1.2.2 2022 outlook

On the strength of its record performance in 2021, Edenred is confident as it moves into 2022 and intends to keep delivering sustained organic growth across all of the regions where the Group operates and all of its business lines. Edenred can notably count on its dynamic sales teams to continue increasing penetration of its markets. And the Group will be able to capitalize on positive structural trends, such as the development of remote working, the shift to more digital usage patterns and the trend toward more responsible behaviors, thanks to its ability to drive product and technology innovation and thereby more simply and efficiently connect 50 million users and 2 million partner merchants via its 900,000 clients every day.

Edenred should also benefit from economic tailwinds such as higher inflation, rising interest rates and lower unemployment.

In addition, Edenred intends to push ahead with its external growth strategy by consolidating the high-potential markets in which it operates, leveraging an investment capacity of more than €1.5 billion.

As a result, for 2022, the Group is confirming the annual targets set in its Next Frontier strategic plan:

  • like-for-like operating revenue growth of more than 8%;
  • like-for-like EBITDA growth of more than 10%;
  • free cash flow/EBITDA conversion rate of more than 65%(1).

These objectives are based on the assumptions described above, the characteristics of Edenred and the markets on which the Group operates (see section 1.1), and the implementation of its strategy (see section 1.2.1). These objectives draw on data, assumptions and estimates that the Group considers reasonable at the date of publication of this document. They were prepared on a basis comparable to the historical financial information and consistent with the accounting policies of the Group.

 

1.3 2021 highlights and 2022 financial calendar

1.3.1 2021 highlights(2)

Purpose

  • Edenred unveils its purpose: “Enrich connections. For good.” at its General Meeting on May 11, 2021 (News dated May 11, 2021).

ENRICH CONNECTIONS.

“Enrich connections.” reflects the Group’s expertise in transforming each transaction into an enhanced experience, into a smart, safe and efficient connection, while enhancing its value. Indeed, beyond payments, each transaction, each connection, addresses specific needs to enhance employees’ well-being, improve companies’ efficiency and attractiveness, vitalize the economy and the local employment market, and enhance the efficiency and traceability of public policies.

 

FOR GOOD.

“For good.” is a message of progress and the possibility of a better future. Edenred solutions have a positive impact on health and well-being. They support the local economy, protect vulnerable communities and preserve the environment.

“For good.” is also a promise: in a world where many connections are fleeting, Edenred sets out to form solid, lasting bonds – meaningful, trust-based connections.

 

Employee Benefits

  • Edenred and Gecina are working to transform the lunch break experience with the “virtual canteen” (Press release dated July 27, 2021).

Gecina, Europe’s leading office real estate company, and Edenred, the world leader in specific-purpose payment solutions, are joining forces to make the lunchtime experience more flexible for YouFirst brand clients, thanks to the Ticket Restaurant.

  • Edenred and sunday join forces to develop a pay-at-table solution for restaurants in France (News dated December 15, 2021).

Edenred, the leader in specific-purpose payment solutions in France and worldwide, has joined forces with sunday, the world’s fastest way to pay in restaurants thanks to a QR code on the table. The alliance will enable Edenred Ticket Restaurant card users to pay their lunch bill in under ten seconds after eating, without even having to call the waiter.

By joining forces, Edenred and sunday are taking the digitalization of lunch breaks to the next level and providing Edenred Ticket Restaurant card users in France with an innovative payment solution that is perfectly in line with new consumer restaurant habits.

(1) Based on constant regulations and methods.
(2) Press releases are posted on www.edenred.com, here
(https://www.edenred.com/en/investisseurs-actionnaires/information-reglementee/communiques-de-presse)
and here (https://www.edenred.com/en/medias-journalistes/actualites-et-communiques-de-presse).