Acceleration of organic sales growth

Further growth in Recurring Operating Income, up by +10.6%

Net income from continuing operations up by +24.6%

Increase in proposed dividend to €0.68 per share

Regulatory News:

Carrefour (Paris:CA):

New growth in Group earnings at constant exchange rates

  • Sales ex. VAT of €74.7bn, up +3.9%(1) on an organic basis
  • Growth in Recurring Operating Income: +10.6%(2), to €2,387m
  • Net income from continuing operations, Group share: +24.6%, to €1,182m

Europe: Growth of +7.0% in Recurring Operating Income

France: Further growth in profitability

  • Organic sales growth: +1.2% ; growth in all formats, highlighting the dynamism of our multi-format model
  • Increase in Recurring Operating Income : +6.1%

Other European countries: Rise in profitability for the third consecutive half

  • Significant improvement in sales trends in 2014
  • Growth in Recurring Operating Income : +9.6%, attesting to the continuing recovery, notably in Spain

Emerging Markets: Growth in Recurring Operating Income of +14.9%

  • Another remarkable year for Brazil and Argentina, which posted combined growth in Recurring Operating Income of +23.2%
  • China : Evolution of our model in a frugal consumption environment

Increased investments, acceleration of our multi-format model and strategic partnership in Brazil

  • Continuation of our program to bring up to standards, modernize and develop our store network
  • Acceleration of our multi-format model: Acquisition of DIA France and of 70 stores in Northern Italy; first convenience store openings in Brazil and China
  • Creation of Carmila to improve the shopping experience and enhance the value of shopping malls adjacent to Carrefour hypermarkets in France, Spain and Italy
  • Strengthened local presence: Peninsula acquires 10% of our Brazilian operations
  • Purchasing cooperation agreement with Cora to strengthen our competitiveness for the benefit of our clients

Dividend growth

  • Increase in proposed dividend: €0.68 per share, payable in cash or shares

________________________________

(1) Ex. petrol ex.calendar.

(2) At constant exchange rates.

           

2014 key figures(1)

  (€M)     2013  

   2014   

  Variation at constant exchange rates  

Variation at current exchange rates

Sales ex VAT     74,888   74,706   +2.9%   -0.2% Sales ex VAT ex petrol     66,911   67,237   +3.9%   +0.5% Recurring Operating Income before D&A (EBITDA)     3,669   3,768   +5.9%   +2.7% EBITDA margin     4.9%   5.0%         Recurring Operating Income (ROI)     2,238   2,387   +10.6%   +6.7% Recurring Operating Margin     3.0%   3.2%         ROI including income from associates and joint ventures     2,267   2,423   +10.8%   +6.9% Net income from continuing operations, Group share     949   1,182   +24.1%   +24.6% Adjusted net income, Group share     929   1,040       +11.9%                     Net debt at close     4,117   4,954       +€0.8bn Net debt/EBITDA     1.1x   1.3x            

2014 sales and Recurring Operating Income by zone

        Sales excluding VAT Recurring Operating Income                

(€M)

    2013  

   2014   

 

Organicgrowth(2)

 

Variation at current

exchange

rates

    2013  

   2014   

 

Variation at constant

exchange

rates

  Variation at current exchange rates France 35,438 35,336 +1.2% -0.3% 1,198 1,271 +6.1% +6.1% Other Europe 19,220 19,191 -0.3% -0.2% 388 425 +9.6% +9.6% Europe 54,658 54,527 +0.6% -0.2% 1,586 1,696 +7.0% +7.0% Latin America 13,786 13,891 +18.1% +0.8% 627 685 +23.2% +9.4% Asia 6,443 6,288 -1.8% -2.4% 131 97 -24.8% -25.5% Emerging markets 20,229 20,179 +11.5% -0.2% 757 782 +14.9% +3.4% Global functions                       (106)   (92)   +12.7%   +12.7% TOTAL     74,888   74,706   +3.9%   -0.2%     2,238   2,387   +10.6%   +6.7%

________________________________

(1) The 2014 social and consolidated accounts were approved by the Carrefour Board of Directors, which met on March 4, 2015. The accounts were audited by the Group’s auditors.

(2) Ex. petrol.

   

Further growth in Recurring Operating Income (+10.6% at constant exchange rates) and in net income from continuing operations, Group share (+24.6%)

Income statement

In 2014, the Group’s sales growth accelerated. Sales ex. VAT rose by +3.9% on an organic basis. At current exchange rates, the variation was -0.2%. Europe and Emerging Markets posted sales growth of respectively +0.6% and +11.5%.

Recurring Operating Income (ROI), at €2,387m, was up +10.6% at constant exchange rates (+6.7% at current exchange rates), rising both in Europe (+7.0%) and in Emerging Markets (+14.9%).

In France, ROI reached €1,271m, up +6.1%, representing a 20bps improvement in operating margin, to 3.6% of sales. This increase is partly attributable to an improvement in commercial margin linked to a drop in shrinkage and to logistics gains. Profitability is solid in all formats.

In Other European Countries, ROI increased by +9.6% at constant exchange rates, to €425m. Operating margin stood at 2.2%, a 20bps improvement. In the second half, operating margin increased by 30bps, marking the third consecutive half in which profitability improved. Commercial margin was higher. Spain’s profitability continued to recover. In Italy, sales trends improved in the second half thanks to the continued implementation of our action plans. In the rest of Europe, profitability held up well, with a continued improvement in Belgium.

Latin America recorded another strong performance, with ROI at €685m, up +23.2% at constant exchange rates. Operating margin stood at 4.9%, up by +40bps. This reflects excellent like-for-like sales in Brazil and Argentina and a solid commercial margin.

In Asia, ROI stood at €97m. Commercial margin held up well. Carrefour’s model is evolving in an environment that remains marked by frugal consumption and a drop in sales of shopping cards. Activity in Taiwan is robust.

Net non-recurring income stood at €149m, mainly reflecting the capital gain linked to the contribution of assets to property company Carmila. Net income from continuing operations, Group share, stood at €1,182m and reflected:

  • A drop of €159m in financial expenses, reflecting lower financing costs and the non-recurring nature of the €119m charge linked to the bond buyback in the first half of 2013
  • An effective tax rate of 35.3% (vs. 37.4% in 2013). The underlying tax rate is in line with that of 2013.

Net income, Group share stood at €1,249m.

Adjusted net income, Group share, reached €1,040m, a rise of +11.9%.

Cash flow and debt

Cash flow from operations was €2,504m, compared to €2,039m in 2013.

Working capital was an inflow of €18m, improving from 2013.

Carrefour continued its investments in order to bring up to standards, modernize and develop its store network, with capex of €2.4bn.

As a result, free cash-flow in 2014 stood at €306m compared to €26m in 2013.

Acquisitions and disposals led to a net total cash-out of €1.1bn, reflecting the acquisition DIA France and the creation of Carmila.

The net cash outflow related to 2013 dividend payments cashed out in 2014 stood at €149m, as 65% of our shareholders chose to receive their dividend in shares. Financial expenses decreased €29m to €399m.

Net financial debt at December 31, 2014 was €4,954m.

2014 highlights

  • In April, creation of Carmila, a company dedicated to enhancing the value of the shopping centers adjacent to Carrefour hypermarkets in France, Spain and Italy, and in which Carrefour holds a 42% stake.
  • Acquisition of DIA France, comprising more than 800 stores totaling nearly 550,000m² and €2.3bn of sales under banners in 2013. This transaction was completed on December 1, 2014 and will make a significant contribution to the growth of Carrefour’s multi-format network in France.
  • Acquisition of 53 supermarkets in Northern Italy, with a combined sales area of 58,000m² and net sales of around €300m in 2013. The stores started being integrated in the fourth quarter of 2014. We also acquired 17 Il Centro convenience stores. These transactions strengthen Carrefour’s multi-format strategy.
  • Strengthening of local ties in Brazil, by welcoming Península into the capital of our Brazilian subsidiary with a 10% stake. This transaction allows Carrefour to benefit from the widely-recognized local retail experience of its new shareholder in order to continue developing its multi-format model.
  • Purchasing cooperation agreement between Carrefour and Cora/Supermarchés Match, establishing a long-term partnership with no equity ties. This agreement will enhance the competitiveness of the banners involved for the benefit of consumers. This partnership took effect on January 1, 2015.

Proposed dividend of €0.68 per share

The Board of Directors, at its meeting on March 4, 2015, decided to propose to shareholders at the next General Assembly on June 11, 2014 a 2014 dividend of €0.68 per share payable in cash or Carrefour shares.

This proposed dividend amounts to a payout ratio of 46% of net income, Group share, adjusted for exceptional items, in line with the policy set out in March 2012.

2015 priorities

Carrefour is staying the course in an environment that remains uncertain. In the third year of its plan, the group will focus in 2015 on the following operational priorities:

  • Continue implementing action plans aiming at continuous improvement of our offer and price image to enhance our customers’ shopping experience in all countries
  • Accelerate multi-format expansion
    • Continue targeted expansion in our key markets
    • Gradual integration of DIA France’s stores
    • Continued opening of convenience stores in Brazil and China
  • Develop our multi-channel offer, supported by our physical store network
    • Revamp and convergence of our websites in France, gradual broadening of our offer
    • Continued roll-out of click & collect
    • Development of e-commerce activities in several countries
  • Continue structural projects including :
    • Revamp of the supply-chain in France
    • IT rationalization
    • Evolution of our model in China
  • Continue store remodelings
    • Continue the program to bring stores up to standards
    • Modernize our store network
  • Enhance the attractiveness of our sites by capitalizing on property company Carmila in France, Spainand Italy

2015 outlook

  • Total investments, including DIA France, of between €2.5bn and €2.6bn
  • Increased free cash flow
  • Continued strict financial discipline: maintain BBB+ rating

Agenda

  • General Shareholders’ Assembly: June 11, 2015
 

APPENDIX

 

Consolidated Income Statement

              (€M)     2013    

   2014   

    Variation Sales, net of taxes     74,888     74,706     -0.2% Sales, net of taxes and loyalty     74,299     74,097     -0.3% Other revenues     2,375     2,221     -6.5% Total revenues     76,675     76,318     -0.5% Cost of sales     (59,828)     (59,270)     -0.9% Commercial income     16,847     17,049     +1.2% SG&A     (13,178)     (13,281)     +0.8% Recurring Operating Income before D&A (EBITDA)     3,669     3,768     +2.7% Depreciation & amortization     (1,432)     (1,381)     -3.5% Recurring Operating Income (ROI)     2,238     2,387     +6.7% Recurring Operating Income including income from associates and joint ventures     2,267     2,423     +6.9% Non-current income and expenses     144     149     +3.2% Operating income     2,412     2,572     +6.7% Financial expenses     (722)     (563)     -22.1% Profit before tax     1,690     2,010     +18.9% Income tax     (631)     (709)     +12.4% Net income from continuing operations     1,058     1,300     +22.9% Net income from discontinued operations     306     67     NA Net income     1,364     1,367     +0.2% Of which Net income – Group share 1,263 1,249 Of which net income from continuing operations, Group share 949 1,182 Of which net income from discontinued operations, Group share     314     67 Of which Net income, Non-Controlling Interests (NCI) 101 118 Of which Net income from continuing operations, NCI 109 118 Of which Net income from discontinued operations, NCI     (8)     0  

Main ratios

                                                                                              2013       2014 Commercial margin 22.5% 22.8% Recurring Operating Income/Net sales 3.0% 3.2% Operating income/Net sales                                           3.2%       3.4%          

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

  (€M)       December 31, 2013     December 31, 2014 ASSETS Intangible assets 9,044 9,543 Tangible assets 11,109 12,272 Financial investments 1,642 2,810 Deferred tax assets 881 759 Investment properties 313 296 Consumer credit from financial-services companies – long-term       2,381     2,560 Non-current assets       25,369     28,240 Inventories 5,738 6,213 Trade receivables 2,213 2,260 Consumer credit from financial-services companies - short-term 3,221 3,420 Tax receivables 715 1 136 Other receivables 841 853 Current financial assets 359 504 Cash and cash equivalents       4,757     3,113 Current assets       17,844     17,500 Assets held for sale       301     49 TOTAL       43,514     45,789 LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity, Group share 7,925 9,191 Minority interests in consolidated companies       754     1 037 Shareholders’ equity       8,679     10,228 Deferred tax liabilities 521 523 Provisions for contingencies 3,618 3,581 Borrowing – Long-term 7,550 6,815 Bank loans refinancing – Long-term       1,765     1,589 Non current liabilities       13,454     12,508 Borrowings – Short-term 1,683 1,757 Trade payables 12,854 13,384 Bank loans refinancing – Short-term 3,145 3,718 Tax payables & others 913 1,172 Other debts       2,763     3,022 Current liabilities       21,358     23,052 Liabilities related to assets held for sale       24     1 TOTAL       43,514     45,789            

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

  (M€)       2013     2014 NET DEBT OPENING       (4,320)     (4,117) Gross cash flow (ex. discontinued activities) 2,039 2 504 Change in working capital (284) 18 Impact of discontinued activities       (27)     86 Cash flow from operations (ex. financial services)       1,728     2,608 Capital expenditures (2,159) (2,411) Change in net payables to fixed asset suppliers (inc. receivables) 371 (17) Asset disposals (business related) 117 124 Impact of discontinued activities       (31)     2 Free Cash Flow       26     306 Financial investments (57) (1,336) Proceeds from disposals of subsidiaries and from other tangible & intangible assets 542 236 Others 2 (5) Impact of discontinued activities       493     11 Cash Flow after investments       1,005     (789) Dividends/Capital increase (206) (214) Acquisition and disposal of investments without change of control (11) 311 Treasury shares 0 (18) Cost of net financial debt (428) (399) Others (159) 287 Impact of discontinued activities 54 (16) Consumer credit impact       (52)     1 NET DEBT CLOSING       (4,117)     (4,954)              

Changes in Shareholder Equity

(€M)     Total shareholders’ equity    

Shareholders’ equity, Group share

    Minority interests At December 31, 2013     8,679     7,925     754 Total comprehensive income for 2014     1,367     1,249     118 2013 dividend     -219     -149     -70 Impact of scope change and others     402     166     236 At December 31, 2014     10,228     9,191     1,037    

Calculation of adjusted net income, Group share

              (€M)    

2013

pro forma

    2014     Variation Net income from continuing operations, Group share     949     1,182     +24.6% Restatement for non-recurring income and expenses (before tax) (144) (149) Restatement for exceptional items in net financial expenses 175 3

Tax impact(1)

(42) (10) Restatement on share of income from minorities and companies consolidatedby the equity method     (8)     14       Adjusted net income, Group share     929     1, 040     +11.9% ________________________________

(1) Tax impact of restated items (non-recurring income and expenses and financial expenses) and non-recurring tax items.

   

2014 dividend payment procedure

The ex-dividend date has been set at June 17, 2015. The period during which shareholders may choose the option of the payment of dividend in cash or shares will begin June 17, 2015 and end July 7, 2015, included. Payment of the cash dividend and settlement of the stock dividend will occur on July 17, 2015.

Definitions

Organic sales growth

Like for like sales growth plus net openings over the past twelve months, including temporary store closures.

Commercial income

Commercial income is the difference between the sum of net sales, other income, reduced by loyalty program costs and the cost of goods sold. Cost of sales comprises purchase costs, changes in inventory, the cost of products sold by the financial services companies, discounting revenue and exchange gains and losses on goods purchases.

Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)

Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is defined as the difference between the commercial income and sales, general and administrative expenses. It excludes non-recurring items as defined below.

Recurring Operating Income (ROI)

Recurring Operating Income is defined as the difference between the commercial income and sales, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization.

Operating Income (EBIT)

Operating Income (EBIT) is defined as the difference between commercial income and sales, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring items

Non-recurring income and expenses are certain material items that are unusual in terms of their nature and frequency, such as impairment, restructuring costs and expenses related to the revaluation of pre-existing risks on the basis of information that the Group became aware of during the accounting period.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is defined as the difference between funds generated by operations (before net interest costs), the variation of working capital requirements and capital expenditures.

Disclaimer

This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Carrefour management's current views and assumptions. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Group. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks described in the documents filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers as part of the regulated information disclosure requirements and available on Carrefour's website (www.carrefour.com), and in particular the Annual Report (Document de référence). These documents are also available in English language on the company's website. Investors may obtain a copy of these documents from Carrefour free of charge. Carrefour does not assume any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements in the future.

Investor Relations:Alessandra Girolami, Matthew Mellin, Mathilde RodiéTel: +33 (0)1 41 04 28 83orShareholder Relations:Tel: 0 805 902 902 (toll-free in France)orGroup CommunicationsTel: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

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