First Half Trading Update

Burberry Group PLC 13 October 2004 Burberry Group plc First Half Trading Update 13 October 2004. Burberry Group plc reports on trading for the first six months ended 30 September 2004. Financial Highlights • Total revenues increased 14% on an underlying* basis, 8% reported • Retail sales rose 12% underlying (4% reported) driven primarily by new stores • Wholesale revenues increased 13% underlying (8% reported) reflecting strong growth in the US and Asia • Licensing revenue increased by 31% underlying (28% reported), bolstered by the launch of Burberry Brit for men • Outlook for second half • On schedule to open a minimum of 4 stores and concessions, including a store in Rome, in addition to 2 major refurbished stores • Mid-to-high single digit wholesale sales growth expected for the Spring/ Summer 2005 season • Anticipate licensing revenues in line with first half New Fragrance Agreement • New fragrance licence to result in increased royalty rate and marketing support First Half to 30 September -------------------------- 2004 2003 % change ----------------------- -------- --------------------- £ million Reported Underlying* Reported Reported Underlying* -------- ----------- -------- -------- ----------- Retail 111 120 107 4 12 Wholesale 197 207 183 8 13 Licence 39 40 31 28 31 -------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------- Total 347 367 321 8 14 * Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates. Commenting on the trading results, Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive, stated, 'Burberry has again delivered a double digit revenue increase in the first half, benefiting from our balanced strategy by product, channel and region. We were particularly encouraged by the 31% gain in our licensing channel, partially driven by the highly successful launch of Burberry Brit for men. We are also delighted with our new fragrance licence which will deliver ongoing financial and marketing benefits.' Total revenues Total revenues in the first half increased by 14% on an underlying basis (i.e. at constant exchange rates), 8% reported, compared to the same period last year. Revenue growth by geographical region is shown below: Region % change underlying --------------- ---------- North America 15 Europe 7 Asia Pacific 29 Retail Retail sales accounted for approximately 32% of total revenue in the period. Retail sales in the first half increased by 12% underlying, 4% reported, driven by contributions from newly opened stores with a marginal contribution from existing stores. During the half, Burberry opened three stores in the US: King of Prussia, PA; Charlotte, NC; and Scottsdale, AZ. The Company also opened one concession in Korea. On a year over year basis, selling square feet increased approximately 10%. Retail sales growth varied by region in the half. In the US market, a combination of demanding comparatives (partially driven by unusual end of season sale activity in the first quarter of the previous year), renovation activity in key stores, and a slow start to autumn outerwear sales restrained sales growth in the period. In Europe, Continental markets continued to achieve strong growth, while the UK market was subdued for the half. In Asia, while sales in Korea continued to be volatile as a result of the difficult macro environment, the market achieved a gain for the first half. Hong Kong experienced vigorous growth throughout the half, while Southeast Asia, boosted by new stores, achieved strong gains throughout the period. Burberry remains on schedule to open a minimum of 4 new stores and concessions during the second half, resulting in the addition of approximately 7% retail selling area for the financial year. Important openings include a new store in Rome and the re-openings of the renovated San Francisco and Paris stores in the third financial quarter. Wholesale Wholesale sales accounted for approximately 57% of total revenue in the period. In the first half, total wholesale sales increased by 13% on an underlying basis, 8% reported. The US achieved strong growth driven by continued intensification of Burberry's key accounts. In Europe, the underpenetrated markets of Italy, France, Benelux and Germany combined with the more developed markets of Spain and the UK to produce modest growth in the half. Asia, fuelled by demand in greater China, continued to achieve substantial gains. On the basis of orders received to date, Burberry anticipates mid-to-high single digit growth for the Spring/Summer 2005 season. Spring/summer merchandise shipments are concentrated in the fourth quarter of each financial year. Licensing Total licensing revenues in the first half increased by 31% on an underlying basis, 28% reported. Approximately half of the increase was driven by gains in Japan and half driven by other licences. Gains in the Japanese market largely reflect a reduction in management fees payable with respect to specific licences and increases in certain royalty rates, with volumes broadly in line with the previous year. Global product licences produced strong gains, including fragrance, timepieces and children's apparel. On 12 October 2004, Burberry entered into a new fragrance licence with its existing partner, Inter Parfums SA. The long-term agreement is designed to further the development of Burberry's successful fragrance business. The terms of the new agreement provide for a substantially enhanced royalty rate and marketing commitment relative to the previous agreement. Driven by the very successful launch of Burberry Brit for men in selected markets in August and the terms of the new agreement, which became effective in the second quarter and contributed approximately 7 percentage points of the licensing revenue growth, fragrance related royalty gains were particularly strong in the half. In the second half of the financial year, Burberry anticipates licensing revenues consistent with the first half. The more measured pace of growth relative to that of the first half is expected to be driven by the effects of licence transition in Japan and Burberry's programme to reduce selectively the distribution of certain products in that market as well as the anniversary of the reduction in management fees. Licensing revenue should continue to benefit from increases in certain royalty rates in Japan and global licence revenue gains, with fragrance as an important contributor. Conclusion As a whole, this performance is consistent with expectations for the financial year. Burberry will release interim results on 16 November. Enquiries: Burberry 020 7968 0577 Stacey Cartwright CFO Matt McEvoy Strategy and IR John Scaramuzza Strategy and IR Brunswick 020 7404 5959 Susan Gilchrist Laura Cummings Robert Gardener Certain statements made in this Trading Update are forward looking statements. 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 results in forward looking statements. This announcement does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any Burberry Group plc or GUS plc shares. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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