DIXONS RETAIL PLC
Full year results at the top end of expectations
Key Highlights
· Group underlying total sales(1) (2) flat in the full year with strong momentum in the final quarter.
- Group like for like sales(3) down 3% in the full year, up 5% in the final quarter.
- Like for like sales in the final quarter up 8% in the UK & Ireland and up 10% in the Nordics
· Growing share across most markets, particularly in the UK and Northern Europe.
· Underlying pre-tax profit(1) of £70.8 million (2010/11 profit of £85.3 million).
- Good progress in UK & Ireland and Northern Europe with profits up 15% and 12% respectively
- Offset by weaker performances in Southern Europe and PIXmania.
· Strong growth in multi-channel with sales up 30% in the second half.
· Net debt reduced to £104.0 million from £206.8 million year on year.
· £300 million revolving credit facility signed, extending the maturity date to June 2015.
· On target to repay £160 million 6.125% Bonds due 15 November 2012 and associated hedge cost of approximately £65 million.
· Customer satisfaction and advocacy measures continue to show good progress, particularly in the UK.
Financial Highlights
· Total Underlying Group salesflat at £8.19 billion (2010/11 £8.15 billion).
· Group gross margins down 0.3% in the full year.
- Gross margins flat in the UK in the full year.
- Northern Europe gross margins down 0.5% in the full year but recovering to flat in the second half.
· Total loss before tax of £118.8 million (2010/11 loss of £224.1 million), after non-underlying items(1) of £189.6 million, which are predominantly non-cash and comprise the write off of goodwill relating to Unieuro, Kotsovolos and PIXmania.
· Underlying diluted earnings per share(1) 1.1 pence (2010/11 earnings of 1.6 pence). Basic loss per share for continuing operations 4.3 pence (2010/11 loss per share of 6.6 pence).
· £60 million of cost reductions delivered in the year with £90 million targeted over the next two years.
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