Briscoe reports record profit

The Briscoes shop in Dunedin. Photo by Linda Robertson.
The Briscoes shop in Dunedin. Photo by Linda Robertson.
Briscoe Group managing director Rod Duke was particularly happy yesterday when he announced another record profit which he said was achieved in an extremely competitive market.

The group, which includes Rebel Sport, reported an operating profit of $181.1 million for the year ended January, 4.62% ahead of the previous corresponding period.

The gross margin rose to 40%, up from the 39.52% in the pcp, earnings before interest and tax were $41 million, up nearly 12% and the reported profit was $30.5 million, up nearly 11%.

The final dividend was 7c per share to take the total dividend to 11cps.

''This result continues the strong profit growth produced by the group for the previous three years and reflects a range of initiatives implemented during that time.''

Constant focus on inventory management, cost control, people development and expansion of online operations contributed to the consistent growth, he said.

Craigs Investment Partners broker Peter McIntyre said the result was one the market had come to expect from the Briscoe Group.

''It's a tight result with good numbers across the board. Retailers have benefited from the lower interest rate environment, along with the high dollar. There is some reflection on better economic conditions, despite unemployment remaining stubbornly high.''

Mr McIntyre noted the increased presence of online sales for the group which had seen significant growth during the year. The websites across all group brands were also having a positive effect on in-store sales as increasing numbers of customers were researching online before making purchases Mr Duke was encouraged by the performance of Rebel Sport given the high comparative numbers it had to compete with from the boost in business generated by the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Rebel Sport delivered same-store sales growth of 0.48% on the top of a 9.31% same-store increase for the pcp. The gross profit margin rose to 39.42% and earnings were up 13.24% - an extremely satisfying result, he said.

The increased group margin reflected the continued focus the group had on inventory management, the impact of the new sales and service programme introduced to all stores during the year and also the benefits of the strong New Zealand dollar, Mr Duke said.

At balance date, the group had inventories of $64.7 million, ahead of last year due to the increase in holding of product directly imported by the group as well as the two new stores opened during the year.

Cash and bank balances at balance date were $77.4 million, $17.80 million lower than the pcp, partly as a result of the special dividend of $21.4 million paid to shareholders in June.

Operating cash flow at balance date was $31.4 million and the investing cash flow was $5.8 million, reflecting investment made in fitting-out stores and refurbishments during the year.

Looking ahead, Mr Duke said the group was not counting on any significant changes to the overall economic retailing environment during the current financial year.

The Warehouse Group reports this morning.

 

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