Dorel dented by Toys “R” Us fallout in Q1 financials

Dorel’s latest financial results reveal the extent to which Toys “R” Us entering liquidation affected the Cannondale parent.

According to today’s release, the liquidation of the toys giant in the U.S. resulted in a first quarter impairment loss on trade accounts receivable of US$12.5 million, or US$0.29 per diluted share, comprising of US$2.1 million within Dorel Home, US$3.8 million within Dorel Juvenile and US$6.6 million within Dorel Sports. This was in addition to the US$3.8 million recorded by Dorel in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Revenue specifically within the sports division declined year-on-year.

All of this meant that the group posted a shallow total revenue decline from US$646.7 million a year ago to US$642.3 million. Net income US$4.7 million, or US$0.14 per diluted share, compared to US$8.8 million or US$0.27 per diluted share last year.

“As we reported in March, all of our business units are being affected by the Toys“R”Us situation. We estimate that company-wide sales were reduced by approximately US$7 million in the quarter. The Toys“R”Us liquidation in the U.S. may cause a market disruption in the short-term, but we believe this situation will stabilize, and both the Juvenile and Sports business will shift to other retailers or other channels during the second half. While we were anticipating a slower start to the year, the first quarter was more difficult than originally expected at Dorel Juvenile and Dorel Sports. Dorel Home had a solid quarter with a slow start in January, followed by revenue acceleration in the rest of the quarter and into April. Their warehouse network processed a record number of packages in the e-commerce channel in March. There are numerous exciting new products being launched through 2018 and we feel that these introductions, coupled with our strong brand recognition, will find traction with consumers,” stated Dorel President & CEO, Martin Schwartz.

Looking forwards, Dorel pinpoints electric and road bike launches from Cannondale as something likely to give the business a shot in the arm. Europe will be the focal point for Cannondale’s electric bike business.

Furthermore, the statement mentions a new category of “interactive ride-ons” that has been developed to launch in Q3, which “will set Dorel Sports apart from the competition.”

“While 2018 started with lower sales and earnings than initially expected, we still expect improvements over last year as the year progresses. We are confident that much of the lost Toys“R”Us sales will be recovered commencing in the second half. At Dorel Home, since a slow January, sales have bounced back and as such, we remain committed to further growth in revenue and higher operating profit in 2018,” stated Dorel President & CEO, Martin Schwartz.

“Dorel Juvenile’s new product introductions were slightly delayed and many significant launches are still to come this year and into 2019. The impact of the Toys“R”Us liquidation, the reduced earnings in our Chilean business, and increases in costs in China may dampen earnings in the short-term. However, we are seeing e-commerce growth and point-of-sale increases in many of our markets, and our planned new product introductions have never been as strong. As a result, we still expect revenue and adjusted operating profit improvement, in the second half of the year.

“Dorel Sports’ second quarter earnings may be reduced by the residual impact of the Toys“R”Us insolvency as they liquidate on-hand inventory, and by the poor April weather in most of our markets. As we enter the second half of the year, the hangover effect of the Toys“R”Us liquidation should dissipate and our upcoming new products are expected to drive improved sales and adjusted operating profit,” concluded Mr. Schwartz.