UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16
OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of May 2021

 

Commission File Number: 001-39169

 

Natura &Co Holding S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Avenida Alexandre Colares, No. 1188, Sala A17-Bloco A

Parque Anhanguera

São Paulo, São Paulo 05106-000, Brazil

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F

  Form 40-F ☐ 
         

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

 

Yes  ☐   No

         

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

 

Yes ☐    No

         
         

 

 

 

NATURA &CO HOLDING S.A.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM  
1. Earnings release of Natura &Co Holding S.A. for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.
2. Earnings presentation of Natura &Co Holding S.A. for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.

   

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

NATURA &CO HOLDING S.A.

 

   
   
  By:

/s/ José Antonio de Almeida Filippo 

  Name: José Antonio de Almeida Filippo
  Title: Principal Financial Officer
   
   
  By:

/s/ Itamar Gaino Filho

  Name: Itamar Gaino Filho
  Title: Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

 

Date: May 17, 2021

 

 

 

Item 1

 

Earnings release of Natura &Co Holding S.A. for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. 

 

 

 

 

São Paulo, May 12, 2021

 

Q1-21: Natura &Co accelerates growth to +26%, ahead of CFT market1,

with EBITDA increase of over 400%

 

Avon synergies raised in April to between US$350 million to US$450 million;  

improved indebtedness profile with US$ 1 billion ESG bond issuance

 

· Natura &Co’s consolidated net revenue reached R$9.5 billion in Q1, up 25.8% in BRL vs. Q1-20 (+8.1% at constant currency, “CC”), ahead of the global CFT market, supported by direct-to-consumer reach and further ramp-up in online sales.

 

· Natura &Co Latam’s Q1 net revenue increased by 24.6% in BRL (+15.9% at CC), driven by an outstanding performance in Hispanic Latam by both brands. The Natura brand’s net revenue increased by 29.6% in BRL (+24.6% at CC), with strong +12.6% growth in Brazil and +60.4% in Hispanic Latam (+48.0% at CC), driven by an increase in consultant count, higher volumes and strong online sales growth. The Avon brand’s net revenue increased by 20.0% in BRL (+8.1% at CC), supported by strong growth in Hispanic Latam of +35.1% in BRL (+15.0% at CC). Growth was driven by core markets, with improved representative productivity and strong performance in key beauty categories and the home segment. In Brazil, Avon’s revenue was down -2.8%, impacted by the set-up for the implementation of the new commercial model. Natura &Co’s clear CFT leadership in Latam was confirmed by Euromonitor, reaching market share of 12.5% in FY20, +0.7pp vs. prior year, with a strong 17.0% in Brazil, +1pp vs. 2019.

 

· Avon International’s Q1 net revenue grew 11.4% in BRL (-10.7% at CC). Avon gained market share2 vs. Q1-20 in Western Europe, driven by the UK, and Asia Pacific, notably the Philippines. All regions improved share month after month, including the top 8 countries, despite the continued impact of the Covid-19 second wave in key European markets and in core beauty categories such as color and fragrance. In the UK, Avon continues to grow market share and became the 3rd brand3 in the beauty market, up from 10th one year earlier. A new commercial model - Avon Growth Plan, is being developed with pilots in place in the Nordics and in South Africa, aiming at increasing representative productivity. The new harmonized earnings structure led to an improvement in the average representative base versus year-end 2020.

 

· The Body Shops Q1 net revenue increased by 47.7% in BRL (+10.7% at CC), driven by the UK and North America, and strong performance of At-Home (+251%) and e-commerce (+119%) versus last year, which more than offset the impact of the pandemic’s second wave in retail.

 

· Aesop Q1 net revenue grew by an exceptional +71.9% in BRL (+30.6% at CC), driven by online sales growth of 102% vs. Q1-20 and growth in Asia and the Americas. Asia sales grew by a remarkable 67%, supported by online channels, despite a surge in Covid cases in Japan and Malaysia.

 

· Natura &Co digital sales continued to grow in the quarter. Digitally-enabled sales, which includes online sales (e-commerce + social selling) and relationship selling using our main digital apps reached 48% of total revenue, up from 33% in Q1-20.

 

· Online sales, which accounted for 12% of total sales in Q1-21, grew by +166% vs. Q1-20, supported by strong growth in all brands. At Natura, online sales grew 253% and at Avon globally, +132% vs. Q1-20. Aesop’s total online sales reached 29% of revenue, up from 18% in the previous year, and The Body Shop’s online and At-Home channels accounted for 51% of total sales, up from 20% in Q1-20.

 

· Relationship selling using apps advanced vs. Q1-20, with Avon e-brochure sales up by 175% globally. At Natura in Latin America, the average number of consultants sharing content increased by more than 350%, and orders through the 1.3 million+ consultant online stores in the region grew by 80% vs. Q1-20.

 

· Natura &Co’s Q1 adjusted3 EBITDA was R$963.2 million with margin of 10.2% (+260 bps), driven by margin expansion in Latin America and Aesop. Reported EBITDA was R$829.1 million with margin of 8.8% (+690 bps).

 

· Natura &Co Latam’s Q1 adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.2% (+530 bps). The Natura brand’s adjusted EBITDA margin increased 630 bps, thanks to revenue growth, operational leverage and synergies captured in both Brazil and Hispanic Latam. The Avon brand’s adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 390 bps, driven by Hispanic Latam, offsetting a contraction in Brazil as the new commercial model was being set up.

 

· Avon International’s Q1 adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 4.1% (-70 bps), primarily due to lower revenue (at CC) and higher investments in digital and commercial areas as part of the strategy to drive market share and accelerate future growth, in line with its transformation plan.

 

· The Body Shop’s Q1 EBITDA margin was 14.7% (-30 bps), mainly due to the Japan head franchisee buyback effect. Excluding the Japan buyback, EBITDA margin would have been 15.4%, +110 bps vs. last year, despite the pandemic’s impact on retail sales and channel mix.

 

· Aesop’s Q1 EBITDA margin reached 26.7% (+390bps), driven by revenue growth, cost efficiency and strong performance of e-commerce.

 

· Underlying net income reached R$60.2 million in Q1, up from a negative R$264.1 million, driven by strong EBITDA growth. Net income was R$(155.2) million, a strong improvement compared to R$(820.8) million in Q1-20.

 

· Annual recurring target synergies from the Avon integration were raised in April by $50 million to between US$350 million and US$450 million, driven by cost synergies outside Latin America in manufacturing and distribution, to be achieved by 2024. Non-recurring costs to achieve higher synergies also increased to US$230 million, up from US$190 million, to be incurred over the same period. In the quarter we achieved US$35.5 million in synergies, in line with estimates, related to procurement, distribution and administrative, incurring US$21.0 million in costs to achieve. In addition, recurring EBITDA margin at Avon International is expected to reach low-to-mid-teens by 2024, supported by a Transformation Plan of US$163 million in non-recurring costs to drive growth and improve efficiencies.

 

 

1 Cosmetics, Fragrance and Toiletries market performance: Company estimate based on global peers’ net revenue vs prior year of approximately +10.1% in Q1-21 (in reported FX), as reported by the companies or estimates published on Bloomberg for those who have not yet reported;

2 Sources: Euromonitor / Kantar / Nielsen.

3 Excluding effects that are not considered recurring nor comparable between the periods under analysis.

 

1 

 

· Robust cash position of R$6.6 billion and significant deleveraging in Q1: Consolidated net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.18x, down from 3.93x in Q1-20. Natura Cosméticos S.A. completed a US$1 billion Sustainability-Linked Bond (“ESG Bond”) issue on May 3, with a 4.125% coupon, maturing on May 3, 2028, guaranteed by Natura &Co Holding S.A. The funds raised through this issuance will be used to refinance certain short- and long-term debts of Natura Cosméticos, in line with the Group's liability management plan to improve its capital structure.

 

· ESG agenda: The US$ 1 billion ESG Bond issued by Natura Cosméticos S.A. (“Natura”) includes two sustainability performance targets (“SPTs”), to be met by year-end 2026: i) reducing scopes 1, 2 and 3 of relative greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions intensity by another 13%, and ii) reaching 25% of post-consumer recycled (“PCR”) plastic in plastic product packaging. These SPTs are part of the Commitment to Life - Sustainability Vision 2030 and support Natura &Co’s efforts to address the global climate crisis and adopt full packaging circularity.

 

1. Management commentary:

 

Roberto Marques, Executive Chairman and CEO of Natura &Co, commented: “Natura &Co turned in another strong performance in the first quarter of 2021 while still operating in a challenging health environment, with lockdowns and restrictions in certain key markets. We continue to place the health and safety of our employees, representatives, consultants and partners at the forefront of our concerns, with initiatives to adapt to a fast-moving situation.

 

Driven by the resilience of our business model, our direct-to-consumer reach and further ramp-up in online sales, the Group continued to outperform the global CFT market, posting very strong revenue growth of 26%. We saw double-digit growth in Reais across our brands, demonstrating the strength of our multi-channel model. Natura &Co Latam had an outstanding performance, with both Natura and Avon contributing. The Body Shop continued to offset store closures with very strong growth in online and the At-Home channel and Aesop had another spectacular quarter of growth, driven by Asia and online.

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin was up by a very solid 260 basis points, driven by revenue growth and an improvement in gross margin, underscoring our continued efficiency. Our Underlying Net Income returned to positive territory this quarter.

 

The Avon transformation journey continues to show progress, with the roll-out of the new commercial model underway and positive advances in market share and representative base, even though key geographies and categories like make-up and fragrance are still heavily impacted by the pandemic, as well as representative activity. We are progressing the new Transformation Plan that we presented at our recent Investor Day, supporting initiatives to drive growth and optimize costs.

 

Our strong innovation pipeline released exciting launches this quarter across all brands. We relaunched the entire Ekos range at Natura, a unique “bio-beauty” portfolio that underscores our strong commitment to the Amazon. Avon’s R&D expertise in skin care technology is evidenced by the launch of a vitamin D booster face cream in the Anew line. The Body Shop’s rejuvenation is revealed in the new contemporary version of its icon White Musk fragrance, while Aesop launched a fragrance cabinet in Asia to heighten in-store customer experience.

 

Demonstrating our commitment to achieving the sustainability targets that underpin our Commitment to Life - 2030 sustainability vision, we successfully completed in early May a US$1 billion ESG bond issue that is linked to sustainability targets on greenhouse gas emissions and use of post-consumer recycled plastic in plastic product packaging. This bond issue thus supports Natura &Co’s efforts to address the global climate crisis and move towards full packaging circularity while also contributing to strengthening its balance sheet, which saw continued progress on deleveraging in the quarter. In addition, on the back of international Women´s Day, Natura &Co, in partnership with consultants Mercer, presented a comprehensive study showing that the unexplained pay gap at Group level is very small and we are closing it sooner than we had initially targeted. This study exemplifies our commitment to transparency. In June we will disclose our annual progress on the environmental, social and circular economy pillars and how we evolve on our 31 targets to create the best beauty group FOR the world.

 

We are extremely proud of and thankful to our entire organization and network of consultants, representatives and partners. Our direct-to-consumer business model has shown resilience once again this quarter. Our approach of putting people first, balancing environmental, social and economic interests for the benefit of all stakeholders and aiming at positive impact while delivering sustainable growth and value creation, will continue to guide and inspire us.”

 

2. Covid-19 update

 

The Company is closely monitoring the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide, particularly the recent new lockdown and restrictive measures adopted in parts of Europe. The Crisis Committee created in Q2-20 continuously analyzes the situation and acts to minimize impacts, ensure continuity of operations, protect cash and improve liquidity. Natura &Co also continues to be attentive to the health and safety of its employees, consultants and representatives and customers.

 

Key impacts on the business

 

· Lockdown restrictions: In the first quarter of 2021, Natura &Co’s businesses were impacted by a second wave of the pandemic in certain markets. The shift to digital continued across all our brands, allowing us to largely offset the impact of store closures, with online sales across the group up 166% vs. Q1-20.

 

· Natura &Co Latam: 50% of all retail stores, including franchisee stores, were opened in March, albeit with certain restrictions. The adoption of digital assets by consultants continued to drive their performance.

 

· Avon International: The company was strongly impacted by two effects: i) stricter lockdowns across key markets, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and ii) a drop in sales of key beauty categories such as fragrances and cosmetics. These effects were partly offset by the acceleration in the adoption of digital assets in key markets such as the UK.

 

· The Body Shop: Retail sales were impacted in important markets by mandatory store closures, especially in Europe. With only 68% of Company stores open in March, own-store like-for-like sales decreased 54% vs. Q1-20. Strong performance in At Home and online channels more than offset the pandemic’s effect.

 

· Aesop: The company was also impacted by the new lockdowns in Europe, where retail like-for-like sales were down -1.5%. The shift in consumer behaviour to online more than offset this decrease and total net sales posted remarkable growth in the quarter. Aesop benefited from its greater presence in Asia, which accounted for more than 60% of its business, as the region was impacted earlier than Europe and reported a swifter recovery than other geographies.

 

2 

 

3. Results analysis

 

The Group segmentation is composed of:

 

· Natura &Co Latam, which includes all the brands in Latin America: Natura, Avon, The Body Shop and Aesop

 

· Avon international, which includes all markets, excluding Latin America

 

· The Body Shop ex-Latin America, and

 

· Aesop ex-Latin America

 

In addition, results and analysis for the periods under comparison include the effects of the fair market value assessment as a result of the business combination with Avon as per the Purchase Price Allocation – PPA.

 

3 

 

 

       

Profit and Loss by Business 

 

Consolidated a 

Natura &Co Latam b 

Avon International 

The Body Shop 

Aesop 

R$ million

Q1-21c 

Q1-20c 

Ch.% 

Q1-21c 

Q1-20c 

Ch.% 

Q1-21c 

Q1-20c 

Ch.% 

Q1-21 

Q1-20 

Ch.% 

Q1-21 

Q1-20 

Ch.% 

Gross Revenue 12,059.2 9,719.2 24.1 6,857.2 5,593.2 22.6 2,835.9 2,531.4 12.0 1,711.1 1,213.4 41.0 654.9 381.1 71.9
Net Revenue 9,455.1 7,518.0 25.8 5,185.9 4,162.3 24.6 2,363.5 2,121.5 11.4 1,319.7 893.2 47.7 585.9 340.9 71.9
COGS (3,324.4) (2,878.7) 15.5 (2,047.0) (1,718.1) 19.1 (946.2) (927.2) 2.0 (279.0) (201.2) 38.7 (52.1) (32.2) 62.1
Gross Profit 6,130.7 4,639.3 32.1 3,138.9 2,444.2 28.4 1,417.3 1,194.3 18.7 1,040.7 692.0 50.4 533.8 308.7 72.9
Selling, Marketing and Logistics Expenses (4,255.0) (3,523.2) 20.8 (2,089.9) (1,852.4) 12.8 (1,068.9) (935.3) 14.3 (799.1) (540.3) 47.9 (297.1) (195.2) 52.2
Administrative, R&D, IT and Projects Expenses (1,506.6) (1,228.0) 22.7 (642.6) (571.1) 12.5 (470.0) (388.7) 20.9 (234.9) (176.7) 32.9 (154.9) (91.5) 69.2
Corporate Expenses d (110.9) (30.2) 267.7 - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Operating Income/ (Expenses), Net 8.7 (15.1) (157.8) 10.6 2.7 289.9 (0.1) (12.0) (99.5) (3.1) (5.9) (46.3) 1.5 0.1 -
Acquisition Related Expenses e - (298.3) - - - - - (0.0) - - - - - - -
Transformation/Integration costs (134.1) (25.1) 435.0 (55.9) (10.5) 430.9 (75.1) (14.5) 416.5 - - - - - -
Depreciation 696.4 625.8 11.3 213.3 221.9 (3.8) 219.0 183.9 19.1 190.7 164.4 16.0 73.2 55.7 31.5
EBITDA 829.1 145.3 470.7 574.4 234.7 144.7 22.3 27.7 (19.5) 194.2 133.6 45.4 156.5 77.8 101.3
Depreciation (696.4) (625.8) 11.3                        
Financial Income/ (Expenses), Net (227.9) (227.6) 0.1                        
Earnings Before Taxes (95.2) (708.1) (86.6)                        
Income Tax and Social Contribution (90.1) (94.8) (5.0)                        
Discontinued operations f 28.7 (22.0) (230.7)                        
Consolidated Net Income (156.6) (824.9) (81.0)                        
Non-controlling Interest 1.4 4.1 (66.6)                        
Net Income attributable to controlling shareholders (155.2) (820.8) (81.1)                        

 

Gross Margin 64.8% 61.7% 310 bps 60.5% 58.7% 180 bps 60.0% 56.3% 370 bps 78.9% 77.5% 140 bps 91.1% 90.6% 50 bps
Selling , Marketing and Logistics Exp ./ Net Revenue 45.0% 46.9%   (190) bps 40.3% 44.5%   (420) bps 45.2% 44.1% 110 bps 60.6% 60.5% 10 bps 50.7% 57.3% (600) bps
Admin., R&D, IT, and Projects Exp ./ Net Revenue 15.9% 16.3%   (40) bps 12.4% 13.7%   (130) bps 19.9% 18.3% 160 bps 17.8% 19.8% (200) bps 26.4% 26.9% (50) bps
EBITDA Margin 8.8% 1.9% 690 bps 11.1% 5.6% 550 bps 0.9% 1.3% (40) bps 14.7% 15.0 % (30) bps 26.7% 22.8% 390 bps
Net Margin (1.7)% (11.0)% 930 bps - - -  - - - - - -  - - -

 

a Consolidated results include Natura &Co Latam, Avon International, The Body Shop and Aesop, as well as the Natura subsidiaries in the U.S., France and the Netherlands.

b Natura &Co Latam: includes Natura, Avon, TBS Brazil and Hispanic Latam and Aesop Brazil

c Includes PPA – Purchase Price Allocation effects

d Expenses related to the management and integration of the Natura &Co Group

e Avon-acquisition-related expenses

f Related to business separation at Avon North America

 

Consolidated net revenue growth in Q1-21

 

Q1-21 consolidated net revenue in increased by 25.8% year-on-year (+8.1% at CC), driven by higher revenue across all segments.

 

· Natura &Co Latam: Net revenue rose by 24.6% in BRL in Q1 (+15.9% at CC)

 

· Avon International: Net revenue increased 11.4% in BRL in Q1 (-10.7% at CC)

 

· The Body Shop: Net revenue increased 47.7% in BRL in Q1 (+10.7% at CC)

 

· Aesop: Net revenue growth of 71.9% in BRL in Q4 (+30.6% at CC)

 

Gross margin

 

Consolidated gross margin in Q1-21 increased to 64.8% (+310 bps) vs. Q1-20, supported by margin increase across all business segments:

 

Including PPA effects at Natura &Co Latam and Avon International

 

Consolidated 

Natura &Co Latam 

Avon International 

The Body Shop 

Aesop 

R$ million 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 a 

Q 1- 20 b 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 a 

Q 1- 20 b 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Net Revenue 9,455.1 7,518.0 25.8 5,185.9 4,162.3 24.6 2,363.5 2,121.5 11.4 1,319.7 893.2 47.7 585.9 340.9 71.9
COGS (3,324.4) (2,878.7) 15.5 (2,047.0) (1,718.1) 19.1 (946.2) (927.2) 2.0 (279.0) (201.2) 38.7 (52.1) (32.2) 62.1
Gross Profit 6,130.7 4,639.3 32.1 3,138.9 2,444.2 28.4 1,417.3 1,194.3 18.7 1,040.7 692.0 50.4 533.8 308.7 72.9
Gross Margin 64.8% 61.7% 310 bps 60.5% 58.7% 180 bps 60.0% 56.3% 370 bps 78.9% 77.5% 140 bps 91.1% 90.6% 50 bps

 

Excluding PPA effects on COGS of R$(9.3) million in Q1-21 and R$(105.9) million, adjusted consolidated gross margin reached 64.9% in Q1-21 (+180 bps), as shown below:

 

Without PPA effects in both periods

 

Consolidated 

Natura &Co Latam 

Avon International 

The Body Shop 

Aesop 

R$ million 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

Net Revenue 9,455.1 7,518.0 25.8 5,185.9 4,162.3 24.6 2,363.5 2,121.5 11.4 1,319.7 893.2 47.7 585.9 340.9 71.9
COGS (3,315.1) (2,772.8) 19.6 (2,043.5) (1,663.4) 22.9 (940.5) (876.0) 7.4 (279.0) (201.2) 38.7 (52.1) (32.2) 62.1
Gross Profit 6,139.9 4,745.2 29.4 3,142.5 2,499.0 25.8 1,423.0 1,245.5 14.3 1,040.7 692.0 50.4 533.8 308.7 72.9
Gross Margin 64.9% 63.1% 180 bps 60.6% 60.0% 60 bps 60.2% 58.7% 150 bps 78.9% 77.5% 140 bps 91.1% 90.6% 50 bps

 

· Natura &Co Latam’s adjusted gross margin was 60.6% in Q1-21 (+60 bps), supported by strong increase at both the Natura and Avon brands in Hispanic Latam mainly due to foreign currency tailwinds. These more than offset gross margin decrease at both brands in Brazil, mainly from higher raw material prices and foreign currency headwinds.

 

· Avon International’s adjusted gross margin was 60.2% in Q1-21 (+150 bps), thanks to favorable price/mix and lower supply chain costs, mainly in Turkey, the UK and South Africa markets, which more than offset foreign currency headwinds in certain markets.

 

· The Body Shop’s gross margin stood at 78.9% in Q1-21 (+140 bps), supported mainly by reduced discounts.

 

· Aesop’s gross margin was 91.1% in Q1-21 (+50 bps), supported by online sales growth and regional mix, notably Asia.

 

4 

 

 

 

Consolidated EBITDA

 

Reported EBITDA was R$829.1 million in Q1-21 with margin of 8.8% (+690 bps vs. Q1-20). Adjusted EBITDA was R$963.2 million, with an adjusted margin of 10.2% (+260 bps), excluding transformation costs in both years, and Avon-related acquisition costs and non-recurring PPA effects in 2020. The strong increase in adjusted EBITDA and margin resulted from higher sales and operational leverage at Natura &Co Latam and Aesop.

 

 

Consolidated EBITDA 

R$ million 

Q1- 21 

Q1- 20 

Ch. % 

Consolidated EBITDA 829.1 145.3 470.7
Transformation/ Integration costs (1) 134.1 25.1 435.0
(i) Transformation costs 75.6 14.5 419.9
(ii) Integration costs 58.6 10.5 456.0
Avon acquisition-related expenses (2) - 298.3 -
Non-recurring PPA impact on EBITDA (3) - 102.9 -
Adjusted EBITDA 963.2 571.5 68.5
Adjusted EBITDA Margin 10.2% 7.6% 260 bps

 

(1) Transformation/Integration costs Include:

 

(i) Transformation Plan costs of R$75.1 million at Avon International and R$0.5 million at corporate level in Q1-21, and Avon International’s Open Up and Grow costs in Q1-20

 

(ii) Integration costs (costs to achieve synergies) of R$55.9 million at Natura &Co Latam and R$2.7 million at corporate level

 

(2) Avon acquisition-related expenses: Non-recurring costs associated with Avon acquisition, in Q1-20

 

(3) Non-recurring inventory PPA impacts in Q1-20: Non-cash, non-recurring inventory PPA impact, resulting from a step up in inventory value (in the cost of goods sold), at both Natura &Co Latam and Avon International.

 

Financial income and expenses

 

Net financial expenses were R$227.9 million in Q1-21, stable vs. Q1-20. The quarter saw lower interest expense resulting from the prepayment of Avon’s US$900 million 2022 bonds in November 2020 and lower interest rates in Brazil. These effects were offset by an increase in judicial contingency expenses, due mainly to reversal of tax provisions in 2020.

 

The following table details the main changes in our financial income and expenses:

 

5 

 

 

 

R$ million 

Q 1- 21 

Q 1- 20 

Ch. % 

1. Borrowings & Financing , ST Investments and Op. FX Gains/Losses (153.1) (197.1) (22.3)
2. Judicial Contingencies (4.2) 38.6 (110.9)
3. Other Financial Income and Expenses (70.6) (69.1) 2.2
Lease Interest Expenses (53.7) (54.4) (1.2)
Other (16.9) (14.7) 14.6
Financial Income and Expenses, Net (227.9) (227.6) 0.1

 

Underlying Net Income (UNI)

 

Underlying Net Income was R$60.2 million in Q1-21, reversing a loss of R$264.1 million last year, before Avon acquisition-related effects of R$215.3 million, which include: i) transformation/integration costs of R$134.1 million and ii) PPA amortization effect of R$111.3 million; partially offset by iii) positive discontinued operations expenses of R$28.7 million; and iv) positive non-controlling interests of R$1.4 million.

 

Reported net loss in Q1 decreased sharply to R$155.2 million, a strong improvement from a loss of R$820.8 million in Q1-20, driven by higher EBITDA and lower income tax expense, partially offset by higher depreciation of R$47.0 million and higher financial expenses of R$19.0 million. Income tax expense was down 5.0% in the quarter, despite higher earnings, largely due to a one-off higher expense in Q1-20 from the UK tax rate increase to 19% from 17%.

 

 

 

Free cash flow and cash position

 

We ended the quarter with a strong cash position of R$6.6 billion (R$4.3 billion in cash, and R$2.3 billion in short-term deposits) in line with projections and well above our minimum thresholds.

 

Cash flow was an outflow of R$1,204.6 million in Q1-21, consistent with our historical Q1 seasonality and further impacted by Covid-19 effects. Consumption in Q1 is mainly related to working capital investments across all brands. Natura &Co Latam had higher inventory and accounts receivable, partially offset by extended payables. Working capital at Avon International, The Body Shop and Aesop was also further impacted by FX effects from the devaluation of the BRL and higher capex.

 

6 

 

 

 

R$ million 

Q1-21 

Q1-20 

Ch. % 

Net Income (Loss) Reported a (155.2) (820.8) (81.1)
Depreciation and Amortization 696.4 625.8 11.3
Non-Cash/Others b (124.0) (253.0) (51.0)
Internal Cash Generation 417.2 (448.0) (193. 1)
Working Capital Decrease / (Increase) (1,450.5) (1,127.6) 28.6
Cash Generation (Use) Before Capex (1,033.3) (1,575.6) (34.4)
Capex (171.3) (120.3) 42.4
Sale of Assets - - -
Free Cash Flow (1,204.6) (1,695.9) (29.0)