SuperGroup Plc

Q4 Trading Update

SuperGroup Plc ("SuperGroup" or "the Group") today provides a trading update covering the 13 and 52 week periods to 28 April 2013.

Group                                                                             

A solid trading performance in the final quarter of the year leaves the Group well placed to deliver underlying profit before tax in line with market expectations¹.

Total Group sales for the quarter have increased by 15.3% to £86.8m and in the 52 weeks to 28 April 2013 by 14.7% to £360.1m.

Retail division²

Total retail sales in the 13-week period were £43.8m, an increase of 10.9% on the comparable period last year and both the internet and the Group's standalone stores performed well.  Like-for-like³ sales for the quarter were up 5.0% and in the year to date 6.9%. Total sales growth for the full year is 18.3%.

The Group opened 28,000 square feet in the quarter, including the 16,000 square feet northern flagship store at Leeds Trinity and one store in Paris.  During the year the Group added a total of 66,000 square feet and the owned portfolio now stands at 113 stores trading from 537,000 square feet. 

Wholesale division

Wholesale sales for the 13-week period were £43.0m, 20.2% on the prior year. For the full year sales growth was up 9.2% and continues to be driven by strong international demand for the brand.

The portfolio of franchised locations has increased by a net 5 during the quarter to 144, with stores opened in France (2), Spain (2), Denmark, India and Lebanon, with stores closing in Italy and Jordan.

Julian Dunkerton, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"I am pleased that the fourth quarter has seen a good trading performance against the backdrop of a challenging market given the extended period of cold weather in early spring.  We have delivered solid sales and profit growth this year at the same time as enhancing financial and operational processes.  In addition we have made significant progress with developing our product ranges, especially the improvements in womenswear styling.  

"After a year of consolidation, financial year 2014 will see the Group start to move back towards historic levels of space growth as it develops its European presence.  The investments in I.T. and logistics will continue to secure and strengthen the business and, with further developments in our ranges planned, I am encouraged by the Group's prospects."

9 May 2013

Notes

1.   The board considers market expectations for the financial year ended 28 April 2013 are best defined by taking the range of forecasts of PBT published by analysts who consistently follow the Group.  The current range of PBT forecasts, of which the board is aware, as at 8 May 2013, is £49.5m to £53.0m with consensus at £51.2m.

2.   Retail sales numbers have been produced on the Group's existing reporting structure and therefore includes, UK and ROI owned stores, concessions, outlets, trade sales, eBay and eCommerce channels.

3.   Like-for-like sales growth is defined as the year-on-year sales growth for stores and concessions open for more than one year and include eCommerce revenues. 

4.   Group revenues FY13:

Conference call

SuperGroup will be hosting a conference call for analysts and investors at 08:15 hours BST today. Please call Jamie Ramsay at College Hill for dial-in details on 020 7457 2047 or email jamie.ramsay@collegehill.com.

Forthcoming News flow

Cautionary Statement

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition and operational results of SuperGroup plc.  These statements and forecasts involve risk, uncertainty and assumptions because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future.  There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are made only as at the date of this announcement. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.  Except as required by law, SuperGroup plc has no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to correct any inaccuracies therein.

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