Final Results

RNS Number : 1555O

DSG International PLC

24 June 2010

 

FULL YEAR RESULTS

24 June 2010 - PR 60/10

Strictly embargoed

For release at 07.00 hours

 

DSG international plc

 

Full year profits at top end of expectations, up 61%

Strong second half performance

 

DSG international plc, one of Europe's largest specialist electrical retailers, today announces preliminary audited results for the 52 weeks ended 1 May 2010:

Financial Highlights

·; Total Underlying Group sales(1) (2) up 4% to £8,531.6 million (2008/09 £8,180.2 million).

·; Total Group sales, including those from closed businesses, up 3% to £8,532.5 million (2008/09 £8,317.8 million).

·; Group like for like sales(3) up 2% in the full year and up 6% in the second half.

·; Underlying Group gross margins flat across the full year.

·; Underlying EBIT(4) up 60% at £133.2 million (2008/09 £83.0 million).

·; Significant profit improvements across the Group including UK & Ireland up 21% and Nordics up 28%.

·; Underlying pre-tax profit(2) up 61% at £90.5 million (2008/09 £56.1 million).

·; Underlying diluted earnings per share(2) up 50% at 1.5 pence (2008/09(5) 1.0 pence). Basic earnings per share for continuing operations of 1.7 pence (2008/09 loss per share of (10.2) pence).

·; Total profit before tax after net non-underlying items was £112.7 million (2008/09 loss £(123.6) million).

·; Free Cash Flow(6) of £28.1 million before restructuring and impairment charges (2008/09 outflow of £(340.0) million).

·; As at 1 May 2010 the Group had net debt of £(220.6) million (2008/09 £(477.5) million).

·; New £360 million revolving credit facility signed with syndicate of banks, providing the Group with flexibility.

John Browett, Chief Executive, commented:

"Focus on our customers drives everything we do and I am delighted with the excellent progress we have made over the past twelve months as we continue to transform the Group, despite the recessionary environment across Europe. We have made significant improvements throughout the business, transforming the shopping experience for customers with better choice, value and service both in stores and online. We are now two years into the Renewal and Transformation plan and are encouraged by the improved profitability and competitiveness it continues to deliver."

 

Operational Highlights

·; Group name of Dixons Retail plc to be ratified by shareholders at the AGM.

·; Renewal & Transformation plan improving the offer for customers.

·; Store transformation programme on track:

- Over 200 stores reformatted across the Group by the year end;

- Additional 80 reformatted stores to be opened by Peak in the UK, including 21 Megastores;

- Two thirds of store portfolio by sales will be transformed in the UK by October 2010;

- Nordic store reformatting continues, with 16 Megastores now open;

- Portfolio review completed with over 160 stores exited over the last 2 years.

·; Reformatted stores continue to perform strongly:

- Average gross profit uplifts of 20% versus the rest of the chains;

- Average gross profit uplifts of 50% achieved in the Megastores and 2-in-1s;

- Second year trading for reformatted stores remains strong.

·; Significant improvements to services for customers:-

- Further compelling services for customers launched including free delivery slots, next day timed delivery slots and 'follow-me-home' services from Megastores;

- Better availability of stock in store with stock turn up 12% year on year;

- Satisfaction measures rising, due to focus on service, connectivity, delivery, installation and repair.

·; Good progress with online operations:-

- Pure internet sales of £1.4 billion, representing 16% of total Group sales;

- Successful roll-out of 'e-merchant' operating platform to UK internet sites.

·; International plans making progress:-

- Turnaround plans in Italy ahead of schedule with positive like for like sales and margin improvements;

- Greece and Spain weathering economic challenges well and gaining market share.

·; £200 million 4 year cost saving programme on track, delivering £50 million reduction in the year.

·; UK defined benefit pension scheme closed to future accruals thereby reducing risk for the Group.

·; On track for medium term target of a 3%-4% EBIT return on sales.

 

Outlook

The economic backdrop across Europe has remained challenging throughout the year. The Group expects these conditions to continue in the coming year in many of its markets where consumer spending is likely to come under pressure from fiscal tightening. The Group is well prepared for this environment and continues to focus on improving the offer for customers while managing costs, margins, stock turn and cash flow. Consequently, given the Renewal and Transformation plan, Group profitability will continue to improve.

 

 

For further information

Investor Relations: David Lloyd-Seed	Group Communications Director, DSGi	01727 205065
Press and Media: Mark Webb	Head of Media Relations, DSGi	01727 205019
Jayne Rosefield	Brunswick Group	020 7404 5959
Information on DSG international plc is available at http://www.dsgiplc.com
An audio webcast of the analyst presentation being held this morning will be available from 3.00pm today at http://www.dsgiplc.com (click "financial information", then "presentations").

 

(1) Underlying Group sales exclude sales from closed businesses and discontinued operations. Closed businesses comprise the operations of PC City in Sweden and Markantalo in Finland. Discontinued operations comprise Poland and Hungary.

(2) Throughout this statement, references are made to 'underlying' performance measures. Underlying results are defined as excluding trading results from closed businesses, the amortisation of acquired intangibles, net restructuring and business impairment charges and other one off non-recurring items, profit on sale of investments, net fair value remeasurements of financial instruments and, where applicable, discontinued operations. These excluded items are described as 'non-underlying'. The financial effect of these items is shown in the analyses on the face of the income statement and in note 3 to the financial information.

(3) Like for like sales are calculated based on stores that have been open for a full financial year both at the beginning and end of the financial period and are calculated using constant exchange rates. Customer support agreement sales are excluded from all UK like for like calculations. Operations that are subject to closure have sales excluded as of the announcement date. Stores subject to a refurbishment are excluded during the period of refurbishment.

(4) Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), or Operating Profit, are defined as underlying earnings from retail operations before deduction of net finance costs and tax.

(5) The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of earnings per share for the periods prior to the rights issue, which completed on 9 June 2009, has been multiplied by an adjustment factor to reflect the bonus element of the shares issued under the terms of the rights issue (as described in note 6 to the financial information). The adjustment factor used was 1.2138.

(6) Free Cash Flow relates to continuing operations and comprises net cash flow from operating activities before special pension contributions, less net finance costs, less income tax paid and net capital expenditure.

(7) Unless otherwise noted, throughout this statement figures relate to continuing operations, excluding the results of closed businesses. Total revenue including discontinued operations and closed businesses was £8,543.4 million (2008/09 £8,415.1 million).

(8) Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

 

UNDERLYING SALES AND PROFIT ANALYSIS

		Underlying sales				Underlying profit /(loss)
		52 weeks ended  1 May 2010 £million	52 weeks ended  2 May 2009 £million	Like for like(2) % change		52 weeks ended 1 May 2010 £million	52 weeks ended 2 May 2009 £million
UK & Ireland Electricals		2,650.6	2,657.8	(1)%		32.0	17.7
UK Computing		1,362.9	1,570.8	(9)%		39.1	41.0
UK & Ireland		4,013.5	4,228.6	(3)%		71.1	58.7
Nordics		2,093.7	1,625.2	13%		97.4	76.1
Other International		1,503.2	1,519.0	flat		(8.3)	(23.7)
e-commerce		921.2	807.4	11%		11.3	15.0
Central Costs		-	-			(19.5)	(25.0)
Total Group Retail		8,531.6	8,180.2	2%		152.0	101.1
Property losses						(18.8)	(18.1)
EBIT						133.2	83.0
Underlying net finance costs						(42.7)	(26.9)
Group underlying profit before tax						90.5	56.1

 

NOTES

(1) UK & Ireland Electricals comprises Currys, CurrysDigital and Dixons Travel in the UK as well as the operations in Ireland.

(2) UK Computing comprises PC World, DSGi Business and The TechGuys. Like for like sales are for PC World only.

(3) Nordics comprises the Elkjøp group (Elkjøp, El Giganten, Gigantti and Lefdal).

(4) Other International comprises Greece (Kotsovolos and Electro World), Cyprus (Kotsovolos), Italy (UniEuro, PC City Italy and Dixons Travel Italy), Spain (PC City Spain), Turkey (Electro World), Czech Republic (Electro World) and Slovakia (Electro World).

(5) e-commerce division comprises PIXmania and Dixons.co.uk.

 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Underlying Group sales (excluding discontinued operations and closed businesses) were up 4% to £8,531.6 million (2008/09 £8,180.2 million) and up 2% on a like for like basis. Underlying Group sales were up 2% at constant exchange rates. Total Group sales (including closed businesses) were up 3% to £8,532.5 million (2008/09 £8,317.8 million). Group gross margins were flat across the year.

 

Group underlying EBIT (underlying profit before interest and tax) increased by 60% to £133.2 million (2008/09 £83.0 million). Group underlying profit before tax was up 61% at £90.5 million (2008/09 £56.1 million). Total profit before tax, after adding back non-underlying items of £22.2 million, was £112.7 million (2008/09 loss before tax of £(123.6) million).

 

UK & IRELAND

Total sales in the UK & Ireland were down 5% to £4,013.5 million (2008/09 £4,228.6 million) and like for like sales were down 3% across the year. Like for like sales in the second half were up 3% as the Renewal and Transformation plan began to deliver benefits. Underlying operating profit for the full year was up 21% at £71.1 million (2008/09 £58.7 million).

 

The economic environment in the UK & Ireland remained challenging across the year. During the first half the Group was focused on cash margins while much of the Renewal and Transformation and store reformatting was taking place. The business then experienced a strong Christmas Peak as the benefits of the plan started to improve the business performance and deliver market share gains in all major categories.

  UK & Ireland Electricals includes Currys, CurrysDigital and Dixons Travel in the UK and Currys and PC World in Ireland. Total sales were flat year on year at £2,650.6 million (2008/09 £2,657.8 million) with like for like sales down 1%, across the year, but up 6% in the second half. Underlying operating profit improved by 81% to £32.0 million (2008/09 £17.7 million).

 

UK Computing includes PC World, DSGi Business and TechGuys. Total sales were down 13% at £1,362.9 million (2008/09 £1,570.8 million) with like for like sales down 9%. The decline in sales was predominantly driven by lower sales in the DSGi Business operations as small businesses reduced capital expenditure during the credit crunch. Despite the weak sales environment, underlying operating profit was relatively stable at £39.1 million (2008/09 £41.0 million).

 

UK & Ireland has historically been reported separately as UK & Ireland Electricals and UK Computing. A key objective of the Renewal and Transformation plan is to remove complexity, simplify processes, make operations easier for colleagues and reduce costs in the Group. As a result the back office functions supporting the PC World, Currys, CurrysDigital and Dixons Travel operations have been brought together with the combined commercial, merchandising and buying teams supporting all brands. The logistics infrastructure has also been consolidated with the main warehouse in Newark providing one fulfilment centre for stores and customers. In addition, with an increasing number of combined 2-in-1 Currys and PC World stores, the Electricals and Computing operations in the UK & Ireland will no longer report figures separately and will consequently be reported as one operation going forward.

 

The main focus of the Renewal and Transformation plan has, to date, primarily benefitted the UK & Ireland operations. The stores are benefitting from improved ranges and selling service. All colleagues have now undergone FIVES training, our bespoke training programme focusing on understanding and meeting a customer's needs as well as improving product knowledge. Stock management processes have been improved significantly, improving availability and ranges while controlling costs and working capital utilised in the business.

 

During the year significant improvements have been made to the services infrastructure. This enables Currys and PC World to offer customers flexible options to suit their needs even better, from the market leading next day delivery in 3 hour timed slots to free delivery. Delivery times continue to improve with 'right first time' achieving 97% with 'right second time' even higher. Utilising our logistics infrastructure we are able to offer free recycling without materially impacting costs or carbon emissions.

 

The repair and support operations have been restructured improving processes and reducing costs. A new state of the art repair facility for TVs and laptops has been opened in Newark. These changes have enabled the Group to considerably improve repair times, for example, halving the average repair time for televisions to 6 days, with further improvements under way. The contact centre was successfully brought back in house enabling us to improve the quality of service and support offered to our customers.

 

Dixons Travel continues to perform well. The new format stores are being rolled out to existing locations bringing improved ranges, play tables and store layouts to the airport stores. Dixons Travel initiated its overseas expansion opening stores in Rome airport. Since the year end Dixons Travel has opened a store in Dublin airport. Further international locations are expected to be added over time.

 

The TechGuys continues to be a valued differentiator providing service and expertise to customers. The TechGuys service desk is now operational in PC World and combined 2-in-1 stores and has been incorporated in the Currys Megastores. In August the TechGuys launched a range of over 60 enhanced services for customers as well as introducing "Club" and "Premier Club" options for the "Whateverhappens" customer support agreements. Under the "Premier Club", support agreement customers experience enhanced levels of service such as faster response times and the loan of a product if theirs has to be taken away for repair.

 

In Ireland, the economic environment has been particularly tough. The business there took early actions to manage costs resulting in an improving performance in the second half with sales and profits up year on year.

 

DSGi Business experienced an extremely challenging trading environment as smaller businesses reduced capital expenditure during the credit crunch. The new management team is focused on managing costs and cash. The B2B operations are well placed to benefit when small businesses restart investment as the economic environment improves.

 

As at 18 June 2010 the Group had transformed 164 stores in total in the UK, of which 12 were Megastores and 20 were combined 2-in-1 Currys and PC World Superstores. The transformed stores continue to deliver gross profit uplifts of 20%, with uplifts of 50% in the Megastores and combined 2-in-1 Currys and PC World stores. Management estimate that the transformed stores benefitted the like for like sales in the UK by approximately 3% across the year. While there are a limited number of reformatted stores over a year old, performance in the second year remains strong.

 

Having traded the new format stores through the important Peak period the Group has determined the appropriate portfolio and transformation programme going forward, and announced its intention to reduce the number of stores in the UK to approximately 500 (excluding stores under the Dixons Travel brand) over time. The Megastore and 2-in-1 combined stores are proving to be particularly popular with customers. 70 locations for the Megastore format have been identified with 60 being developed using existing stores in the portfolio and the remainder resulting from the relocation of existing stores. In addition the Group expects to have approximately 330 out of town superstores, predominantly of the combined 2-in-1 Currys and PC World format which can be similarly created from within the existing portfolio. With limited overlap between the PC World and Currys customer demographic the combined 2-in-1 stores provide access to the PC World brand in existing Currys markets. The Group also expects to continue to operate up to 100 High Street locations.

 

In the UK & Ireland the Group expects to refurbish approximately 100 stores during the 2010/11 financial year, with the majority to be completed before Christmas 2010, as follows:-

·; 21 new Megastores, taking the total in the UK to 33 Megastores;

·; 44 combined 2-in-1 Currys and PC World stores;

·; 12 Currys and PC World standalone Superstores; and

·; 3 CurrysDigital High Street stores.

 

The Group has also been implementing those parts of the store transformation programme to existing stores across the portfolio that improve the shopping trip for customers but require little or no additional expenditure. As a result these stores have already benefitted from the improved ranges, colleague training, and enhanced after sales help and support.

 

NORDICS

In the Nordic region, Elkjøp delivered a very strong performance with sales increasing by 22% in local currency and 29% in sterling to £2,093.7 million (2008/09 £1,625.2 million). Like for like sales were up 16% in the second half and up 13% across the year. Underlying operating profits increased by 28% to £97.4 million (2008/09 £76.1 million). Nordic region results are stated excluding the businesses of PC City in Sweden and Markantalo in Finland closed at the beginning of the financial year.

 

Elkjøp performed very strongly in all of its markets and product categories. It has performed particularly strongly in Sweden and Denmark despite the more challenging economic environments experienced in these markets across the year. With excellent in store service and customer engagement, the Nordic business is the preferred operating model for the Group and practices are being increasingly shared across all of the Group's divisions. Management continue to simplify the business, taking out costs and reducing complexity. The efficient central operating structure, customer focused business model and strong market positions have enabled Elkjøp to gain market share from other competitors.

 

Elkjøp has now opened 16 Megastores which have performed particularly well. It has also started a programme to refurbish existing superstores using the same principles employed in the UK businesses.

 

Elkjøp's multi-channel offering continued to grow in all markets doubling its sales through the internet during the year. Its Reserve and Collect service continues to be well received by customers.

 

OTHER INTERNATIONAL

This division comprises operations in Italy, Greece, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Turkey. Total sales were down 5% at constant exchange rates and by 1% in sterling to £1,503.2 million (2008/09 £1,519.0 million). A better performance in the second half with like for like sales up 4% resulted in a flat like for like performance across the year. Underlying operating losses were reduced significantly to £(8.3) million (2008/09 loss of £(23.7) million).

 

Italy

This comprises UniEuro, PC City implants in UniEuro stores and Dixons Travel Italy operating in the airport in Rome. The turnaround plan in Italy continues to make good progress. Management actions have resulted in an improving trend in sales with positive like for like sales, particularly in the second half of the year despite a continued challenging economic environment. Gross margins improved further year on year. Stock control has also been improved, with stock turn up 11%, while availability has increased by approximately 20%. UniEuro has experienced good growth in vision, computing, communications, built-in appliances and accessories.

 

At the beginning of the year UniEuro successfully completed its store rationalisation plan ahead of schedule, closing 51 underperforming stores and now operates from 97, largely out of town, stores. It has added 35 PC City implants into the portfolio, all of which are performing well. During the year UniEuro opened its first Megastore in Muratella in Rome. This is a 40,000 sq ft store refurbished along the same principles as those in the UK and Nordics and has experienced strong gross profit uplift. Management have also developed a new format for their smaller stores and have completed the first 3 refits which were successfully launched in May 2010 with strong gross profit uplifts. The range improvements and cost efficiencies identified as part of the turnaround plan continue to make good progress.

 

The economic outlook in Italy remains challenging, but the turnaround plan puts UniEuro in a strong competitive position. The improving performance gives management further confidence in the prospects for UniEuro.

 

Greece

Kotsovolos is the market leading specialist electrical retailer in Greece. The difficult economic environment currently being experienced in Greece is well documented. The business has seen total sales impacted, particularly against tough comparables in the prior year. However, management have continued to focus on the customer, maintained margins, reduced costs and improved cash flow by increasing stock turn. They have also continued to invest in the store renewal programme to limit the effects of the weakening environment on bottom line performance.

 

During the period, Kotsovolos refurbished 9 stores into the Renewal and Transformation plan format, which are showing encouraging uplifts and excellent feedback from customers. The focus has also been on building new channels of business and in one year Kotsovolos has become a significant player online, increased the franchise network to 30 stores and commenced operations of business to business sales, all of which have helped to offset the negative trends in the market.

 

The operations in Greece are in a strong position with a market leading offer and a strong focus on delivering for customers. As such it will benefit when the economy recovers. These strengths will enable Kotsovolos to capitalise on the tough environment for competitors and to grow market share.

 

 

Spain

While the consumer environment has been very tough in Spain over the last 2 years, PC City remains the leading computer specialist in the market. Costs have been reduced while continuing to focus on the customer offer. 11 stores have been closed and PC City now operates from 32 stores. Using some of the principles of the UK transformation plan, management introduced a light refit plan which adds incremental sales while keeping the cash payback period to a minimum. These actions have started to deliver improved gross margins, enabling the business to deliver significantly reduced losses year on year. They have also enabled PC City to maintain its overall market share with 11 fewer stores while positioning the business better for when the Spanish economy recovers. Encouragingly the business delivered positive like for like sales during the second half, despite the continued weak consumer environment. This performance gives management further confidence in the prospects for the business.

 

Czech Republic and Slovakia

On 19 May 2009 and 1 September 2009 the Group sold the operations of Electro World in Hungary and Poland, respectively, in each case for a consideration of €1. Following these disposals the central operations in Prague and logistics infrastructure in Brno have been refocused on its core operations of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, significantly reducing costs and complexity.

 

Operations in the Czech Republic have performed well in their markets, despite the weak consumer environment. During the year Electro World reformatted its first store in Prague, utilising the Renewal and Transformation plan format which has reported encouraging results with a great response from customers. The Group now operates 16 stores and a multi-channel internet operation in the Czech Republic and 3 stores in Slovakia which are trading in line with expectations. Management recently announced plans to open 3 new stores in time for the Christmas peak.

 

Turkey

The Group now operates 12 stores in Turkey under the Electro World brand with its local joint venture partner. These new stores are based on the Group's new large space format, providing a greater product range and exciting retail environment for customers. The business continues to deliver good sales growth as customers recognise the benefits of large store formats in delivering value, choice and service. With a solid store base now established, it was announced in April 2010 the intention to roll out a franchise operation in Turkey. The first franchise store opened very successfully in Sakarya and further franchise stores will be opened over the next two years.

 

E-COMMERCE DIVISION

This comprises PIXmania and Dixons.co.uk. Total sales were up 14% at £921.2 million (2008/09 £807.4 million). Underlying operating profit was £11.3 million (2008/09 £15.0 million).

 

PIXmania continues to trade strongly across all its markets. It has experienced very strong sales growth in its core European markets (France, Italy and Spain) driven by increased customer acquisition through increased online and offline communication. PIXmania has made good progress in all key categories, including growth outside its traditional consumer electronics categories. In addition it has been investing in growth outside of its main markets especially emerging markets (e.g. Central and Eastern Europe).

 

PIXmania's newest channel, its reseller marketplace platform, PIXplace, has grown its sales three-fold since launch with expansion in new countries, the introduction of new categories as well as an increase in new merchants transacting through this platform.

 

The market-leading e-merchant platform was rolled out into the Group's UK internet operations (dixons.co.uk, currys.co.uk, pcworld.co.uk) in February 2010 and has improved navigation, product display and information as well as the ability to show attachments to customers.

 

With 276 million unique visitors during the year, PIXmania websites reached the 4th rank of the most visited consumer electronics e-tailers in the world according to Alexa.com.

 

Dixons.co.uk has been operating as a pure play internet operation for over 3 years. Following strong growth during this period, a number of changes have been made to the operating model to make the business even more relevant for customers. While Dixons.co.uk performed well over the important Christmas Peak, these changes impacted sales performance during the rest of the year.

 

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Group is focused on re-engineering and simplifying the operational processes within the Group in order to reduce costs for the Company, improve the service provided to customers, and assist colleagues in operating the business effectively.

 

There remains significant opportunity for productivity improvements within the Group and management are targeting these improvements to deliver some £200 million in cost savings over a four year period. In the first year of this programme the Group has delivered £50 million of cost savings through efficiency initiatives in head office administration and in-store processes. Process improvement initiatives have already contributed to reductions in levels of stock held by the Group as well as improving stock turn by approximately 12% during the year.

 

The Group continues to implement the step change programme that makes the business even better for customers, easier for colleagues and cheaper to operate.

 

Management remains confident that it can achieve a 3% - 4% EBIT return on sales, through the Renewal and Transformation plan, over the medium term.

 

GROUP NAME

Subject to shareholder approval, the Group's registered name will be amended to Dixons Retail plc in order to harness the strength of the Dixons name and to reflect the resurgence of the company. The Dixons name resonates strongly with suppliers, the market, and colleagues in a way that DSG international has not been able to without significant investment in the brand.

 

FINANCIAL POSITION

The Group's financial priorities in 2009/10 included improving profitability and strengthening the balance sheet. To this end:

·; Underlying EBIT increased by 60% to £133.2 million (2008/09 £83.0 million);

·; Underlying profit before tax increased by 61% to £90.5 million (2008/09 £56.1 million);

·; Underlying diluted earnings per share increased by 50% to 1.5 pence (2008/09 1.0 pence, after adjusting for the rights issue);

·; Loss making businesses in Hungary and Poland were disposed of successfully;

·; Net proceeds of £291.3 million were received following the Equity Placing and Rights Issue;

·; Significant headroom was maintained on the revolving credit facility throughout the year and a new revolving credit facility of £360 million was signed in May 2010;

·; The UK defined benefit scheme was closed to future accruals reducing the deficit by £33.4 million;

·; Positive free cash flow, before restructuring items, of £28.1 million was generated;

·; The Group's working capital position was improved, through a reduction in debtors, and stock turn improved by 12%.

 

FREE CASH FLOW

Free cash flow before restructuring items was £28.1 million (2008/09 outflow £(340.0) million) and total free cash outflow was £(17.6) million (2008/09 £(404.2) million).

 

	52 weeks ended  1 May 2010 £million	52 weeks ended  2 May 2009 £million
Underlying profit before tax	90.5	56.1
Closed businesses loss before tax	(0.2)	(14.1)
Depreciation and amortisation	128.6	134.7
Working capital	39.7	(285.4)
Taxation	(31.9)	(35.7)
Capital expenditure	(165.3)	(140.7)
Sale of freehold property (i)	0.7	10.8
Other cash items	(34.0)	(65.7)
Free Cash Flow before restructuring items	28.1	(340.0)
Net restructuring and impairment costs (i)	(45.7)	(64.2)
Free Cash Flow	(17.6)	(404.2)

(i) Sale of freehold property excludes £9.0 million of sale proceeds relating to the sale of the Group's former warehouse in Stevenage (2008/09 £18.0 million). These sale proceeds are shown within net restructuring and impairment costs.

 

Free Cash Flow before restructuring showed a significant improvement over the prior year, driven by improved profitability, improved working capital management and reduced hedge losses, partly offset by increased capital expenditure relating to the Renewal and Transformation plan.

 

The improved working capital movement was primarily due to improved stock management including £43.9 million reduction in stock aged over 6 months, and improved control of debtors. This was partly offset by the continued unwinding of the historically higher proportion of term versus pay-as-you-go Customer Support Agreement deferred income. The prior year was, as previously announced, impacted by the unwinding of deferrals of supplier payments made at the end of the 2007/08 financial year which have not recurred.

 

Capital expenditure was £165.3 million (2008/09 £140.7 million), up £24.6 million reflecting the increased investment associated with the Renewal and Transformation plan, particularly in the UK. There were no significant disposals during the year, with cash generated from the sale of property of £0.7 million (2008/09 £10.8 million).

 

As previously disclosed, the Group has in place certain historical hedging agreements. The principal outstanding agreements relate primarily to foreign exchange and interest hedges. The majority of these were put in place at the time the Group issued its Bonds in 2002, and in relation to overseas investments. A number of these hedges matured during the financial year and resulted in a cash outflow of £62.2 million (2008/09 £83.3 million). The remaining hedges at year end rates would imply a net cash outflow of approximately £50 million, primarily payable in 2012.

 

Other cash items of £(34.0) million (2008/09 £(65.7) million) improved by £31.7 million mainly due to increased add back of non cash costs included in profit, such as pension interest and fee amortisation, and the reduced hedge outflows mentioned above.

 

Net restructuring and impairment reflects the cash outflows relating to the strategic reorganisation activities and business impairment, predominantly provided for in 2008/09. These mainly comprise lease and other property related payments and employee severance costs, less the final tranche of disposal proceeds from the sale of a former warehouse in the UK.

 

FUNDING

Net funds/debt

At 1 May 2010 the Group had net debt of £(220.6) million, compared with net debt of £(477.5) million at the end of the previous year. The Group's net debt includes restricted funds of £78.9 million (2008/09 £67.6 million) which predominantly comprise funds held under trust for potential Customer Support Agreement liabilities.

 

	52 weeks ended 1 May 2010 £million		52 weeks ended 2 May 2009 £million
Opening net (debt) / funds		(477.5)		50.1
Free Cash Flow		(17.6)		(404.2)
Dividend	-		(60.3)
Equity Placing and Rights issue	291.3		-
Acquisitions and disposals	(7.0)		(27.6)
Discontinued operations	(8.6)		(21.6)
Special pension contribution	(12.0)		(12.0)
Other items	10.8		(1.9)
Other movements in net funds / (debt)		274.5		(123.4)
Closing net debt		(220.6)		(477.5)

 

Movements in net debt include net proceeds of £291.3 million received from the Equity Placing and Rights issue in the first half of the financial year, £7.0 million acquisition costs primarily representing an associated undertaking in Norway being acquired following the exercise of a put option, and £8.6 million representing the net cash utilisation of the discontinued operations in Hungary and Poland. The £12.0 million special pension contribution was made in accordance with the agreement with the trustee of the UK defined benefit pension scheme to reduce the pension deficit. Other items include the impact on net debt of the accounting revaluation of the 2012 Bonds, and of net funds held in foreign currencies, as well as capital contributions made by the joint venture partner in Turkey.

 

On 12 May 2010 the Group signed a new revolving credit facility agreement (the New Facility) for £360 million. The New Facility will come into effect by 15 August 2010 at which time it will replace the Group's existing £400 million Facility. The terms and covenants attaching to the New Facility are substantially the same as that for the £400 million Facility except that the guarantee structure comprises UK and Irish companies only, thereby aligning it more closely to the Group's 2012 Bond.

 

At the earliest, the New Facility will mature on 15 August 2012 and would be extended to 15 August 2013 in the event that the Group raises additional finance of a minimum of £100 million by November 2011. It is the Group's intention that the proceeds from any such financing would principally be used to refinance the Group's 2012 Bond.

 

This new agreement gives the Group the appropriate level of committed financing for its working capital needs. It also provides the Group with the flexibility of either a longer term on the New Facility or to enter into a new or revised revolving credit facility at a later date.

 

UNDERLYING NET FINANCE COSTS

Underlying net finance costs were £(42.7) million (2008/09 (£26.9) million). The movement year on year was driven by the following key areas:

·; Increased borrowing costs subsequent to the refinancing of the Group's revolving credit facility;

·; Higher net pension interest set at the beginning of the financial year largely as a result of a higher discount rate applied to liabilities, which is a non-cash item;

·; Partly offset by interest earned on overpayments of tax in prior periods.

 

ADJUSTMENTS TO UNDERLYING RESULTS

Underlying profit before tax is reported before net non-underlying credits of £22.2 million. A further explanation of these items is shown below:

		52 weeks ended 1 May 2010 £million			52 weeks ended 2 May 2009 £million
Profit / (loss) before tax			112.7		(123.6)
Add back non underlying items:
Trading results from Closed businesses			0.2		14.1
Other non-underlying items:
Amortisation of acquired intangibles			4.6		4.9
Net restructuring charges:
	Strategic reorganisation		5.6		59.1
Business impairments			-		96.1
Change in pension benefits			(33.4)		-
Other items - Buncefield release			-		(1.9)
Financing items:
	Net fair value remeasurements		0.8		7.4
Other non-underlying items - total			(22.4)		165.6
Total net non-underlying charges to add back			(22.2)		179.7
Underlying profit before tax			90.5		56.1

 

·; In May the Group closed the standalone stores of PC City in Sweden and Markantalo in Finland. Trading results comprises the pre-tax losses from these operations.

·; Amortisation of acquired intangibles of £4.6 million predominantly comprises brand names with the year on year change being affected by currency movements.

·; Strategic re-organisation costs of £5.6 million relate to the UK business transformation and primarily comprises accelerated depreciation charges associated with the reformat of the UK & Ireland store portfolio and onerous lease obligations following re-organisation of the service infrastructure.

·; The change in pension benefits of £33.4 million arises from the curtailment of the defined benefit section of the UK pension scheme whereby this section was closed to future accrual on 30 April 2010. The amount represents the effect of active members' future salary increases, included in the valuation assumptions of the deficit, now being capped at inflation as they are now being treated as deferred members of the scheme.

·; The financing charge of £0.8 million relates to net fair value remeasurement losses on revaluation of financial instruments as required by IAS 32 and 39 and can be volatile, dependant on market conditions existing at the balance sheet date.

 

PROPERTY LOSSES

Property losses increased to £18.8 million (2008/09 £18.1 million loss), primarily due to provisions made relating to closure or refit of stores as part of the Renewal and Transformation plan.

 

DIVIDENDS

The Board believes that DSGi's existing financial resources should be used to invest in the Renewal and Transformation plan, which is showing encouraging signs of delivering changes in DSGi's performance.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility and Letter of Credit Facilities, prohibit payments of dividends to Shareholders in respect of the 2009/10 Financial Year. The same agreements however do allow the Company, subject to certain conditions, to pay a dividend in respect of the 2010/11 Financial Year and beyond.

 

Subject to an assessment of whether certain conditions have been met, and the progress of the Renewal and Transformation plan, the Board aims to resume dividend payments when appropriate, consistent with a sustained recovery in DSGi's operational and financial performance.

 

TAX

The Group's tax rate on underlying profit before tax was 45% (2008/09: 61%). The decrease in the tax rate reflects a reduced proportion of loss making businesses where tax benefits are not fully recognised.

 

PENSIONS

At 1 May 2010, the IAS 19 accounting deficit of the defined benefit section of the UK pension scheme amounted to £263.5 million (2 May 2009 £148.8 million). The assumptions used for determining the accounting valuation use a consistent basis to that adopted in prior periods. Although the assets of the scheme have recovered considerably year on year, the overall deficit has still increased substantially due to a significant increase in the liabilities. This is due to an increase in the assumption for long term inflation (which affects "final salary" on retirement) coupled with a significant decrease in the discount rate applied to the liabilities which reflects yields on corporate bonds.

 

Over recent years, the Group has implemented a number of changes to pension arrangements in order to address the deficit over the longer term. Since 1 September 2002, the defined benefit section of the UK pension scheme has been closed to new entrants and on 30 April 2010 was closed to future accrual with automatic entry into the defined contribution section being offered to those active members of the defined benefit section. The effect of this change is to remove the future volatility associated with adding further accrual for active employees as well as a more immediate benefit of £33.4 million to the valuation of the liabilities which has been treated as a non-underlying item as described further above.

 

The actuarial deficit of £61.0 million (measured as at 5 April 2007) is being addressed by special cash contributions of £12 million per annum which are payable in two equal tranches of £6 million by June and December each year until December 2012. A further actuarial valuation as at 5 April 2010 is currently underway, however, its results will not be known until early in the 2011/12 financial year.

 

- ENDS -

 

Maylands Avenue	John Browett
Hemel Hempstead	Chief Executive
Hertfordshire HP2 7TG	24 June 2010
Report and Accounts publication date	15 July 2010
Annual General Meeting	8 September 2010

 

Copies of the Report and Accounts will be available from the Company Secretary at the above address and on the Group's website at http://www.dsgiplc.com

 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 

					52 weeks ended 1 May 2010				52 weeks ended 2 May 2009
					Non-underlying*				Non-underlying*
		Note		Under- lying* £million	Closed businesses ** £million	Other £million	Total £million	Under-lying* £million	Closed businesses ** £million	Other £million	Total £million
Continuing operations
Revenue		2		8,531.6	0.9	-	8,532.5	8,180.2	137.6	-	8,317.8
Profit / (loss) from operations before associates				131.6	(0.2)	23.2	154.6	79.4	(12.2)	(158.2)	(91.0)
Share of post-tax results of associates				1.6	-	-	1.6	3.6	-	-	3.6
Operating profit / (loss)		2		133.2	(0.2)	23.2	156.2	83.0	(12.2)	(158.2)	(87.4)
Finance income				58.2	-	1.1	59.3	69.6	-	32.2	101.8
Finance costs				(100.9)	-	(1.9)	(102.8)	(96.5)	(1.9)	(39.6)	(138.0)
Net finance costs		4		(42.7)	-	(0.8)	(43.5)	(26.9)	(1.9)	(7.4)	(36.2)
Profit / (loss) before tax				90.5	(0.2)	22.4	112.7	56.1	(14.1)	(165.6)	(123.6)
Income tax (expense) / credit		5		(40.7)	0.1	(6.1)	(46.7)	(34.3)	2.7	(25.2)	(56.8)
Profit / (loss) after tax - continuing operations				49.8	(0.1)	16.3	66.0	21.8	(11.4)	(190.8)	(180.4)
Loss after tax - discontinued operations				-	-	(8.7)	(8.7)	-	-	(38.9)	(38.9)
Profit / (loss) for the period				49.8	(0.1)	7.6	57.3	21.8	(11.4)	(229.7)	(219.3)
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the parent company				52.3	(0.1)	7.6	59.8	21.7	(11.4)	(229.7)	(219.4)
Minority interests				(2.5)	-	-	(2.5)	0.1	-	-	0.1
				49.8	(0.1)	7.6	57.3	21.8	(11.4)	(229.7)	(219.3)
Earnings / (loss) per share (pence)			6
Basic - total							1.7p				(10.2)p
Diluted - total							1.7p				(10.2)p
Basic - continuing operations							2.0p				(8.4)p
Diluted - continuing operations							1.9p				(8.4)p
Underlying earnings per share (pence)			6
Basic - continuing operations				1.5p				1.0p
Diluted - continuing operations				1.5p				1.0p

 

 

* 'Underlying' profit and earnings per share measures exclude the trading results of closed businesses, amortisation of acquired intangibles, net restructuring and business impairment charges and other one off, non-recurring items, profit on sale of investments, fair value remeasurements of financial instruments and, where applicable, discontinued operations. Such excluded items are described as 'Non-underlying'. Further information on these items is shown in notes 1, 3, 5 and 6.

** Closed businesses comprise Markantalo and PC City Sweden whereby these store based businesses were closed on 10 May 2009 and 20 May 2009, respectively. These operations do not meet the definition of discontinued operations as stipulated by IFRS 5 and accordingly the disclosures made above differ from those for discontinued operations.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENSE

			52 weeks ended  1 May 2010 £million	52 weeks ended  2 May 2009 £million
Profit / (loss) for the period			57.3	(219.3)
Actuarial (losses) / gains on defined benefit pension schemes		- UK	(156.0)	(114.3)
		- Nordics	1.5	(2.1)
Cash flow hedges
Fair value remeasurement (losses) / gains			(18.4)	42.6
Losses / (gains) transferred to carrying amount of inventories			15.1	(27.4)
Gains transferred to income statement			(3.8)	(13.4)
Net investment hedges
Fair value remeasurement gains / (losses)			2.7	(74.3)
Investments
Fair value remeasurement gains / (losses)			0.8	(0.9)
Tax on items taken directly to equity			44.2	53.2
Currency translation movements			45.3	122.5
Net expense recognised directly in equity			(68.6)	(14.1)
Total comprehensive expense for the period			(11.3)	(233.4)
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the parent company			(8.9)	(236.9)
Minority interests			(2.4)	3.5
			(11.3)	(233.4)

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

		1 May 2010 £million	2 May 2009 £million
Non-current assets
Goodwill		1,116.5	1,069.1
Intangible assets		130.7	148.4
Property, plant & equipment		541.0	489.6
Investments in associates		26.4	29.8
Trade and other receivables		58.0	68.5
Deferred tax assets		169.4	150.3
		2,042.0	1,955.7
Current assets
Inventories		972.6	971.9
Trade and other receivables		395.1	508.2
Income tax receivable		1.9	8.3
Short term investments		8.5	9.0
Cash and cash equivalents		295.7	192.6
		1,673.8	1,690.0
Assets held for sale		-	13.2
Total assets		3,715.8	3,658.9
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts		(4.9)	(4.8)
Borrowings		(98.5)	(250.1)
Obligations under finance leases		(2.4)	(2.8)
Trade and other payables		(1,605.9)	(1,664.5)
Income tax payable		(47.0)	(58.0)
Provisions		(22.3)	(72.1)
		(1,781.0)	(2,052.3)
Net current liabilities		(107.2)	(362.3)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings		(321.4)	(322.5)
Obligations under finance leases		(97.6)	(98.9)
Retirement benefit obligations		(266.8)	(153.0)
Other payables		(325.7)	(369.8)
Deferred tax liabilities		(18.7)	(22.7)
Provisions		(29.5)	(40.4)
		(1,059.7)	(1,007.3)
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale		-	(14.4)
Total liabilities		(2,840.7)	(3,074.0)
Net assets		875.1	584.9
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital		90.2	44.3
Share premium account		169.4	169.4
Other reserves		(537.5)	(534.9)
Retained earnings		1,124.4	880.1
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company		846.5	558.9
Equity minority interests		28.6	26.0
Total equity		875.1	584.9

 

The financial statements were approved by the directors on 24 June 2010 and signed on their behalf by:

 

 

 

 

 

John Browett Chief Executive

Nicholas Cadbury Group Finance Director

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

		Note	52 weeks ended 1 May 2010 £million	52 weeks ended 2 May 2009 £million
Operating activities - continuing operations
Cash generated from / (utilised by) operations	*	7	270.3	(143.8)
Special contributions to defined benefit pension scheme			(12.0)	(12.0)
Income tax paid	*		(31.9)	(35.7)
Net cash flows from operating activities			226.4	(191.5)
Investing activities - continuing operations
Purchase of property, plant & equipment and other intangibles	*		(165.3)	(140.7)
Purchase of subsidiaries			(7.0)	(27.6)
Interest received	*		25.5	20.9
Decrease in short term investments			1.3	73.3
Disposals of property, plant & equipment and other intangibles	*		9.7	28.8
Dividend received from associate			4.0	4.9
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations			-	-
Net cash flows from investing activities			(131.8)	(40.4)
Financing activities - continuing operations
Issue of ordinary share capital			291.3	-
Additions to finance leases			-	2.4
Capital element of finance lease payments			(1.7)	(1.7)
Interest element of finance lease payments	*		(7.1)	(6.9)
(Decrease) / increase in borrowings due within one year			(151.6)	249.9
Increase / (decrease) in borrowings due after more than one year			-	(0.1)
Interest paid	*		(118.8)	(126.8)
Investment from minority shareholder			5.0	5.7
Equity dividend paid			-	(60.3)
Net cash flows from financing activities			17.1	62.2
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(i)
Continuing operations			111.7	(169.7)
Discontinued operations			(8.6)	(21.6)
			103.1	(191.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	(i)	7	187.8	363.7
Currency translation differences			(0.1)	15.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	(i)	7	290.8	187.8

 

 

Free Cash Flow

(ii)

(17.6)

(404.2)

 

 (i) For the purposes of this cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise those items disclosed as "cash and cash equivalents" on the face of the balance sheet, less overdrafts, which are classified within current liabilities on the face of the balance sheet. A reconciliation to the balance sheet amounts is shown in note 7.

(ii) Free Cash Flow comprises those items marked * and comprises cash generated from / (utilised by) continuing operations before special pension contributions, less net finance expense, less income tax paid and net capital expenditure. The directors consider that 'Free Cash Flow' provides additional useful information to shareholders in respect of cash generation and is consistent with how business performance is measured internally.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

		Share capital £million		Share premium £million	Other reserves £million	Retained earnings £million	Sub total £million	Minority interests £million	Total equity £million
At 4 May 2008		44.3		169.4	(502.9)	1,115.9	826.7	26.8	853.5
Loss for the period		-		-	-	(219.3)	(219.3)	-	(219.3)
Other comprehensive income and expense recognised directly in equity		-		-	(52.8)	35.2	(17.6)	3.5	(14.1)
Total comprehensive income and expense for the period		-		-	(52.8)	(184.1)	(236.9)	3.5	(233.4)
Equity dividends paid		-		-	-	(60.7)	(60.7)	-	(60.7)
Minority interests	- increase in capital		-	-	-	-	-	5.7	5.7
Transfers		-		-	(6.7)	6.7	-	-	-
Put option exercised		-		-	27.5	-	27.5	(10.0)	17.5
Share-based payments		-		-	-	2.1	2.1	-	2.1
Tax on share-based payments		-		-	-	0.2	0.2	-	0.2
At 2 May 2009		44.3		169.4	(534.9)	880.1	558.9	26.0	584.9
Profit for the period		-		-	-	57.3	57.3	-	57.3
Other comprehensive income and expense recognised directly in equity		-		-	(2.6)	(63.6)	(66.2)	(2.4)	(68.6)
Total comprehensive income and expense for the period		-		-	(2.6)	(6.3)	(8.9)	(2.4)	(11.3)
Minority interests	- increase in capital		-	-	-	-	-	5.0	5.0
Placing and Rights Issue		45.9		-	245.4	-	291.3	-	291.3
Transfer		-		-	(245.4)	245.4	-	-	-
Share-based payments		-		-	-	4.9	4.9	-	4.9
Tax on share-based payments		-		-	-	0.3	0.3	-	0.3
At 1 May 2010		90.2		169.4	(537.5)	1,124.4	846.5	28.6	875.1

Minority interests comprise shareholdings in Pixmania S.A.S., (PIXmania), ElectroWorld Iç ve Dis Ticaret AS (ElectroWorld Turkey) and DSGi South-East Europe A.E.V.E. (Kotsovolos).

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 Basis of preparation

The financial information, which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity and extracts from the notes to the accounts for 1 May 2010 and 2 May 2009, has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the full financial statements.   The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Sections 434 to 436 of the Companies Act 2006 and is an abridged version of the Group's financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 May 2010 which were approved by the directors on 24 June 2010. Statutory accounts for the 52 weeks ended 2 May 2009 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, the auditors have reported on those accounts, their report was unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the period ended 1 May 2010 will be delivered following the Company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts, their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.   The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU, IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to those companies reporting under IFRS.   The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings for the 52 weeks ended 1 May 2010. Comparative figures are for the 52 weeks ended 2 May 2009. The directors consider that the 'underlying' performance measures, together with the associated Income Statement presentation, provide additional useful information for shareholders on underlying performance of the business, and are consistent with how business performance is measured internally. Such measures exclude the trading results of closed businesses, impact of amortisation of acquired intangibles, net restructuring and business impairment charges and other one off, non-recurring items, profit on sale of investments, fair value remeasurements of financial instruments and, where applicable, discontinued operations. These measures may not be directly comparable with 'adjusted' profit measures used by other companies.   2 Segmental analysis

The Group's operating segments have been determined based on the information reported to the Board. This information is predominantly based on geographical areas which are either managed separately or have similar trading characteristics such that they can be aggregated together into one segment and in the case of e-commerce, as a business area with geographical territories aggregated. Accounting policies for each operating segment are the same as those for the Group as described in note 1. The Group evaluates each operating segment based on underlying operating profits which excludes those items described in note 1.

All segments are involved in the multi-channel sale of high technology consumer electronics, personal computers, domestic appliances, photographic equipment, communication products and related financial and after-sales services. The principal categories of customer are retail, business to business and on-line.

During the period the Group disposed of its operations in Hungary and Poland, both of which have been classified as discontinued operations and were previously shown in the Other International division.

The Group's reportable segments have been identified as follows:

·; UK & Ireland comprises UK & Ireland Electricals (which consists of Currys, CurrysDigital, Dixons Travel and the Irish business) and UK Computing (which consists of PC World, DSGi Business and The TechGuys) both of which are engaged predominantly in retail sales, associated peripherals and services and related financial and after sales services with the latter also engaging in business to business sales of computer hardware and software.

·; Nordics comprises the Elkjøp Group which operates in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The Nordics division engages predominantly in retail sales.

·; Other International comprises operations in Central and Southern Europe. Central Europe comprises ElectroWorld operating in the Czech Republic and Slovakia whilst Southern Europe operates in Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Turkey. The Other International division engages predominantly in retail sales.

·; e-commerce comprising PIXmania and Dixons.co.uk, is engaged in on-line retail sales and operates in all of the countries in which the other divisions operate and across Europe.

Closed businesses comprise Markantalo and PC City Sweden whereby these store operations were closed on 10 May 2009 and 20 May 2009, respectively. Owing to their closure rather than disposal, these operations do not meet the definition of discontinued operations as stipulated by IFRS 5.

 

(a) Income statement

2009/10
	External revenue £million	Intersegmental revenue £million	Revenue £million	Underlying profit £million	Total profit £million
UK & Ireland	4,013.5	101.7	4,115.2	71.1	93.7
Nordics	2,094.6	1.7	2,096.3	95.8	95.6
Other International	1,503.2	1.5	1,504.7	(8.3)	(9.0)
e-commerce	921.2	3.8	925.0	11.3	7.9
Eliminations	-	(108.7)	(108.7)	-	-
	8,532.5	-	8,532.5	169.9	188.2
Share of post-tax result of associates				1.6	1.6
Operating profit before central costs and property losses				171.5	189.8
Central costs				(19.5)	(14.8)
Property losses				(18.8)	(18.8)
Operating profit				133.2	156.2
Finance income				58.2	59.3
Finance costs				(100.9)	(102.8)
Profit before tax for the period				90.5	112.7

External revenue for the Nordics includes £0.9 million relating to closed businesses.

 

Reconciliation of underlying profit to total profit

							2009/10
	Under- lying profit £million	Closed businesses £million	Amortisa-tion of acquired intangibles £million	Net restruc-turing charges £million	Change in pension benefits £million	Net fair value remeasure -ments £million	Total  profit £million
UK & Ireland	71.1	-	(0.5)	(5.6)	28.7	-	93.7
Nordics	95.8	(0.2)	-	-	-	-	95.6
Other International	(8.3)	-	(0.7)	-	-	-	(9.0)
e-commerce	11.3	-	(3.4)	-	-	-	7.9
	169.9	(0.2)	(4.6)	(5.6)	28.7	-	188.2
Share of post-tax result of associates	1.6	-	-	-	-	-	1.6
Operating profit before central costs and property losses	171.5	(0.2)	(4.6)	(5.6)	28.7	-	189.8
Central costs	(19.5)	-	-	-	4.7	-	(14.8)
Property losses	(18.8)	-	-	-	-	-	(18.8)
Operating profit	133.2	(0.2)	(4.6)	(5.6)	33.4	-	156.2
Finance income	58.2	-	-	-	-	1.1	59.3
Finance costs	(100.9)	-	-	-	-	(1.9)	(102.8)
Profit before tax for the period	90.5	(0.2)	(4.6)	(5.6)	33.4	(0.8)	112.7

 

Share of post-tax result of associates relates to the Nordics.

 

2008/09
	External revenue £million	Intersegmental revenue £million	Revenue £million	Underlying profit / (loss) £million	Total profit / (loss) £million
UK & Ireland	4,228.6	84.2	4,312.8	58.7	(17.0)
Nordics	1,762.8	1.1	1,763.9	72.5	14.2
Other International	1,519.0	2.3	1,521.3	(23.7)	(42.6)
e-commerce	807.4	0.4	807.8	15.0	11.7
Eliminations	-	(88.0)	(88.0)	-	-
	8,317.8	-	8,317.8	122.5	(33.7)
Share of post-tax result of associates				3.6	3.6
Operating profit / (loss) before central costs and property losses				126.1	(30.1)
Central costs				(25.0)	(39.2)
Property losses				(18.1)	(18.1)
Operating profit / (loss)				83.0	(87.4)
Finance income				69.6	101.8
Finance costs				(96.5)	(138.0)
Profit / (loss) before tax for the period				56.1	(123.6)

External revenue for the Nordics includes £137.6 million relating to closed businesses.

 

Reconciliation of underlying profit / (loss) to total profit / (loss)

							2008/09
	Under- lying profit / (loss) £million	Closed businesses £million	Amortisa-tion of acquired intangibles £million	Net restruc-turing charges £million	Business impairment charges £million	Net fair value remeasure -ments £million	Total  profit / (loss) £million
UK & Ireland	58.7	-	(0.4)	(43.0)	(32.3)	-	(17.0)
Nordics	72.5	(12.2)	(0.5)	-	(45.6)	-	14.2
Other International	(23.7)	-	(0.7)	-	(18.2)	-	(42.6)
e-commerce	15.0	-	(3.3)	-	-	-	11.7
	122.5	(12.2)	(4.9)	(43.0)	(96.1)	-	(33.7)
Share of post-tax result of associates	3.6	-	-	-	-	-	3.6
Operating profit / (loss) before central costs and property losses	126.1	(12.2)	(4.9)	(43.0)	(96.1)	-	(30.1)
Central costs	(25.0)	-	-	(14.2)	-	-	(39.2)
Property losses	(18.1)	-	-	-	-	-	(18.1)
Operating profit / (loss)	83.0	(12.2)	(4.9)	(57.2)	(96.1)	-	(87.4)
Finance income	69.6	-	-	-	-	32.2	101.8
Finance costs	(96.5)	(1.9)	-	-	-	(39.6)	(138.0)
Profit / (loss) before tax for the period	56.1	(14.1)	(4.9)	(57.2)	(96.1)	(7.4)	(123.6)

Share of post-tax result of associates relates to the Nordics.

 

 

3 Non-underlying items

			2009/10							2008/09
					Closed businesses £million	Other £million		Total £million		Closed businesses £million		Other £million		Total £million
Included in operating profit / (loss):
	Closed businesses		(i)		(0.2)	-		(0.2)		(12.2)		-		(12.2)
	Amortisation of acquired intangibles				-	(4.6)		(4.6)		-		(4.9)		(4.9)
	Net restructuring charges		(ii)		-	(5.6)		(5.6)		-		(59.1)		(59.1)
	Business impairment charges		(iii)		-	-		-		-		(96.1)		(96.1)
	Change in pension benefits		(iv)		-	33.4		33.4		-		-		-
	Other items		(v)		-	-		-		-		1.9		1.9
					(0.2)	23.2		23.0		(12.2)		(158.2)		(170.4)
Included in net finance costs:
	Closed businesses				-	-		-		(1.9)		-		(1.9)
	Net fair value remeasurements of financial instruments		(vi)		-	(0.8)		(0.8)		-		(7.4)		(7.4)
					-	(0.8)		(0.8)		(1.9)		(7.4)		(9.3)
Total impact on profit / (loss) before tax					(0.2)	22.4		22.2		(14.1)		(165.6)		(179.7)
Included in income tax expense:
	Closed businesses				0.1	-		0.1		2.7		-		2.7
	HMRC settlement		(vii)		-	-		-		-		(52.7)		(52.7)
	Other non-underlying items				-	(6.1)		(6.1)		-		27.5		27.5
					0.1	(6.1)		(6.0)		2.7		(25.2)		(22.5)
Total impact on profit / (loss) after tax					(0.1)	16.3		16.2		(11.4)		(190.8)		(202.2)
(i)		Closed businesses: Comprises the operating activities of Markantalo and PC City Sweden which were closed on 10 May 2009 and 20 May 2009, respectively.
(ii)		Net restructuring charges - strategic reorganisation
							Property charges £million		Asset impairments £million		Other charges £million		Total £million
		2009/10					(2.3)		(3.3)		-		(5.6)
		2008/09					(3.9)		(13.6)		(41.6)		(59.1)

 

	Net restructuring charges relate to the renewal and transformation of the UK business which has been focused mainly on the reformatting of the UK store portfolio and the reorganisation of the service offering.
	Property charges comprise onerous lease costs and charges related to vacating properties. Asset impairments, which are mainly in respect of the reformatting of the UK store portfolio, relate to intangible assets and items of property, plant & equipment which are to be eliminated from the business over a shorter period than their current useful expected lives and in addition for 2008/09, inventories. Impairments of intangible assets and property, plant & equipment comprise a combination of asset write offs and incremental accelerated depreciation charges associated with the economic useful life of these assets being shortened and for which incremental charges of £5.0 million (2008/09 £5.0 million) are expected to be incurred, spread over the next three financial periods. In 2008/09, other charges predominantly comprised employee severance and contract termination costs.
(iii)		Net business impairment charges:

 

			Goodwill impairment £million	Other assets impairment £million	Property credits / (charges) £million	Other credits / (charges) £million	Total £million
	2008/09
	Italian business		-	-	12.4	6.4	18.8
	Other businesses		(10.2)	(45.2)	(50.5)	(9.0)	(114.9)
			(10.2)	(45.2)	(38.1)	(2.6)	(96.1)
	In 2009/10, no such charges were incurred.
	2008/09: The Italian business impairment credits related to the reversal of charges incurred in prior periods whereby liabilities were settled at lower amounts than those originally provided.
	2008/09: Other business impairments comprised businesses in Spain, closed businesses in the Nordics as well as stores in underperforming locations in the UK High Street. Goodwill impairment related to the full write off of Markantalo in Finland following the announcement of the closure of this business. Other asset impairments comprised the Markantalo brand name, other intangible assets, property, plant & equipment and inventory. Other charges related predominantly to employee severance.
(iv)	The change in pension benefits arises from the closure to future accrual of the defined benefit section of the UK pension scheme which occurred on 30 April 2010.
(v)	2008/09: Other items related to releases of unutilised provisions and settlement income received for claims for damages incurred following the Buncefield explosion in December 2005 and for which exceptional charges were incurred in the 2005/06 financial year.
(vi)	Net fair value remeasurement gains and losses on revaluation of financial instruments: Items excluded from underlying finance income and expense represent the gains and losses arising from the revaluation of derivative financial instruments under methodologies stipulated by IAS 39 compared with those on an accruals basis (the basis upon which all other items in the financial statements is prepared). Also included within this amount are remeasurement losses relating to put options predominantly held by minority shareholders. Such a treatment is a form of revaluation gain or loss created by an assumption that the derivatives will be settled before their maturity. Such gains and losses are unrealised and in the directors' view also conflict with both the commercial reasons for entering into such arrangements as well as Group Treasury policy whereby early settlement in the majority of cases would amount to speculative use of derivatives.
(vii)	2008/09: On 4 June 2009, following an agreement in principle in April 2009, the Group agreed a settlement with HMRC in respect of a dispute concerning certain historical intra group trading arrangements in the years 1997 to 2005 as well as certain other matters. The settlement exceeded the provision already held in the balance sheet and accordingly a non-underlying income tax charge of £52.7 million was recorded in current tax. This charge was in addition to the tax effects applied to the net non-underlying charges before tax and was treated as non-underlying owing to its size and one-off non-recurring nature.

 

4 Net finance costs

			2009/10 £million	2008/09 £million
Bank and other interest receivable			20.6	21.8
Expected return on pension scheme assets			37.6	47.8
Fair value remeasurement gains on financial instruments	*		1.1	32.2
Finance income			59.3	101.8
6.125% Guaranteed Bonds 2012 interest and related charges			(18.3)	(18.3)
Bank loans, overdrafts and other interest payable
Underlying			(29.9)	(24.1)
Closed businesses	*		-	(1.9)
Finance lease interest payable			(7.1)	(6.9)
Interest on pension scheme liabilities			(45.6)	(47.2)
Fair value remeasurement losses on financial instruments	*		(1.9)	(39.6)
Finance costs			(102.8)	(138.0)
Total net finance costs - continuing operations			(43.5)	(36.2)
Underlying total net finance costs - continuing operations			(42.7)	(26.9)

Underlying total net finance income excludes items marked *. See note 3 for a description of such items. Net finance costs for closed businesses comprise interest on bank loans and overdrafts.

5 Taxation

						2009/10 £million	2008/09 £million
Current tax
UK corporation tax at 28%						0.4	0.2
Double tax relief						(0.4)	(0.2)
						-	-
Overseas taxation	- underlying					25.0	24.2
	- non-underlying: closed businesses			*		-	(1.1)
Credit in respect of other non-underlying items			*			-	(3.1)
Adjustment in respect of earlier periods:
UK corporation tax	- underlying					(1.8)	6.8
	- non-underlying		*			-	52.7
Overseas taxation						1.3	(5.3)
						24.5	74.2
Deferred tax
Current period	- underlying					18.0	9.6
	- non-underlying: closed businesses			*		(0.1)	(2.5)
Charge / (credit) in respect of other non-underlying items			*			6.1	(24.4)
Adjustment in respect of earlier periods:
UK corporation tax	- underlying					(6.0)	1.6
Overseas taxation	- underlying					4.2	(2.6)
	- non-underlying: closed businesses				*	-	0.9
						22.2	(17.4)
Income tax expense - continuing operations						46.7	56.8
Underlying income tax expense - continuing operations						40.7	34.3

 

Underlying income tax expense excludes those items marked *. The effective tax rate on underlying earnings of 45% (2008/09 61%) is expected to fall in future periods due mainly to unrecognised losses starting to form a lower proportion of net profits.

 

6 Earnings / (loss) per share

			2009/10 £million	2008/09 £million
Basic and diluted earnings / (loss)
Total (continuing and discontinued operations)			59.8	(219.4)
Discontinued operations	- loss after tax		8.7	38.9
Continuing operations			68.5	(180.5)
Adjustments
Closed businesses			0.2	14.1
Amortisation of acquired intangibles			4.6	4.9
Net restructuring charges			5.6	59.1
Business impairment charges			-	96.1
Other items			-	(1.9)
Change in pension benefits			(33.4)	-
Net fair value remeasurements of financial instruments			0.8	7.4
			(22.2)	179.7
Tax on adjustments
Closed businesses			(0.1)	(2.7)
HMRC settlement			-	52.7
Other non-underlying items			6.1	(27.5)
			6.0	22.5
Total adjustments (net of taxation)			(16.2)	202.2
Underlying basic and diluted earnings			52.3	21.7
			Million	Million
Basic weighted average number of shares			3,495.6	2,148.7
Employee share option and ownership schemes			23.9	3.1
Diluted weighted average number of shares			3,519.5	2,151.8
			Pence	Pence
Basic earnings / (loss) per share
Total (continuing and discontinued operations)			1.7	(10.2)
Discontinued operations			0.3	1.8
Continuing operations			2.0	(8.4)
Adjustments (net of taxation)			(0.5)	9.4
Underlying basic earnings per share			1.5	1.0
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share
Total (continuing and discontinued operations)			1.7	(10.2)
Discontinued operations			0.2	1.8
Continuing operations			1.9	(8.4)
Adjustments (net of taxation)			(0.4)	9.4
Underlying diluted earnings per share			1.5	1.0

The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation for earnings per share information for the periods prior to the rights issue, which completed on 9 June 2009, has been multiplied by an adjustment factor to reflect the bonus element in the shares issued under the terms of the rights issue. The adjustment factor used was 1.2138. 

Basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per share are based on the loss for the period attributable to equity shareholders. Underlying earnings per share are presented in order to show the underlying performance of the Group. Adjustments used to determine underlying earnings are described further in note 3.

 

7 Notes to the cash flow statement

(a) Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities

 

		2009/10 £million	2008/09 £million
Operating profit / (loss)		153.2	(125.7)
Operating loss - discontinued operations		3.0	38.3
Operating profit / (loss) - continuing operations		156.2	(87.4)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles		4.6	4.9
Amortisation of other intangibles		25.8	23.3
Depreciation		102.8	111.4
Share-based payment charge		5.7	1.8
Share of post-tax results of associates		(1.6)	(3.6)
Loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment		19.6	19.9
Additions to non-underlying	- provisions	2.3	84.5
	- impairment and accelerated depreciation / amortisation	3.3	69.0
	- change in pension benefits	(33.4)	-
Utilisation of non-underlying provisions		(54.7)	(82.2)
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital		230.6	141.6
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in inventories		14.1	166.7
Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables		117.6	(58.5)
Decrease in trade and other payables		(92.0)	(393.6)
		39.7	(285.4)
Cash generated from / (utilised by) operations - continuing operations		270.3	(143.8)

 

(b) Analysis of net funds / (debt)

		3 May 2009 £million	Cash flow £million	Other non-cash movements £million	Currency translation £million	1 May 2010 £million
Cash and cash equivalents	*	192.6	102.8	-	0.3	295.7
Bank overdrafts		(4.8)	0.3	-	(0.4)	(4.9)
		187.8	103.1	-	(0.1)	290.8
Short term investments		9.0	(1.3)	0.8	-	8.5
Borrowings due within one year		(250.1)	151.6	-	-	(98.5)
Borrowings due after more than one year		(322.5)	-	1.1	-	(321.4)
Obligations under finance leases		(101.7)	1.7	-	-	(100.0)
		(674.3)	153.3	1.1	-	(519.9)
Net funds / (debt)		(477.5)	255.1	1.9	(0.1)	(220.6)

 

		4 May 2008 £million	Cash flow £million	Other non-cash movements £million	Currency translation £million	2 May 2009 £million
Cash and cash equivalents	*	365.8	(188.8)	-	15.6	192.6
Bank overdrafts		(2.1)	(2.5)	-	(0.2)	(4.8)
		363.7	(191.3)	-	15.4	187.8
Short term investments		82.0	(73.3)	(0.9)	1.2	9.0
Borrowings due within one year		(0.2)	(249.9)	-	-	(250.1)
Borrowings due after more than one year		(294.6)	0.1	(28.0)	-	(322.5)
Obligations under finance leases		(100.8)	1.7	(2.4)	(0.2)	(101.7)
		(395.6)	(248.1)	(30.4)	(0.2)	(674.3)
Net funds / (debt)		50.1	(512.7)	(31.3)	16.4	(477.5)

Restricted funds, which predominantly comprise funds held under trust to fund customer support agreements were £78.9 million (2009 £67.6 million). Net debt excluding restricted funds totalled £299.5 million (2009 £545.1 million).

* Cash and cash equivalents are represented as a single class of assets on the face of the consolidated balance sheet. For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow, cash and cash equivalents comprise those amounts represented on the consolidated balance sheet as cash and cash equivalents, less bank overdrafts (which are disclosed separately on the consolidated balance sheet).

 

8 Related party transactions

Transactions between Group undertakings, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and accordingly are not disclosed.

Steve Rosenblum and Jean-Emile Rosenblum, members of the Executive Committee, together with close family members and companies controlled by them, own 22.0% of PIXmania, a company controlled by the Group. In connection with their management roles with respect to PIXmania, Steve Rosenblum and Jean-Emile Rosenblum received management fees of €258,000 (£228,000) (2008/09 €258,000 (£217,000)). Steve Rosenblum and Jean-Emile Rosenblum together hold call options over additional shares in PIXmania representing 16.8% of its share capital. The options can be exercised from 30 April 2011 and are subject to certain conditions including the achievement of targets related to earnings and certain capitalisation values of the PIXmania business. In addition to the call options, Steve Rosenblum and Jean-Emile Rosenblum have certain exit rights exercisable between July 2011 and July 2013 in relation to their holdings in PIXmania.

Steve Rosenblum and Jean-Emile Rosenblum own a building which is occupied and leased by PIXmania. During 2009/10 total rental payments of €645,000 (£570,000) (2008/09 €597,000 (£502,000)) were charged in relation to this property.

 

9 Post-balance sheet event

On 12 May 2010, the Group signed a new revolving credit facility agreement (the New Facility) for £360 million. The New Facility will come into effect by 15 August 2010 at which time it will replace the Group's existing £400 million Facility. The terms and covenants attaching to the New Facility are substantially the same as that for the £400 million Facility except that the guarantee structure comprises UK and Irish companies only, thereby aligning it more closely to the Bonds. At the earliest, the New Facility will mature on 15 August 2012 and the Group has the ability to extend the New Facility to 15 August 2013 in the event that it raises additional finance of a minimum of £100 million by November 2011.

 

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The 2009/10 Annual Report and Accounts which will be issued on 15 July 2010, contains a responsibility statement in compliance with DTR 4.1.12 of the Listing Rules which states that as at the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts on 24 June 2010, the directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:

·; the Group and unconsolidated Company financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit / (loss) of the Group and Company, respectively; and

·; the business and financial review includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face.

At the date of this statement, the directors are those listed in the Group's 2008/09 Annual Report and Accounts with the exception of the following appointments and resignations:

·; Sir John Collins who resigned as a director and Chairman of the Board on 2 September 2009;

·; John Allan who was appointed to the Board on 23 June 2009 and was appointed Chairman on 2 September 2009;

·; Count Emmanuel d'André who retired as a director with effect from 2 September 2009;

·; Tim How who was appointed to the Board on 8 September 2009;

·; Prof. Dr. Utho Creusen who was appointed to the Board on 1 February 2010; and

·; John Whybrow who retired as a director with effect from 31 March 2010.

 

 

 

RISKS TO ACHIEVING THE GROUP'S OBJECTIVES

 

"In my view risk management is an integral part of business management and it's something we at DSGi take seriously. The Group's approach to risk management combines a top-down understanding with bottom-up activity to gain a holistic view of risk. For example, the Board undertakes a regular review of risks facing the business, which included a thorough risk assessment from first principles at the beginning of 2010. Below are some of the key risks facing the business, along with an illustration of what is being done to mitigate them."John Browett

 

Key Risks

Risk	Examples of Mitigating Action
Economic environment Risk that a prolonged economic downturn, particularly in the UK, severely impacts our business	- Ongoing monitoring by Finance and the Executive Committee, including review of portfolio of businesses - Renewal and Transformation Plan to improve our business performance irrespective of macro economic factors - Strategy and business planning which takes into account varying economic scenarios
Meeting customer needs Risk that our retail brands fail to meet the expectations of our customers	- Understanding our customer and monitoring our level of service through mystery shopping, customer exit surveys and analysis of purchase data - Renewal and Transformation plan improving our stores across the Group - 'FIVES' customer service training for all colleagues and product workshops to improve product knowledge - Implementation of the 'Customer Plan' in the UK to improve the customer journey - a clear and focused plan at the heart of the business - Innovations in service propositions and improved customer service levels across the Group - Clearer and easier navigation of our e-commerce websites
Competition Risk that competitors reduce the Group's market share and/or drive down margins in specific markets	- Renewal and Transformation plan improving our stores and service proposition - Continuing development of strong online brands, notably PIXmania and Dixons.co.uk - Ensuring our prices offer good value, including a customer price index
Market margin pressure Risk that margins are reduced due to falling consumer demand, manufacturer supply, competitors, regulation and tax	- Continued focus on ensuring we have an excellent range across all price points, including own label brands - Continuing to take money out of our cost base - Building ever stronger relationships with suppliers
Changes in supplier credit Risk that credit insurance is no longer available to electrical/computing suppliers to protect their receivables against the risk of bad debt	- Ongoing engagement with suppliers and credit insurers - Improvements in stock turn - Innovations in and close scrutiny of working capital together with regular monitoring and review
Employees Risk that we fail to attract, develop and retain the necessary talent for our business	- Group-wide standardised performance management - Talent reviews across the business - Store structures which provide a clear career path for all employees - Improved quality of training courses and development programmes with specialist focus on service, product, commercial and technical - Bonus plans, which include a component relating to individual performance and business performance - Reward strategy aligned to retain best talent
Changing technology/consumer preferences Risk that we fail to capitalise on new technology or emerging trends to maximise revenues	- Strong supplier relationships (e.g. exclusive UK launch of iPad) - Delivery of Customer Plan to respond to identified changes in technology - Store transformations to take into account emerging trends in store layouts - Exciting product launches to make our stores the destination for the latest technology (e.g. 3D TVs)
Finance & Treasury Finance /Treasury/Exchange Rate/Interest Rate/Liquidity/Credit Risk	- Detailed group hedging policies reviewed through a separate Tax and Treasury Committee - Balance sheet management and reviews - Regular monitoring of receivables balances - Strong pre and post investment appraisal processes - Central control of treasury activity
Pension risk & policies Risk that the pension funding policy fails to react to or address deficits, which may arise on the Group's pension schemes	- Deficit reduction activities in place - Defined benefit section of UK scheme closed to future accrual
Systems failure Risk that a key system becomes unavailable for a period of time	- Contingency plans developed that are tested regularly - Evaluation, planning and implementation analysis carried out before updating or introducing new systems that have an impact on critical functions - Ongoing systems implementation in key areas of the business
Legislative, contractual, reputational and regulatory risks Risk that we suffer reputational and/or financial damage as a result of an exposure in our compliance activities (e.g. competition, consumer rights, intellectual property, contractual obligations, health & safety or compromise of customer confidentiality data)	- In-house legal teams communicate on a regular and frequent basis and legal reports are submitted to the Board - Launch of Group Ethical Conduct policy, supported by annual declaration of compliance by colleagues - Monitoring changes in legislation / regulation - Corporate Responsibility Committee meets regularly to discuss reputational and regulatory risks - Quality checks and factory audits for own-branded product assembly - Compliance Committee approves activity that may impact the terms of Group credit facilities
Project delivery Risk that a project delivering an element of our Renewal and Transformation Plan does not deliver its anticipated benefits	- The portfolio plan is clearly defined and is managed and governed through regular processes and meetings - Post-investment analysis and performance tracking put in place including financial and customer measures - Projects under the Customer Plan aligned to our UK budget

 

Other Risks Specific to a Specialist Electrical Retailer

In addition to the above, the Group is also subjected to a number of risks that are generic to a specialist electrical retailer. These include:

 

Risk	Examples of Mitigating Action / Factors
Seasonality A substantial proportion of revenue and operating profit is generated during the third financial quarter, which includes the Christmas and New Year season. In addition, in Southern Europe a second peak exists in the summer period through sale of air conditioning units	- Financial planning takes into account expected peaks and troughs during the year and the business is run accordingly - The proportion of services related business offers a regular stream of income over the course of the year
Price deflation Price deflation has been a common feature across most electrical goods categories for a number of years, primarily driven by technological advances and improved efficiencies in production throughout the life cycle of a product	- Effective launches of new technology as it becomes available to the market - Growth of services related business to increase the number and value of non-product sales - Improve gross profit uplifts in transformed stores
Quality & location of store portfolio This is a key contributor to the Group's performance and growth strategy	- The store portfolio is reviewed on a regular basis with a view to optimising our retail estate presence
Damage to property & consequential business interruption The Group's ability to distribute merchandise to its stores and to sell and distribute merchandise to its customers is reliant on its operational infrastructure, particularly the efficient functioning of its distribution centres and distribution network	- Disaster recovery plans are in place - Insurance is purchased to mitigate against business interruption - Preventative measures are constantly being updated to reduce the likelihood of an incident
Change in government policy The Group is subject to a range of legal and regulatory requirements originating from the UK and European Union	- A number of committees exist to help the Group manage its regulatory risks. There is a Corporate Responsibility Committee and a Compliance Committee, both of which are supported by our Legal and Company Secretarial functions