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Natura and Avon Integration in Latam Continuing to Drive Healthier Profitability

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Strong performance of Natura Brand in Brazil combined with solid margin results from the Wave 2-implemented countries led to YoY profitability evolution and more than offset Avon International’s margin contraction amid sales deleverage

SÃO PAULO, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Natura &Co’s (B3: NTCO3) first quarter 2024 financial results (Q1-24), released today, showed increased profitability driven by solid results from Natura &Co Latam, which is benefiting from the integration of Natura and Avon in the region (referred to as ‘Wave 2’), coupled with richer country and brand mix. This more than offset the margin contraction at Avon International amid sales deleveraging. Natura &Co’s consolidated net revenue reached BRL 6.1 billion in Q1-24, up 1.1% vs Q1-23 in constant currency (CC) and down 5.7% year-on-year (YoY) in Brazilian Reais (BRL).

At Natura &Co Latam, Q1-24 revenues grew 3.1% YoY in CC. Natura Brazil was again the highlight, reporting an 11.3% YoY increase in Q1-24 revenues, attesting strong momentum despite the tough comparative base from Q1-23 when the brand had achieved a 25% YoY growth rate in the region. This performance includes retail sales which showed robust growth in the country, fueled by solid same-store sales and a still strong pace of store openings. The brand opened 132 stores in the last twelve months (13 own and 113 franchised), reaching a total network of 896 stores (115 own and 781 franchised). The results were also boosted by the successful launch of a fragrance sales campaign called “Perfumada”, which contributed to a richer product mix.

This strong result in Natura Brazil was offset by Avon Latam, which is still delivering soft top-line, with revenues down 11.3% in Brazil and 11.8% in Hispanic Latam, as a result of the impacts in the regions where Wave 2 was already implemented, including a smaller number of representatives in the base. Worth noting that Avon Brazil already showed improving top-line trends throughout the quarter.

Avon International had a slow start in Q1 in terms of revenue, down by 4.7% YoY in CC. Despite a decrease in revenue, primarily attributed to challenges in the direct selling channel, Avon showed resilience in other areas. Efforts to strengthen Gross Margin and streamline operations led to only a slight decrease in Adjusted EBITDA margin of -60 bps YoY (ex TBS) despite sales deleverage. The company is also actively exploring opportunities from other distribution channels, including retailers. Avon is already being sold in the UK via Superdrug, in Italy via Naima stores and in Turkey via representative’s retail franchise stores.

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Improved consolidated profitability is principally attributed to the expansion of gross margin that reached 65.2% in Q1-24, up 90 bps vs. Q1-23 driven by the strong gross margin expansion from Latam (+170 bps). Adjusted EBITDA reached BRL 683 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 110 bps YoY.

Q1-24 reported net loss was BRL 935 million, compared to a net loss of BRL 652 million in Q1-23, impacted by discontinued operations, higher taxes from country mix and FX losses and hyperinflation accounting impacts. The Underlying Net Income, which is net income excluding transformation costs, restructuring costs, discontinued operations and PPA effects, was BRL 116 million (vs. a loss of BRL 373 million in Q1-23 or BRL 260 million excluding TBS and Aesop). Excluding the one-off of BRL 137 million of losses related to transferring cash out from Argentina, Underlying Net Income would be a profit of BRL 21 million in the quarter.

Fabio Barbosa, Group CEO of Natura &Co, commented: “We are encouraged that the first quarter of the year showed positive recurring results with a consolidated margin expansion of 110 bps vs previous year, driven by solid results from Natura &Co Latam, benefiting from the Natura and Avon integration in the region, coupled with richer country and brand mix. This more than offset the margin contraction at Avon International amid sales deleveraging. From a cash conversion perspective, seasonal cash consumption also improved on a YoY basis to BRL-1.0 billion (excluding one-off discontinued operations tax payments), compared to a pro-forma (excluding TBS) of BRL -1.4 billion in the same period last year or BRL -1.8 billion reported in Q1-23.

The ongoing roll-out of Wave 2 is a pivotal step in our transformational process, and although we have experienced expected and unexpected challenges in its implementation, we continue to see sustainable improvements in key metrics such as productivity, cross selling, and better portfolio mix, resulting in gross margin improvement in all countries where Wave 2 was implemented. In Brazil, Avon still experienced headwinds impacting the top-line, but with an improving trend month over month, and we expect Avon’s top-line to stabilize in the second half of the year. We also saw significant margin expansion in Peru and Colombia as Wave 2 results start to impact the P&L in full while investments in channel and other one-offs start to fade away.

As expected, our integration initiative is driving improved savings in both G&A and selling expenses, although the latter is being offset by higher marketing investments and other initiatives focused on improving service levels. The solid start to the year gives us confidence that the initiatives we are implementing are beginning to deliver the expected results and we are extremely confident with the potential of the integration of both brands in Latam.

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Avon International had a slow start of the year, following a solid Q4 2023 profitability performance. The new management team took office in January and is working on simplifying the market, focusing on key countries, and enhancing our portfolio with superior promotional execution. We believe these steps are crucial to stabilize revenues and keep us on track to improve profitability.

We are also continuing to study a possible separation of Avon and Natura, as we announced in February, in line with our goal of simplifying our corporate structure and giving more autonomy to the business units. We will inform the market as soon as we have news on this subject.

Lastly, but certainly not least, our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. We are closely monitoring the situation and extending our support to our vast network of nearly 100,000 people in the area, including Beauty Consultants, colleagues and partners. Through telemedicine and our Social Center, we are providing critical medical, social and psychological support. In addition, Natura &Co Latam will replenish lost inventory, forgive debts, defer payments for affected consultants and franchisees, and has designated two spaces as donation hubs for several companies to facilitate logistics. All these initiatives already exceed the amount of BRL 10 million.

With the aim of engaging our network to continue supporting those most affected, we have launched a matching funds initiative to help consultants most affected by the floods to rebuild their homes. For every real donated, Natura commits to matching it with another real. We expect to reach one million reais by May 30th.”

The full earning report and financial statements can be accessed at https://ri.naturaeco.com/en/.

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About Natura &Co

Natura &Co is a global purpose-driven group uniting Natura and Avon brands. We connect more than 200 million clients worldwide, engaging them through 7 million dedicated Consultants and Representatives, 900 stores and franchises, and 22,000 employees. 

We believe in promoting real positive economic, social, and environmental impact. We believe that the world does not need another big company. The world needs symbols of change capable of blazing new trails and inspiring others to follow. We believe in the power of cooperation, co-creation, and collaboration for a better way of living and doing business. 

We are Natura &Co. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/natura-and-avon-integration-in-latam-continuing-to-drive-healthier-profitability-302144795.html

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Latest News

Nasdaq Profit Beats Estimates as Fintech Sales Soar

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Nasdaq Inc. has reported earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations, driven by a surge in fintech sales. This strong performance underscores the growing importance of fintech solutions in driving financial market innovation and growth.

Overview of Nasdaq’s Financial Performance

Nasdaq’s latest earnings report reveals impressive financial performance, with profits surpassing estimates due to robust growth in its fintech segment.

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Key Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue Growth: Nasdaq reported a significant increase in revenue, primarily driven by its fintech sales.
  • Earnings Beat: The company’s earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analysts’ expectations, highlighting its strong financial performance.
  • Fintech Segment: The fintech segment emerged as a key growth driver, contributing significantly to the overall revenue increase.

The Role of Fintech in Nasdaq’s Growth

Nasdaq’s fintech solutions have played a pivotal role in its recent financial success, offering innovative technologies that enhance market operations and customer services.

Key Fintech Solutions:

  • Market Technology: Nasdaq’s market technology solutions provide advanced trading, clearing, and market surveillance capabilities to financial institutions and exchanges.
  • Data and Analytics: The company’s data and analytics solutions offer valuable insights and support informed decision-making for market participants.
  • Corporate Solutions: Nasdaq’s corporate solutions include governance, risk management, and compliance tools that help companies navigate complex regulatory environments.

Factors Driving Fintech Sales Growth

Several factors have contributed to the surge in Nasdaq’s fintech sales, reflecting broader trends in the financial technology sector.

Key Drivers:

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  • Digital Transformation: The ongoing digital transformation in the financial industry has increased demand for advanced fintech solutions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Growing regulatory requirements have driven demand for compliance and risk management solutions.
  • Market Volatility: Increased market volatility has highlighted the need for robust trading and market surveillance technologies.

Strategic Initiatives

Nasdaq has undertaken several strategic initiatives to capitalize on the growing demand for fintech solutions and drive long-term growth.

Strategic Focus Areas:

  • Innovation: Continuously investing in innovation to develop cutting-edge fintech solutions that address the evolving needs of the financial industry.
  • Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with other technology providers and financial institutions to enhance its product offerings and expand market reach.
  • Global Expansion: Expanding its presence in key markets around the world to capture new growth opportunities and serve a broader client base.

Future Prospects

Nasdaq’s strong financial performance and strategic initiatives position the company for continued growth in the fintech sector. The company plans to leverage its technological capabilities and market expertise to drive further innovation and expand its fintech offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Product Development: Developing new fintech products and features to meet emerging market needs and regulatory requirements.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Exploring potential mergers and acquisitions to enhance its technology portfolio and market position.
  • Customer Engagement: Enhancing customer engagement through personalized solutions and services that address specific client needs.

Conclusion

Nasdaq’s impressive financial performance, driven by a surge in fintech sales, underscores the growing importance of fintech solutions in the financial market. The company’s strategic focus on innovation, partnerships, and global expansion positions it for continued growth and success. As Nasdaq continues to leverage its fintech capabilities, it is well-positioned to drive financial market innovation and deliver value to its clients and shareholders.

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Source of the news: Reuters

The post Nasdaq Profit Beats Estimates as Fintech Sales Soar appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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K1 Issues MariaDB Compulsory Acquisition Notices

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MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian BidCo LLC (“Bidco“), an affiliate of K1 Investment Management, LLC (“K1“), announced earlier this week that its tender offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of MariaDB plc (“MariaDB“) for $0.55 per share (the “Offer“) had expired. The Offer was settled in accordance with its terms on July 25, 2024. Bidco now owns 61,263,283 MariaDB ordinary shares, representing 88.70% of the issued share capital of MariaDB as of July 22, 2024.

As previously announced, Bidco now intends to apply the provisions of Sections 456 to 460 of the Companies Act of 2014 of Ireland to acquire compulsorily, on the same terms as the Offer, any outstanding ordinary shares of MariaDB not acquired or agreed to be acquired pursuant to the Offer. 

On July 26, 2024, Bidco sent compulsory acquisition notices (the “Notices“) to those MariaDB shareholders who did not accept the Offer (the “Non-Assenting Shareholders“). Following the expiration of 30 calendar days from the date of the Notices, which is expected to be August 25, 2024 (the “Expiration Time“), unless a Non-Assenting Shareholder has applied to the Irish High Court and the Irish High Court orders otherwise, the shares of MariaDB held by Non-Assenting Shareholders will be acquired compulsorily by Bidco (without any action on the part of such shareholders) on the same terms as the Offer, on or about August 26, 2024. The cash consideration payable will be settled no later than three business days after the Expiration Time. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless.

Following the compulsory acquisition process, Bidco intends to cause the ordinary shares of MariaDB to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and terminate the registration of the MariaDB ordinary shares under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act“), and suspend MariaDB’s reporting obligations under the Exchange Act as promptly as possible.

Enquiries

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Lazard (Financial Advisor to K1 and Bidco)
Adrian Duchini, Keiran Wilson, Charles White

                              Tel: +44 20 7187 2000

Haven Tower Group (Public Relations Advisor to K1)

Donald Cutler, Brandon Blackwell

                                                 Tel: +1 424 317 4850

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Important Notices

The K1 Responsible Persons (being the investment committee of K1), the Bidco officers and the Meridian TopCo LLC Officers accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the K1 Responsible Persons, the Bidco Officers, the Topco Officers, (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case) the information contained in this announcement for which they have accepted responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, together with its affiliate Lazard & Co., Limited (which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority) (“Lazard“), is acting exclusively as financial adviser to K1 and Bidco and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than K1 and Bidco for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lazard nor for providing advice in relation to the matters referred to in this announcement or any other matters referred to in this announcement. Neither Lazard nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Lazard in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement (including any information incorporated by reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the Offer, and other information published by MariaDB, Bidco, K1 or any member of the K1 Group (as defined below) contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be, “forward looking statements.” Such forward looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and on numerous assumptions regarding the business strategies and the environment in which any member of the K1 Group (including, after closing of the Offer, any of MariaDB and its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings (the “MariaDB Group“)) shall operate in the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. The forward looking statements contained in this announcement relate to K1, any member of the K1 Group’s (including any member of the MariaDB Group) future prospects, developments and business strategies, the progress of the compulsory acquisition process, the outcome of legal proceedings that may be instituted against the K1 Group and/or others relating to the Offer, potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the Offer, significant or unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Offer, negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the Offer on the market price of MariaDB’s Shares, and potential failure to realize the expected benefits of the Offer and other statements other than historical facts. In some cases, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the terms “believes,” “estimates,” “will look to,” “would look to,” “plans,” “prepares,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “is expected to,” “is subject to,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “shall” or “should” or their negatives or other variations or comparable terminology. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that shall occur in the future. These events and circumstances include changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive, and market conditions and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and future business combinations or disposals. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. Neither K1, Bidco nor any member of the K1 Group, nor any of their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers, provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward looking statements in this announcement shall actually occur. The forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. All subsequent oral or written forward looking statements attributable to any of K1 and all of its affiliates, including K5 Private Investors, L.P. (the “K1 Group“), or any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employees or advisers, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. K1 and the K1 Group expressly disclaim any obligation to update such statements other than as required by law or by the rules of any competent regulatory authority, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Further Information

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to sell or invitation to purchase any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In particular, this announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/k1-issues-mariadb-compulsory-acquisition-notices-302207896.html

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Simona Covaliu Appointed New CRO of PayU GPO

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Simona Covaliu has been appointed as the new Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of PayU Global Payment Organization (GPO). This significant appointment marks a strategic move by PayU to bolster its risk management framework amid the evolving landscape of financial technology and payment solutions.

Background and Expertise

Simona Covaliu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. With a strong background in risk management, she has previously held senior positions in several leading financial institutions. Her extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance, operational risk, and strategic risk management makes her an ideal fit for PayU’s ambitious growth plans.

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Career Highlights:

  • Senior Risk Management Roles: Covaliu has held various senior positions where she successfully implemented robust risk management frameworks.
  • Regulatory Expertise: Her deep understanding of global regulatory requirements has been instrumental in navigating complex compliance landscapes.
  • Strategic Leadership: Covaliu has a proven track record of leading risk management teams and driving strategic initiatives to mitigate risk.

Role and Responsibilities

As the new CRO of PayU GPO, Covaliu will be responsible for overseeing the company’s global risk management strategy. Her primary focus will be on enhancing risk mitigation practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting the organization against emerging threats.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Risk Assessment: Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that PayU complies with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Strategic Risk Management: Developing and implementing strategic risk management initiatives to safeguard the company’s operations.
  • Operational Risk Management: Enhancing operational risk management practices to improve efficiency and resilience.

Strategic Vision

Covaliu’s appointment reflects PayU’s commitment to strengthening its risk management framework and maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance. Her strategic vision will play a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring its long-term success.

Strategic Goals:

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  • Enhanced Risk Framework: Building a robust risk management framework that aligns with PayU’s growth objectives.
  • Global Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across all markets where PayU operates.
  • Innovation and Resilience: Leveraging innovative risk management practices to enhance operational resilience and support business continuity.

Conclusion

Simona Covaliu’s appointment as the new CRO of PayU GPO underscores the company’s dedication to robust risk management and regulatory compliance. With her extensive experience and strategic vision, Covaliu is well-positioned to lead PayU’s risk management efforts and support its continued growth in the dynamic fintech landscape.

Source of the news: Fintech Futures

The post Simona Covaliu Appointed New CRO of PayU GPO appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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