RNS Number:0888J
Carphone Warehouse Group PLC
24 March 2003


Monday 24 March 2003

Embargoed until 0700 hours

The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC

Pre-Close Period Statement and Presentation to Analysts


The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC ('the Group') is today hosting a presentation
to analysts ahead of the close period prior to the announcement on 3 June 2003
of its preliminary financial results for the year ending 29 March 2003.  The
presentation will focus on strategy, the development of the Group's business
model, and growth opportunities in the coming year, and will be available on the
Group's corporate website, www.cpwplc.com, from 9am this morning.



At today's presentation, the following new information will be given.



On track to meet analysts' expectations

Trading across the Group since the last update on 22 January 2003 has continued
to be in line with expectations.  As a result the Group expects to report profit
before tax and earnings per share within the range of analysts' forecasts.  In
addition, the Group is well positioned to continue to deliver substantial
profitable growth for the year ahead.



Maiden dividend to be paid for the year to 29 March 2003

In light of the Group's financial strength and prospects, the Board intends to
propose a dividend of 1.0p per share in respect of the current financial year.
At the same time the Group intends to commit initially to a policy of increasing
dividends annually broadly in line with the increase in earnings per share.



Exceptional items

In addition to the #13.2m profit on the sale and leaseback of the Acton Support
Centre previously announced, the Group expects to incur a non-cash exceptional
charge for the year to 29 March 2003 of approximately #15m in respect of a
further writedown in the value of investments in the Wireless Internet Fund.



Successful launch of talktalk

talktalk, the Group's new residential fixed line service, was launched across
the entire UK store network on 3 February 2003, offering substantial savings on
BT standard rates and a guarantee to save money on customers' existing BT call
costs.  Since launch we have attracted 31,000 active customers and pending
applications.  This represents a penetration of more than 15% of UK mobile
connections.  Early indications suggest monthly ARPU of #15 per customer.




For Further Information


The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC
Charles Dunstone
Roger Taylor                                        020 8753 8200
Vanessa Tipple                                      07947 000 021

For analyst and institutional enquiries             07909 907193
Roger Taylor
Peregrine Riviere

Citigate Dewe Rogerson                              07973 611 888
Anthony Carlisle                                    020 7638 9571




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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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