TIDMSHOE

RNS Number : 4765Z

Shoe Zone PLC

16 May 2023

Shoe Zone PLC

("Shoe Zone" or the "Company")

Interim results for the 26 weeks to 1 April 2023

Shoe Zone PLC is pleased to announce its interim results for the 26 weeks to 1 April 2023, (the "Period").

Financial highlights

   --     Revenue of GBP75.4m (2022 H1: GBP69.9m) +7.9% 

o Store revenue GBP61.1m (2022 H1: GBP57.2m) +6.8%

o Digital revenue GBP14.3m (2022 H1: GBP12.7m) +12.7%

   --     Contribution of GBP11.1m (2022 H1: GBP11.6m) 

o Store contribution of GBP7.9m

o Digital contribution of GBP3.2m

   --     Profit before tax of GBP1.5m (2022 H1: GBP3.1m) 
   --     Adjusted profit before tax of GBP2.5m (2022 H1: GBP3.1m)* 
   --     Earnings per share of 3.1p (2022 H1: 5.7p ) 
   --     Net cash of GBP12.9m (2022 H1: GBP13.9m) at Period end 
   --     Proposed interim dividend of 2.5 pence per share (2022 H1: 2.5 pence) 

Operational highlights

   --    336 stores at Period end (2022 FY: 360) comprising: 

o 44 Big Box (2022 FY: 45)

o 66 Hybrid (2022 FY: 44)

o 226 Original (2022 FY: 271)

   --    17 stores opened, 6 refits, 41 closed 
   --    Capital expenditure of GBP5.3m (2022 H1: GBP2.3m) 
   --    Annualised lease renewal savings of GBP0.4m, an average reduction of 27% 
   --    Average lease length of 2.1 years (2022 FY: 1.8 years) 
   --    Digital returns rate of 11.9% (2022 H1: 11.8%) - 12 months average 

* Adjusted items 2023 H1 GBP1.3m forex loss offset by GBP0.3m profit on sale of freehold. (2022 H1: Forex loss GBP0.3m, property gain GBP0.3m)

For further information please call:

Shoe Zone PLC Tel: +44 (0) 116 222 3001

Anthony Smith (Chief Executive)

Terry Boot (Finance Director)

Zeus (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 203 829 5000

David Foreman, James Hornigold, Ed Beddows (Investment Banking)

Dominic King (Corporate Broking)

Chief Executive's statement

Introduction

Shoe Zone delivered a robust and positive performance in the Period against a backdrop of consumer uncertainty and macroeconomic volatility. Total revenues increased by 7.9% having traded out of 52 fewer stores compared to 12 months ago and digital revenue within this increased by 12.7%. The performance further demonstrates the resilience of our business and the success of our ongoing strategy.

Trading over all channels was positive with total revenues of GBP75.4m (2022 H1: GBP69.9m), store revenues were GBP61.1m (2022 H1: GBP57.2m), Digital revenues were GBP14.3m (2022 H1: GBP12.7m) with strong performance across all online channels with additional growth from our online exclusive range and range extensions.

Adjusted profit before tax was GBP2.5m (2022 H1: GBP3.1m), which is slightly above management expectations for the Period. The reduction on the comparable period last year is due to inflationary cost increases, mainly National Living Wage increases.

We ended the Period trading out of 336 stores, which is a reduction of 52 compared to 12 months ago and 24 from last year end. In the first half we closed 39 'Original' stores, opened 16 Hybrids, refitted 6 'Original' stores to our Hybrid format, closed 2 Big Box stores and opened 1 new Big Box. In total we are now trading out of 226 'Original' stores, 66 Hybrids and 44 Big Box. We are actively working to relocate and refit further stores in the second half of the year, together with a number of stores currently in the pipeline, opening before Christmas.

Our average lease length is 2.1 years (2022 FY: 1.8 years), giving us the opportunity and flexibility to respond to changes in any retail location at short notice. Property supply continues to outstrip demand and we continue to take advantage of this and significantly improve our property portfolio over the medium term.

Strategy Update

We have accelerated our refit and relocation programme along with further investment in our digital and head office infrastructure. All of these are key to our strategy, and we expect to spend approx. 3-4% of revenue annually on capital projects.

We have continued to invest in our portfolio with more 'Original' Shoe Zone stores converted to Hybrid formats. The results continue to be very positive, and we continue to look for further opportunities to roll these formats out as planned. Our ultimate goal is a doubling of Big Box locations to approximately 100 and an increase in Hybrid stores to 200 in the medium term. We anticipate trading from a similar retail square footage, albeit from a reduced number of locations. Digital revenues grew by 12.7% as we continue to invest in new product lines and additional brands as well as enhancing our platform with the introduction of a new return's portal, the development of a mobile App and adding new payment options, all of which will improve customer experience.

Part of the success of our digital operation is our very efficient returns process which is complemented by our extensive network of stores. We have a returns rate of 11.9%% and the vast majority of these are returned to store, hence why our physical store network is critical to our future success.

Dividend

The Board proposes an interim dividend of 2.5p per share, which will become payable on 16 August 2023 to those shareholders on the Company's register as at the close of business on the record date 14 July 2023. The ex-dividend date will be 13 July 2023.

Financial Review

Profit before tax was GBP1.5m, adjusted to GBP2.5m (2022 H1: GBP3.1m (reported and adjusted)). The adjustments include foreign exchanges losses and profit on one freehold property sale. The GBP0.6m reduction year on year reflects inflationary increases, mainly National Living Wage, and a lower margin achieved percentage due to higher container prices and a weak sterling to dollar.

In the Period total revenues were GBP75.4m (2022 H1: GBP69.9m). Store revenues increased by GBP3.9m even though we ended the Period trading out of 52 fewer stores than 12 months ago. Digital sales increased by GBP1.6m to GBP14.3m (2022 H1: GBP12.7m). Digital gross margins reduced to 58.0% (2022 H1: 58.5%) due to higher container prices and contribution was GBP3.2m (2022 H1: GBP2.7m).

One freehold property went to auction, resulting in a profit on sale of GBP0.3m. A further property will be auctioned in the second half which will conclude our freehold sales.

Gross profit in the Period was GBP13.6m, the same as the comparable period last year (2022 H1: GBP13.6m), with gross profit margin at 18.1% (2022 H1: 19.5%). The percentage reduction was due to the underlying product margin being lower this Period (2023 H1: 60.1%, 2022 H1: 60.8%), due to the impact of higher container prices, particularly in Q1 and a weak sterling to dollar exchange rate. Subsequent to this, container prices have dropped to below pre pandemic levels, the benefit of which will start to flow through in the second half of this year. Depreciation charge increased due to higher capital spend.

Administration expenses increased by GBP1.6m to GBP9.1m (2022 H1: GBP7.5m) due to GBP1.0m additional foreign exchange losses this year, a higher head office depreciation charge and an additional cost of living bonus paid to all staff in February.

Distribution costs increased by GBP0.2m to GBP2.6m (2022 H1: GBP2.4m) due to the impact of the National Living Wage increase and inflationary cost increases on transport expenses.

Our energy prices are fixed until September 2023. All our electricity consumption is from 100% renewable sources, we have started to monitor energy consumption and have a programme to insulate ceilings and to install more energy efficient lighting in a number of stores. During the Period, we have added electric and more hybrid vehicles to our fleet and have changed all of our warehouse lighting to more energy efficient LED.

Stock at the Period end was GBP3.0m lower at GBP28.1m (2022 H1: GBP31.1m). This reflects our positive trading over the last 12 months, a more normalised intake pattern and the selling through of prior seasons boot product that we previously reported as an over stock.

The Company ended the Period with a net cash balance of GBP12.9m (2022 H1: GBP13.9m). The reduction is due to GBP8.2m of dividends paid in the last 12 months, GBP2.9m of shares bought back and additional capital spend, offset by the positive trade in the Period and lower stock levels.

The share buy-back programme continues and as at the Period end, we had re-purchased 1.8m shares at a total cost of GBP3.5m (average priced paid of GBP1.93). We have cancelled 1.5m shares with 0.3m held in treasury to date. (with 1.0m shares cancelled in the Period).

Capital expenditure in the Period was GBP5.3m (2022 H1: GBP2.3m) which is returning to our long-term target of approx. 3-4% of revenue. Expenditure in the Period included new stores, refits and relocations, which are partly funded by Landlord rent free periods, IT expenditure and infrastructure works in head office and distribution centre, which will be continued through the second half of the year.

The Shoefayre Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme moved into a deficit of GBP2.0m (2022 FY: GBP1.8m surplus). This was due to a fall in bond yields which led to a lower assumed discount rate and therefore a higher value being placed on the scheme's liabilities. The Shoe Zone Pension Schemes' surplus reduced to GBP1.3m (2022 FY: GBP7.1m surplus) The main reason for this was due to the purchase of the buy-in contract with Rothesay. Specifically, the value of the scheme's uninsured liabilities as at 2 March 2023 was lower than the actual premium paid to secure members' benefits with Rothesay.

Earnings per share were 3.1p (2022 H1: 5.7p per share).

Full year results in line with market expectations.

Unaudited consolidated income statement ( 52 weeks audited )

 
                                   26 Wks      26 Wks       52 Wks 
                                      end         end          end 
                                    1 Apr       2 Apr        1 Oct 
                                     2023        2022         2022 
                                  GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
  Revenue                          75,391      69,864      156,164 
  Cost of sales                  (61,752)    (56,247)    (119,764) 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------- 
  Gross Profit                     13,639      13,617       36,400 
  Administration 
   expenses                       (9,100)     (7,508)     (16,620) 
  Distribution costs              (2,668)     (2,448)      (5,104) 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------- 
  Profit from Operations            1,871       3,661       14,676 
  Finance income                        0           0            0 
  Finance expense                   (342)       (599)      (1,113) 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------- 
  Profit before 
   Tax                              1,529       3,062       13,563 
  Taxation                              0       (197)      (2,718) 
  Profit after Tax                  1,529       2,865       10,845 
                               ==========  ==========  =========== 
 
  Earnings per Share                 3.1p        5.7p        21.7p 
 

Unaudited consolidated statement of total comprehensive income ( 52 weeks audited)

 
                                                        26 Wks     26 Wks     52 Wks 
                                                           end        end        end 
                                                         1 Apr      2 Apr      1 Oct 
                                                          2023       2022       2022 
                                                       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
  Profit/(Loss) 
   for the period                                        1,528      2,865     10,845 
                                                     ---------  ---------  --------- 
  Items that will not be reclassified 
   subsequently to the 
  income statement 
  DB pension scheme                                    (1,973)      3,110      5,798 
  Movement in deferred tax on 
   pension schemes                                        (57)      (560)    (1,505) 
  Share buy back                                       (1,849)          0      (966) 
  Cash flow hedges 
  Fair value movements in other comprehensive 
   income                                                (776)        682      1,129 
  Tax on cash flow 
   hedges                                                    0      (109)      (226) 
                                                     ---------  ---------  --------- 
  Other comprehensive (expense)/Income 
   for the period                                      (4,655)      3,123      4,230 
  Total comprehensive (expense)/Income 
   for the period                                      (3,127)      5,988     15,075 
                                                     =========  =========  ========= 
  attributable to equity holders 
   of the parent 
 

Unaudited consolidated statement of financial position (52 weeks audited )

 
                                          26 Wks      26 Wks      52 Wks 
                                             end         end         end 
                                           1 Apr       2 Apr       1 Oct 
                                            2023        2022        2022 
  Assets                                 GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
  Non-current 
   Assets 
  Property, plant and 
   equipment                              15,859      13,555      12,582 
  Right of use 
   assets                                 25,454      28,526      25.581 
  Deferred tax 
   asset                                     902       2,490         720 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total Non-current 
   Assets                                 42,215      44,571      38,883 
  Current Assets 
  Inventories                             28,117      31,096      32,188 
  Trade and other receivables              3,007       3,450       6,071 
  Derivative financial 
   assets                                      0         456           0 
  Cash and cash equivalents               12,870      13,872      24,427 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total Current 
   Assets                                 43,994      48,874      62,686 
  Total Assets                            86,029      93,445     101,569 
  Current Liabilities 
  Trade and other payables              (17,281)    (19,484)    (22,801) 
  Lease liabilities                     (13,562)    (14,016)    (14,870) 
  Derivative financial 
   liabilities                             (603)           0           0 
  Provisions                             (2,575)     (1,727)     (1,108) 
  Corporation tax liability                (289)       (317)     (1,910) 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total Current Liabilities             (34,310)    (35,544)    (40,689) 
  Non-current Liabilities 
  Lease liabilities                     (21,349)    (23,554)    (20,975) 
  Provisions                             (1,508)     (2,084)     (2,662) 
  Employee benefit liability             (1,973)     (2,857)           0 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total Non-current 
   Liabilities                          (24,830)    (28,495)    (23,637) 
  Total Liabilities                     (59,140)    (64,039)    (64,326) 
  Net Assets                              27,069      29,406      37,243 
                                      ==========  ==========  ========== 
 
  Equity attributable to equity 
   holders of the company 
  Called up share capital                    485         500         495 
  Merger res/Cap 
   red                                     2,677       2,662       2,667 
  Cash flow hedge reserve                  (123)         323         653 
  Retained earnings                       24,030      25,921      33,428 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Total Equity and 
   Reserves                               27,069      29,406      37,243 
                                      ==========  ==========  ========== 
 
 
  Unaudited consolidated statement of changes 
   in Equity ( prior years audited) 
                                                                            Cash 
                                          Share      Share    Capital       flow    Retained      Total 
                                        Capital    Premium    Redemp.      Hedge    Earnings 
                                                              Reserve    Reserve 
                                        GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
  At October 2021                           500      2,662          0      (250)      20,506     23,418 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Profit for the period                       0          0          0          0       2,865      2,865 
  Defined benefit pension movements           0          0          0          0       3,110      3,110 
  cash flow hedge movements                   0          0          0        682           0        682 
  Deferred tax on other comp. 
   income                                     0          0          0      (109)       (560)      (669) 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                             0          0          0        573       5,415      5,988 
  Dividends paid                              0          0          0          0           0          0 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Contributions by and distrib. 
   to owners                                  0          0          0          0           0          0 
  As at April 2022                          500      2,662          0        323      25,921     29,406 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
  At October 2021                           500      2,662          0      (250)      20,506     23,418 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Impact of transition to IFRS-16             0          0          0          0      10,845     10,845 
  Profit for the period                       0          0          0          0       5,798      5,798 
  cash flow hedge movements                   0          0          0      1,129           0      1,129 
  Share buy-back                            (5)          0          5          0       (966)      (966) 
  Deferred tax on other comp. 
   income                                     0          0          0      (226)     (1,505)    (1,731) 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                           (5)          0          5        903      14,172     15,075 
  Dividends paid                              0          0          0          0     (1,250)    (1,250) 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Contributions by and distrib. 
   to owners                                  0          0          0          0     (1,250)    (1,250) 
  As at October 2022                        495      2,662          5        653      33,428     37,243 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
  At October 2022                           495      2,662          5        653      33,428     37,243 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Profit for the period                       0          0          0          0       1,528      1,528 
  Defined benefit pension movements           0          0          0          0     (1,973)    (1,973) 
  cash flow hedge movements                   0          0          0      (776)           0      (776) 
  Share buy-back                           (10)          0         10          0     (1,849)    (1,849) 
  Deferred tax on other comp. 
   income                                     0          0          0          0        (57)       (57) 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                          (10)          0         10      (776)     (2,351)    (3,127) 
  Dividends paid                              0          0          0          0     (7,047)    (7,047) 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Contributions by and distrib. 
   to owners                                  0          0          0          0           0          0 
  As at April 2023                          485      2,662         15      (123)      24,030     27,069 
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 

Unaudited consolidated statement of cash flows ( 52 weeks audited )

 
                                                    26 Wks      26 Wks      52 Wks 
                                                       end         end         end 
                                                     1 Apr       2 Apr       1 Oct 
                                                      2023        2022        2022 
                                                   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
  Operating activities 
  Profit after tax                                   1,529       2,865      10,845 
  Corporation tax                                        0         197       2,718 
  Finance income                                         0           0           0 
  Finance expense                                      342         599       1,113 
  Depreciation of property, plant 
   and machinery                                     1,737       1,514       4,118 
  Fixed asset impairment and loss 
   on disposal of property,                          (111)       1,457     (1,075) 
    plant and machinery 
  Right of use asset on profit, depreciation 
   & impairment                                      6,977       7,217      13,016 
  Pension contributions paid                             0           0           0 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                    10,474      13,849      30,735 
  Decrease/(increase) in trade and 
   other receivables                                 3,064       2,007         627 
  Decrease/(increase) in foreign 
   exchange contracts                                (412)       (357)       (527) 
  Decrease/(increase) in inventories                 4,071     (5,965)     (7,057) 
  (Decrease)/increase in trade and 
   other payables                                  (5,520)       3,154       6,361 
  Increase in provisions                               313         386         345 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                     1,516       (775)       (251) 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Cash generated from operations                    11,990      13,074      30,484 
  Net corporation tax paid                         (1,738)       (653)     (1,214) 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net cash flows from operating 
   activities                                       10,252      12,421      29,270 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Investing activities 
  Purchase of property, plant and 
   machinery                                       (5,314)     (2,299)     (5,225) 
  Proceeds from Sale of Freeholds                      411           0       3,590 
                                                            ----------  ---------- 
  Net cash used in investing activities            (4,903)     (2,299)     (1,635) 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Share buy-back                                   (1,849)           0       (966) 
  Repayment of CLBILS loan                               0     (4,400)     (4,400) 
  Capital element of lease repayments              (8,196)    (10,790)    (15,584) 
  Interest                                             186        (75)        (23) 
  Dividends paid during year                       (7,047)           0     (1,250) 
                                                            ----------  ---------- 
  Net cash used in financing activities           (16,906)    (15,265)    (22,223) 
                                                ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net inc/(dec) in cash and cash 
   equivalents                                    (11,557)     (5,143)       5,412 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
   of period                                        24,427      19,015      19,015 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end 
   of period                                        12,870      13,872      24,427 
                                                ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

Notes to the financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023

Basis for preparation

The consolidated interim financial statements of the company for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023, which are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with the same accounting policies, presentations and methods of computation followed in the condensed set of financial statements as applied in the group's latest audited financial statements. A copy of those accounts has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

The financial information for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023, contained in this interim report, does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The independent Auditors' report on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2022 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis. And did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The consolidated interim financial statements have neither been audited nor reviewed pursuant to guidance issued by the Auditing Practices Board.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historic cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of derivative financial instruments to far value.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are presented in sterling and have been rounded to the nearest thousand (GBP'000).

The preparation of financial information in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual events ultimately may differ from those estimates.

   1.   Accounting policies 

In preparing these interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements reported in the latest annual audited financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 Oct 2022.

Going Concern

At the balance sheet date the company had a good cash balance and a strong net asset position. At the time of reviewing these accounts, the Directors have considered the effect of COVID-19 on the ongoing position, and consider that this does indicate that the company will continue to trade for a period of at least 12 months from the date of publishing these accounts. Based on the cash forecasts prepared by the Directors, these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

   2.   Segmental Information 

The group complies with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' which determines and presents operating segments based on information provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief decision maker has been identified as the management team including the Chief Executive and Finance Director. The Board considers that each store is an operating segment but there is only one reporting segment as the stores qualify for aggregation, as defined under IFRS 8.

 
                                        26 Wks     26 Wks     52 Wks 
                                           end        end        end 
                                         1 Apr      2 Apr      1 Oct 
                                          2023       2022       2022 
  External revenue by location 
   of customers:                       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 
  United Kingdom                        60,776     56,855    128,664 
  Digital                               14,347     12,726     26,967 
  Other                                    268        283        533 
                                        75,391     69,864    156,164 
                                     =========  =========  ========= 
 

3. Taxation

The taxation charge of zero for the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023 is based on the assumption that the capital allowances available on our estimated capital spend will reduce the expected charge for the full year.

4. Earnings per share

 
                                             26 Wks 
                                                end    26 Wks end    52 Wks end 
                                              1 Apr         2 Apr         1 Oct 
                                               2023          2022          2022 
                                            GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  Profit in the period and earnings 
   used in basic 
   diluted earnings 
   per share                                  1,529         2,865        10,845 
 
                                               3.1p          5.7p         21.7p 
                                          =========  ============  ============ 
 

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May 16, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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