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RER Merrill Lynch Rus 2K

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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type
Merrill Lynch Rus 2K AMEX:RER AMEX Ordinary Share
  Price Change % Change Share Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.00 -

Interim Results

25/03/2003 7:01am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:1433J
Retail Stores PLC
25 March 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25th March 2003

                               RETAIL STORES PLC:
                                INTERIM RESULTS
                      FOR SIX MONTHS TO 28TH DECEMBER 2002

HIGHLIGHTS

*    Sales over period increased by almost 10% to #26.1m
*    Significant improvement of EBITDA to #1.1m from #0.2m last year
*    Pre-tax losses greatly reduced to #1.5m from #13.1m last year, after
     charging for brand impairment last year
*    Impact of newly opened Regent House:
          
     o    footfall increased by 40%
     o    attracting new customers
     o    greater draw for remaining store

*    Strengthened management team with appointment of Iain Renwick and
     Lucille Lewin
*    Strong Christmas and New Year Sale trading
*    A further 10,000 sq ft of sales area to be reinstated during 2004
*    Autumn launch of Liberty own label clothes and accessories commencing
     with a childrenswear range followed by an edited range of ladieswear, 
     menswear and accessories

"We believe we are reaching a very exciting stage in Liberty's development
where, for the first time in many years, there is a clearly defined strategy
aimed at creating both a strong brand and a profitable business," Richard
Balfour-Lynn, Chairman.

                                     -more-



Contact:          Retail Stores plc                           Tel: 020 7734 1234
                  Iain Renwick, Chief Executive
                  Nick Mather, Finance Director
                  Baron Phillips Associates                   Tel: 020 7600 2288
                  Baron Phillips


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

The six months under review has been an extremely eventful period for the
Company.  The full impact of Liberty's newly opened Regent House was felt for
the first time, as was the refurbished ground floor of the Tudor building, and
the new Carnaby Street entrance. Even more importantly, there is a new sense of
purpose and leadership within Liberty following a strengthening of the senior
management team.

The redesigned and refurbished Regent House has been a great success, both with
our existing customers, as well as attracting new customers into the store. The
exciting range of branded luxury goods presented in a modern retailing
environment has proved to be very popular among the shopping public. The
increased footfall has heightened awareness and drawn more customers into the
rest of the store.

Since Regent House was re-launched a year ago, footfall has risen by 40% and
remained at this level until only a few weeks ago when the combined effects of
the Congestion Charge, Central Line tube closure and the build up to war in the
Gulf have deterred shoppers from the West End of London.

The other key events were the appointment last autumn of Iain Renwick as Chief
Executive and Lucille Lewin as Creative Director. We anticipate that the
combined strength of Liberty's management team will considerably enhance the
store's product mix, merchandising and marketing through the remainder of 2003
and well into the future. This strengthened management team is also laying the
foundations for the long-term development of the Liberty brand.

The effect of all these positive changes is that sales for the six months to
28th December 2002 advanced by almost 10% to #26.1m from #23.8m for the same
period a year ago.  Much effort has been directed towards improving gross
margins together with ensuring a clean stock position.

Overheads net of operating income and excluding last year's impairment cost
increased by #1.2m to #10.4m. The increase principally comprises #0.5m of Regent
House overheads, which was not open during the comparative period last year, and
#0.4m of additional marketing costs. We continue to focus on reducing costs and
the effect of our current restructuring programme will be seen later in the
year.


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) improved
significantly to #1.1m from #0.2m last year. Overall, we produced a greatly
reduced loss before tax of #1.5m against a pre tax loss of #13.1m for the same
period a year ago after charging for brand impairment.

Liberty traded well during the critical Christmas period and through the New
Year Sale. However, trading over the past few weeks has become increasingly
tough due to the build up and commencement of war in the Gulf.

Although there is a degree of uncertainty in the present climate we are
implementing a number of changes and initiatives that, we believe, will lay
solid foundations for Liberty's future viability and success.  A total review of
the entire Liberty management structure has been completed and we are now in the
process of reorganising, which will result in significant cost savings and
increased operational efficiency.

We also anticipate that during the course of 2004 we will be able to reinstate
the fourth floor of the Tudor building as retail space, increasing our sales
area by 10,000 sq ft.

The other major initiative that is currently underway is a comprehensive
development programme for the introduction of Liberty own label products.  In
the early autumn, we expect to introduce a range of Liberty childrenswear
clothing and accessories, which will be followed by an edited range of own label
ladieswear, menswear and accessories.

We believe we are reaching a very exciting stage in Liberty's development where,
for the first time in many years, there is a clearly defined strategy aimed at
creating both a strong brand and a profitable business. However we cannot look
at Liberty in isolation, there are many external factors, not least of all,
international conflict, that will impact on consumer spending. With this in
mind, we view the future with caution.

Richard Balfour-Lynn
Executive Chairman
London
25th March 2003


CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

                                                                   Six months         Six months            Year
                                                                        ended              ended           ended
                                                                28th December      29th December       29th June
                                                                         2002               2001            2002
                                                                                     (restated)*
                                                  Notes                 #'000              #'000           #'000

Turnover                                            2                  26,058             23,830          46,798
Cost of sales                                                        (15,901)           (15,251)        (28,952)
Gross profit                                                           10,157              8,579          17,846

Selling and distribution costs                                       (10,984)           (10,372)        (21,246)
Administrative expenses (including brand                                           
impairment in 2001)                                                   (1,307)           (12,107)        (13,549)        
Other operating income                                                  1,867              1,921           3,687
Operating loss                                                          (267)           (11,979)        (13,262)
Operating loss before brand impairment                                  (267)              (602)         (1,885)
Brand impairment                                                            -           (11,377)        (11,377)
Operating loss                                                          (267)           (11,979)        (13,262)
Loss on ordinary activities before interest
and taxation                                        2                   (267)           (11,979)        (13,262)
Net interest payable and similar charges                              (1,209)            (1,076)         (2,278)
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation                           (1,476)           (13,055)        (15,540)
Taxation on loss on ordinary activities                                 (146)              (266)           (477)
Loss on ordinary activities after taxation                            (1,622)           (13,321)        (16,017)
Equity minority interests                                               (142)               (73)           (298)
Non-equity minority interest                                             (27)                  -           (132)
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders                            (1,791)           (13,394)        (16,447)
Undeclared non-equity preference dividends          3                    (12)                  -            (46)        
Retained loss for the period                        6                 (1,803)           (13,394)        (16,493)        
Loss per share          Basic                       4                  (8.0p)            (59.3p)         (73.0p)
                        Diluted                     4                  (8.0p)            (59.3p)         (73.0p)


All operations are continuing.

* The previous six month period profit and loss account has been restated to a
comparable period as explained in note 1.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
for the six months ended 28th December 2002


                                                                  Six months          Six months            Year
                                                                       ended               ended           ended
                                                               28th December       29th December       29th June
                                                                        2002                2001            2002
                                                                                      (restated)
                                                                       #'000               #'000           #'000

Loss for the period                                                  (1,791)            (13,394)        (16,447)
Unrealised deficit on revaluation of property                              -             (3,855)           (184)
Currency translation differences on                                                        (116)            (76)
foreign currency net investments                                       (101)
Other movements                                                            -                  42               -
Total recognised gains and losses for the period                     (1,892)            (17,323)        (16,707)


All recognised gains and losses are attributable to equity shareholders'
interests.


NOTE OF CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF HISTORICAL COST PROFITS AND LOSSES
for the six months ended 28th December 2002


                                                                  Six months           Six months            Year
                                                                       ended                ended           ended
                                                               28th December        29th December       29th June
                                                                        2002                 2001            2002
                                                                                       (restated)
                                                                       #'000                #'000           #'000

Reported loss on ordinary activities before taxation                 (1,476)             (13,055)        (15,540)
Reduction in depreciation during the period based on                       3                    8              24
historical cost of properties held at valuation
Historical cost loss on ordinary activities before                   (1,473)             (13,047)        (15,516)
taxation
Historical cost loss retained after taxation, minority               (1,800)             (13,386)        (16,469)
interests and dividends



RECONCILIATIONS OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

                                                            Six months ended   Six months ended             Year
                                                                                                           ended
                                                               28th December      29th December        29th June
                                                                        2002               2001             2002
                                                                                     (restated)
                                                                       #'000              #'000            #'000

Opening shareholders' funds                                           52,669             69,335           69,335
Loss for the financial period                                        (1,791)           (13,394)         (16,447)
Undeclared non-equity preference dividends proposed for                                    
the period                                                              (12)                  -             (46)
Net revaluation deficit on fixed assets                                    -            (3,855)            (184)
Currency translation differences on foreign currency net                                 
investments                                                            (101)              (116)             (76)
Other movements                                                            -                 42               41
Unpaid non-equity preference dividends                                    12                  -               46
Closing  shareholders' funds                                          50,777             52,012           52,669



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
at 28th December 2002

                                                         28th December       29th December           29th June
                                                                  2002                2001                2002
                                                                               (restated)*
                                           Notes                 #'000               #'000               #'000
Fixed assets
Intangible asset                                                18,200              18,200              18,200
Tangible assets                              5                  78,248              70,629              77,845
                                                                96,448              88,829              96,045
Current assets
Stocks                                                           6,788               7,262               6,222
Debtors:
amounts falling due within one year                              7,630               7,213               9,136
amounts falling due after more than one                            
year                                                               890                 548                 701
Cash                                                             6,194               3,466               3,246
                                                                21,502              18,489              19,305
Creditors: amounts falling due within one                     (16,969)            (37,433)            (15,870)
year
Net current assets/(liabilities)                                 4,533            (18,944)               3,435
Total assets less current liabilities                          100,981              69,885              99,480
Creditors: amounts falling due after more                     (47,891)            (15,376)            (44,240)
than one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges                           (120)               (121)               (120)
Net assets                                                      52,970              54,388              55,120

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital                                          6,036               6,036               6,036
Merger reserve                               6                  61,503              61,503              61,503
Revaluation reserve                          6                   7,234               3,582               7,237
Profit and loss account                      6                (23,996)            (19,109)            (22,107)
Total shareholders' funds                                       50,777              52,012              52,669
Analysed as:
Equity shareholders' funds                                      50,334              51,627              52,238
Non-equity shareholders' funds                                     443                 385                 431

Equity minority interests                                        1,615               1,798               1,741
Non-equity minority interests                                      578                 578                 710
                                                                52,970              54,388              55,120


* The previous six month period balance sheet has been restated to a comparable
period end as explained in note 1.


CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

                                                                       Six months        Six months         Year
                                                                            ended             ended        ended
                                                                    28th December     29th December    29th June
                                                                             2002              2001         2002
                                                       Notes                            (restated)*
                                                                            #'000             #'000        #'000

Net cash inflow from operating activities                7                  4,349             4,577          211

Returns on investments and servicing of finance          8                (2,022)           (1,013)      (2,579)

Taxation paid                                                               (449)             (619)        (614)

Capital expenditure                                      9                (1,930)           (4,206)      (9,280)

Net cash outflow before financing                                            (52)           (1,261)     (12,262)

Financing                                                10                 3,000                 -       29,000

Increase/(decrease) in cash during the period                               2,948           (1,261)       16,738



* The previous six month period cash flow statement has been restated to a
comparable period as explained in note 1.



RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
for the six months ended 28th December 2002

                                                                     Six months        Six months         Year
                                                                          ended             ended        ended
                                                                  28th December     29th December    29th June
                                                                           2002              2001         2002
                                                       Notes                           (restated)
                                                                          #'000             #'000        #'000

Increase/(decrease) in cash during the period                             2,948           (1,261)       16,738

Increase in loans during the period                     11              (3,000)                 -     (29,000)

Exchange differences                                    11                    -             (126)            -

Increase in net debt during the period                  11                 (52)           (1,387)     (12,262)

Opening net debt                                                       (41,754)          (29,492)     (29,492)

Closing net debt                                        11             (41,806)          (30,879)     (41,754)


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS


1.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     
The interim results of the Group for the six months ended 28th December 2002
incorporate the results of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings for the
period then ended.  The results have been prepared on the basis of the
accounting policies adopted in the accounts of the Group for the year ended 29th
June 2002, consistently applied in all material respects.

The Group accounts include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary
undertakings made up to the Saturday nearest to the accounting reference date.
Accordingly, the accounts for the current period are for ---26 weeks to 28th
December 2002 and those for the comparative period are for the 26 weeks to 29th
December 2001. These were previously prepared for the  25 weeks to 22nd December
2001 and they have been restated accordingly.  The year end accounts were for
the 52 weeks to 29th June 2002.

The interim accounts for the Group for the six months ended 28th December 2002
and the comparative figures for the six months ended 29th December 2001 are
unaudited.  The comparative figures for the financial year ended 29th June 2002
are extracted from the Group's statutory accounts.  Those accounts have been
reported on by the Group's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The report of the Auditors was unqualified and does not contain a statement
under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1986.


2.   DIVISIONAL ANALYSIS

     
                                                          Six months              Six months                Year
                                                               ended                   ended               ended
Turnover                                               28th December           29th December           29th June
                                                                2002                    2001                2002
                                                                                  (restated)
                                                               #'000                   #'000               #'000
By class of business:
Retail                                                        20,278                  18,927              35,611
Wholesale                                                      5,780                   4,903              11,187
                                                              26,058                  23,830              46,798
By geographical origin:
United Kingdom                                                23,873                  21,255              40,160
Japan                                                          2,185                   2,463               6,526
North America                                                      -                     112                 112
                                                              26,058                  23,830              46,798
By geographical destination:
United Kingdom                                                21,493                  19,619              36,820
Europe                                                         1,560                     809               2,123
Japan                                                          2,302                   2,583               6,782
North America                                                    231                     185                 378
Other                                                            472                     634                 695
                                                              26,058                  23,830              46,798


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

2.   DIVISIONAL ANALYSIS (continued)
     
                                                         Six months          Six months                    Year
                                                              ended               ended                   ended
                                                      28th December       29th December               29th June
Loss on ordinary activities before                             2002                2001                    2002
interest and taxation                                                        (restated)
                                                              #'000               #'000                   #'000
By class of business:
Retail                                                        (998)            (12,545)                (13,104)
Wholesale                                                       731                 566                   (158)
                                                              (267)            (11,979)                (13,262)
By geographical origin:
United Kingdom                                                (637)            (12,351)                (14,306)
Japan                                                           370                 410                    1077
North America                                                     -                (38)                    (33)
                                                              (267)            (11,979)                (13,262)



The segmental analysis of operations reflects the structure of the Group. Retail
includes the UK retail operations at Regent Street, Heathrow, Windsor and York.
Wholesale includes the results of the UK and Japanese fabric businesses.

The Retail loss before interest and taxation includes net rental income from
properties and is after deducting any brand impairment provision.

3.   DIVIDENDS
     
                                                                    Six months         Six months          Year
                                                                         ended              ended         ended
                                                                 28th December      29th December     29th June
                                                                          2002               2001          2002
                                                                         #'000              #'000         #'000

Undeclared non-equity preference dividends                                  12                  -            46

Due to a deficiency of distributable reserves, the preference shares are
currently in arrears of dividend. Payment will be made when this deficiency has
been made good from future profits.


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

4.   LOSS PER SHARE

The basic and diluted loss per share figures are calculated by dividing the loss
after taxation and minority interests of #1,803,000 (six months to 29th December
2001: #13,394,000, year ended 29th June 2002: #16,493,000), by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of  22,602,808 (six
months to 29th December 2001: 22,602,808, year ended 29th June 2002: 22,602,808)

As the exercise price of share options is equal to or higher than the average
share price for the period and comparative periods, there is no difference
between the basic loss per share and the diluted loss per share.

5.   TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
     
                                                            Long         Short     Fixtures &
                                           Freehold    leasehold     leasehold      equipment            Total
Group                                         #'000        #'000         #'000          #'000            #'000
Cost or valuation
At 30th June 2002                            37,600       36,650           297          6,221           80,768
Additions                                       936          392             -            423            1,751
At 28th December 2002                        38,536       37,042         297            6,644           82,519

Depreciation
At 30th June 2002                                 -            -          (60)        (2,863)          (2,923)
Charge for the period                         (442)        (357)           (1)          (548)          (1,348)
At 28th December 2002                         (442)        (357)          (61)        (3,411)          (4,271)

Net book value
At 28th December 2002                        38,094       36,685           236          3,233           78,248
At 29th December 2001                        35,850       31,650          254           2,875           70,629
At 29th June 2002                            37,600       36,650           237          3,358           77,845


Valuation

All of the Group's properties were valued at 29th June 2002 by qualified
professional valuers working for the Company of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung,
Chartered Surveyors, ("DTZ") acting in the capacity of External Valuers.  All
such valuers are Chartered Surveyors, being members of the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors.  All properties were valued on the basis of Open Market
Value.


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

5.   TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (continued)
     
The reconciliation of the values at which the properties are included in the
above table with the original cost less accumulated depreciation is as follows:-

                                                           Original cost less                           Valuation
                                                                  accumulated                                  at
                                                              depreciation at        Valuation      28th December
                                                           28th December 2002          surplus               2002
                                                                        #'000            #'000              #'000

Freehold properties                                                    31,230            6,864             38,094
Long leasehold properties                                              36,315              370             36,685
Short leasehold properties                                                236                -                236
                                                                       67,781            7,234             75,015
Fixtures and equipment                                                  3,233                -              3,233
At 28th December 2002                                                  71,014            7,234             78,248
At 29th December 2001                                                  67,047            3,582             70,629
At 29th June 2002                                                      70,608            7,237             77,845


6.   MOVEMENT ON RESERVES
     
                                                                                                           Profit
                                                                  Merger reserve    Revaluation   and loss account
                                                                                        reserve
                                                                           #'000          #'000              #'000      
           
                                                                                          
Group
At 30th June 2002                                                         61,503          7,237           (22,107)
Loss retained for the period                                                   -              -            (1,803)
Currency translation differences on foreign currency net
investments
                                                                               -              -              (101)
Other movements                                                                -            (3)                  3
Unpaid non-equity preference dividends                                         -              -                 12
At 28th December 2002                                                     61,503          7,234             23,996


All reserves of the Group are attributable to equity shareholders' interests.


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

7.   NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES


                                                               Six months           Six months              Year
                                                                    ended                ended             ended
                                                            28th December        29th December         29th June
                                                                     2002                 2001              2002
                                                                                    (restated)
                                                                    #'000                #'000             #'000

Operating loss                                                      (267)             (11,979)          (13,262)
Depreciation                                                        1,348                  946             2,073
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets                               -                   23                 -
Impairment of brand                                                     -               11,377            11,377
Decrease in provisions                                                  -                 (61)              (62)
(Increase)/decrease in stock                                        (566)                1,550             2,659
Decrease/(increase) in debtors                                      1,647                (341)           (2,447)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors                                    2,187                3,062             (127)
Net cash inflow from operating activities                           4,349                4,577               211


8.   RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE
     
                                                               Six months            Six months             Year
                                                                    ended                 ended            ended
                                                            28th December         29th December        29th June
                                                                     2002                  2001             2002
                                                                    #'000                 #'000            #'000

Dividend paid to minorities                                          (172)                   -             (317)
Bank arrangement fees paid                                           (431)                   -                 -
Interest paid                                                      (1,458)             (1,013)           (2,278)
Interest received                                                       39                   -                16
Returns on investments and servicing of finance                    (2,022)             (1,013)           (2,579)


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

9.   CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
          

                                                              Six months            Six months              Year
                                                                   ended                 ended             ended
                                                           28th December         29th December         29th June
                                                                    2002                  2001              2002
                                                                   #'000                 #'000             #'000

Purchase of tangible fixed assets                                (1,930)               (4,206)           (9,280)
Capital expenditure                                              (1,930)               (4,206)           (9,280)


10.  FINANCING
    
                                                                Six months          Six months              Year
                                                                     ended               ended             ended
                                                             28th December       29th December         29th June
                                                                      2002                2001              2002
                                                                     #'000               #'000             #'000

Loans drawn down                                                    48,000                   -            45,000
Loans repaid                                                      (45,000)                   -          (16,000)
Financing                                                            3,000                   -            29,000


11.  ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
     
                                                    Movement                        Movement
                                28th December         during       29th June          during       29th December
                                         2002         period            2002          period                2001
                                                                                  (restated)          (restated)
                                        #'000          #'000           #'000           #'000               #'000
Available cash                          6,194          2,948           3,246           (220)               3,466
Bank overdrafts                             -              -               -          18,345            (18,345)
Net cash                                6,194          2,948           3,246          18,125            (14,879)

Bank loan
Less than one year                          -          1,000         (1,000)            (59)               (941)
More than one year                   (48,000)        (4,000)        (44,000)        (28,941)            (15,059)
Net debt                             (41,806)           (52)        (41,754)        (10,875)            (30,879)


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

12.  ACCOUNTS AND INTERIM ANNOUNCEMENT
     
The interim accounts of the Company are expected to be sent to shareholders
during March 2003.  Further copies of this interim statement and the interim
accounts for the six months ended 28th December 2002, when they are published,
are available from the Company Secretary, Filex Services Limited, 179 Great
Portland Street, London W1W 5LS.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END
IR NKQKBKBKBANB

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