Interim Results.
Financial Summary for the 26 weeks
· Total sales from continuing operations £288.6m (2011: £333.7m), down 13.5%.
Like for like sales (from continuing operations) down 10.2% (2011: down 11.9%)
· Operating loss before exceptional items from continuing operations of £24.1m (2011: loss of £33.2m)
· Total Group loss after tax and exceptional items reduced to £36.1m (2011: loss of £50.1m)
· Adjusted EPS from continuing operations1 improved to loss of 8.1p (2011: loss of 9.1p). Basic EPS loss from continuing operations of 8.8p (2011: loss of 11.3p)
· Net cash outflows from operating activities £33.5m (2011: outflow of £28.4m)
· Underlying net debt2 of £176.1m (2011: £163.7m)
Business Update
· New CEO and CFO recruited in September 2012
· Growing market share in all formats with suppliers continuing to provide strong support
· Disappointing release schedule in summer 2012 impacted sales but LFL trend improved in the second quarter
· Current market trading conditions result in material uncertainties facing the business. Probable covenant breach at the end of January 2013
· Constructive discussions with the Group's banks including keeping them fully informed in relation to current trading
Commenting, Chief Executive Trevor Moore said:
"HMV has had a difficult first half. However, the business has started to deliver a number of new initiatives which will help to maximise the seasonal sales opportunity and provide a platform for growth in 2013.
Additionally, as we trade through this period we will continue to develop further initiatives with our suppliers and I will provide updates at the appropriate time."