 |
|
|
Core Markets revenue |
|
2023 |
Vol/mix |
Sales |
2024 |
Forex |
2024 |
in € million |
|
|
|
price |
LFL |
|
|
Q4 |
446.0 |
+40.2 |
-10.7 |
475.5 |
+1.0 |
476.5 |
Year |
1,794.7 |
+101.8 |
-39.2 |
1,857.2 |
+3.3 |
1,860.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Core Markets adj. EBITDA [3] |
2023 |
Vol/mix |
Raw |
Operat. |
Operat. |
SG&A/ |
Forex |
2024 |
in € million |
|
/price |
mat'ls |
costs |
savings |
Other |
|
|
Q4 |
46.5 |
-3.7 |
-0.1 |
-5.6 |
+17.0 |
+3.9 |
-1.1 |
56.8 |
Year |
173.9 |
-18.4 |
+38.8 |
-28.2 |
+69.8 |
-9.8 |
-3.5 |
222.6 |
[1] Reported P&L figures, represent
continuing operations, i.e. Core Markets, only. As from 2022,
Emerging Markets are reported as assets held for sale and
discontinued operations, following the strategic decision to divest
these businesses.
[2] The Emerging Markets and Total Group
year-on-year comparison is affected by divestments, i.e. the
Mexican business activities in 2023 and the Algeria and Pakistan
ones in 2024. The LFL comparison is corrected for this scope
reduction.
[3] The adjusted EBITDA bridge
methodology was changed in order to only present currency
translation effects separately, whereas before all foreign exchange
and hedge effects were presented separately.
Unless otherwise indicated, all comments in this document
are on a year-on-year basis and for revenue specifically on a
like-for-like (LFL) basis (at constant currencies and scope and
excluding hyperinflation effects). Definitions of Alternative
Performance Measures (APMs) in this document can be found on page
10.
Full year 2024 business review of Core Markets (continuing
operations)
Revenue
Revenue was €1,860 million, up 3.5% like for like, driven by
strong volume and mix growth, which more than offset the
anticipated lower prices. Including slightly supportive forex,
revenue was up 3.7%.
Volumes grew in all categories, and were up 5.7% overall
including mix effects, outperforming the market in Europe and
especially in North America, which remained overall stable. Market
demand for adult care products in European retail was up by
mid-to-high single digits, supported by societal trends with an
increasing and more active elderly population, and with retailer
brands gaining market share. Ontex’s volume/mix grew by double
digits, mainly thanks to market share gains in the institutional
channel. While market demand for feminine care products in Europe
was largely stable, retailer brands gained share, and Ontex’s sales
volumes grew in line. Market demand for baby care products in
Europe decreased by low single digit, reflecting the decreasing
birth rate. Retailer brands consolidated their market share gains
made in 2023, when consumers switched to better value-for-money
alternatives. Ontex’s baby care volumes in Europe were lower,
largely in line with the market, albeit with a switch in the
portfolio to more premium products, like baby pants, where volumes
grew by double digits. Demand for baby care products in North
America was largely stable, albeit that A-brands lost some market
share to retailer and lifestyle brands. Ontex volumes were up by
strong double digit growth in the region, boosted by contract gains
with retailers, which started in the second half of 2023 and
throughout 2024.
Sales prices were lower across categories, down 2.2% overall.
This was expected, reflecting planned investments in
competitiveness, and adjustments for the decrease of raw material
price indices since end 2023.
Forex fluctuations were supportive, adding 0.2%, mainly thanks
to the appreciation of the British pound and the Polish zloty,
which compensated for the depreciation of the Russian ruble.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was €223 million, up 28%. Volume and mix growth
contributed €21 million, and strong delivery of the cost
transformation program €70 million. Lower sales prices for €(39)
million, were offset by index-driven raw material tailwinds. Other
operating and SG&A costs rose with inflation, however.
The cost transformation program delivered €70 million net
operating savings, leading to a reduction of the operating cost
base by 4.6% year on year, based on purchasing, supply chain,
product innovation and manufacturing initiatives.
Raw material prices had a €39 million positive impact, in
particular for super-absorbent polymers and for fluff. Raw material
indices started to rise sequentially again in the second half of
2023 and first quarter of 2024, but largely stabilized since.
Other operating costs were up by €(28) million, largely due to
inflation of salaries, as well as energy and distribution costs.
These were exacerbated by temporary inefficiencies resulting from
the North American production ramp-up and the footprint adjustments
in Europe.
SG&A expenditure was up by €(10) million, mainly due to
salary inflation. SG&A over revenue remained largely stable at
10.1%.
Forex fluctuations had a €(3) million net negative impact,
mainly linked to the depreciation of the Mexican peso affecting the
contribution from the Tijuana plant.
The adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 12.0%, up 2.3pp year on
year.
Q4 2024 business review of Core Markets (continuing
operations)
Revenue
Revenue was €476 million, up 6.6% like for like versus 2023,
driven by a substantial volume increase, including mix, which more
than offset the anticipated lower sales prices. Including slightly
supportive forex, revenue was up 6.8% overall versus the prior year
and 1.8% versus the prior quarter.
Volumes were up 9.0% year on year including mix effects, and
grew in all categories. Volumes were up by double digits in North
America, versus the previous quarter and especially versus the
fourth quarter of 2023, mainly as orders from new contracts ramped
up. In Europe volumes were up in all categories, especially in
adult care and in baby pants, where Ontex’s is leveraging its
expertise in service and innovation.
Sales prices were largely stable quarter on quarter, as
anticipated, and 2.4% lower year on year, reflecting the past raw
material index decreases and investments in increased
competitiveness.
Forex fluctuations were supportive, adding 0.2%, mainly thanks
to the appreciation of the British pound and the Polish zloty,
which compensated for the depreciation of the Russian ruble.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was €57 million, up 22% year on year and largely
in line sequentially versus the previous quarter. Volume and mix
growth contributed €7 million. Sales prices had a €(11) million
adverse impact. The cost transformation program continued to
deliver solid results. While raw material prices were stable
overall year on year and SG&A costs came out lower, continued
inflation drove other operating costs up.
The cost transformation program delivered €17 million net
operating savings, leading to a reduction of the operating cost
base by 4.4% year on year, with purchasing, supply chain, product
innovation and manufacturing initiatives.
Raw material prices were largely stable year on year, and
slightly up versus the previous quarter, reflecting a slight
increase in fluff prices.
Other operating costs were up by €(6) million year on year,
largely due to inflation of salaries, and temporary inefficiencies
resulting from the North American production ramp-up and the
footprint adjustments in Europe.
SG&A expenditure was stable sequentially,
but down by €4 million year on year. Inflation drove salaries up,
but the fourth quarter of 2023 it compares to, was exceptionally
high due to cost phasing over that year.
Forex fluctuations had a €(1) million net negative impact,
mainly linked to the depreciation of the Mexican peso affecting the
contribution from the Tijuana plant.
The adjusted EBITDA margin was 11.9%, up 1.5pp year on year
compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, and slightly down by 0.1pp
sequentially versus the third quarter of 2024.
Full year 2024 operational review
Supply chain
The cost transformation program delivered €70 million savings
after netting with implementation costs. This represents an
increase of about 25% versus 2023. These initiatives allowed to
reduce raw materials and operating costs, prior to volume and
inflation effects, by 4.6%. While the bulk of the savings were
realized on procurement, the continuous implementation of the
program allowed to further improve operational efficiencies and
lower scrap rates. Service levels also improved from the 2023
level.
To further support these initiatives in the coming years, Ontex
is transforming its operating footprint in Belgium, with the
closure of its Eeklo plant in December of last year, and the
transformation of its Buggenhout plant over the next two years into
a center of excellence for research, development and production of
medium and heavy incontinence care products. A total amount of €62
million was provisioned, covering the redundancy cost according to
the Belgian legal requirements and the supplementary social
plan.
Besides the optimization of the manufacturing footprint, Ontex
continues to invest in its operations, ramping up in the year to
€112 million for the Total Group, or 5.2% of revenue, and close to
6% for Core Markets only. As anticipated this is a step-up compared
to 4.1% in 2023 and approximately double Ontex’s
depreciation [4] level. The vast majority was
invested in Core Markets, with about half in business expansion,
with new production lines for baby pants and adult care, and adding
capacity in North America and about a quarter in operational
efficiency improvement projects, mostly in Europe.
Innovation
Innovation in Core Markets represented €18 million in
operational and capital expenditure, a 5% increase compared to
2023, with 13 major product innovations launched in the year. All
Ontex’s innovation is thoroughly tested with consumers, to
guarantee that new solutions offered to customers are comparable to
leading A-brand standards.
Baby care focus in 2024 was to boost leak prevention, with the
launch of baby diapers with front and back barriers, as well as
baby pants with back barrier. The year also saw the introduction of
larger pants sizes and bags with mechanical post-consumer recycled
content. In adult care overnight extra -protection pads were
brought to market. In feminine care the focus was on boosting
recently introduced product concepts being the first follower of
the A-brand equivalent, with ConfiDaily ™ pantyliners and
SatinSense® tampons.
Ontex also secured its place in the top 10 of Belgian applicants
at the European Patent Office, for the second year in a row. Ontex
currently holds more than 800 patents grouped in 160 patent
families.
Sustainability [5]
Ontex takes the safety of its employees to heart. In 2024 the
accident frequency rate was 3.20, decreasing 9% versus 3.52 lost
workday cases per million worked hours in 2023, and 41% compared to
the base year 2020, by focusing on machine risk reduction,
behaviors and leadership awareness. Ontex strives to reduce the
number of accidents further down year after year to eventually
reach its ultimate ambition to be a zero harm workplace.
Ontex is also committed to reducing its environmental footprint.
Also in 2024, actions were undertaken to support Ontex’s long-term
climate strategy, investing in energy efficiency initiatives,
increasing renewable energy sourcing and working closely with
suppliers. Despite these initiatives, scope 1 & 2 emissions
went up by 5.2% compared to 2023, reflecting higher electricity
consumption in one of the plants. Scope 3 emissions also increased,
by 1.4%, as supplier engagement efforts and more efficient product
design were offset by the growing production volumes.
Ontex's sustainability efforts continue to be externally
recognized, including recently by the global environmental
non-profit organization Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), with an
“A” score for leadership in corporate transparency and performance
on climate change and an “A-“ score on forestry, bringing Ontex in
the leadership segment. Earlier in 2024, Ontex received a gold
medal from sustainability rating agency EcoVadis for transparency
in sustainable initiatives throughout the supply chain and
operations. This recognition places Ontex in the top 5% of
companies assessed worldwide.
[4] Depreciation adjusted for
depreciation of right-of-use assets, as lease payments are not
included in capex either.
[5] Preliminary unaudited figures for
2024
Key financial indicators
Financial
results |
Year |
|
in € million |
2024 |
2023 |
% |
|
Adj.
EBITDA |
222.6 |
173.9 |
+28% |
|
Depreciation & amortization |
(74.1) |
(70.7) |
-4.8% |
|
Net
finance cost |
(51.4) |
(45.1) |
-14% |
|
Adj. income tax expense [6] |
(21.3) |
(19.5) |
-9% |
|
Adj. profit from continuing operations |
75.8 |
38.6 |
+97% |
|
EBITDA
adjustments [7] |
(72.7) |
(14.9) |
-387% |
|
Impact of EBITDA adjustments on income
tax [6] [7] |
17.9 |
3.3 |
+448% |
|
Profit from continuing operations |
20.9 |
26.9 |
-22% |
|
Profit/(loss) from discontinued
operations |
(10.7) |
7.9 |
-236% |
|
Profit for the period |
10.3 |
34.8 |
-70% |
|
Basic EPS (in €) |
0.13 |
0.43 |
-71% |
|
Capex |
(112.4) |
(96.5) |
-17% |
|
Free
cash flow |
47.9 |
9.1 |
+427% |
|
Net
working capital [8] |
117.5 |
166.5 |
-29% |
|
Working capital / revenue [8] |
5.3% |
7.6% |
-2.3pp |
|
Gross financial debt [8] |
736.3 |
833.5 |
-12% |
|
Net
financial debt [8] |
612.0 |
665.3 |
-8% |
|
Leverage ratio [8] |
2.46x |
3.25x |
-0.79x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[6] The Adjusted income tax expense
consists of the income tax expense, as presented in the income
statement, adjusted for the impact of EBITDA adjustments.
[7] EBITDA adjustments and their impact
on income tax are subtracted from adjusted profit to obtain
profit.
[8] Balance sheet data reflect the end of
the period and compare to the start of the period, i.c. December
2023.
FY 2024 financial review of Total Group
P&L
Depreciation & amortization from continuing operations was
slightly up at €(74) million, reflecting the higher investment
level.
EBITDA adjustments of €73 million were made in continuing
operations. These adjust for €(62) million restructuring
provisions, and consist primarily of the provision taken to
restructure the Belgian operating footprint. This amount reflects
the redundancy cost for the employees concerned according to the
Belgian legal requirements and the agreed social plan. EBITDA
adjustments were also made for €(11) million impairments on
redundant assets linked to the footprint transformation.
Net finance cost from continuing operations was €(51) million,
higher than €(45) million in 2023. Net interest charges decreased,
as a result of the lower indebtedness, following the repayment of
the €220 million term loan mid-2023. Forex fluctuations had a
negative impact on financing activities, compared to a positive
impact in 2023.
Income taxes from continuing operations were €(3) million,
compared to a €(16) million in 2023. The decrease is attributable
to the impact of the restructuring charges on profit before income
tax, and the lower effective tax rate, following the
recognition of deferred tax assets in the period in view of the
improving underlying profitability.
Discontinued operations, consisting of the Emerging Markets
division, generated revenue of €307 million, a 5% like for like
decrease, excluding forex and scope effects. The adjusted EBITDA
margin was slightly up at 9.5%, versus 9.0% in 2023. The adjusted
EBITDA was €29 million, lower than €49 million in 2023, due to the
scope reduction, following the divestment of the Mexican business
in the second quarter of 2023 and the Algeria and Pakistan
businesses in the second quarter of 2024. The operating profit was
€2 million and includes €(27) million divestment-related costs. The
divestment of the Algeria and Pakistan businesses led to €(7)
million costs and the non-cash recycling of €(20) million currency
translation adjustments. The planned Brazilian divestment led to a
€7 million impact, consisting of a capital gain and impairment
reversal, netted with upfront divestment costs. In anticipation of
the Turkish divestment a non-cash impairment of €(6) million was
taken. The loss from discontinued operations was thereby €(11)
million.
Profit of the period for the Total Group was €10 million,
compared to €35 million the year before, and consists of the €(11)
million loss from discontinued operations and a €21 million profit
from continuing operations. The latter compares to €27 million in
2023, and includes the impact of restructuring and impairment
related costs. Excluding these, the adjusted profit from continuing
operations was €76 million, well up versus €39 million the year
before. Basic earnings per share of the Total Group were €0.13,
compared to €0.43 in 2023.
Cash flow
Capital expenditure was €(112) million, representing 5.2% of the
Total Group revenue, a significant increase versus €(96) million or
4.1% of revenue in 2023. Combined with lease payments of €(25)
million, it represented 1.9x the depreciation. The
intensification of capital investments was planned, and is foreseen
to remain at a high level in 2025 to support the business expansion
in North America and the further implementation of the cost
transformation program.
Free cash flow amounted to €48 million, well up compared to €9
million in 2023. Strong operational delivery, more than compensated
for the higher capital expenditure and one-time restructuring and
divestment-related cash-out. These accounted for €(39) million, of
which €(29) million relates to the restructuring of the Belgian
operations. Solid working capital management contributed €9
million. Cash taxes were €(10) million and net financing cash-out
totaled €(31) million, substantially lower than in 2023, as the
interest payments decreased.
M&A proceeds totaled €10 million net. Ontex completed the
divestment of its Algeria and Pakistan business in the second
quarter of 2024, for which it received net cash proceeds of €17
million, net of cash disposed, taxes and transaction costs.
The deferred receivable, linked to the divestment of the Mexican
business in 2023, was partly collected. €15 million were
received from the acquirer and €11 million remains outstanding.
Prior to the finalization of the divestment of the Brazilian
business, expected in the second quarter of 2025, €(21) million
transaction-related costs were paid in 2024.
The on-going share buy-back program, launched in December, led
to the acquisition of 146,338 shares for €(1) million. By June 2025
Ontex foresees to buy back 1.5 million shares in total for the
program.
Balance sheet
Net working capital for the Total Group at the end of the period
was €118 million, a €49 million decrease versus the end of 2023,
linked to the scope reduction following the divestment of the
Algeria and Pakistan businesses, as well as good working capital
management. Net working capital decreased from 7.6% end 2023 to
5.3% end 2024 relative to revenue. Trade receivables remained
stable, with increased needs for the growing business offset by
slightly higher factoring activity. Factoring increased by €12
million to €176 million over the year. Inventories were up to
support the ramp-up in revenue in North America and the footprint
adjustments in Europe. These were more than offset by higher trade
payables, reflecting the growing business and better payment terms
as a result of the cost transformation program.
Net financial debt for the Total Group dropped €53 million, from
€665 million to €612 million over the year, thanks to the solid
free cash flow and the net proceeds on divestments. The leverage
ratio decreased from 3.25x at the start of the year to 2.46x at the
end, as a combination of the net financial debt reduction and
especially the further increase of the adjusted EBITDA of the Total
Group of the last twelve months.
Gross financial debt of the Total Group reduced even more, by
€97 million, from €834 million to €736 million, thanks to cash
optimization. It consists primarily of the €580 million bond at
fixed 3.5% rate maturing in July 2026, of €123 million of short-
and long-term lease liabilities, and of €24 million drawn on the
new floating rate revolving credit facility with a maximum capacity
of €270 million maturing in November 2029. The available liquidity
of the Total Group increased from €322 million to €370 million,
consisting of the €124 million cash and cash equivalents and the
undrawn part of the revolving credit facility.
Assets-held-for-sale at the end of the period, i.e. mainly the
Brazilian and Turkish businesses, have a net assets value of €155
million at the end of the year, including a €51 million net cash
position. The balance sheet also includes €(211) million of
cumulative translation reserves in equity related to these assets,
that will be recycled through the P&L once the divestments are
finalized.
Practical information
Disclaimer
This report may include forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are statements regarding or based upon
our management’s current intentions, beliefs or expectations
relating to, among other things, Ontex’s future results of
operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth,
strategies or developments in the industry in which we operate. By
their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or
future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied
thereby. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely
affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events
described herein. Forward-looking statements contained in this
report regarding trends or current activities should not be taken
as a report that such trends or activities will continue in the
future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on
any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the
date of this report.
The information contained in this report is subject to change
without notice. No re-report or warranty, express or implied, is
made as to the fairness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness
of the information contained herein and no reliance should be
placed on it. In most of the tables of this report, amounts are
shown in € million for reasons of transparency. This may give rise
to rounding differences in the tables presented in the report.
Corporate information
The financial information in this document of Ontex Group NV for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was authorized for issue
in accordance with a resolution of the Board on February 18,
2025.
Audio webcast
Management will host an audio webcast for investors and analysts
on February 19, 2025 at 12:00 CET / 11:00 BT. To attend,
click on
https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/ontexgroup/20250219_1. A
replay will be available on the same link shortly after the live
presentation. A copy of the presentation slides will be available
on ontex.com.
Financial calendar
- April 30,
2025
Q1 2025 results
- May 5,
2025
2025 Annual general meeting of shareholders
- July 31,
2025
Q2 & H1 2025 results
- October 30, 2025 Q3 2025 results
Enquiries
-
Investors
Geoffroy
Raskin
+32 53 33 37
30
investor.relations@ontexglobal.com
-
Media
Catherine
Weyne
+32 53 33 36
22
corporate.communications@ontexglobal.com
About Ontex
Ontex is a leading international developer and producer of baby
care, feminine care and adult care products, both for retailers and
healthcare. Ontex’s innovative products are distributed in around
100 countries through retailers and healthcare providers. Employing
some 7,000 people, Ontex has a presence in 14 countries, with its
headquarters in Aalst, Belgium. Ontex is listed on Euronext Brussel
and is a constituent of the Bel Mid® index. To keep up
with the latest news, visit ontex.com or follow Ontex on
LinkedIn.
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