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Casino Group: first-half 2021 results and second-quarter 2021 net sales

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FIRST-HALF 2021 RESULTS AND SECOND-QUARTER 2021 NET SALES

Further increase in profitability

Trading profit up +24% at constant exchange rates, of which +9% in France and +33% in Latin America

Net sales for first half stable (-0.5%) on an organic basis

In France, success in the transformation of banners with trading margin up +81 bps and 353 stores opened, laying the foundation for a strong return to growth in H2

In France

  • Retail banners1:
    • Strong increase in profitability across all banners with trading margin up +81 bps to 2.1%. Trading profit rose by +50%1 (+€49m) thanks to the Group’s transformation plans and reduced Covid-related costs, in a context of lower net sales relative to the very high basis of comparison due to the first lock-down during H1 2020.
    • Net sales represented a same-store change of -8.4% in Q2 2021, due to the high basis of comparison in 2020 (+6.0% in Q2 2020), the temporary drop of tourism and public health restrictions in H1 2021 (closure of non-essential product sections, curfew). Looking beyond these temporary challenges, the Group continued to activate its growth drivers:
      • Faster delivery on the strategic priorities of: (i) expansion, with the opening of 353 convenience stores during H1 (initial target: 300 stores), and (ii) E-commerce, with same-store sales up +103% over two years, outperforming the market (+59%2), and continued roll-out of the Ocado and Amazon partnerships and quick-commerce solutions from 800 stores.
    • Outlook for H2 2021: growth in profitable formats, with (i) expansion of the store base (400 openings in local formats Franprix, Vival, Naturalia, etc.) and (ii) acceleration in E-commerce thanks to our exclusive partnerships (Ocado, Amazon) and the solutions deployed at our stores.
      • Inflection since early July with sales down -4.0%3 on a same-store basis vs. -8.4% in Q2, i.e. an improvement of +4.4 pts, and an increase in Cdiscount GMV of +13.5%.
  • Cdiscount: H1 2021 EBITDA of €48m4. Further growth in the marketplace in H1 of +33% over two years (+10% year‑on‑year) and growth in digital marketing of +72% over two years (+44% y-o-y).
    • Outlook for H2 2021: further progress on priority strategic plans (marketplace, digital marketing, Octopia) resulting in strong EBITDA growth.
  • GreenYellow: strong business momentum, with a photovoltaic pipeline of 809 MWp (+85% vs. H1 2020) and 3.5 GWp in additional opportunities.
    • Outlook for H2 2021: growth in EBITDA.
  • RelevanC: growth in net sales of +32% in Q2 2021. Signing of a commercial partnership with Google Cloud and Accenture.
    • Outlook for H2 2021: accelerated expansion in France and internationally.
  • Disposal plan: signing with BNPP of a partnership and an agreement for the disposal of Floa for a total amount of €179m5 and securing of a €99m6 earn-out, bringing total disposals to €3.1bn.
    • The Group is maintaining its target of €4.5bn in asset disposals in France.
  • Improved financial terms, revised covenants and extension of €1.8bn of Casino’s main syndicated credit facility to July 2026. At 30 June 2021, the Group comfortably complied with the covenant7, with headroom of €359m on EBITDA after lease payments (2.1x vs. limit of 3.5x).

In Latin America

  • Strong growth in profitability with H1 EBITDA and trading profit up +21% and +33% respectively at constant exchange rates. Organic growth in net sales of +5.5% in Q2, driven by Assaí (+22%).
  • Two-fold increase in Latam asset value since the Assaí spin-off was announced8.

FIRST-HALF 2021 RESULTS

Consolidated net sales amounted to €14,480m in H1 2021, stable (-0.5%) on an organic basis12 and down
-10.3% after taking into account the effects of exchange rates and hyperinflation for -7.2%, changes in scope for -2.2% and fuel for +0.5%.
On the France Retail scope, net sales were down -7.3% on a same-store basis. Including Cdiscount, same-store growth in France came to -6.3%.
E-commerce (Cdiscount) gross merchandise volume (GMV) came to nearly €2bn, a year-on-year increase of +2.3%13 (+14%2 over two years), led by the expansion of the marketplace.
Sales in Latin America were up by +6.9% on an organic basis1, mainly supported by the very good performance in the cash & carry segment (Assaí), which grew by +22%2 on an organic basis.

Consolidated EBITDA came to €1,099m, an increase of +3% including currency effects and +11.1% at constant exchange rates.
France EBITDA (including Cdiscount) amounted to €622m, including €573m on the France Retail scope and €48m for Cdiscount. France Retail banners EBITDA (France Retail excluding GreenYellow, property development and Vindémia) was up +9% to €543m. GreenYellow generated EBITDA of €28m14 and property development operations delivered €3m. 
France EBITDA margin (including Cdiscount) came to 8.0%, an increase of +105 bps.
In Latin America, EBITDA rose by +21.1% excluding currency effects and including tax credits15 for €6m. EBITDA excluding tax credits4 was up +19.8%.

Consolidated trading profit came to €444m (€438m excluding tax credits4), an increase of +11.4% including currency effects and +23.5% at constant exchange rates (+22% excluding tax credits).
In France (including Cdiscount), trading profit stood at €173m, including €166m on the France Retail scope and €7m for Cdiscount. France Retail banners trading profit (France Retail excluding GreenYellow, property development and Vindémia) grew by a strong +50% to €146m. Trading profit came to €19m for GreenYellow and to €2m for property development operations
Trading margin in France (including Cdiscount) was up +39 bps at 2.2%, supported by an improvement from France Retail, which recorded a +45 bps increase in trading margin to 2.4%.
In Latin America, trading profit totalled €271m, an increase of +13.5% (+29.9% excluding tax credits and currency effects), driven by the continued strong sales momentum at Assaí, the transfer of sales to E-commerce and the repositioning of hypermarkets at Multivarejo, and the continued profitability and positive effect of real estate development at Éxito.

Underlying net financial expense and net profit, Group share16

Underlying net financial expense for the period came to -€398m (-€244m excluding interest expense on lease liabilities) vs. -€404m in H1 2020 (-€239m excluding interest expense on lease liabilities). In France Retail, net financial expense include, as for the refinancing of the Term Loan B of April 2021, (i) a non-recurring expense of €40m mainly non-cash, and (ii) a permanent reduction in financial expenses of €9m over the full year. E-commerce net financial expense was virtually stable compared with 2020. In Latin America, financial expense was down.

Underlying net profit, Group share was up +€23m versus H1 2020.
Diluted underlying earnings per share17 stood at -€1.00, vs. -€1.20 in H1 2020.

The Group recorded a sharp improvement in other operating income and expenses of +€257m (+€11m in H1 2021 vs. -€246m in H1 2020). In France, excluding the asset disposal plan and GreenYellow, non-recurring expenses declined by 29% (from -€107m in H1 2020 to -€76m in H1 2021). In Latin America, other operating income and expenses amounted to a net expense of -€34m in H1 2021 (vs. -€18m in H1 2020).


Consolidated net profit (loss), Group share

Net profit (loss) from continuing operations, Group share improved by a sharp +€306m to -€35m, from -€340m in H1 2020.
Net profit (loss) from discontinued operations, Group share came out at -€170m in H1 2021, compared with -€162m in H1 2020.
Consolidated net profit (loss), Group share amounted to -€205m vs. -€502m in H1 2020.

Financial position at 30 June 2021

Consolidated net debt excluding the effect of IFRS 5 was stable compared with 30 June 2020, at €6.3bn, reflecting stable net debt in both France and the Latam region. Including the impact of IFRS 5, consolidated net debt came to €5.5bn versus €4.8bn in H1 2020.

At 30 June 2021, the Group’s liquidity in France (including Cdiscount) was €2.6bn, with €528m in cash and cash equivalents and €2bn confirmed undrawn lines of credit, available at any time. The Group also has €339m in a segregated account for gross debt redemptions.

FIRST-HALF 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

Retail banners: increased profitability and progress in priority areas of expansion and E-commerce

Profitability continued to improve for the retail banners18, with trading profit margin up +81 bps to 2.1% in H1 2021. Trading profit increased by +50% in H1 2021, to €146m (vs. €97m in H1 2020), supported by a reduction in the cost base of €30m per quarter thanks to the transformation plans initiated in Q3 2020, which drove productivity gains at the head office and in stores.

Expansion of the store base and digitalisation

  • Expansion of the Group’s store base continued during the period, with 353 convenience stores opened in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, of which 26 Naturalia. In Q2 2021, the Group opened 238 stores, in line with the initial target of 200 openings.
  • The Group had 613 stores equipped with autonomous solutions as of end-June 2021 (vs. 533 as of end-2020), facilitating evening and weekend openings. 63% of payments in Géant hypermarkets and 58% at Casino Supermarkets were made by smartphone or automatic check-out as of end-June 2021 (vs. 61% and 48% respectively as of end-2020). CasinoMax app users accounted for 24% of sales in hypermarkets and supermarkets in Q2 (vs. 22% as of end-2020).

Food E-commerce

  • Food E-commerce19 posted same-store sales growth of +15% for the period and +103% over two years, outperforming the market (+59%20). The expanded offering now covers the full spectrum of home delivery solutions, through partnerships with high-tech players that are leaders in their field:
    • Next-day delivery from the O’logistique warehouse (automated with Ocado technology) via Monoprix Plus (30,000 items) and Casino Plus (24,000 items) ;
    • Same-day delivery/in-store click & collect solutions picked up pace with the launch of an Amazon click & collect service within 2 hours from Géant Casino and Casino Supermarkets (target of 180 stores). In addition, new deployments of Amazon lockers are planned, in addition to the 600 already installed to date in the Group ;
    • Delivery within two hours: extension of the partnership with Amazon to Montpellier and Strasbourg, in addition to Paris, Nice, Lyon and Bordeaux ;
    • Delivery within 30 minutes: roll-out of a quick-commerce offering across 800 stores thanks to Franprix’s delivery services and the partnerships with Deliveroo and Uber Eats ;
    • Launch of a food marktetplace on the Casino.fr website

Sales initiatives

The Group’s banners are adapting their offering to new consumer trends by developing a series of initiatives designed to meet their customers’ expectations:

  • Expansion of Monoprix’s range of services based on three key areas: (i) health, through Santé Au Quotidien spaces dedicated to health and well-being, with advice from a qualified pharmacist and a range of CBD products; (ii) local products, both food and non-food, from less than 100km away, and (iii) a sustainable mobility offering including bikes, kick scooters, a service station and a range of accessories (helmets, connected devices and fashion accessories)
  • Development of Franprix in suburban areas with 150 store openings scheduled over two years and specific customer services (newspapers and magazines, parcel receipt, hot meals and cooked dishes for the evening, and electric bike rental in partnership with Véligo)

Evolution of concepts within Géant Casino and Casino Supermarkets: both banners have introduced artificial intelligence into the operational management of their stores, and partnerships have been signed with some fifteen brands and start-ups to introduce innovative concepts (artisanal products in short circuits: juices, honeys, dairy products). Géant has deployed expanded fruit and vegetable areas, cash & carry spaces, developed electric mobility corners and will soon launch toy corners with La Grande Récré. In addition, 9 small, loss-making Géant stores have been converted into Casino Supermarkets to provide an offering that better suits local needs.

Outlook for H2 2021: given the success of the banners’ transformation plans and their profitability, strong return to growth in H2 in profitable formats with (i) the expansion of the store base (400 openings) and (ii) an acceleration in E-commerce

Cdiscount21: solid performance from the marketplace, digital marketing and Octopia in the first half of the year

Cdiscount generated €49m22 in EBITDA, stable year-on-year (+148% over two years).

The marketplace recorded a half-yearly increase in gross merchandise volume (GMV) of +33% over two years (+10% year-on-year):

  • The marketplace contribution to GMV rose by +4 pts year-on-year to 46%
  • Marketplace revenues grew by +17% (+39% over two years) to €199m over the last 12 months
  • Fulfillment by Cdiscount services accounted for 35% of marketplace GMV (up +7 pts year-on-year)

Digital marketing saw its revenues grow by +44% in H1 2021. It continued to be supported by the development of the Cdiscount Ads Retail Solution (CARS) digital marketing platform, where the number of sponsored products rose by +91% in H1 2021.

Turnkey marketplace solution Octopia recorded rapid growth in H1 2021, with a +60% increase in GMV (x3 over two years) in Products-as-a-Service and Fulfillment-as-a-Service solutions. Merchants-as-a-Service and Marketplace-as-a-Service solutions recorded a good start.

Outlook for H2 2021: further progress on priority strategic plans (marketplace, digital marketing, Octopia) resulting in strong EBITDA growth.

GreenYellow: increase in photovoltaic pipeline of +85% year-on-year and expansion into Europe

For the six months to 30 June 2021, GreenYellow generated EBITDA of €37m23. Excluding gains on asset disposals, EBITDA increased by +40% in H1 2021 compared with H1 2020.

At 30 June 2021, GreenYellow had an advanced pipeline of 809 MWp in solar power projects, up a sharp +85% from 30 June 2020, and an additional prospective pipeline of 3.5 GWp. The advanced pipeline for the energy efficiency business came to 350 GWh, up +78% from 30 June 2020, with an additional prospective pipeline of nearly 900 GWh.

Expansion continued with the launch of an initial 4 MWp solar project in Bulgaria through a strategic partnership with Solarpro, a key player in the European photovoltaics market. GreenYellow has indicated that it intends to expand rapidly in Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria).

During the first half of the year, GreenYellow also strengthened its positions in its traditional geographies by supporting customers with their projects in both solar power and energy efficiency:

    • In Africa, via the largest self-consumption solar power plant in Senegal (1.6 MWp) for a key player in the country’s agrifood industry
    • In Madagascar, through the extension of the country’s largest solar power plant by 20 MWp to reach 40 MWp
    • In France, with the start-up of the 4.7 MWp solar canopies in Magny-Cours and the partnership with Franprix, aimed at reducing the energy use of its refrigeration facilities (by 30%), as well as their carbon footprint
    • In Asia, with the installation of photovoltaic systems at two sites for Thai particle board manufacturer Panel Plus Co., located in the suburbs of Bangkok and in the southern province of Songkhla
    • In Colombia, with a “cold PPA” program in a building under construction for an international hotel group

Outlook for H2 2021: growth in EBITDA.

RelevanC 

RelevanC continued to accelerate, with growth in net sales of +32% in the second quarter.

During the quarter, RelevanC strengthened its positioning with:

    • A partnership with Google Cloud and Accenture to step up the development and commercialization of RelevanC solutions
    • The allocation of Premier Partner status to RelevanC, and the integration of RelevanC solutions into the Google Cloud’s B2B marketplace

Outlook for H2 2021: (i) further implementation of the partnership strategy and (ii) accelerated growth in France and internationally thanks to partners, notably Google Cloud and Accenture

Successful spin-off of Assaí’s activities in Latin America

The spin-off of Assaí’s businesses was completed on 31 December 2020 and Assaí shares were admitted to trading on 1 March 2021. Assaí shares were distributed to GPA shareholders at a ratio of one Assaí share for each GPA share.

Each entity now operates autonomously and has direct access to the capital markets and different financing sources.

Casino’s stake valuation in Latin America has doubled since the spin-off of Assaí was announced24, rising from €1.1bn to €2.3bn.

Reinforcement of the Group’s CSR commitments

As well as being the top retailer in terms of CSR performance according to Vigeo Eiris25, a subsidiary of Moody’s, Casino Group maintained its AA rating from MSCI in June 2021.

Pursuing its climate action, the Group has committed to a 38% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 203026, stepping up the commitment made in 2018 of an 18% reduction between 2015 and 20253, which was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The Group is taking action to reduce carbon emissions in all its geographies (Franprix/GreenYellow partnership to reduce the carbon footprint of refrigeration units, carbon-neutral refrigerant gases in Carulla FreshMarket stores in Colombia).
Cdiscount has now reached carbon-neutral status for its deliveries, by reducing emissions through 3D packaging and bulk loading and by capturing residual emissions.

With its strategy designed to promote responsible consumption, the Group recorded an increase in the share of organic products of +0.9 pt27 in H1 and deployed new bulk concepts in partnership with national brands. Other initiatives carried out by the Group include the transition to virtual discount coupons for Casino banners since 2020, thanks to the Casino Max application, and to virtual receipts and vouchers in March 2021. At Cdiscount, the aim is to promote reusable packaging, which will be offered to all customers by end-2021. In addition, the Group has extended Monoprix’s syndicated credit facility with an annual margin adjustment clause based on the achievement of CSR objectives (greenhouse gases, responsible label, vegetable protein products).

In addition, the Group continued to carry out solidarity actions during the first half of the year, making commitments to numerous charities including Secours Populaire with Franprix and Fondation des Femmes with Monoprix. Various food drives for students in financial difficulty were also organised at Casino banners during the period, in partnership with food banks. Lastly, the Group has decided to help revitalise rural areas by creating culture corners in Casino convenience stores, in partnership with Fondation Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière. 

Asset disposal plan

On 27 July 2021, the Group has signed with BNPP a partnership and an agreement for the sale of Floa for €179m28. This partnership plans the development of the fractional payment activity “FLOA PAY”. In this context, Casino Group will remain associated with the successful development of FLOA’s payment activity for 30% of the future created value29.

In addition, the Group has secured and recorded in advance a €99m earn-out in relation to the Apollo and Fortress JVs30.

The total amount from signed or secured disposals comes to €3.1bn.

Refinancing plan

As announced, Casino Group has improved the financial conditions and extended the maturity of its main syndicated credit facility from October 2023 to July 202631 for an amount of €1.8bn.

To take into account the Group’s improved financial position and GreenYellow’s growth plan, the financial covenants have been eased. Consequently, as from 30 June 2021, the Group undertakes to comply on a quarterly basis with the following covenants, which replace the previous covenants, for the France Retail and E-commerce scope, excluding GreenYellow:

    • a ratio of secured gross debt to EBITDA after lease payments of less than 3.5x;
      • this covenant was comfortably complied with at 30 June 2021, with a ratio of 2.1x, with headroom of €359m on EBITDA after lease payments
    • a ratio of EBITDA after lease payments to net finance costs of more than 2.5x;
      • this covenant was comfortably complied with at 30 June 2021, with a ratio of 3.2x, with headroom of €199m on EBITDA after lease payments

In addition, Monoprix obtained an extension to January 2026 for its €130m syndicated credit facility which includes a yearly margin adjustment clause based on the satisfaction of CSR objectives:

– Reduction in Scopes 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions

– Proportion of net sales derived from products labelled “responsible”

– Net sales derived from vegetable protein products.

Second-quarter 2021 net sales

In the second quarter of 2021, the Group recorded net sales of €7,334m, down -6.5% in total due to exchange rates and consolidation scope impacts accounting respectively for -3.0% and -2.2%. The calendar effect was -0.5%. The Group’s quarterly same-store32 growth came to +6.0% over two years (-4.1% in Q2 2021, after +10.4% in Q2 2020). France (including Cdiscount) recorded a -1.2%1 variation in its same-store sales over two years (-8.4% year-on-year).

For France Retail, same-store sales growth came to -8.4% for the quarter, impacted by an unfavourable basis of comparison (+6.0% in Q2 2020). The formats hardest hit were those that benefited the most from the surge in sales associated with the first lockdown last year, including the convenience format (-11.2%) and Franprix (-12.5%).
The second quarter of 2021 was shaped by a tightening of health restrictions with a curfew that led to an early closure of autonomous stores, France’s third lockdown which temporarily reduced the number of people in Paris, a temporary drop in tourism and the closure of sections selling “non-essential” goods, which affected Géant hypermarkets (-9.9%) and Monoprix stores (-4.9%).

Cdiscount33 reported growth in gross merchandise volume (GMV) of +16% over two years (-6% year-on-year). Marketplace GMV grew by +30% over a two-year period (-7% year-on-year).

In Latin America, sales rose by +5.5% on an organic basis for the quarter. On a same-store basis, sales were up +12.3% over a two-year period (stable year-on-year). Second quarter sales growth in Latin America was again driven by the excellent performance of Assaí (up +9.2%2 on a same-store basis and +22%2 on an organic basis), reflecting the commercial format’s continued attractiveness and the success of expansion strategy.

Outlook for H2 2021 in France

  • With very satisfactory levels of profitability in all formats, priority focus on growth via the expansion of the store base and acceleration in E-commerce:
    • Opening of 400 convenience stores in H2 2021 (Franprix, Vival, Naturalia, etc.), bringing the total to 750 openings over the year
    • Acceleration of E-commerce based on structurally profitable models thanks to our exclusive partnerships (Ocado, Amazon) and the solutions deployed in stores
  • Ongoing development of Cdiscount and GreenYellow
    • Casino Group continues its preparatory work to finance the accelerated growth of GreenYellow and Cdiscount
  • Growth in cash flow from continuing operations34
    • Continued EBITDA growth
    • Sharp reduction in non-recurring expenses
    • Expansion on convenience and food E-commerce formats, which require low Capex

The Board of Directors met on 28 July 2021 to approve the consolidated financial statements for first-half 2021. These financial statements have been reviewed by the Statutory Auditors.

The presentation of the 2021 half-year results is available on Casino Group’s corporate website (www.groupe-casino.fr/en)

APPENDICES – ADDITIONAL H1 2021 FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE AUTUMN 2019 REFINANCING DOCUMENTATION

See press release dated 21 November 2019

Financial information for the first half ended 30 June 2021:

In €m France Retail
+ E-commerce
Latam Total
Net sales35 7,810 6,670 14,480
EBITDA1 622 477 1,099
(-) impact of leases36 (326) (145) (471)
Adjusted consolidated EBITDA including leases1 296 331 628

Financial information for the 12-month period ended 30 June 2021:

In €m France Retail
+ E-commerce
Latam Total
Net sales1 16,319 13,933 30,253
EBITDA1 1,599 1,178 2,777
(-) impact of leases2 (640) (273) (912)
(i) Adjusted consolidated EBITDA including leases1 37 959 905 1 865
(ii) Gross debt1 38 5,279 3,198 8,477
(iii) Gross cash & cash equivalents1 39 538 1,595 2,133

As at 30th June 2021, the Group’s liquidity within the “France + E-commerce” perimeter was €2,6bn,
with €528m of cash and cash equivalent and €2,032m confirmed undrawn lines of credit, available at any time

Additional information regarding covenants and segregated accounts:

Covenants tested as from 30 June 2021 pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility
dated 18 November 2019, as amended in July 2021
Type of covenant (France and E-commerce excluding GreenYellow) As at 30 June 2021
Secured gross debt/ EBITDA after lease payments <3.50x 2.12x
EBITDA after lease payments/Net finance costs >2.50x 3.20x

The balance of the segregated account was €339m at June 30, 2021, after taking into account the redemption at maturity of the bond maturing in May 2021 (€118m).

No cash has been credited or debited from the bond segregated account and its balance remained at €0.

APPENDICES – FULL-YEAR RESULTS

  • Consolidated net sales by segment
Net sales
In €m
H1 2020 (restated) H1 2021 Change Change at CER
France Retail 7,791 6,863 -11.9% -8,1%1
Latam Retail 7,401 6,670 -9.9% +6.9%40
E-commerce (Cdiscount) 948 947 0.0% -0,8%1
Group total 16,140 14,480 -10.3% -0.5%1
  • Consolidated EBITDA by segment
EBITDA
In €m
H1 2020 (restated) H1 2021 Change Change at CER
France Retail 561 573 +2.2% +2.6%
Latam Retail 459 477 +3.9% +21.4%
E-commerce (Cdiscount) 43 48 +12.6% +12.6%
Group total 1,063 1,099 +3.3% +11.1%
                 
  • Consolidated trading profit by segment
Trading profit
In €m
H1 2020 (restated) H1 2021 Change Change at CER
France Retail 154 166 +8.1% +9.3%
Latam Retail 239 271 +13.5% +32.9%
E-commerce (Cdiscount) 6 7 +11.9% +11.9%
Group total 399 444 +11.4% +23.5%
                 
  • Underlying net profit
In €m H1 2020
(restated)
Restated items H1 2020
(underlying)
H1 2021 Restated items H1 2021
(underlying)
 
Trading profit 399 0 399 444 0 444  
Other operating income and expenses (246) 246 0 11 (11) 0  
Operating profit (loss) 153 246 399 455 (11) 444  
Net finance costs (188) 0 (188) (224) 0 (224)  
Other financial income and expenses41 (291) 74 (217) (175) 0 (174)  
Income taxes42 15 (65) (50) (46) (9) (55)  
Share of profit of equity-accounted investees 15 0 15 29 0 29  
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations (295) 255 (40) 41 (20) 21   xx xx xx xx
o/w attributable to non-controlling interests43 45 9 55 76 18 93  
o/w Group share (340) 245 (95) (35) (38) (72)  

Underlying net profit corresponds to net profit from continuing operations, adjusted for (i) the impact of other operating income and expenses, as defined in the “Significant accounting policies” section in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, (ii) the impact of non-recurring financial items, as well as (iii) income tax expense/benefits related to these adjustments and (iv) the application of IFRIC 23.

Non-recurring financial items include fair value adjustments to equity derivative instruments (such as total return swaps instruments related to GPA shares) and the effects of discounting Brazilian tax liabilities.

  • Change in net debt by entity
Net debt before IFRS 5
In €m
H1 2020 Change over the period H1 2021
France (4,620) 43 (4,577)
o/w France Retail excl. GreenYellow (4,415) 210 (4,205)
o/w E-commerce (Cdiscount) (376) -52 (428)
o/w GreenYellow 171 -115 57
Latam Retail (1,726) -41 (1,767)
o/w Multivarejo (636) -144 (780)
o/w Assaí (866) 16 (851)
o/w Éxito (21) 46 26
o/w Segisor (178) 15 (162)
Total (6,347) 3 (6,344)
  • France net debt at 30 June before IFRS 5
In €m – France + Cdiscount (excluding GreenYellow) H1 2020 H1 2021
France net debt before IFRS 5 at 1 January (4,222) (3,873)
Free cash flow44
 before asset disposals, disposal plan
(297) (346)
Financial expenses45 (228) (164)
Dividends paid to owners of the parent and holders of TSSDI deeply-subordinated bonds (37) (28)
Share buybacks and transactions with
non-controlling interests
(1) (1)
Other net financial investments (255)46 14547
Other non-cash items 32 (458)48
    o/w non-cash financial expenses 79 (30)
Change in net debt before IFRS 5 before asset disposals -786 -853
Disposal plan and other asset disposals 216 9349
Net debt before IFRS 5 at 30 June (4,792) (4,633)

APPENDICES – NET SALES

Quarterly consolidated net sales by segment

       
NET SALES
(in €m)
Q2 2021
net sales
Total growth Organic
growth50
Same-store
growth1
Same-store growth1 over two years
France Retail 3,475 -11.0% -8.9% -8.4% -2.9%
Cdiscount 464 -7.0% -8.3% -8.3% +10.9%
Total France 3,939 -10.6% -8.9% -8.4% -1.2%
Latam Retail 3,394 -1.4% +5.5% -0.2% +12.3%
GROUP TOTAL 7,334 -6.5% -2.4% -4.1% +6.0%
Cdiscount GMV 984 -6.1% -5.3% n.a. n.a.
               

Quarterly consolidated net sales in France by banner

Net sales by banner (in €m) Q2 2021
net sales
Total growth Organic growth1 Same-store growth1 Same-store growth1
over two years
Monoprix 1,093 -3.9% -3.3% -4.9% -2.1%
Supermarkets 711 -8.8% -12.7% -10.4% -1.5%
o/w Casino Supermarkets51 670 -9.5% -13.4% -12.2% -1.8%
Franprix 379 -15.2% -14.4% -12.5% +0.4%
Convenience & Other52 449 -28.8% -4.2% -10.7% +0.7%
o/w Convenience53 342 -5.5% -6.7% -11.2% +4.8%
Hypermarkets 844 -7.5% -12.7% -9.9% -10.6%
o/w Géant2 796 -8.2% -13.9% -11.4% -11.5%
FRANCE RETAIL 3,475 -11.0% -8.9% -8.4% -2.9%

Main half-yearly data – Cdiscount54

Key figures H1 2020 H1 2021 Reported growth Reported growth over two years
Total GMV including tax 1,946 1,991 +2.3% +13.5%
o/w direct sales 906 865 -4.5%  
o/w marketplace sales 676 747 +10.5%  
Marketplace contribution (%) 42.7% 46.3% +3.6 pts  
Net sales (in €m) 1,049 1,009 -3.8% +1.4%
Traffic (millions of visits) 554 550 -0,7%  
           

APPENDICES – OTHER INFORMATION

Gross sales under banner in France

TOTAL ESTIMATED GROSS FOOD SALES 
UNDER BANNER (in €m, excluding fuel)
Q2 2021 Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) over 2 years
   
Monoprix   987 -4.9% -2.1%
Franprix   445 -13.6% -0.9%
Supermarkets   667 -10.1% -1.2%
Hypermarkets   691 -6.2% -7.4%
Convenience & Other   581 n.a. n.a.
    o/w Convenience   424 -11.3% +4.7%
TOTAL FOOD   3,370 -8.3% -2.4%
TOTAL ESTIMATED GROSS NON-FOOD SALES
 UNDER BANNER (in €m, excluding fuel)
Q2 2021 Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) over 2 years
   
Hypermarkets   95 -26.3% -27.3%
Cdiscount   791 -5.3% +14.5%
TOTAL NON-FOOD   887 -5.5% +11.3%
TOTAL GROSS SALES UNDER BANNER
(in €m, excluding fuel)
Q2 2021 Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) Same-store change (excl. calendar effects) over 2 years
   
TOTAL FRANCE AND CDISCOUNT   4,257 -7.9% -0.3%
           

Store network at period-end

FRANCE 30 June 2020 30 Sept. 2020 31 Dec. 2020 31 March 2021 30 June 2021
Géant Casino hypermarkets 104 105 105 104 95
     o/w French franchised affiliates 4 4 4 3 3
             International affiliates 6 7 7 7 7
Casino Supermarkets 415 414 419 417 422
     o/w French franchised affiliates 69 68 71 68 64
             International affiliates 22 23 24 25 22
Monoprix 789 791 799 806 830
     o/w franchised affiliates 190 191 192 195 201
        Naturalia integrated stores 181 181 184 189 203
       Naturalia franchises 26 28 32 34 39
Franprix 869 869 872 877 890
     o/w franchises 481 463 479 493 533
Convenience 5,134 5,166 5,206 5,311 5,502
Other businesses 219 219 233 334 320
Total France 7,530 7,564 7,634 7,849 8,059
           
INTERNATIONAL 30 June 2020 30 Sept. 2020 31 Dec. 2020 31 March 2021 30 June 2021
ARGENTINA 25 25 25 25 25
Libertad hypermarkets 15 15 15 15 15
Mini Libertad and Petit Libertad mini-supermarkets 10 10 10 10 10
URUGUAY 93 92 93 93 92
Géant hypermarkets 2 2 2 2 2
Disco supermarkets 29 29 30 30 30
Devoto supermarkets 24 24 24 24 24
Devoto Express mini-supermarkets 36 35 35 35 34
Möte 2 2 2 2 2
BRAZIL 1 070 1,054 1,057 1,058 1,058
Extra hypermarkets 107 104 103 103 103
Pão de Açúcar supermarkets 182 182 182 182 181
Extra supermarkets 151 147 147 147 147
Compre Bem 28 28 28 28 28
Assaí (cash & carry) 169 176 184 184 187
Mini Mercado Extra & Minuto Pão de Açúcar mini-supermarkets 238 239 236 237 236
Drugstores 122 104 103 103 102
+ Service stations 73 74 74 74 74
COLOMBIA 1 981 1,980 1,983 1,974 2,006
Éxito hypermarkets 92 92 92 92 92
Éxito and Carulla supermarkets 157 154 153 153 155
Super Inter supermarkets 69 69 69 61 61
Surtimax (discount) 1 536 1,539 1,544 1,548 1,577
      o/w “Aliados” 1 459 1,465 1,470 1,476 1,505
B2B 32 34 34 34 34
Éxito Express and Carulla Express mini-supermarkets 95 92 91 86 87
CAMEROON 1 2 2 2 3
Cash & Carry 1 2 2 2 3
Total International 3,170 3,153 3,160 3,152 3,184

Consolidated income statement

In € millions   First-half 2021 First-half 2020 (restated)55
CONTINUING OPERATIONS      
Net sales   14,480 16,140
Other revenue   224 245
Total revenue   14,704 16,385
Cost of goods sold   (11,071) (12,402)
Gross margin   3,633 3,983
Selling expenses   (2,531) (2,928)
General and administrative expenses   (657) (656)
Trading profit   444 399
As a % of net sales   3.1% 2.5%
Other operating income   247 225
Other operating expenses   (236) (471)
Operating profit   455 153
As a % of net sales   3.1% 1.0%
Income from cash and cash equivalents   8 9
Finance costs   (231) (197)
Net finance costs   (224) (188)
Other financial income   69 87
Other financial expenses   (243) (377)
Profit (loss) before tax   57 (325)
As a % of net sales   0.4% -2.0%
Income tax benefit (expense)   (46) 15
Share of profit of equity-accounted investees   29 15
Net profit /(loss) from continuing operations   41 (295)
As a % of net sales   0.3% -1.8%
Attributable to owners of the parent   (35) (340)
Attributable to non-controlling interests   76 45
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS      
Net profit (loss) from discontinued operations   (169) (158)
Attributable to owners of the parent   (170) (162)
Attributable to non-controlling interests   2 4
CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS      
Consolidated net profit (loss)   (128) (452)
Attributable to owners of the parent   (205) (502)
Attributable to non-controlling interests   77 50

Earnings per share

In €   First-half 2021 First-half 2020 (restated)1
From continuing operations, attributable to owners of the parent      
  (0.66) (3.48)
  (0.66) (3.48)
From continuing and discontinued operations, attr. to owners of the parent      
  (2.24) (4.98)
  (2.24) (4.98)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

In € millions For the six months ended 30 June 2021 For the six months ended 30 June 2020 (restated)56
Consolidated net profit (loss) (128) (452)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss 137 (1,184)
Cash flow hedges and cash flow hedge reserve(i) 20 (14)
Foreign currency translation adjustments(ii) 120 (1,148)
Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) (1)
Share of items of equity-accounted investees that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss 3 (26)
Income tax effects (5) 4
Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss (3) 2
Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains and losses (4) 3
Share of items of equity-accounted investees that will never be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Income tax effects 1 (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax 134 (1,182)
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax 6 (1,634)
o/w Group share (127) (979)
Attributable to non-controlling interests 133 (655)
  1. The change in the cash flow hedge reserve in first-half 2021 and first-half 2020 was not material.
  2. The €120 million positive net translation adjustment in first-half 2021 arose mainly from the appreciation of the Brazilian real for €218 million, partially offset by the depreciation of the Uruguayan peso for -€81 million. The €1,148 million negative net translation adjustment in first-half 2020 arose primarily from the depreciation of the Brazilian and Colombian currencies (-€839 million and
    -€259 million, respectively).

Consolidated statement of financial position

ASSETS     30 June 2021 31 December 2020
In € millions
Goodwill     6,764 6,656
Intangible assets     2,126 2,061
Property and equipment     4,457 4,279
Investment property     423 428
Right-of-use assets     4,862 4,888
Investments in equity-accounted investees     214 191
Other non-current assets     1,217 1,217
Deferred tax assets     1,111 1,035
Non-current assets     21,174 20,754
Inventories     3,349 3,209
Trade receivables     860 941
Other current assets     1,967 1,770
Current tax assets     202 167
Cash and cash equivalents     2,133 2,744
Assets held for sale     1,064 932
Current assets     9,574 9,763
TOTAL ASSETS     30,748 30,517
         
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES     30 June 2021 31 December 2020
In € millions
Share capital     166 166
Additional paid-in capital, treasury shares, retained earnings and consolidated net profit (loss)     2,937 3,097
Equity attributable to owners of the parent     3,103 3,263
Non-controlling interests     2,998 2,856
Total equity     6,101 6,118
Non-current provisions for employee benefits     348 351
Other non-current provisions     380 374
Non-current borrowings and debt, gross     7,244 6,701
Non-current lease liabilities     4,260 4,281
Non-current put options granted to owners of non-controlling interests     53 45
Other non-current liabilities     173 201
Deferred tax liabilities     540 508
Total non-current liabilities     12,998 12,461
Current provisions for employee benefits     12 12
Other current provisions     163 189
Trade payables     5,392 6,190
Current borrowings and debt, gross     1,823 1,355
Current lease liabilities     706 705
Current put options granted to owners of non-controlling interests     119 119
Current tax liabilities     64 98
Other current liabilities     3,170 3,059
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale     201 210
Current liabilities     11,650 11,937
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES     30,748 30,517

Consolidated statement of cash flows

In € millions   First-half 2021 First-half 2020 (restated)57
Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations   57 (325)
Profit (loss) before tax from discontinued operations   (209) (104)
Consolidated profit (loss) before tax   (151) (429)
Depreciation and amortisation expense   654 664
Provision and impairment expense   (81) 94
Losses (gains) arising from changes in fair value    (4) 73
Expenses (income) on share-based payment plans   9 6
Other non-cash items   (13) (31)
(Gains) losses on disposals of non-current assets   (97) (49)
(Gains) losses due to changes in percentage ownership of subsidiaries resulting in acquisition/loss of control   11 20
Dividends received from equity-accounted investees   10 15
Net finance costs   224 188
Interest paid on leases, net   154 165
Non-recourse factoring and associated transaction costs   23 32
Disposal gains and losses and adjustments related to discontinued operations   90 15
Net cash from operating activities before change in working capital, net finance costs and income tax   829 764
Income tax paid   (87) (45)
Change in operating working capital   (906) (766)
Income tax paid and change in operating working capital: discontinued operations   (97) 105
Net cash from operating activities   (262) 58
of which continuing operations   (45) 42
Cash outflows related to acquisitions of:      
§ Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment property   (499) (447)
§ Non-current financial assets   (3) (472)
Cash inflows related to disposals of:      
§ Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment property   19 169
§ Non-current financial assets   158 254
Effect of changes in scope of consolidation resulting in acquisition or loss of control   (9) 165
Effect of changes in scope of consolidation related to equity-accounted investees   (6) (10)
Change in loans and advances granted   (16) (21)
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities of discontinued operations   (49) (14)
Net cash from (used in) investing activities   (404) (375)
of which continuing operations   (355) (361)
Dividends paid:      
§ to owners of the parent  
§ to non-controlling interests   (77) (33)
§ to holders of deeply-subordinated perpetual bonds   (32) (33)
Increase (decrease) in the parent’s share capital  
Transactions between the Group and owners of non-controlling interests   3 (21)
(Purchases) sales of treasury shares   (1)
Additions to loans and borrowings   2,636 1,064
Repayments of loans and borrowings   (1,998) (837)
Repayments of lease liabilities   (321) (311)
Interest paid, net   (335) (455)
Other repayments   (13) (9)
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations   (6) (27)
Net cash used in financing activities   (143) (664)
of which continuing operations   (138) (637)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations   74 (398)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations  
Change in cash and cash equivalents   (735) (1,379)
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   2,675 3,530
  • of which net cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations
  2,675 3,471
  • of which net cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations
  (1) 59
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period   1,940 2,151
  • of which net cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations
  1,941 2,086
  • of which net cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations
  (1) 65

Analyst and investor contacts

Lionel Benchimol
+ 33 (0)1 53 65 64 17 – [email protected]

or
+ 33 (0)1 53 65 24 17 – [email protected]

Press contacts

Casino Group – Communications Department

Stéphanie Abadie
+ 33 (0)6 26 27 37 05 – [email protected]

or
+ 33(0)1 53 65 24 78 – [email protected]

Agence IMAGE 7

Karine Allouis
 +33 (0)1 53 70 74 84 – [email protected]

Franck Pasquier
 + 33(0)6 73 62 57 99 – [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

 

This press release was prepared solely for information purposes, and should not be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell securities or related financial instruments. Likewise, it does not provide and should not be treated as providing investment advice. It has no connection with the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any receiver. No representation or warranty, either express or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein. Recipients should not consider it as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgement. All the opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.


1 France Retail excluding GreenYellow, real estate development and Vindémia (sold on 30 June 2020)

2 Source: Nielsen, YTD P06 2021, over two years

3 Same-store change in sales for the four weeks to 25 July 2021

4 Contribution to consolidated EBITDA. Data published by the subsidiary: EBITDA of €49m (stable vs. H1 2020)

5 Including €129m relating to the sale of shares and an additional €50m notably linked to the renewal of commercial agreements between Cdiscount, Casino banners and FLOA

6 As part of the real estate disposals made in 2019

7 Secured gross debt to EBITDA after lease payments on France Retail + E-commerce perimeter excluding GreenYellow (see press release dated 19 July 2021)

8 Announcement of the Assaí spin-off on 9 September 2020

9 Organic growth excluding fuel and calendar effects

10 Of which €6m in tax credits

11 The difference compared to the change in net debt excluding IFRS 5 (-€158m) is mainly due to the decrease in IFRS 5 related to the sale of Leader Price, which was classified under IFRS 5 at June 30, 2020

12 Excluding fuel and calendar effects

13 Data published by the subsidiary

14 Contribution to consolidated EBITDA. Data published by the subsidiary: EBITDA of €37m in H1 2021

15 Tax credits restated by subsidiaries in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA

16 See definition on page 13

17 Underlying diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of TSSDI deeply-subordinated bond distributions 

18 France Retail operations excluding Vindémia, real estate development and GreenYellow

19 Food E-commerce = E-commerce France excluding Cdiscount

20 Source: Nielsen, YTD P06 2021, over two years

21 Data published by the subsidiary

22 Data published by the subsidiary. Contribution to consolidated EBITDA: €48m (€43m in H1 2020)

23 Data published by the subsidiary. Contribution to consolidated EBITDA: €28m (€34m in H1 2020)

24Announcement of the spin-off on 9 September 2020

25 A subsidiary of rating agency Moody’s (Vigeo Eiris rating, December 2020)

26 Scopes 1 and 2

27 In France

28 Including €129m relating to the sale of shares and an additional €50m notably linked to the renewal of commercial agreements between Cdiscount, Casino banners and FLOA

29 By 2025

30 As part of the real estate disposals made in 2019

31 May 2025 if Term Loan B, maturing in August 2025, is not repaid or refinanced at that date

32 Same-store change excluding fuel and calendar effects

33 Data published by the subsidiary

34 France scope excluding GreenYellow for which development and transition to a company-owned asset model is ensured by its own resources

35 Unaudited data, scope as defined in refinancing documentation of November 2019 with mainly Segisor accounted for within the France Retail + E-commerce scope

36 Interest paid on lease liabilities and repayment of lease liabilities as defined in the documentation

37 EBITDA after lease payments (i.e., repayments of principal and interest on lease liabilities)

38 Loans and other borrowings

39 At 30 June 2021

40 Organic change excluding fuel and calendar effects

41 Other financial income and expenses have been restated, primarily for the impact of discounting tax liabilities, as well as for changes in the fair value of the total return swaps on GPA shares

42 Income taxes have been restated for the tax effects of other operating income and expenses and of the restatements of financial income and expenses described above, as well as for the effects of IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty about tax treatments”

43 Non-controlling interests have been restated for the amounts relating to the restated items listed above

44 Before dividends to the owners of the parent and holders of TSSDI deeply-subordinated bonds, excluding financial expenses, including lease payments (repayments of lease liabilities and interest on leases)

45 Excluding interest on lease liabilities

46 Including -€248m related to the unwinding of the GPA TRS

47 Including €149m in disbursements from the segregated account dedicated to debt repayment

48 Including -€149m in disbursements from the segregated account, and -€288m from discontinued operations (effect of seasonality and operating losses of Leader Price before conversion of stores to the Aldi brand, scheduled to end in September 2021)

49 Including a €99m earn-out in relation with the Apollo and Fortress JVs

50 Excluding fuel and calendar effects

51 Excluding Codim stores in Corsica: 8 supermarkets and 4 hypermarkets

52 Other: mainly Vindémia and restaurants

53 Net sales on a same-store basis include the same-store performance of franchised stores

54 Data published by the subsidiary

55 The financial statements for first-half 2020 have been restated to reflect the retrospective application of the IFRIC IC decision with regard to the enforceable period of a lease and the amortisation period of fixtures in accordance with IFRS 16 – Leases

56The financial statements for first-half 2020 have been restated to reflect the retrospective application of the IFRIC IC decision with regard to the enforceable period of a lease and the amortisation period of fixtures in accordance with IFRS 16 – Leases

57 The financial statements for first-half 2020 have been restated to reflect the retrospective application of the IFRIC IC decision with regard to the enforceable period of a lease and the amortisation period of fixtures in accordance with IFRS 16 – Leases

Attachment

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Artificial Intelligence

Lithium Miners Strategize for Long-Term Gains as Market Recovers

Published

on

lithium-miners-strategize-for-long-term-gains-as-market-recovers

USA News Group Commentary
Issued on behalf of Lithium South Development Corporation
VANCOUVER, BC, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — USA News Group – Despite what appears to be a supply glut currently in the global lithium market, already there are signs of a lithium rebound on the horizon. According to Statista, global lithium demand is projected to grow through next year, while Fastmarkets predicts lithium supply will increase 30% in 2024. Fastmarkets also expects that by 2030, US lithium demand alone will grow by nearly 500%. Looking ahead, lithium miners continue to move their chess pieces onto the board with anticipation of long-term rewards, including the work of Lithium South Development Corporation (TSXV:LIS) (OTC:LISMF), Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE:SQM), Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL), Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) (TSX:LAC), and Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO).

Lithium South Development Corporation (TSXV:LIS) (OTC:LISMF) recently filed a new Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which provides support for the company to proceed with development plans for a 15,600 tonnes per year lithium carbonate plant. As per the PEA, the project’s financial model shows a Net Present Value (NPV) after tax of US$938 million, and an after-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 31.6%, with a 2.5-year payback.
“We are very pleased to have achieved this important milestone for the HMN Li Project,” said Adrian F.C. Hobkirk, Founder, President and CEO of Lithium South. “The robust economics and room for expansion indicate a promising future for Lithium South.”
The HMN Li project is planned to use an extraction and recovery process based on conventional solar evaporation of the well brine. Magnesium and other contaminants will be removed using industry standard proven methods including  liming. The concentrated lithium solution will then be processed into lithium carbonate technical grade.
The PEA announcement came just weeks after the company announced the expansion of its ongoing production well drill program. A 400 meter deep pumping well has been completed at the  Alba Sabrina claim block, which at 2,089 hectares is the project’s largest. Recent efforts at the well successfully cleared out sediments, leading to the flow of clear brine with strong artesian characteristics, suggesting potential for enhanced brine extraction rates. To maximize these benefits, Lithium South has contracted a significantly larger 80-kilowatt pump, and is now completing a long term pump test. Based on results, further wells are planned for Alba Sabrina and the southern claim blocks at Viamonte and Norma Edith.
“These developments on the Alba Sabrina claim block could potentially enhance our operational capacity,” said Hobkirk. “The completion of this pumping test, anticipated by the end of May, will provide critical technical insight into the capacity potential of this area of the salar.”
Earlier in the year, Lithium South together with the Korean conglomerate POSCO, entered into a cooperative development agreement on the HMN Li Project, representing a crucial step forward in advancing towards lithium production. Previously, towards the end of 2023, Lithium South also released an updated NI 43-101 technical report for its premier HMN Li asset, which demonstrated a significant 175% boost in its lithium resource, amounting to over 1.58 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
According to Chile’s Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE:SQM), there will be steady lithium prices in the coming months, despite the supply glut. In particular, SQM is optimistic for the second half of the year, which the company predicts will entail higher sales volumes.
“As we enter into 2024, we anticipate another robust year of growth in lithium market, with global demand increasing by at least 20%, supported by electric vehicle sales growth globally and increasing demand for battery materials,” said Ricardo Ramos, CEO of SQM. “However, the excess in lithium and battery materials capacity seen during last year is expected to continue during this year, keeping pressure on lithium market prices. We expect our average lithium prices to remain relatively stable throughout the year and our sales volumes to increase slightly during this year, subject to market conditions and any changes in supply-demand balance.”
This optimism was shared by Keith Phillips, CEO of Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ:PLL) in an interview with Yahoo! Finance Live.
“[When it comes to mining] low prices are the cure for low prices,” said Phillips, adding that “it’s a matter of time” that prices will rebound. How fast that rebound occurs is still to be determined, however, Piedmont isn’t slowing its march.
Just recently, Piedmont received its state mining permit from the state of North Carolina, where the company owns 3,600 acres, from which it plans to mine spodumene from at least half of the area. Piedmont will then convert the material to lithium hydroxide, which is key to the manufacturing of EV batteries.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the local community and the Gaston County Board of Commissioners,” said Phillips. “We have had extensive and ongoing dialogue with possible funding sources for Carolina Lithium.”
Domestically sourced lithium is projected to become even more desirable, especially with US government incentives underway. Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) (TSX:LAC) recently secured a record $2.26 billion loan from the US Department of Energy to build its Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada.
Construction began at the site located just south of the Nevada-Oregon border in March 2023, following a lengthy and intricate legal victory over conservationists, ranchers, and Indigenous groups. Lithium Americas anticipates finalizing securing a loan later this year, pending the completion of final environmental assessments. Once the financing is in place, the company aims to commence substantial construction activities, a project slated to last three years. The initial phase of the mine is projected to yield 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually, sufficient to supply up to 800,000 electric vehicles.
“Our team has been focused on refining the development plan and de-risking construction execution of Phase 1 for Thacker Pass,” said Jonathan Evans, President and CEO of Lithium Americas. “We have de-risked execution by advancing detailed engineering and project planning. To date, we have completed all the early-works and infrastructure required for major construction, including excavating the processing plant areas.”
Looking at multiple international lithium projects, mining giant Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) has already expressed the company remains bullish on lithium despite not currently seeking any big acquisitions. Back in March, Rio Tinto committed to spending $350 million on its Rincon lithium project in Argentina, set to commence production by the end of the year.
This comes just months after the President of Serbia expressed interest to hold further talks with Rio Tinto regarding its Jadar lithium project, after the country revoked licenses on the $2.4 billion asset in 2022. If brought to completion, the project could supply 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, and make Rio Tinto a leading lithium producer. As well, Rio Tinto held talks with the country of Rwanda back in January for the exploration and mining of lithium in the East African nation.
“[Rio Tinto is] “excited to be partnering with the government of Rwanda, applying our global experience to accelerate the search for primary lithium deposits in Rwanda’s Western Province,” said Lawrence Dechambenoit, global head of external affairs at Rio Tinto. The move could further unlock the potential of another country’s mining sector, if successful.
Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2023/10/18/the-lithium-race-to-power/ 
CONTACT:USA NEWS [email protected] (604) 265-2873
Mr. William Feyerabend, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 participated in the production of this advertisement, and approves of the technical and scientific disclosure contained herein pertaining to Lithium South.
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ROLLER and Amusement Connect Announce Integration to Streamline Cashless Card Operations

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New partnership enhances guest experiences and operational efficiency across attraction venues
AUSTIN, Texas, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to improve the guest experience and streamline operations for attractions venues, ROLLER, a global leader in leisure and attractions technology, has joined forces with Amusement Connect, a recognized leader in cashless card operations. This strategic partnership delivers an integration that aims to streamline the arcade experience for operators and guests alike, providing a more efficient way for entertainment venues to operate.

Through this integration, ROLLER and Amusement Connect enable the sale, top-up, and balance checks of cashless cards directly from ROLLER’s point-of-sale devices, simplifying the management of pay-to-play attractions. This move is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve guest satisfaction by making sales smoother and more convenient. The integration also simplifies reporting by automatically recording every purchase of a cashless card, saving venue operators time and ensuring accurate tracking of purchases. 
Both companies leverage cloud-based technology to ensure that venues can operate without the need for expensive servers, with the promise of continuous updates to keep the systems equipped with the latest features and improvements. This integration also introduces the option for guests to purchase game cards online through ROLLER’s online checkout, a feature designed to make the check-in process more efficient and increase average transaction values.
“Amusement Connect and ROLLER have a shared commitment to helping attractions businesses deliver exceptional guest experiences. So, we’re thrilled to partner with Amusement Connect on this integration – a trailblazing company known for great customer support and providing innovative tech. This isn’t just about upgrading our technology—it’s delivering on our promise to make every guest experience smoother and every operator’s day a bit easier,” explained Luke Finn, CEO and Founder of ROLLER.
“As we continue to innovate and collaborate with industry leaders like ROLLER, we’re thrilled to see the tangible benefits our integration brings to our customers. Together, we’re not just transforming transactions; we’re elevating experiences and driving profitability with every interaction,” commented Frank Licausi, Co-Owner of Amusement Connect.
This partnership between ROLLER and Amusement Connect represents a significant step towards more streamlined operations in the amusement industry. It offers a blend of efficiency and convenience aimed at improving the way entertainment venues operate and enhancing the overall guest experience. For more information on this integration and how it can benefit your venue, contact ROLLER or Amusement Connect directly.
About ROLLER
ROLLER is the cloud-based venue management platform for the modern attraction, purpose-built to remove friction from the guest experience at every touchpoint. Their all-in-one platform simplifies its customers’ business processes, improving efficiency and maximizing revenue. ROLLER’s comprehensive solution includes: Online Checkout & Ticketing, Point-of-Sale, Integrated Payments, Memberships, Gift Cards, Waivers, Self-Serve Kiosks, Cashless Wallets, the Guest Experience Score®, and more. To learn more, visit roller.software.
About Amusement Connect
Founded by Frank Licausi and John Tarpley in 2017, our comprehensive game card system, accompanied by a variety of products, provides a complete overview on games and attractions in settings like bars, arcades, FEC’s, and multi-location entertainment centers. As operators and industry experts, we bring innovation, value, and the best possible experiences to entertainment venues with our award-winning game card system. Bringing you more at amusementconnect.com.

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Computer Vision in Healthcare Market Worth $11.5 billion | MarketsandMarkets™

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CHICAGO, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Computer Vision in Healthcare Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $3.9 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $11.5 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 24.0% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™.

The market’s expansion is fueled by the exponential growth of medical imaging data which necessitates efficient analysis methods, where computer vision techniques excel in automating and enhancing diagnostic processes. Further, the demand for improved patient care and outcomes fuels the adoption of AI-driven solutions, empowering healthcare providers with precise tools for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. Nevertheless, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of computer vision algorithms remains a significant challenge, especially in complex medical imaging tasks where errors can have critical consequences. Additionally, the regulatory landscape surrounding AI-based medical devices is evolving, requiring stringent validation and approval processes, which can impede the timely deployment of innovative solutions. Thus, restraining the market.
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Browse in-depth TOC on “Computer Vision in Healthcare Market”
505 – Tables55 – Figures379 – Pages
Computer Vision in Healthcare Market Scope:
Report Coverage
Details
Market Revenue in 2024
$3.9 billion
Estimated Value by 2029
$11.5 billion
Growth Rate
Poised to grow at a CAGR of 24.0%
Market Size Available for
2022–2029
Forecast Period
2024–2029
Forecast Units
Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered
Product & Service, Type, Applications, End User
Geographies Covered
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa
Report Highlights
Updated financial information / product portfolio of players
Key Market Opportunities
Computer vision solutions for healthcare that are hosted in the cloud
Key Market Drivers
The healthcare sector is experiencing a growing need for computer vision systems
“The largest share in the computer vision in healthcare market, based on type, was attributed to the PC-based computer vision systems segment in 2023.”
The PC-based computer vision systems segment holds the largest market share in the computer vision in healthcare market in 2023. The growth of this segment is propelled by factors such as PCs offering robust computational power, enabling real-time processing of complex algorithms required for tasks like medical image analysis. Also, PCs provide flexibility and scalability, allowing users to customize hardware configurations and software solutions according to specific requirements. This versatility makes them adaptable to various healthcare settings, from small clinics to large hospitals.
“In 2023, the patient activity monitoring/fall prevention segment demonstrated the most significant growth in the computer vision in healthcare market based on hospital management by type.”
The patient activity monitoring/fall prevention segment is expected to experience the highest growth in the computer vision in healthcare market. The key drivers for this growth include the aging population worldwide that has led to an increased focus on elderly care and fall prevention initiatives. Computer vision systems offer non-intrusive and continuous monitoring of patients’ movements, enabling early detection of potential fall risks and timely intervention to prevent accidents. Also, the growing adoption of wearable devices and smart sensors integrated with computer vision technology allows for seamless monitoring of patients’ activities both inside healthcare facilities and at home. This remote monitoring capability enhances patient safety and independence while reducing the burden on caregivers and healthcare resources.
“North America accounted for the largest share of the healthcare simulation market in 2023.”
In 2023, North America held the largest share in the computer vision in healthcare market, with Europe and Asia Pacific following. The significant presence of North America in the global market can be attributed to factors such as region’s strong focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs which incentivizes the integration of computer vision solutions to streamline processes, enhance diagnostics, and optimize treatment pathways.
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Computer Vision in Healthcare Market Dynamics:
Drivers:
The healthcare sector is experiencing a growing need for computer vision systemsRestraints:
The resistance of medical practitioners towards adopting AI-based technologiesOpportunities:
Computer vision solutions for healthcare that are hosted in the cloudChallenge:
Lack of curated dataKey Market Players of Computer Vision in Healthcare Industry:
The key players functioning in the computer vision in healthcare market include NVIDIA Corporation (US), Intel Corporation (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (US), Google, Inc. (US), Basler AG (Germany), AiCure (US), iCAD, Inc. (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), SenseTime (China),  KEYENCE CORPORATION (Japan), Assert AI (India), Artisight (US), LookDeep Inc. (US), care.ai (US), CareView Communications (US), VirtuSense (US), Teton (Denmark), viso.ai (Switzerland), NANO-X IMAGING LTD. (Israel), Comofi Medtech Pvt. Ltd. (India), Avidtechvision (India), Roboflow, Inc. (US), Optotune (US) and CureMetrix, Inc. (US).
The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below:
By Company Type – Tier 1: 45%, Tier 2: 30%, and Tier 3: 25%By Designation – C-level: 42%, Director-level: 31%, and Others: 27%By Region – North America: 32%, Europe: 32%, Asia Pacific: 26%, Middle East & Africa: 5%, Latin America: 5%Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=231790940
Recent Developments of Computer Vision in Healthcare Industry:
In April 2024, iCAD partnered with RAD-AID to enhance breast cancer detection utilizing the AI technology in underserved regions and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).In March 2024, Microsoft and NVIDIA have broadened their longstanding collaboration with robust new integrations that harness cutting-edge NVIDIA generative AI and Omniverse technologies across Microsoft Azure, Azure AI services, Microsoft Fabric, and Microsoft 365.In February 2022, Advanced Micro Devices acquired Xilinx. This acquisition established the forefront leader in high-performance and adaptive computing, with a significantly expanded scale and the most formidable portfolio of leadership computing, graphics, and adaptive SoC products in the industry.Computer Vision in Healthcare Market – Key Benefits of Buying the Report:
This report will enrich established firms and new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the market’s pulse, which, in turn, would help them garner a greater share of the market. Firms purchasing the report could use one or a combination of the below-mentioned strategies to strengthen their positions in the market.
This report provides insights on:
Analysis of key drivers: (Increasing demand for computer vision systems in the healthcare industry, government initiatives to increase the adoption of AI-based technologies), restraints (Reluctance of medical practitioners to adopt AI-based technologies), opportunities (Cloud-based healthcare computer vision solutions), and challenges (Rising security concerns related to cloud-based image processing and analytics) influencing the growth of the computer vision in healthcare market.Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the computer vision in healthcare market.Market Development: Comprehensive information on the lucrative emerging markets, products & services, applications, end-users, and regions.Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about the product portfolios, growing geographies, recent developments, and investments in the computer vision in healthcare market.Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, product offerings, and capabilities of the leading players in the computer vision in healthcare market like NVIDIA Corporation (US), Intel Corporation (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (US), Google, Inc. (US).Related Reports:
Medical Robots Market – Global Forecasts to 2029
Minimally Invasive Surgery Market – Global Forecasts to 2029
Spinal Implants Market – Global Forecasts to 2028
Medical Waste Management Market – Global Forecasts to 2028
Operating Room Integration Market – Global Forecasts to 2028
Get access to the latest updates on Computer Vision in Healthcare Companies and Computer Vision in Healthcare Market Size
About MarketsandMarkets™:
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MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.
Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America’s best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.
The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.
Built on the ‘GIVE Growth’ principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies – helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore™ (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.
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