SuperGroup annual profit shoots, announces special dividend

On a comparable 52-week basis, revenues at SuperGroup were up 21.3 percent to 590.1 million pounds (789.1 million dollars) and underlying gross margin increased 60 basis points to 61.5 percent. Underlying profit before tax rose 16.3 percent to 73.5 million pounds (98.4 million dollars), while underlying basic earnings per share increased 21.8 percent to 72 p (0.95 dollar). The company announced a full year ordinary dividend of 23.2p (0.31 dollar) per share with a special dividend of 20p (0.26 dollar) per share.

Commenting on the results, Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer, said, “SuperGroup has made significant progress this year, delivering double digit growth in sales and profits, while maintaining momentum against all the elements of our strategy to build a global lifestyle brand. Our commitment to deliver long-term sustainable growth is clearly evidenced by the 75 per cent increase in our mainland European store footprint and our continued investment in infrastructure to support our growth plans.”

The year marked with rise in retail and wholesale sales

The Retail division delivered a positive sales performance driven by strong like-for-like sales, against weak prior year comparatives in the first half-year, and the opening of new stores that saw average new space grow by 23 percent. Reflecting the continued expansion of owned stores across Europe together with positive Group retail like-for-like growth in the year of 11.3 percent, retail division delivered revenue of 415.9million pounds (556.9 million dollars), up 24.5 percent on the year.

The year saw a net 24 new store openings in eight countries, including a further eight in Germany, reflecting the strategic emphasis on this market. Group retail like-for-like sales were particularly fuelled by a strong e-commerce performance. The retail division’s operating profit was 62.6 million pounds (83.8 million dollars and underlying operating profit was 67.7 million pounds (90.6 million dollars), up 11.2 percent on the year.

Wholesale division delivered revenue of 174.2 million pounds (233.1 million dollars), up 14.2 percent. At the end of the year the group had wholesale operations in 51 countries through direct sale relationships with major and independent accounts, 260 Superdry branded franchise stores and 13 licensed stores. Revenue growth in wholesale was achieved across all territories. Operating profit was 48.6 million pounds (65 million dollars), whilst underlying operating profit was 60.5 million pounds (80.9 million dollars).

piucture:superdry