Q1 results Brunel: Revenue up, EBIT down, limited impact from
COVID-19
Amsterdam, 30 April 2020
Key points Q1
2020
- Revenue excluding BIS up 6% (yoy) to EUR 257 million over the
quarter;
- EBIT excluding BIS down by 28% (yoy) to EUR 8 million, mainly
due to decrease in the DACH region;
- Impact of COVID-19 on Q1 results limited, more impact in
Q2;
- Strong financial position, cash and borrowing capacity,
enabling Brunel to cope with the current crisis
Jilko Andringa, CEO of
Brunel:“Brunel’s results in Q1 continued to show an
excellent performance in our Middle East & India region and
positive developments in Australasia and The Rest of the World.
Australasia’s new leadership made great progress and reached
break-even-level, for the first time in many years. The Netherlands
improved its profitability as a result of significant cost savings
to mitigate the challenges on the flex market.
As communicated in March, we were confronted
with the effects of the Corona virus early in the year in our
international operations. In The Netherlands and the DACH region,
the impact started from mid-March. In total, our revenues over the
first quarter were still largely unaffected. Having said that, the
Corona virus is impacting our business and our everyday lives. Our
main priority continues to be the health and safety of all
Brunellers. We follow this closely and are happy to see that only a
few colleagues got the Corona virus and none of them is in a
critical condition at the moment. I also would like to share my
gratefulness for the flexibility and dedication of all Brunellers
and their family and friends. It is impressive to see how everybody
makes the extra step for Brunel.
Looking forward, we expect revenue decline in
the coming quarters and see tough economic conditions in most of
our regions and industries. Our response plan has great depth and
is built on our historic experiences for internal adjustments and
on external models for future revenue and margin expectations. We
have the flexibility to adjust our structure and costs where needed
to manage through this crisis. In addition, we are comfortable that
our cash position and borrowing capacity are adequate to get Brunel
through this situation, with the room to invest when opportunities
arise.”
Q1 2020 results by divisionP&L amounts in
EUR million
Summary:
Revenue |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
VAR.% |
|
|
|
|
DACH
region |
69.6 |
73.6 |
-5% |
The
Netherlands |
50.8 |
54.5 |
-7% |
Australasia |
30.0 |
28.7 |
5% |
Middle East
& India |
33.8 |
27.0 |
25% |
Americas |
28.7 |
22.3 |
29% |
Rest of
world |
44.2 |
36.7 |
20% |
Subtotal |
257.1 |
242.8 |
6% |
|
|
|
|
BIS |
0.8 |
23.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
257.9 |
266.2 |
-3% |
EBIT |
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
VAR.% |
|
|
|
|
DACH
region |
4.0 |
8.5 |
-53% |
The
Netherlands |
3.2 |
2.8 |
14% |
Australasia |
0.0 |
-0.6 |
|
Middle East
& India |
3.2 |
2.9 |
10% |
Americas |
-0.8 |
0.3 |
-367% |
Rest of
world |
1.1 |
-0.3 |
467% |
Unallocated |
-2.6 |
-2.4 |
-8% |
Subtotal |
8.1 |
11.2 |
-28% |
|
|
|
|
BIS |
-0.1 |
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
8.0 |
12.1 |
-34% |
Brunel
International (unaudited) |
|
|
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
|
Revenue continued operations |
257.1 |
242.8 |
6% |
|
|
Revenue BIS |
0.8 |
23.4 |
|
|
|
Total revenue |
257.9 |
266.2 |
-3% |
a |
|
Gross Profit |
54.4 |
59.1 |
-8% |
|
|
Gross margin |
21.1% |
22.2% |
|
|
|
Operating costs |
46.4 |
47.0 |
-1% |
b |
|
EBIT |
8.0 |
12.1 |
-34% |
|
|
EBIT % |
3.1% |
4.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
11,447 |
12,987 |
-12% |
|
|
Average indirects |
1,567 |
1,609 |
-3% |
|
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
7.3 |
8.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a -3 % like-for-like |
|
|
|
b -1 % like-for-like |
|
|
|
Like-for-like is measured
excluding the impact of currencies and acquisitions |
|
|
|
The Group’s revenue excluding
BIS increased by 6%, especially due to the excellent performance in
our Middle East & India region and the positive developments in
Australasia and The Rest of the World and the additional working
day in Germany and The Netherlands. EBIT excluding BIS decreased by
28%.
The COVID-19 outbreak and the sharp decrease in
oil price had an impact on the valuation of the Group’s assets and
liabilities. We have added EUR 1.0 million to the provision for
doubtful debt, of which EUR 0.5 million relates to the DACH
region, due to the diversified client base. The changing
environment increased the expected credit losses on our trade
receivables.
DACH
region (unaudited) |
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
Revenue |
69.6 |
73.6 |
-5% |
|
Gross Profit |
21.3 |
24.8 |
-14% |
|
Gross margin |
30.6% |
33.7% |
|
|
Operating costs |
17.3 |
16.3 |
6% |
|
EBIT |
4.0 |
8.5 |
-53% |
|
EBIT % |
5.7% |
11.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
2,548 |
2,698 |
-6% |
|
Average indirects |
510 |
503 |
2% |
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
5.0 |
5.4 |
|
|
As anticipated, revenue and gross margin
decreased due to the lower headcount and expected lower
productivity. From mid-March, the performance in the DACH region
was affected by COVID-19. Work from home policies are in effect and
although only a few projects were cancelled or postponed, this has
resulted in an even lower productivity and a significant reduction
of the number of new projects.
We applied for the government relief plan of
short-time working (“Kurzarbeit”) for over 450 professionals and
200 staff, starting 1 April. The relief plan allows for part of the
employees’ compensation to be paid by the government. Although this
will have a positive effect on costs, we will see a significant
reduction of the revenue and gross profit contribution of these
professionals in Q2.
Revenue per working day in the DACH
region decreased by 7%. The gross margin adjusted for
working days is 29.7% in Q1 2020 (2019: 33.7%).
Working days Germany:
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
FY |
2020 |
64 |
59 |
66 |
65 |
254 |
2019 |
63 |
59 |
66 |
62 |
250 |
Headcount as of 31 March was 2,545 (2019: 2,713).
The
Netherlands (unaudited) |
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
Revenue |
50.8 |
54.5 |
-7% |
|
Gross Profit |
14.1 |
15.1 |
-7% |
|
Gross margin |
27.8% |
27.7% |
|
|
Operating costs |
10.9 |
12.3 |
-11% |
|
EBIT |
3.2 |
2.8 |
14% |
|
EBIT % |
6.3% |
5.1% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
2,016 |
2,377 |
-15% |
|
Average indirects |
367 |
429 |
-14% |
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
|
Mid-March the Dutch government decided to
implement measures to stop the spreading of COVID-19. Many of our
professionals and staff work from home. The number of new projects
reduced significantly and the bench is increasing. At the moment,
we do not yet meet the conditions to use the government relief plan
(‘NOW-regeling’), but if the headcount decreases significantly or
the conditions of the plan are adjusted, this might also be
applicable for us.
Revenue per working day in The
Netherlands decreased by 8%, mainly due to the challenging
circumstances in the Dutch flex market. Gross margin adjusted for
working days is 26.8% in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: 27.7%). EBIT improved as
the result of all cost saving initiatives that were started in
2019.
Working days The Netherlands:
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
FY |
2020 |
64 |
60 |
66 |
65 |
255 |
2019 |
63 |
62 |
66 |
64 |
255 |
Headcount as of 31 March was 2,000 (2019:
2,339).
Australasia (unaudited) |
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
Revenue |
30.0 |
28.7 |
5% |
a |
Gross Profit |
2.6 |
2.3 |
13% |
|
Gross margin |
8.7% |
8.0% |
|
|
Operating costs |
2.6 |
2.9 |
-10% |
b |
EBIT |
0 |
-0.6 |
100% |
|
EBIT % |
0.0% |
-2.1% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
1,059 |
908 |
17% |
|
Average indirects |
82 |
85 |
-4% |
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
13.0 |
10.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a 11 % like-for-like |
|
b -6 % like-for-like |
|
Like-for-like is measured
excluding the impact of currencies and acquisitions |
|
Australasia shows a mixed
picture. Both the oil & gas and mining sectors are considered
essential to the economy and projects continue, also following the
COVID-19 related developments in China, where companies are going
back to business. However, in Australia and PNG there are travel
restrictions that limit the availability of expats and hence
require a larger local workforce. We see a rapid response in the
mining sector, requesting support to fill these local
positions.
Measures taken in 2019 by Australia’s new
leadership are starting to show a return. Revenue is up and so is
our operational leverage, leading to a break-even level in Q1.
Middle
East & India (unaudited) |
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
Revenue |
33.8 |
27.0 |
25% |
a |
Gross Profit |
5.9 |
4.8 |
23% |
|
Gross margin |
17.5% |
17.8% |
|
|
Operating costs |
2.7 |
1.9 |
42% |
b |
EBIT |
3.2 |
2.9 |
10% |
|
EBIT % |
9.5% |
10.7% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
2,711 |
3,932 |
-31% |
|
Average indirects |
146 |
129 |
13% |
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
18.5 |
30.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a 22 % like-for-like |
|
b 36 % like-for-like |
|
Like-for-like is measured
excluding the impact of currencies and acquisitions |
|
The region Middle East &
India continued its strong performance, supported by
investments in our operations to support growth. The effects of
COVID-19 are most visible in the speed of onboarding new
professionals. Most countries are now in lockdown and do not allow
expats to enter the country. This delays projects we have won, but
we expect these to commence once travel restrictions are
lifted.
Americas
(unaudited) |
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
Revenue |
28.7 |
22.3 |
29% |
Gross Profit |
3.2 |
2.9 |
10% |
Gross margin |
11.1% |
13.0% |
|
Operating costs |
4.0 |
2.6 |
54% |
EBIT |
-0.8 |
0.3 |
-367% |
EBIT % |
-2.8% |
1.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
877 |
797 |
10% |
Average indirects |
121 |
124 |
-2% |
Ratio direct / Indirect |
7.2 |
6.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
a 28 % like-for-like |
b 53 % like-for-like |
Like-for-like is measured
excluding the impact of currencies and acquisitions |
In the Americas, revenues grew
by 29%, while margin in Q1 has decreased compared to Q1 2019,
mainly due to lower perm fees. Operating costs have increased to
support the (anticipated) growth and will be adjusted to the
current economic circumstances, as COVID-19, in combination with
the decrease in oil price, caused a disruption in the market.
Working from home policies are in place and we see lay-offs at our
clients. The decrease in oil price has the most immediate effect in
the shale play, where our presence is limited. We continue to work
on projects that will continue for the foreseeable future and have
adjusted our organisation to match this new reality.
Rest of
world (unaudited) |
|
P&L amounts in EUR
million |
|
|
|
|
Q1 2020 |
Q1 2019 |
Change % |
|
Revenue |
44.2 |
36.7 |
20% |
a |
Gross Profit |
7.3 |
5.7 |
28% |
|
Gross margin |
16.5% |
15.5% |
|
|
Operating costs |
6.2 |
6.0 |
3% |
b |
EBIT |
1.1 |
-0.3 |
467% |
|
EBIT % |
2.5% |
-0.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average directs |
2,195 |
1,798 |
22% |
|
Average indirects |
275 |
277 |
-1% |
|
Ratio direct / Indirect |
8.0 |
6.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a 19 % like-for-like |
|
b 4 % like-for-like |
|
Like-for-like is measured
excluding the impact of currencies and acquisitions |
The Rest of World includes
South East Asia, Russia & Caspian area, Belgium and Europe
& Africa. Revenues increased by 20%, mainly driven by our
activities in China and Singapore. The margin in Q1 has been
supported by positive developments in exchange rates. The impact of
the COVID-19 virus on the Q1 results is limited. In most cases, the
projects we are working on are at a point that they will be
completed and are marked essential to local economies. In China we
are almost back to business-as-usual. We expect a change in the
market as global mobility will be limited and companies will look
for local solutions.
Closure of Brunel Industry
ServicesIn October 2019, we took the decision to halt the
activities of Brunel Industry Services in the US. Following
termination of all existing client contracts in 2019, the only
remaining project is the water treatment plant. This project is
marked essential, which means that following the outbreak of
COVID-19, we can continue our work under strict HSE measures. These
measures however cause a delay in the project. Nonetheless, we
confirm our expectation to finalise the water treatment project in
Q2 2020 and in line with the estimates.
OutlookLooking ahead, we
foresee revenue decline in the coming quarters and challenging
economic conditions in most of our regions and industries. The
second quarter is always our weakest quarter due to the
seasonality, and will significantly be affected by the impact of
COVID-19. However, we also see that many of our professionals can
continue to work, either from home or because they are working on
essential projects. Our results are also supported by relief plans
and flexibility in our cost structure.
In the DACH region, at the moment 75% of our
professionals continue to work on our clients’ projects. Most of
the remaining professionals are in the short-term working program.
For these employees, compensation is paid by the government. In The
Netherlands, headcount is decreasing and the bench has increased to
7% in April. Americas is facing cancellations of projects, also due
to the low oil price. Overall, we are adjusting the cost base to
reflect the anticipated lower level of activities.
The overall impact will depend on how fast
COVID-19 can be controlled, and how soon economies can start
recovering. Brunel’s financial position remains strong and we have
sufficient cash and borrowing base to deal with these circumstances
in a healthy manner. In times of declining activities, our cashflow
is supported by the release of working capital. Slightly better
than our normal seasonal pattern, our net cash position only
decreased to EUR 87 million at 31 March 2020 (31 December 2019: EUR
92 million).
- Brunel Press Release Q1.pdf
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