2020 profitability outlook above market expectations

Adjusted EBITDA margin broadly in line with 2019 margin and leverage below 3.0x at year end

Paris - La Défense, September 28, 2020 – Based on current trading and achievements in cost reduction since the beginning of the third quarter 2020, Tarkett estimates that year end results will be above market expectations. Consequently, the Group updates its outlook for 2020.

Q3 2020 preliminary information

Q3 revenue still trending below last year’s level in most segments:

• Sequential improvement in EMEA versus Q2 2020 resulting in single digit revenue decrease compared to last year and stable revenue growth in CIS, APAC & LATAM, in particular thanks to the recovery of residential activities;
• North America sequentially improving versus Q2 2020 but still trading down double digit compared to last year as commercial is improving slowly and exposure to the more dynamic residential segment is lower than in other regions;
• As expected, Sports revenues to decline double digits. The level and seasonality of Tarkett Sports’ activities have been impacted globally by projects being delayed, postponed, and cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Q3 profitability will be preserved by solid level of cost reduction in the quarter:

• Structural actions now estimated to generate savings above €45 million in 2020 thanks to Q3 performance (versus previous expectation to be above €30 million);
• Improvement in raw material costs expected to exceed €15 million in H2 2020 compared to H2 2019 based on Q3 trend;
• Q3 Adjusted EBITDA margin expected above last year’s level (12.7% of revenues in Q3 2019).

FY 2020 outlook

Significant uncertainties remain on demand level as the pandemic remains active with new lockdowns looming in several regions. Tarkett therefore remains cautious on year end given the lack of visibility and expects revenue decline in H2 2020 broadly in line with H1 2020.

As a result of ongoing achievements in cost reduction, Tarkett now anticipates its Adjusted EBITDA margin to be broadly in line with last year’s level (2019 margin: 9.4% of revenues) and its financial leverage¹ to remain below 3.0x at end December. The initial target of financial leverage for 2020 (between 1.6x and 2.6x) had been suspended on April 8^th 2020 due to the context.

The longer-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on demand has yet to be seen. However, Tarkett is confident in the resilience of its business model even in a more depressed environment. Tarkett will pursue the execution of its Change to Win strategic roadmap. The Group will continue accelerating its actions to improve the cost base and strengthen its top line initiatives. The Group stated upon its interim release that its mid-term objectives are still valid. Organic growth should be above GDP growth in key regions in 2021 and 2022. Besides, Tarkett aims at reaching an Adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 12% by 2022. Lastly, the Group targets a financial comprised between 1.6x and 2.6x at each year end of 2021 and 2022.