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STU Studio Retail Group Plc

115.00
0.00 (0.00%)
28 Mar 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Studio Retail Group Plc LSE:STU London Ordinary Share GB00B8B4R053 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 115.00 115.00 120.00 0.00 00:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Studio Retail Group PLC Half-year Report (5236T)

25/11/2021 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Studio Retail (LSE:STU)
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TIDMSTU

RNS Number : 5236T

Studio Retail Group PLC

25 November 2021

25 November 2021

Studio Retail Group plc ("SRG" or "the Group")

Interim Results for the 26 weeks ended 24 September 2021

"Solid H1 performance, but challenging trading conditions in Q3"

SRG, the digital value retailer, today announces its Interim Results for the 26-week period ended 24 September 2021 and gives an update on its performance in its peak trading period.

Financial Summary

 
                                    26 weeks           26 weeks        Change 
                                 ended 24.09.21     ended 25.09.20 
  Continuing operations                               (restated)^ 
 Group revenue                     GBP239.6m          GBP232.0m         +3.2% 
                               -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax*        GBP23.7m           GBP17.4m         +36% 
                               -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                  GBP26.5m           GBP15.9m         +67% 
                               -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Core net debt*                     GBP20.8m           GBP45.2m       -GBP24.3m 
                               -----------------  -----------------  ---------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure for which a reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below.

^ restated to show the results of Education as a discontinued operation - see note 2.

Group summary

-- Group revenue in H1 of GBP239.6m, up 3.2% on prior year and up 32% over two years following the exceptional growth seen during FY21

   --      Adjusted profit before tax* up 36% to GBP23.7m (2020 restated^: GBP17.4m) 
   --      Sale of Findel Education for headline consideration of GBP30m completed in April 2021 

-- New GBP50m revolving credit facility agreed in June 2021, with a further increase of GBP25m to the securitisation facility to GBP275m recently approved (subject to contract) alongside a new maturity date of December 2024

-- Core net debt* of GBP20.8m (September 2020: GBP45.2m), with the strong H2 trading from last year and the proceeds from the sale of Education being offset by the growth in receivables and the extra investment in stock

Studio highlights

   --      Product revenue in H1 up 0.3% on prior year and up 38% over two years 

o Active credit base at the end of September down marginally to 1.46m, with spend per customer up 10.5% to GBP189

o Over 1.2m active Studio App users with 25% of purchases now coming through this channel

   --      Financial Services revenue in H1 up by GBP7.0m or 11.3% on prior year 

o Representative APR for new customers reduced to 39.9%

o New technologies including Open Banking enabling a refined strategy with a more stringent approach towards credit customer acceptance and charging default fees, aimed at enhancing the lifetime overall value to Studio whilst also ensuring fair outcomes for customers

o Eligible Receivables* up by 12% on prior year, with a reduced yield driven by lower fee income

o Bad debt charge GBP5.3m lower than prior year, due to improved recovery rates and lower default fees being charged to customers

Current trading and outlook

Studio is not immune to the well-publicised market headwinds and has had to manage challenges in product shipping which has driven up costs in this area. This will lead to selling price inflation going forward, although we have competitive monitoring tools to ensure we retain our value position. In addition, we have faced some product availability issues as deliveries were delayed, but we took a proactive decision to secure stock early aided by our Shanghai based sourcing office, meaning that as we went into peak season, we had higher levels of stock than last year and have good tracking in place on all remaining deliveries due in the next couple of weeks.

Again, as with the wider market, we have seen lower availability of staff to fulfil temporary roles in our operations. However, by putting in place peak season pay enhancements, we are now at a point that we can cater with the demand forecast through December, so customer orders are despatched in readiness for Christmas. As we go into FY23 we are anticipating wage increases due to inflation and increases to national living wage.

Studio typically delivers around 40% of its full-year product sales during Q3, the period that includes Black Friday and Christmas. Our core seasonal ranges have sold well throughout peak and although sales of certain ranges, notably ladies clothing, have been slower than expected, they have recovered well in the last two weeks. Our impression is that customers are shopping more selectively this year given inflationary pressures and the recovery from the pandemic. The supply chain challenges have added cost and gross margin pressure that has only partially been mitigated through pricing. We have also recruited fewer new customers due to marketing media inflation, lower availability hindering conversion, plus changes previously described in our financial services strategy that have had more of a short-term impact than anticipated.

We will give a further update on this key trading period at the end of January but our current expectation for the full-year outturn of Adjusted PBT is now in a range of GBP35-40m (previously GBP42-45m). Despite these short-term headwinds, many of which are impacting the wider market, our strategy for growth remains intact and we maintain our GBP1bn revenue goal in the medium term.

Paul Kendrick, Group CEO , commented:

"I am pleased with how the business has built on the success seen during FY21 in delivering a solid trading performance in the first half of the year. There are undoubtedly more near-term headwinds for all retailers, but we are confident that the proactive decisions we have taken will leave us well placed to navigate these. We continue to focus on our strategy set out in June, and our objective remains to drive growth with Studio's outstanding digital value proposition for its customers at the forefront. We remain confident in our medium-term targets."

A video overview of the results from Paul Kendrick, Group CEO and Stuart Caldwell, Group CFO, is available to watch here on the company's website, www.studioretail.group/investor-centre . They will be hosting a conference call for analysts and investors at 9.30am this morning, Thursday, 25th November. To register for the call, please contact Tulchan Communications LLP at studio@tulchangroup.com or by telephone on 020 7353 4200.

This announcement contains inside information. The person responsible for arranging the release of it on behalf of SRG is Stuart Caldwell, Group CFO.

Enquiries

   Studio Retail Group plc                                     0161 303 3465 

Paul Kendrick, Group CEO

Stuart Caldwell, Group CFO

   Tulchan Communications                                 020 7353 4200 

Sunni Chauhan

Will Palfreyman

Notes to Editors

LEI number: 2138006V9ZT2KO6PZY81

Studio Retail is a market-leading digital value retailer offering its UK customers a broad range of products and a flexible repayment proposition. Around 2.3m customers are able to enjoy clothing and footwear alongside home and electrical products, plus more seasonal ranges, many of which can be personalised for free. The medium-term ambition is to achieve over GBP1bn of revenue, through the following three levers for growth: Value, Choice, Payment.

Forward looking statements

This document may contain forward looking statements. In particular, but without limitation, nothing contained in this document should be relied upon or construed as a promise or a forecast, including any projection or management estimate, any statements which contain the words "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "expect", "forecast" and words of a similar meaning, reflect the management of the Company's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Given these risks and uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Any forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this document, and except as required by applicable law, Studio Retail Group plc undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

Summary

Following the transformational performance seen in FY21, the trading performance during the first half of FY22 was one of consolidation, as anticipated. Product revenue increased by 0.3%, with Financial Services revenue up by 11.3%. Adjusted profit before tax increased by 36% to GBP23.7m (H1-2020: GBP17.4m), primarily due to the stronger Financial Services performance and lower bad debt charges.

Having completed the sale of Findel Education in April 2021 and with new financing facilities secured in June 2021, we set out our growth strategy for the Studio Retail business at our Capital Markets Day at the end of June 2021 with the ambition to reach total revenue of GBP1bn in the medium term.

Whilst the near-term market conditions have contained numerous well-publicised headwinds, we remain confident in Studio's proposition to "make more affordable and make more possible" for our value-conscious customers.

Our strategy

Our digital value retail business primarily trades under the Studi o brand. It has undergone a multi-year transformation to move from its catalogue heritage into being a pureplay online business of scale. The transformation continues to now make the business truly digital, utilising data and technology in all aspects of the business to improve customer experience and engagement.

Our strategy for growth aims to build further scale into the business by growing its total revenue to GBP1bn over the medium term, focussed in three primary workstreams:

   -     Value: Attract more of our core customers who love Studio value 
   -     Choice: Build the spend per customer through enhanced product range 
   -     Payment: Expand our range of flexible payment options to appeal to a broader customer base 

In the near term, we expect to see faster progress with the second workstream and, to a lesser extent, the first workstream. This is broadly the pattern that we have seen during the first half of FY22.

Value: attract more customers

Offering a broad range of great value products is the key driver for customers to choose to shop at Studio. These products are promoted to customers through an increased use of digital and TV advertising, supplemented to a lesser extent by catalogues and other paper media.

Studio ended the previous financial year with a total active customer base (customers who have traded in the previous 12 months) of 2.47m. Within that figure were 1.53m customers with an active credit account, a feature which generates a significantly higher level of customer loyalty, repeat purchasing and lifetime value. The typical level of retention from these credit customers is normally around 70%. The other 0.94m customers as at the end of March 2021 were customers who pay using a credit or debit card at the point of sale. These cash customers exhibit a far lower retention rate of around 20%.

The total customer base increased by 36% during FY21. However, the number of cash customers within that base doubled in that period, as the pandemic reduced high-street shopping opportunities. This was not a trend that we expected to continue as the UK returned to more normal conditions.

Marketing costs increased by 6.1% during H1 to GBP17.3m, with tariffs for most types of media increasing at a far higher rate on the equivalent period at the start of the pandemic. The response levels and effectiveness of this spend was therefore lower, producing 28% fewer applicants for credit accounts. Our regulated credit account application process has been enhanced through the introduction of newer technologies such as Open Banking, to ensure that customers can demonstrably afford to repay for the products they purchase from Studio. In the near term, that has the effect of reducing the proportion of these applicants who are accepted for credit. However, in the longer term, that approach is expected to produce a better outcome for customers and a greater lifetime return for Studio due to better loyalty and lower arrears.

The lower marketing effectiveness and the changes to our lending strategy have had a marked impact on new customer acquisition, which has in turn reduced the active credit base to stand at 1.46m at the end of September 2021, with the total base at 2.35m. Temporary factors such as stock availability will depress this further during the remainder of the year, before moving forwards again in FY23 as process improvements to reduce attrition in the application journey and to convert more of the rejected credit customers into cash buyers of the product are introduced.

Choice: build the spend per customer

Once we have brought a customer to the website, the next element of our strategy is to present more products and brands that customers want at competitive prices, so that we capture a greater share of their wallet and increase their ordering frequency. This is likely to be the most effective route to our overall growth in revenue, as we know that our customers' average spend with Studio is around half that seen with peer retailers.

We have seen the annual average spend per customer increase by 11% over the last year, now standing at GBP189 (September 2020: GBP171, March 2021: GBP180), driven by mix effects within our ranges towards branded electrical goods and garden furniture. As the pandemic eases, we would expect to see spending on clothing ranges increase further, which is a significant opportunity for growth due to the relatively high frequency of purchasing and our underweight performance in kidswear.

Our Studio App has become an important retention tool over the last year. It now accounts for around a quarter of all product purchases, with more than 1.2m customers having the App on their devices. Nearly 900k of these have push notifications enabled, providing a low-cost route to bringing customers back to our shop.

The flexible credit account is also a key part of bringing customers back to the shop. Around 7-8% of customers who come onto the App or website to make their monthly repayment will also make a new product purchase.

Part of Studio's successful performance in FY21 was the result of being able to increase the proportion of sales dispatched directly to the customer by a supplier, particularly from popular brands such as Samsung, Regatta and Virgin Wines. We have continued to see this feature in H1 with new ranges from Disney, Hasbro and Lenovo being added, with directly dispatched sales representing 34.3% of product sales in H1.

The business is in the middle of its investment to modernise its retail back-office technology, including a new order management system and a more granular product database to improve the quality of the information presented to customers and so increase basket building and order conversion. We expect to see the benefits from this investment starting to emerge in FY23.

Payment: expand the range of our flexible payment options

Studio has invested in its systems and datasets over the last three years to enhance its flexible, affordable credit options that allow customers to pay for their goods over an extended period. These enhancements have included the capability to tailor the interest rate to the customer's circumstances during the application process, rather than imposing a single rate that is subsequently adjusted after the customer has shopped for 6-12 months. This has allowed Studio to reposition its representative APR offered to new customers at 39.9% during the first half of the year, but it should also give the business the capability to offer lower-APR payment solutions to a different customer audience in the future. This is our third route to growth, which will be developed in FY23 and beyond.

As a responsible lender who is regulated for its conduct by the FCA, Studio is mindful of the need to only lend to customers who can reasonably afford the associated repayments. In addition to using the traditional datasets from credit bureaus in its underwriting scorecards, as noted above Studio is increasingly using Open Banking tools to gain rapid documented assurance on the affordability of lending to each customer at the point of application. Whilst such tools do not prevent real-life circumstances from affecting a customer's future repayment capabilities, Studio starts from the working presumption that all of its customers could be vulnerable from having lower financial resilience if their circumstances change, and this shapes how we design our financial services products and processes. Our tools then enable us to make acceptance decisions and set credit limits that incorporate appropriate buffers for the customer's personal circumstances.

This presumption of potential financial vulnerability then feeds into our approach to forbearance and default fees, which we have also adapted over the last year to reduce the incidence of fees being charged to customers when monthly repayments are missed. Whilst in the short term, that reduces a part of Studio's financial services revenue, it also reduces bad debt charges, produces a better lifetime return for Studio through greater loyalty for product spending and, most importantly, produces a better outcome for the customer. This is consistent with the FCA's guidance on responsible lending.

Balances available for funding from the securitisation facility, which is a measure of "in order" customer accounts now stand at GBP301.4m, 12% higher than at September 2020. That growth led to Financial Services revenue increasing in the first half of the year by 11.3% to GBP69.6m (2020: GBP62.5m), although the overall yield is reducing due to the lower number of default fees being charged and, in time, the lower representative APR for new customers reducing interest income.

Customer collections performance continues to be robust and, whilst we have seen some year-on-year deterioration in arrears performance against the abnormally good performance seen in H1 of FY21, this has been in line with our expectations. The level of recovery achieved from the sale of defaulted debt has improved, and the size of the loss at the point of default is lower due to the new fee strategy noted above. Both of these factors reduce the size of the bad debt provision, leading to a lower in-period bad debt charge.

The accounting standard for bad debt provisioning requires a forward-looking assessment of potential loss. That economic outlook is less pessimistic than a year ago, particularly in the case of unemployment. However, management's analysis of the arrears profile of the portfolio indicates that some customers have continued to benefit from the temporary regulatory support put in place by the government to protect jobs and incomes. There is also increased concern about the likely effect of rising inflation on household incomes and repayments. We therefore believe that some of these customers are in a better, lower-provision state than will ultimately be appropriate. Judgement has therefore been applied in determining the period-end provision, which has increased it by approximately GBP13m from the central level derived from the normal forecasting model.

The bad debt charge for H1 was GBP11.4m, down by GBP5.3m on the prior year.

Peak season planning

As has been well publicised, global shipping container availability and costs have been materially disrupted in recent months. The business took a proactive decision early in the summer to secure its supply chain for the crucial trading period leading up to Christmas, aided by Studio's in-house sourcing office based in Shanghai. This included use of our contracted container shipping plus additional charter ships at an incremental cost, which gives more guaranteed stock availability, albeit arriving slightly later than originally planned. This means Studio was in a strong stock position at the end of September ahead of the peak Christmas season.

H1 Financial results

Product revenue in H1 increased by 0.3% to GBP170.0m. However, trading from the middle of August was more challenging for online retailers such as Studio, due in part to the full reopening of the high street, and further easing of lockdown restrictions. Nonetheless, the business exited the summer season with a clean seasonal stock position, albeit achieved through a longer period of sale than originally envisaged. Most of the new stock acquired through the higher-cost sourcing routes noted above is intended for sale during H2 and early FY23, although some of it was sold in H1. This, alongside the longer sale period, contributed to the product margin rate achieved in H1 of 34.9% being 120bp lower than in prior year. The gross profit from product therefore reduced slightly by 3.0% to GBP59.3m.

The gross profit from financial services increased by GBP12.4m to GBP58.2m, bringing the total gross profit for the business in H1 to GBP117.5m. Overhead costs including depreciation and Central costs increased by 4.6%, bringing the Adjusted Operating Profit* for the Group in H1 to GBP28.6m, up 30% on 2020. After taking account of finance costs of GBP4.9m, the Adjusted PBT for the Group was GBP23.7m (2020: GBP17.4m).

Our sustainability plan - Sustainable, Responsible and Good

We outlined our approach to sustainability, "Sustainable, Responsible and Good" in June, focussed around five pillars:

   -       Putting colleagues first 
   -       Helping people thrive 
   -       Protecting our planet 
   -       Sourcing responsibly 
   -       Upholding high standards 

Key elements of progress during the first half of the year include increasing the number of mental health first-aiders within Studio, implementing the changes to our financial services strategy to improve customer outcomes, stepping up our activities to proactively monitor our suppliers and their factories resulting in us ceasing to trade with a small number of overseas factories, and working across the business with our chosen charity partner, Home-Start.

On emissions, we are currently having our Scope 1 and 2 calculations audited which should enable us to set out our carbon neutrality targets by the end of the financial year.

Current trading and outlook

Studio is not immune to the well-publicised market headwinds and has had to manage challenges in product shipping which has driven up costs in this area. This will lead to selling price inflation going forward, although we have competitive monitoring tools to ensure we retain our value position. In addition, we have faced some product availability issues as deliveries were delayed, but we took a proactive decision to secure stock early aided by our Shanghai based sourcing office, meaning that as we went into peak season we had higher levels of stock than last year and have good tracking in place on all remaining deliveries due in the next couple of weeks.

Again, as with the wider market, we have seen lower availability of staff to fulfil temporary roles in our operations. However, by putting in place peak season pay enhancements, we are now at a point that we can cater with the demand forecast through December so customer orders are despatched in readiness for Christmas. As we go into FY23 we are anticipating wage increases due to inflation and increases to national living wage.

Studio typically delivers around 40% of its full-year product sales during Q3, the period that includes Black Friday and Christmas. Our core seasonal ranges have sold well throughout peak and although sales of certain ranges, notably ladies clothing, have been slower than expected, they have recovered well in the last two weeks. Our impression is that customers are shopping more selectively this year given inflationary pressures and the recovery from the pandemic. The supply chain challenges have added cost and gross margin pressure that has only partially been mitigated through pricing. We have also recruited fewer new customers due to marketing media inflation, lower availability hindering conversion, plus changes previously described to our financial services strategy that have had more of a short-term impact than anticipated.

We will give a further update on this key trading period at the end of January but our current expectation for the full-year outturn of Adjusted PBT is now in a range of GBP35-40m (previously GBP42-45m). Despite these short-term headwinds, many of which are impacting the wider market, our strategy for growth remains intact and we maintain our GBP1bn revenue goal in the medium term.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary income statement

The Group produced an adjusted profit before tax* of GBP23.7m in the period, up 36% on the prior year, as set out below.

 
                                 26 weeks       26 weeks   Variance 
                                    ended          ended 
                                 24.09.21       25.09.20 
                                             (restated^) 
                                  GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 EBITDA                            36,929         29,795      7,134 
 Depreciation & amortisation      (8,338)        (7,804)      (534) 
 Adjusted operating 
  profit*                          28,591         21,991      6,600 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 Finance costs                    (4,873)        (4,565)      (308) 
 Adjusted profit before 
  tax*                             23,718         17,426      6,292 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 Fair value movements               2,847        (1,490)      4,337 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 Profit before tax                 26,565         15,936     10,629 
-----------------------------  ----------  -------------  --------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below.

^ restated to show the results of Education as a discontinued operation - see note 2.

Profit before tax was GBP26.5m (2020 restated^: GBP15.9m).

Borrowings and finance costs

The Group finances its operations through a combination of a securitisation facility that partially funds Studio's credit receivables and a revolving credit facility. The securitisation facility was increased by GBP25m to GBP250m in April 2021. We have recently agreed terms for a further increase to GBP275m in principle subject to the documentation being signed in the coming days, with its maturity date also proposed to be extended to 31 December 2024. The revolving credit facility was refinanced in June 2021 with a smaller group of three lenders providing a commitment of GBP50m until 30 September 2024.

Core net debt* which excludes securitisation funding and lease liabilities, stood at GBP20.8m at the end of September 2021, down by GBP24.3m from September 2020.

Credit receivables capable of being funded by the securitisation facility grew by GBP32.6m or 12% to GBP301.4m. GBP23.1m of this growth was funded by the securitisation facility and GBP9.5m was funded from working capital.

Finance costs of GBP 4.9m (2020 restated^: GBP4.6m) were incurred in the first half of the year. The Group manages its exposure to rising interest rates through the use of interest rate caps. It currently has such protection in place until February 2023 over GBP250m of borrowings at a capped SONIA rate of 0.68%.

Foreign exchange contracts

The Group's policy on hedging its foreign exchange risks remains to cover its planned exposures over the next 12 months on a rolling basis by the use of forward contracts. At the end of September 2021, the Group was committed to contracts for $97. 5m, contracted at US dollar exchange rates between GBP1/$1.41 and GBP1/$1.31, with maturity dates covering the period to September 2022. The fair value of these contracts at the period end was a net position of GBPnil (September 2020: asset of GBP1.7m). Fair value movements in the first half have resulted in a credit of GBP2.8m (September 2020: charge of GBP1.5m), which has been recorded in the condensed consolidated income statement.

Taxation

The Group recorded a tax charge of GBP5.8m in the first half from continuing operations (2020 restated^: GBP3.3m), based on an estimated effective tax rate for the full year of 21.8% (2020 restated^: 20.4%), marginally higher than the prevailing rate of 19%. The increase in rate vs. FY21 is due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities at the now substantively enacted rate of 25%.

Balance sheet

Net assets at 24 September 2021 stood at GBP99.3m, up from GBP84.9m at the year end due to the net income of GBP19.8m from continuing operations less GBP5.4m from the discontinued Education business including the loss on disposal.

Defined benefit pension contributions totalling GBP2.5m have been made into the pension scheme in the first half, together with a lump-sum contribution of GBP9m following the completion of the sale of Findel Education. The net valuation of the pension scheme as calculated per the rules of IAS19 showed a surplus of GBP30.3m at the end of September 2021 (March 2021: GBP20.8m, September 2020: GBP21.7m). The Company is continuing to actively pursue options to remove this potentially volatile item from the balance sheet, including the potential use of insurance.

Share capital and dividends

The Company's shareholders passed resolutions at the AGM in September 2021 approving the repurchase and cancellation of the non-voting deferred shares for the nominal sum of GBP1. That process was completed in November 2021.

As noted in the FY21 Annual Report, our ambition over the next few years is to invest in our digital capabilities to increase the level of potentially distributable reserves within the primary operating subsidiary, Studio Retail Limited, to enable it to remit dividends up to the Company. The Company does not have plans to reinstate dividend payments at this stage.

Alternative Performance Measures

The Directors use several Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") that are considered to provide useful information about the performance and underlying trends facing the Group. As these APMs are not defined by IFRS, they may not be comparable with APMs shown in other companies' accounts. They are not intended to be a replacement for, or be superior to, IFRS measures.

The principal APMs used in these Interim Results are set out below.

Adjusted profit before tax

This measure is used by management to assess the underlying trading performance of the Group from period to period.

In both the current and prior period, fair value movements on derivative financial instruments have been excluded in arriving at adjusted PBT. The Group's foreign exchange hedging policy means that there will be unrealised fair value gains or losses at the period end relating to contracts intended for future periods. Those fair value movements are therefore excluded from the underlying performance of the Group until realised.

Since the Education business met the criteria to be held for sale at 26 March 2021, its results have been presented separately in the condensed consolidated income statement in both the 26-week period ended 24 September 2021 and the 26-week period ended 25 September 2020. Since the business was involved in two disposal processes during FY21 and was sold in April 2021, management have concluded that the results of Education are no longer relevant when assessing the underlying performance of the Group and have therefore focused on the results from continuing operations.

A reconciliation from adjusted profit before tax to profit before tax is shown below:

 
                                              26 weeks          26 weeks 
                                        ended 24.09.21    ended 25.09.20 
                                                             (restated*) 
                                                GBP000            GBP000 
------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Adjusted profit before tax                     23,718            17,426 
 Fair value movements on derivative 
  financial instruments                          2,847           (1,490) 
 Profit before tax                              26,565            15,936 
------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Studio product gross margin %

This is used as a measure of the gross profit made by Studio on the sale of products only, which shows progress against one of Studio's strategic pillars. It is derived as follows:

 
                               26 weeks ended   26 weeks ended 
                                     24.09.21         25.09.20 
                                       GBP000           GBP000 
 
 Product revenue                      169,979          169,485 
 Less product cost of sales         (110,727)        (108,383) 
----------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Gross product margin                  59,252           61,102 
----------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Product gross margin %                 34.9%            36.1% 
----------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Studio underlying impairment loss as a % of revenue

This is an assessment of the underlying impairment loss incurred in respect of Studio's trade receivables, which enables management to assess the quality and performance of its trade receivables from period to period.

 
                                      26 weeks ended   26 weeks ended 
                                            24.09.21         25.09.20 
                                              GBP000           GBP000 
 Reported impairment loss                     11,351           16,686 
 Studio total revenue                        239,564          232,031 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Studio underlying impairment loss 
  as a % of revenue                             4.7%             7.2% 
-----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Studio marketing costs to sales ratio

This measure allows management to assess the efficiency of our marketing spend as we pursue our stated strategy of increasing the profile of the Studio brand. It is calculated by dividing marketing costs by product revenue.

 
                                   26 weeks ended   26 weeks ended 
                                         24.09.21         25.09.20 
                                           GBP000           GBP000 
 Marketing costs                           17,279           16,284 
 Product revenue                          169,979          169,485 
--------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Marketing costs to sales ratio             10.2%             9.6% 
--------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Overall net debt

This measure takes account of total borrowings less cash held by the Group and represents our total indebtedness. Management use this measure for assessing overall gearing.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                        26 weeks ended          26 weeks ended 
                                              24.09.21    25.09.20 (restated*) 
                                                GBP000                  GBP000 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 Total bank loans                              263,683                 286,576 
 Lease liabilities                              38,389                  41,533 
 Less cash and cash equivalents               (18,162)                (39,850) 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 Overall net debt                              283,910                 288,259 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 Exclude impact of IFRS 16                    (37,144)                (41,533) 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 Overall net debt on a like-for-like 
  basis                                        246,766                 246,726 
-------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 

* balances have been restated as set out in note 2 to the financial statements.

Core net debt

This measure excludes lease liabilities and securitisation borrowings from net debt to show borrowings under the revolving credit facility net of cash held by the Group. This is our preferred measure of the indebtedness of the Group and is relevant for covenant purposes.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                     26 weeks ended          26 weeks ended 
                                           24.09.21    25.09.20 (restated*) 
                                             GBP000                  GBP000 
 Net Debt                                   283,910                 288,259 
 Lease liabilities                         (38,389)                (41,533) 
 Less securitisation borrowings**         (224,683)               (201,576) 
 Core net debt                               20,838                  45,150 
----------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 

** Disclosed within bank loans.

* balances have been restated as set out in note 2 to the financial statements.

Debt funding consumer receivables

The majority of Studio's trade receivables are eligible to be funded in part from the securitisation facility, with the remainder being funded from working capital. This measure indicates the face value of trade receivables (before any impairment provision) capable of being funded from the securitisation facility. It is useful to management as it demonstrates the proportion of net debt that is supported by paying customer receivables.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                     26 weeks ended   26 weeks ended 
                                           24.09.21         25.09.20 
                                             GBP000           GBP000 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Funded from securitisation loans           224,683          201,576 
 Funded from working capital                 76,680           67,192 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Eligible receivables                       301,363          268,768 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Securitisation %                               75%              75% 
----------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Adjusted earnings per share

This measure shows the earnings per share given when individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments are excluded from the profit after tax figure. Details of how the adjusted earnings per share are calculated can be found in note 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Studio Retail Group plc

Group Financial Information

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

26-week period ended 24 September 2021

 
                                                 Before individually       Individually significant      Total 
                                                   significant items                          items 
                                Notes                         GBP000                         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Revenue                             3                        169,979                              -    169,979 
Credit account interest                                       69,585                              -     69,585 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (including 
 credit interest)                                            239,564                              -    239,564 
Cost of sales                                              (110,727)                              -  (110,727) 
Impairment losses on customer 
 receivables                                                (11,351)                              -   (11,351) 
Gross profit                                                 117,486                              -    117,486 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Trading costs                                               (88,895)                              -   (88,895) 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                                     36,929                              -     36,929 
- Depreciation, amortisation 
 and impairment                                              (8,338)                              -    (8,338) 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Operating profit                    3                         28,591                              -     28,591 
Net finance costs                                            (4,873)                              -    (4,873) 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax and fair 
 value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                                        23,718                              -     23,718 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Fair value movements on 
 derivative financial 
 instruments                                                   2,847                              -      2,847 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                   3                         26,565                              -     26,565 
Tax expense                         6                        (5,780)                              -    (5,780) 
Profit from continuing 
 operations                                                   20,785                              -     20,785 
------------------------------  -----  -----------------------------  -----------------------------  --------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Loss from discontinued 
 operation, net of tax              5                          (464)                        (4,891)    (5,355) 
Profit for the period                                         20,321                        (4,891)     15,430 
 
Profit attributable to owners 
 of the parent                                                20,321                        (4,891)     15,430 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                               7                                                                    24.08 
Diluted                                                                                                  23.47 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                               7                                                                   (6.18) 
Diluted                                                                                                 (6.05) 
total attributable to ordinary 
shareholders 
Basic                               7                                                                    17.81 
Diluted                                                                                                  17.42 
 
 

*Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

26-week period ended 25 September 2020 (restated - refer to note 2)

 
                                             Before individually  Individually significant items      Total 
                                               significant items 
                          Notes                           GBP000                          GBP000     GBP000 
-------------------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Revenue                         3                        169,485                               -    169,485 
Credit account interest                                   62,546                               -     62,546 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (including 
 credit interest)                                        232,031                               -    232,031 
Cost of sales                                          (108,383)                               -  (108,383) 
Impairment losses on customer 
 receivables                                            (16,686)                               -   (16,686) 
Gross profit                                             106,962                               -    106,962 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Trading costs                                           (84,971)                               -   (84,971) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                                 29,795                               -     29,795 
- Depreciation and 
 amortisation                                            (7,804)                               -    (7,804) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Operating profit                3                         21,991                               -     21,991 
Net finance costs                                        (4,565)                               -    (4,565) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax and fair 
 value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                                    17,426                               -     17,426 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Fair value movements on 
 derivative financial 
 instruments                                             (1,490)                               -    (1,490) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax               3                         15,936                               -     15,936 
Tax expense                     6                        (3,257)                               -    (3,257) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Profit from continuing 
 operations                                               12,679                               -     12,679 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Profit/(Loss) from 
 discontinued operation, net 
 of tax                         5                            284                         (1,039)      (755) 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
Profit for the period                                     12,963                         (1,039)     11,924 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
 
Profit attributable to owners 
 of the parent                                            12,963                         (1,039)     11,924 
------------------------------   -------------------------------  ------------------------------  --------- 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                           7                                                          14.69 
Diluted                                                                                    14.62 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                           7                                                         (0.87) 
Diluted                                                                                   (0.87) 
total attributable to ordinary 
shareholders 
Basic                           7                                                          13.81 
Diluted                                                                                    13.75 
 
 

*Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

26-week period ended 24 September 2021

 
                                                                      26 weeks to 24.09.2021  26 weeks to 25.09.2020 
                                                                                      GBP000                  GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
Profit for the period                                                                 15,430                  11,924 
Other comprehensive income 
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 
Cash flow hedges                                                                          64                      14 
Currency translation gain arising on consolidation                                        32                     161 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                                                                          96                     175 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to profit and loss 
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension scheme                                     (2,261)                (12,931) 
Tax relating to components of comprehensive income                                       430                   2,457 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                                                                     (1,831)                (10,474) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
Total comprehensive income for period                                                 13,695                   1,625 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

The total comprehensive income for the period is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company Studio Retail Group plc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 24 September 2021

 
                                                                       24.09.2021  25.09.2020 (restated)  26.03.2021 
                                                                Notes     GBP'000                GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                                                          27,066                 42,966      22,761 
Property, plant and equipment                                              56,726                 64,095      58,188 
Derivative financial instruments                                    9         161                      -           - 
Retirement benefit surplus                                                 30,334                 21,670      20,837 
Deferred tax assets                                                             -                  5,562       1,742 
                                                                          114,287                134,293     103,528 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                                52,889                 69,593      37,769 
Trade and other receivables                                               290,891                264,326     291,225 
Derivative financial instruments                                    9         521                  1,722          55 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                  18,162                 39,850      37,443 
Current tax assets                                                          1,116                      -         507 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Current assets excluding assets held for sale                             363,579                375,491     366,999 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Assets classified as held for sale                                              -                      -      45,287 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Total current assets                                                      363,579                375,491     412,286 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Total assets                                                              477,866                509,784     515,814 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                                 (69,209)               (95,896)    (73,266) 
Lease liabilities                                                         (6,118)                (6,226)     (6,275) 
Derivative financial instruments                                    9       (547)                      -     (2,927) 
Provisions                                                          8     (5,581)                (1,459)     (5,185) 
Current tax liabilities                                                         -                (2,474)           - 
Bank loans                                                                      -                      -    (65,000) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Current liabilities excluding liabilities held for sale                  (81,455)              (106,055)   (152,653) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale                   -                      -    (18,715) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Total current liabilities                                                (81,455)              (106,055)   (171,368) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans                                                              (263,683)              (286,576)   (225,000) 
Lease liabilities                                                        (32,271)               (40,657)    (34,174) 
Provisions                                                          8       (326)                      -       (354) 
Deferred tax liabilities                                                    (811)                      -           - 
                                                                        (297,091)              (327,233)   (259,528) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Total liabilities                                                       (378,546)              (433,288)   (430,896) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Net assets                                                                 99,320                 76,496      84,918 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                                              48,702                 48,644      48,687 
Translation reserve                                                           968                    482         936 
Hedging reserve                                                                58                   (12)         (6) 
Retained earnings                                                          49,592                 27,382      35,301 
Total equity                                                               99,320                 76,496      84,918 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------------------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

26-week period ended 24 September 2021

 
                                                                      26 weeks to  26 weeks to 25.09.2020 
                                                                       24.09.2021 
                                                                           GBP000                  GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------  ---------------------- 
Profit for the period                                                      15,430                  11,924 
Adjustments for: 
Income tax                                                                  5,780                   3,030 
Finance costs                                                               4,873                   4,704 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                               5,463                   7,838 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                                     -                     519 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                           2,875                   1,101 
Share-based payment expense                                                   707                     875 
Loss on disposal of subsidiary                                              4,794                       - 
Fair value movements on financial instruments net of premiums paid        (2,847)                   1,490 
Pension contributions less income statement charge                       (11,500)                 (2,499) 
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital                   25,575                  28,982 
Increase in inventories                                                  (17,723)                (10,768) 
Decrease/(Increase) in receivables                                          4,859                (19,086) 
(Decrease)/Increase in payables                                           (7,839)                  18,845 
Increase/(Decrease) in provisions                                             368                 (2,876) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------------- 
Cash generated from operations before interest and tax paid                 5,240                  15,097 
Income taxes (paid)/refunded                                              (3,405)                   1,229 
Interest paid                                                             (5,223)                 (3,689) 
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities                              (3,388)                  12,637 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------------- 
Investing activities 
(Loss)/Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment                  (1)                      10 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                (3,693)                 (1,627) 
Purchases of software and IT development costs                            (7,304)                 (4,926) 
Proceeds on sale of subsidiary                                             23,788                       - 
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities                               12,790                 (6,543) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------------- 
Financing activities 
Repayment of amounts owing under lease arrangements                       (2,359)                 (3,393) 
Bank loans repaid                                                        (26,000)                       - 
Securitisation loan (repaid)/drawn down                                     (317)                   3,985 
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities                             (28,676)                     592 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------------- 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents                     (19,274)                   6,686 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period                   37,443                  33,163 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes                                       (7)                       1 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period                         18,162                  39,850 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

26-week period ended 24 September 2021

 
                                                   Translation   Hedging   Retained    Total 
                                    Share capital      reserve   reserve   earnings   equity 
                                           GBP000       GBP000    GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  ------- 
As at 26 March 2021                        48,687          936       (6)     35,301   84,918 
Profit for the period                           -            -         -     15,430   15,430 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)               -           32        64    (1,831)  (1,735) 
Issue of shares                                15            -         -       (15)        - 
Share based payments                            -            -         -        707      707 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  ------- 
As at 24 September 2021                    48,702          968        58     49,592   99,320 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  ------- 
 
 
                                                   Translation   Hedging   Retained     Total 
                                    Share capital      reserve   reserve   earnings    equity 
                                           GBP000       GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  -------- 
As at 27 March 2020                        48,644          321      (26)     26,442    75,381 
Reversal of IFRS 5 adjustment 
 (restated)                                     -            -         -    (1,385)   (1,385) 
As at 27 March 2020 (restated)             48,644          321      (26)     25,057    73,996 
Profit for the period                           -            -         -     11,924    11,924 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)               -          161        14   (10,474)  (10,299) 
Share based payments                            -            -         -        875       875 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  -------- 
As at 25 September 2020                    48,644          482      (12)     27,382    76,496 
----------------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

The total equity is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company Studio Retail Group plc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   1.     General Information 

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been approved by the board on 24 November 2021.

Statement of compliance

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the United Kingdom ("UK") and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. As required by the latter, the condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the Company's published consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2021, except for the segmental analysis which is explained in note 3. They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's consolidated financial statements as at and for the 52 weeks ended 26 March 2021.

The financial information for the period ended 26 March 2021 is not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts, which were prepared under IFRS as adopted by the UK ("adopted IFRS"), have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor draws attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information included in this interim financial report for the six months ended 24 September 2021 is unaudited. The comparative information for the six months ended 25 September 2020 is also unaudited.

Going concern basis

The directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements after assessing the principal risks and having considered the impact of severe but plausible downside scenarios for COVID-19. These remain the same as those set out the Group's annual report and accounts for the period ended 26 March 2021. The Group is financed by a securitisation facility and a Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") as disclosed in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for the period ended 26 March 2021. The directors considered the impact of the current Covid-19 environment on the business for the next 12 months for the purposes of their going concern assessment. Whilst there is inherent uncertainty in forecasts caused by COVID-19, the directors have considered severe but plausible downside scenarios on sales, profits and cash flows.

The directors have assumed that the Group's operations remain open and that we will continue to be able to serve our customers in the event of any further national lockdowns, as we have done since March 2020. The downside sensitivities considered include a reduction in new customer growth and existing customer spend, the level of future forecast revenue and gross margin growth as well the impact of economic factors (particularly unemployment rates) on the ability of the Group's customer base to continue to shop with us and to service their credit accounts. The directors also considered the impact of these sensitivities occurring in combination. In the event that one of or a number of these downside scenario arise at the same time the directors consider they are able to take reasonable mitigating actions, which include but are not limited to, a reduction in discretionary capital expenditure and a reduction in discretionary marketing spend. Implementing these mitigating actions would enable the Group to continue to operate within its existing facilities during the forecast period.

The directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks satisfactorily, noting that further agreement would be required to make fresh drawings on the securitisation facility after 31 December 2022 and its RCF matures on 30 September 2024, and have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the signing date of these condensed consolidated financial statements. They therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties which could impact the Group's short and long-term performance are:

-- Pressures on the levels of disposable income available to lower socio-economic groups, who form a core part of Studio's customer base;

-- The risk of financial crime being attempted or committed against Studio, its customers or employees;

-- Potential disruption to our business support systems and the storage and protection of our customers' data;

-- A material interruption to the product supply chain could reduce the level of retail trading;

-- Execution and liquidity risks from a substantial three-year plan of transformation and growth at Studio;

-- Attracting and retaining the right talent in the business, particularly in the highly competitive areas of digital marketing, IT development and cyber security, to support the development of our high growth digital strategy;

-- Failure to comply with legal and regulatory developments could result in significant financial penalties, including fines or sanctions and could also lead to reputational damage and/or restrictions on Studio's ability to trade; and

   --      Any inability to operate from one of our key warehouse facilities centres. 

For further details please refer to pages 48 to 49 of the Group's annual report and accounts for the 52-week period ended 26 March 2021, a copy of which is available on the Group's website www.studioretail.group .

These risks remain valid with regards to their potential to impact the Group during the second half of the current financial year.

Brexit

The principal challenge that continues to be faced by the business as a result of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union is in respect of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol was agreed by the UK Government in October 2019 and was aimed at avoiding the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland. The Protocol requires that the UK authorities apply EU customs rules to goods entering Northern Ireland, with the effect that the sales made to customers in Northern Ireland are now effectively treated as exports. This is a substantial operational change for a business that historically has only made sales to UK customers. Whilst the enforcement of the Protocol by HMRC has been delayed, we continue to work with our distribution partners to make the necessary system and data changes to allow us to be able to comply with the requirements of the Protocol and continue to serve customers in Northern Ireland.

Impact of Covid-19

Studio business was able to trade continuously throughout the year and saw strong levels of trading and new customer recruitment. Studio put in place the necessary steps to ensure that colleagues were able to either work remotely or in a Covid-secure workplace environment as appropriate. Additional resources were put in place for hygiene and screens, with extra deep-cleaning of warehouse premises from time to time.

At the outset of the pandemic, whilst the implications of how trading could continue for a non-essential retailer were being assessed, the businesses made use of short-term cash flow supports offered by HMRC. All of this support was repaid later in the year.

Additional forbearance measures were put in place for Studio's credit customers on request, including offering up to two 90-day payment holidays where necessary for the customer's circumstances.

The Studio business continues to retain a cautious approach to the number of colleagues being on site, in part because its offices and warehouses are located in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, where infection rates have often been higher than the national averages.

Seasonality

The nature of the businesses within the Studio Retail Group mean that profits have shown, and will continue to show, a significant seasonal bias with the majority of product revenue being earned in the second half due to peak trading season of Black Friday and Christmas.

Customer balances typically move in line with the seasonal patterns of product purchases. It is normal for balances to peak at Christmas before gradually reducing from then until the following summer. Customers receive a monthly statement and can then choose whether to repay their balance in full each month, in which case they do not incur any interest charges, or whether to pay an amount they choose between a minimum level and the outstanding balance.

   2.     Accounting Policies 

As required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, this condensed set of financial statements has been prepared applying the same accounting policies and computation methods that were applied in the preparation of the Company's published consolidated financial statements for the period ended 26 March 2021.

Findel Education's classification as discontinued operation

The Group completed the disposal of Findel Education Limited on 16 April 2021. Consequently, the comparative figures given in the condensed consolidated income statement for the 26 week period ended 25 September 2020 have been restated to show the results from this discontinued operation separately, in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 5 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations. The comparative condensed consolidated balance sheet has not been restated in accordance with IFRS 5.

Changes in classification of costs

During the current period management has changed the presentation of Studio's payroll costs previously classified within distribution costs so that these are now presented within administration costs. The comparative figures have been restated to reduce distribution costs by GBP3,178,000 and increase administration costs by GBP3,178,000. These adjustments have no effect on the profit for the year. There is no presentational impact in the interim financial statements.

Reclassification of software

During the prior period, management performed a review of the Group's accounting policies and identified that software that had previously been disclosed within property, plant and equipment and should been disclosed within intangible assets. Consequently, software with a net book value GBP18,668,000 of at 27 March 2020 was reclassified from property plant and equipment to intangible assets. A subsequent reclassification of GBP21,953,000 was made to the 25 September 2020 balance sheet. This is a balance sheet reclassification only and has no impact on the income statement or net assets.

The restated Condensed Consolidated Income Statement and Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet shown below summarise the restatements made.

Restated Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

26-week period ended 25 September 2020

 
                                                   As reported  Restatement of discontinued operation      Total 
                                           Notes        GBP000                                 GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Revenue                                        3       205,485                               (36,000)    169,485 
Credit account interest                                 62,546                                      -     62,546 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Total revenue (including credit interest)              268,031                               (36,000)    232,031 
Cost of sales                                        (131,769)                                 23,386  (108,383) 
Impairment losses on customer receivables             (16,686)                                      -   (16,686) 
Gross profit                                           119,576                               (12,614)    106,962 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Trading costs                                         (98,428)                                 13,457   (84,971) 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                               30,606                                  (811)     29,795 
- Depreciation, amortisation and 
 impairment                                            (9,458)                                  1,654    (7,804) 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Operating profit                               3        21,148                                    843     21,991 
Net finance costs                                      (4,704)                                    139    (4,565) 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax and fair value 
 movements on derivative financial 
 instruments                                            16,444                                    982     17,426 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Fair value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                                 (1,490)                                      -    (1,490) 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                                       14,954                                    982     15,936 
Tax expense                                    6       (3,030)                                  (227)    (3,257) 
Profit for the period                                   11,924                                    755     12,679 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------------------------------  --------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Loss from discontinued operation, net of 
 tax                                           5             -                                  (755)      (755) 
Profit for the period                                   11,924                                      -     11,924 
 
Profit attributable to owners of the 
 parent                                                 11,924                                      -     11,924 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                                                                                                      14.69 
Diluted                                                                                                    14.62 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                                                                                                     (0.87) 
Diluted                                                                                                   (0.87) 
total attributable to ordinary 
shareholders 
Basic                                                                                                      13.81 
Diluted                                                                                                    13.75 
 
 

*Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Restated Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 25 September 2020

 
                                          As reported  Software reclassification    Restated 
                                           25.09.2020                 25.09.2020  25.09.2020 
                                   Notes      GBP'000                    GBP'000     GBP'000 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                              21,013                     21,953      42,966 
Property, plant and equipment                  86,048                   (21,953)      64,095 
Retirement benefit surplus                     21,670                          -      21,670 
Deferred tax assets                             5,562                          -       5,562 
                                              134,293                          -     134,293 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                    69,593                          -      69,593 
Trade and other receivables                   264,326                          -     264,326 
Derivative financial instruments       9        1,722                          -       1,722 
Cash and cash equivalents                      39,850                          -      39,850 
Total current assets                          375,491                          -     375,491 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Total assets                                  509,784                          -     509,784 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                     (95,896)                          -    (95,896) 
Lease liabilities                             (6,226)                          -     (6,226) 
Provisions                             8      (1,459)                          -     (1,459) 
Current tax liabilities                       (2,474)                          -     (2,474) 
Total current liabilities                   (106,055)                          -   (106,055) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans                                  (286,576)                          -   (286,576) 
Lease liabilities                            (40,657)                          -    (40,657) 
                                            (327,233)                          -   (327,233) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Total liabilities                           (433,288)                          -   (433,288) 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Net assets                                     76,496                          -      76,496 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                  48,644                          -      48,644 
Translation reserve                               482                          -         482 
Hedging reserve                                  (12)                          -        (12) 
Retained earnings                              27,382                          -      27,382 
Total equity                                   76,496                          -      76,496 
---------------------------------  -----  -----------  -------------------------  ---------- 
 

In addition to the above, the deferred tax balance at 25 September 2020 has been adjusted by GBP325,000 relating to the reinstatement of depreciation and amortisation that was not charged for the 26-week period to 27 March 2020. Further details are included within the consolidated financial statements for the period ended 26 March 2021.

Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the period ended 26 March 2021 except as noted below.

Studio's trade receivables

Studio's trade receivables are recognised on the balance sheet at amortised cost (i.e. net of provision for expected credit loss). At 24 September 2021 trade receivables with a gross value of GBP365.2m (2020: GBP314.8m) were recorded on the balance sheet, less a provision for impairment of GBP94.0m (2020: GBP90.2m).

An appropriate allowance for expected credit loss in respect of trade receivables is derived from estimates and underlying assumptions such as the Probability of Default and the Loss Given Default, taking into consideration forward looking macro-economic assumptions. Changes in the assumptions applied such as the value and frequency of future debt sales in calculating the Loss Given Default, and the estimation of customer repayments and Probability of Default rates, as well as the weighting of the macro-economic scenarios applied to the impairment model could have a significant impact on the carrying value of trade receivables.

These assumptions are continually assessed for relevance and adjusted appropriately. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

The macro-economic drivers that impact the bad debt charge are as follows:

   --      Annual changes in unemployment rate; 
   --      Actual unemployment rate; and 
   --      Changes in average weekly earnings. 

The latest economic scenarios are driven mainly by the expected recovery of the UK Economy from Covid-19, in particular the recovery in unemployment.

We consider four economic scenarios, and apply a weighting based on probability. These are:

   --      Upside 

Assumes unemployment has already experienced the peak in Q4 2021at 5.2%, and recovery will continue until levelling off in Q2 2022 at 3.9%

   --      Baseline 

Unemployment is expected to rise modestly to 5.1%. GDP is not expected to be back to pre-crisis levels until December. Growth slows through 2022 as high inflation crimps consumer spending.

   --      Downside 

The Economy underperforms as households lock in some of the saving gains made over the last year. The fallout from leaving the EU, which has been largely hidden by COVID - constrains output. Many firms affected find they are unviable as government support unwinds and protection from creditors is ended. Unemployment rises to just above 6%

   --      Stress 

Vaccines prove ineffective against new variants. The Economy contracts early next year as people voluntarily social distance. Supply-side constraints see inflation rise sharply peaking at well above 5% at the start of 2022. This increase in inflation could cut into real incomes and exacerbate the recession. Unemployment peaks at 8.1% in H2 of 2022

The table below summarises the peak employment levels assumed within each scenario; with the weightings we have applied to each.

 
                  September 2021                March 2021               September 2020 
 Scenario    Unemployment    Weighting   Unemployment   Weighting   Unemployment   Weighting 
                  peak        applied        peak        applied        peak        applied 
            --------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
  Upside         c 4%            5%          c 5%           5%          c 6%          5% 
            --------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
 Baseline        c 5%           50%          c 6%          50%          c 8%          50% 
            --------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
 Downside        c 6%           35%          c 8%          35%         c 10%          35% 
            --------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
  Stress         c 8%           10%         c 10%          10%         c 14%          10% 
            --------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ---------- 
 

We note that the impairment model was not designed to take into account changes to customer payment and default performance arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that Covid-19 has inherently impacted the economic inputs of the model. Management's analysis of the arrears profile of the portfolio indicates that some customers have benefitted from the temporary regulatory support put in place by the government to protect jobs and incomes. We therefore believe that some of these customers are in a better, lower-provision state at the balance sheet date than will ultimately be appropriate. Judgement has therefore been applied in determining the half-year provision, which has increased it by approximately GBP13m from the central level derived from the normal forecasting model.

We note that the unprecedented level of uncertainty around the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as a whole, and subsequently on our customer base, continues to cause challenges in assessing bad debt on a forward-looking basis.

Discount rate for pension scheme liabilities

At 24 September 2021 the Group's defined benefit pension scheme showed a surplus of GBP30.3m (25 September 2020: GBP21.7m, 26 March 2021: GBP20.8m).

The defined benefit obligation at 24 September 2021 was GBP152.6m (25 September 2020: GBP153.6m, 26 March 2021: GBP146.8m). During the period, an interest expense relating to the defined benefit obligation of GBP1.4m was recognised in the condensed consolidated income statement, GBP7.0m of remeasurements were recognised in other comprehensive income, primarily relating to financial assumptions, and benefit payments of GBP2.6m were made, resulting in a gross increase in the defined benefit obligation of GBP5.9m.

The fair value of scheme assets at 24 September 2021 was GBP183.0m (25 September 2020: GBP175.3m, 26 March 2021: GBP167.6m). During the period, interest income relating to scheme assets of GBP1.7m was recognised in the condensed consolidated income statement, GBP4.8m of remeasurements were recognised in other comprehensive income, benefit payments of GBP2.6m were made, and GBP11.5m of employer contributions were received by the scheme, resulting in a gross increase in the fair value of scheme assets of GBP15.4m.

The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities detailed above are sensitive to the underlying assumptions used by management in their calculation. It is reasonably possible that the outcomes within the next financial year could differ from the assumptions made, which would impact upon the carrying values assumed.

Management makes use of the PwC Single Agency corporate bond yield curve to derive the discount rate applied to the scheme's projected cash flows, in the calculation of its liabilities under IAS 19. Changes to the discount rate applied could lead to significant changes in the level of liabilities recognised.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any of the future periods affected.

   3.     Segmental analysis 

Operating segment

Following the disposal of Findel Education, the Group now has one principal operating segment, Studio, plus a central cost centre. The income statement below is presented in the same format as that presented to the CODM (Chief Operating Decision Maker) and the prior period has been restated on an equivalent basis to enable a like for like comparison.

Inter-segmental trading and profitability is not included in the information provided to the CODM and consequently is not disclosed below. Reportable segmental profits are adjusted for inter-segment profits and as such are stated using costs to the Group.

 
                                                                           26 weeks to                     26 weeks to 
                                                                     24 September 2021    25 September 2020 (restated) 
                                                                                 Total                           Total 
                                                                                GBP000                          GBP000 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Product revenue                                                               169,979                         169,485 
 Other financial services revenue                                                6,883                           7,507 
 Credit account interest                                                        62,702                          55,039 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Financial services revenue                                                     69,585                          62,546 
 Reportable segment revenue                                                    239,564                         232,031 
 Product cost of sales                                                       (110,727)                       (108,383) 
 Financial services cost of sales                                             (11,351)                        (16,686) 
 Total cost of sales                                                         (122,078)                       (125,069) 
 Gross profit                                                                  117,486                         106,962 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Marketing costs                                                              (17,279)                        (16,284) 
 Distribution costs                                                           (16,277)                        (16,858) 
 Administrative costs                                                         (46,180)                        (43,581) 
 Central costs                                                                   (821)                           (444) 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 EBITDA*                                                                        36,929                          29,795 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                                 (8,338)                         (7,804) 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Operating profit before individually significant items                         28,591                          21,991 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Individually significant items                                                      -                               - 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Operating profit                                                               28,591                          21,991 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Finance costs                                                                 (4,873)                         (4,565) 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Profit before tax and fair value movements on derivative 
  financial instruments                                                         23,718                          17,426 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments                        2,847                         (1,490) 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Profit before tax from continuing operations                                   26,565                          15,936 
                                                                   -------------------  ------------------------------ 
 

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

24 September 2021

Other information

 
                                                                       Discontinued     Group 
                                         Continuing operations           operation 
                                  ---------------------------------- 
                                      Studio     Central     Total      Education       Total 
                                     GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Additions to property plant 
  and equipment and software 
  and IT development costs            10,997           -      10,997              -      10,997 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Balance Sheet 
 Assets 
 Segment assets                      427,989           -     427,989              -     427,989 
 Central adjustments                       -      49,877      49,877              -      49,877 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Consolidated total assets           427,989      49,877     477,866              -     477,866 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Liabilities 
 Segment liabilities               (230,108)           -   (230,108)              -   (230,108) 
 Central adjustments                       -   (148,438)   (148,438)              -   (148,438) 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Consolidated total liabilities    (230,108)   (148,438)   (378,546)              -   (378,546) 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 

25 September 2020

Other information

 
                                                                       Discontinued     Group 
                                         Continuing operations           operation 
                                  ---------------------------------- 
                                      Studio     Central     Total      Education       Total 
                                     GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Additions to property plant 
  and equipment and software 
  and IT development costs             6,069           -       6,069            484       6,553 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Balance Sheet 
 Assets 
 Segment assets                      398,696           -     398,696         81,971     480,667 
 Central adjustments                       -      29,117      29,117              -      29,117 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Consolidated total assets           398,696      29,117     427,813         81,971     509,784 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Liabilities 
 Segment liabilities               (264,942)           -   (264,942)       (64,474)   (329,416) 
 Central adjustments                       -   (103,872)   (103,872)              -   (103,872) 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 Consolidated total liabilities    (264,942)   (103,872)   (368,814)       (64,474)   (433,288) 
                                  ----------  ----------  ----------                 ---------- 
 

Central adjustments primarily relate to the elimination of intercompany balances on consolidation, intangible assets arising on consolidation, defined benefit pension surplus as well as current tax balances and deferred tax.

   4.     Individually significant items 

An analysis of individually significant items arising during the current and prior periods is as follows:

During the 26-week period ended 24 September 2021, there are GBPnil (26-week period ended 25 September 2020: GBPnil) individually significant items from continuing operations.

Discontinued operation

 
                                                           26 weeks to  26 weeks to 
                                                              24.09.21     25.09.20 
                                                                GBP000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------   -----------  ----------- 
Loss on disposal                                               (4,794)            - 
Disposal costs                                                    (97)      (1,283) 
                                                               (4,891)      (1,283) 
Tax credit in respect of individually significant items              -          244 
Total                                                          (4,891)      (1,039) 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 

A charge of GBP4,794,000 has been recorded as a loss on disposal following the sale of Education, which completed on 16 April 2021. Disposal costs of GBP97,000 were incurred during the current period in relation to the sale of Education to West Moorland 221 Limited. These costs have been disclosed within the result from discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5.

In the prior period, disposal costs of GBP1,283,000 were incurred aborted sale of Education to YPO. These costs have been disclosed within the result from discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5.

   5.     Discontinued Operation 

On 16 April 2021, the Group entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of Findel Education Limited to West Moorland 221 Limited, a newly formed company owned by investment funds managed by Endless LLP for a gross consideration of GBP30.0 million on a debt free, cash free basis paid in cash on completion. In addition to the consideration, the Group has made available a working capital facility of GBP2.0 million to Findel Education. The facility was repaid in full on 30 September 2021. The net cash proceeds were used to make a voluntary payment to the Group's defined benefit pension fund of GBP9.0 million with the remainder used to reduce the Group's net debt.

Findel Education's results for the 3 week period to 16 April 2021, 26 week period to 25 September 2020 and the 52 week period to 26 March 2021 have been presented to show the discontinued operation separately from continuing operations and are summarised below:

 
                     3 week period to 16.04.21   26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                    ended      ended 
                                                 25.09.20   26.03.21 
                                        GBP000     GBP000     GBP000 
------------------   -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Revenue                                  2,810     36,000     71,432 
Expenses*                              (8,165)   (36,982)   (85,706) 
Loss before tax                        (5,355)      (982)   (14,274) 
Tax credit                                   -        227      2,979 
-------------------  -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Loss for the year                      (5,355)      (755)   (11,295) 
-------------------  -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

*including individually significant charges of GBP4,891,000 (26 week period to 25 September 2020: GBP1,283,000).

The major classes of assets and liabilities of Findel Education as at 16 April 2021, 25 September 2020 and 26 March 2021 were as follows:

 
                                 16.04.21  25.09.20  26.03.21 
                                   GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------    --------  --------  -------- 
Assets 
Intangible assets                  11,136    21,006    11,012 
Tangible assets                     5,356     7,780     5,420 
Deferred tax asset                  5,514     2,884     5,514 
Inventories                        14,058    14,741    11,455 
Trade and other receivables         7,361    17,226    11,886 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                   43,425    63,637    45,287 
  -----------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Liabilities 
Trade and other payables          (9,846)  (15,800)  (13,622) 
Lease liabilities                 (5,093)   (5,350)   (5,093) 
                                 (14,939)  (21,150)  (18,715) 
 
Net assets of disposal group       28,486    42,487    26,572 
-------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

The net cash flows (used in)/generated from Findel Education were as follows:

 
                         3 week period to 16.04.21   26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                        ended      ended 
                                                     25.09.20   26.03.21 
                                            GBP000     GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------    -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Operating cash flows                       (3,430)    (9,764)    (5,259) 
Investing cash flows                             -      (484)      (897) 
Financing cash flows                         1,052      5,244      5,028 
-----------------------  -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Net cash flow                              (2,378)    (5,004)    (1,128) 
-----------------------  -------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
   6.     Taxation 

Income tax from for the 26-week period ended 24 September 2021 is based on an estimated effective tax rate for the full year of 21.8% (26-week period ended 25 September 2020 - restated: 20.4%), giving rise to a tax charge of GBP5,780,000 in the period (26-week period ended 25 September 2020 - restated: GBP3,257,000).

The deferred tax assets and liabilities at 24 September 2021 have been calculated at 25% (2020: 19%), being the corporation tax rate substantively enacted at the balance sheet date (effective 1 April 2023). This will increase the Group's future current tax charge accordingly.

   7.     Earnings per share 
 
Weighted average number of shares 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------------  ------------- 
                                                26 weeks to 24.09.2021    26 weeks to 
                                                                           25.09.2020 
                                                         No. of shares  No. of shares 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ------------- 
Ordinary shares in issue                                    86,867,534     86,442,534 
Effect of share issue                                           39,254              - 
Effect of own shares held                                    (283,460)      (114,808) 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ------------- 
Weighted Average Number of Shares - basic                   86,623,328     86,327,726 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ------------- 
Impact of potentially dilutive share options                 1,946,164        412,383 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ------------- 
Weighted Average Number of Shares - diluted                 88,569,492     86,740,109 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ------------- 
 
 

From continuing operations

 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                         ----------- 
                                                                                 26 weeks to 24.09.2021  26 weeks to 
                                                                                                          25.09.2020 
                                                                                                 GBP000       GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings 
 per share                                                                                       20,785       12,679 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (net of tax)                           (2,306)        1,208 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted earnings 
 per share                                                                                       18,479       13,887 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 
Earnings per share (pence) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - basic                                                                        24.08        14.69 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                              21.33        16.09 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - diluted                                                                      23.47        14.62 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                            20.86        16.01 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

From discontinued operation

 
(Loss)/earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                         ----------- 
                                                                                 26 weeks to 24.09.2021  26 weeks to 
                                                                                                          25.09.2020 
                                                                                                 GBP000       GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net loss attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings per 
 share                                                                                          (5,355)        (755) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Individually significant items (net of tax)                                                       4,891        1,039 
Net (loss)/profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted 
 earnings per 
 share                                                                                            (464)          284 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 
(Loss)/earnings per share (pence) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Loss per share - basic                                                                           (6.18)       (0.87) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
(Loss)/earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                      (0.54)         0.33 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Loss - diluted                                                                                   (6.05)       (0.87) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
(Loss)/earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                    (0.52)         0.33 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of individually significant items.

Total attributable to ordinary shareholders

 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                         ----------- 
                                                                                 26 weeks to 24.09.2021  26 weeks to 
                                                                                                          25.09.2020 
                                                                                                 GBP000       GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings 
 per share                                                                                       15,430       11,924 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Individually significant items (net of tax)                                                       4,891        1,039 
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (net of tax)                           (2,306)        1,208 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted earnings 
 per share                                                                                       18,015       14,171 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 
Earnings per share (pence) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - basic                                                                        17.81        13.81 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                              20.80        16.42 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - diluted                                                                      17.42        13.75 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                            20.34        16.42 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------- 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

The earnings per share attributable to convertible ordinary shareholders is GBPnil.

   8.     Provisions and contingent liabilities 
   (i)            Provisions 
 
                                                Studio financial services redress and refunds 
                                Onerous leases                                                 VAT provision   Total 
                                        GBP000                                         GBP000         GBP000  GBP000 
---------------------------   ----------------  ---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------ 
At 26 March 2021                           575                                          1,112          3,852   5,539 
Provided during the period                   -                                              -            500     500 
Utilised in the period                    (66)                                           (66)              -   (132) 
At 24 September 2021                       509                                          1,046          4,352   5,907 
----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------ 
 
 
At 24 September 2021 
Analysed as: 
Current                 183  1,046  4,352  5,581 
Non-current             326      -      -    326 
----------------------  ---  -----  -----  ----- 
                        509  1,046  4,352  5,907 
 ---------------------  ---  -----  -----  ----- 
 
 
At 26 March 2021 
Analysed as: 
Current             221  1,112  3,852  5,185 
Non-current         354      -      -    354 
------------------  ---  -----  -----  ----- 
                    575  1,112  3,852  5,539 
 -----------------  ---  -----  -----  ----- 
 
 
                                            Studio financial services redress and refunds 
                            Onerous leases                                                   Total 
                                    GBP000                                         GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------   ----------------  ---------------------------------------------  ------- 
At 27 March 2020                       192                                          4,143    4,335 
Utilised in the period               (116)                                        (2,760)  (2,876) 
At 25 September 2020                    76                                          1,383    1,459 
------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

All balances provided at 25 September 2020 were disclosed within current liabilities.

Onerous lease provisions

The onerous lease provision at 24 September 2021 relates to (non-rent related) unavoidable costs in respect of the unused areas of the Group's properties at Enfield and Hyde.

Studio financial services redress and refunds

Provisions in excess of GBP30m were built up in previous years in relation to the anticipated refund of premiums and interest to customers in respect of historic flawed credit and insurance products. The refund programmes are now complete and the remaining provision is expected to be utilised within 12 months.

VAT provision

The VAT provision relates to the Group's ongoing discussions with HMRC with regard to agreeing a new Partial Exemption Special Method (the means by which the recovery of input VAT on costs relating to the Group's financial services activities is restricted). As at 24 September 2021, the Group held a provision of GBP4.4m (September 2020: GBPnil, GBP1.9m previously presented within accruals, March 2021: GBP3.9m), which represents management's best estimate of the likely increase in the level of restriction on the recovery of input VAT over and above that which has already been restricted in the Group's quarterly VAT returns. We note that management's best estimate is one of a number of different outcomes so the amounts provided may differ to the final cost incurred by the Group in respect of this matter.

During the prior year, the Group undertook a review of the accounting policy and transferred GBP1.9m in respect of this matter from accruals to provisions. The prior year figure has not been restated as management conclude that the quantum of the transfer is not material to the users of the financial statements and note that that both provisions and accruals are presented within current liabilities.

   (ii)           Contingent liability 

As a regulated entity, the Group's main trading subsidiary, Studio Retail Limited, is subject to legal and regulatory reviews, challenges, and investigations during the ordinary course of business. All such material matters are periodically reassessed, with the assistance of external professional advisors where appropriate, to determine the likelihood of the Group incurring a liability. In those instances where it is concluded that it is more likely than not that a payment will be made, a provision is established to management's best estimate of the amount required at the relevant balance sheet date.

   9.     Derivative financial instruments 

At 24 September 2021 the Group had outstanding derivative financial instruments as follows:

Non-current assets

 
                    24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                        GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Interest rate cap          161           -           - 
------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Current assets

 
                                     24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                                         GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Forward foreign exchange contracts          521       1,722          55 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Current liabilities

 
                                     24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                                         GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Forward foreign exchange contracts        (547)           -     (2,927) 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Exchange rate exposures are managed utilising forward foreign exchange contracts. At the balance sheet date, details of the notional value of outstanding US dollar forward foreign exchange contracts that the Group has committed to are as follows:

 
                                            24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                                                GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Notional amount - Sterling contract value       71,336      66,277      78,233 
Fair value of asset recognised                     521       1,722          55 
Fair value of liability recognised               (547)           -     (2,927) 
------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Forward contracts outstanding at 24 September 2021 are contracted at US dollar exchange rates between GBP1/$1.41 and GBP1/$1.31 (25 September 2020: GBP1/$1.32 and GBP1/$1.18).

Changes in fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts for the 26-week period ended 24 September 2021 amounted to a credit of GBP2,847,000 (26-week period ended 25 September 2020: charge of GBP1,490,000) and have been recorded in the condensed consolidated income statement.

Interest rate cap

Under interest rate cap contracts, the Group agrees to cap the SONIA element of its interest cost at an agreed level calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates on its variable rate debt.

The following cap was in place at 24 September 2021:

 
                            At 24 September 2021 
Maturity       Notional borrowing amount  Cap rate  Fair value 
                                  GBP000                GBP000 
-------------  -------------------------  --------  ---------- 
1 to 2 years                     250,000     0.68%         161 
-------------  -------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 

The cap was purchased on 7 September 2021 and matures in February 2023. The cap was designated as a cash flow hedge from inception. The movement in the fair value of interest rate caps during the current and prior periods was as follows:

 
                                                                          24.09.2021  25.09.2020 
                                                                              GBP000      GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
At the beginning of the period                                                     -           2 
Purchase of interest rate cap                                                    109           - 
Movement in fair value charged to the hedging reserve                             64          14 
Movement in fair value of ineffective element charged to finance costs          (12)        (16) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
At the end of the period                                                         161           - 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Basis for determining fair values

The fair value of both interest rate caps and forward foreign exchange contracts is their market value at the balance sheet date. Market values are based on the duration of the derivative instrument together with the quoted market data including interest rates, foreign exchange rates and market volatility at the balance sheet date.

The financial instruments held by the Group at the balance sheet date are valued under the Level 2 measurement basis of the fair value hierarchy : (i.e. based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from

prices)).   There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period. 

10. Related parties

Brands Inc. Limited

During the prior period, the Group made purchases in the ordinary course of business from Brands Inc. Limited, a subsidiary of Frasers Group plc, which is a significant shareholder in the ultimate parent company, Studio Retail Group plc. No purchases were made during the current period.

The value of purchases made in the current and prior periods, and amounts (due)/owed at 24 September 2021, 25 September 2020 and 26 March 2021 were as follows:

 
              24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                  GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Purchases              -           6           6 
Amounts due            -        (22)           - 
------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Panther Logistics Limited

During the prior period, Studio Retail Limited traded with Panther Warehousing Limited, a company owned by Ingelby (2016) Ltd, of which Greg Ball (a non-executive director of the Parent Company) was non-executive chairman until November 2020. The trading relationship was conducted on an arm's length basis. The value of purchases made in the prior periods, and amounts owed at 25 September 2020 and 26 March 2021 were as follows:

 
                24.09.2021  25.09.2020  26.03.2021 
                    GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
-------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
Purchases              N/A         245         561 
Amounts owed           N/A          40          22 
-------------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Law Debenture Corporation Plc (The)

During the period, Studio Retail Limited traded with Law Debenture Corporation Plc (The), of which Clare Askem (a non-executive director of the Parent Company) was appointed as director on 10 June 2021. The trading relationship was conducted on an arm's length basis. Subsequent to the appointment date, there were no transactions or outstanding balances.

Transactions between Studio Retail Group plc and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of Studio Retail Group plc, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. All transactions and outstanding balances between group companies are priced on an arms-length basis and are settled in the ordinary course of business.

11. Events after the reporting period

The Company's shareholders passed resolutions at the AGM in September 2021 approving the repurchase and cancellation of the non-voting deferred shares for the nominal sum of GBP1. That process was completed in November 2021. This resulted in the cancellation of 166,878,704 non-voting deferred shares with a value of GBP40.0m and the creation of a capital redemption reserve of GBP40.0m.

Responsibility Statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a) the condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34

Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the United Kingdom;

(b) the interim management report and condensed consolidated financial statements include a fair review of the information required by:

(i) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

(ii) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

By order of the Board

 
 S M Caldwell              P R Kendrick 
 Chief Financial Officer   Chief Executive Officer 
 
 24 November 2021          24 November 2021 
 

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO STUDIO RETAIL GROUP PLC

We have been engaged by Studio Retail Group plc ("the Company") to review the financial information for the 26 (twenty six) week period ended 24 September 2021 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, the condensed consolidated statement changes in equity and related notes. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board and our Engagement Letter dated 17 November 2021. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor

The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the consolidated financial information in the interim report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the consolidated financial information in the interim report does not give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 24 September 2021 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the 26 week period then ended, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Mazars LLP

Chartered Accountants

24 November 2021

Notes:

(a) The maintenance and integrity of the Studio Retail Group website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by us does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, we accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the interim report since it was initially presented on the web site.

(b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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END

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November 25, 2021 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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