RNS Number:7593Q
ScS Upholstery PLC
26 March 2008



For Immediate Release                                              26 March 2008



                               ScS Upholstery plc

Unaudited Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 26 January 2008

ScS Upholstery plc, the fully listed furniture retailer of fabric and leather
upholstered furniture, today announces its interim results for the six months
ended 26 January 2008.

KEY POINTS

*     Revenue �91.8m (2007: �105.3m) Down 13%

*     Gross margin 47.2% (2007: 48.4%)

*     Group trading loss �8.8m (2007: profit �3.3m)

*     Loss after tax credit �4.1m (2007: profit after tax charge �2.8m)

*     Loss per share 12.0p (2007: earnings per share 8.2p)

*     Net cash �15.0m

*     Interim dividend per share �nil

*     Like for like sales order intake - First 26 weeks Down 15%



Mike Browne, Chairman, commented:

"This has been an extremely challenging trading period and we are under no
illusions about the economic trading environment. Whilst we remain confident of
a profitable second half, we will continue to manage the business on the basis
that we are unlikely to see any upturn in economic conditions for some time."


For further information please contact:
ScS Upholstery plc
David Knight, Chief Executive                           0191 5146054

Buchanan Communications
Richard Oldworth / Susanna Gale                         020 7466 5000



CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Results

The first half of the financial year, which ended on 26 January 2008, was an
extremely challenging trading period. Like for like sales order intake was down
by 15% and revenue of �91.8m was �13.5m (13%) less than the comparative period.

Gross margin at 47.2% (2007: 48.4%) during the first half was virtually
unchanged from the 47.4% for the ten months to 28 July 2007.

Distribution costs (see below) were �7.1m (2007: �5.5m). Administration costs
were �45.0m (2007: �42.1m) with the half year effect of costs at new stores
accounting for most of this increase.

The trading loss for the period was �8.8m (2007: trading profit �3.3m).

Finance income of �0.3m (2007: �0.5m) reduced the loss before tax to �8.5m
(2007: increased the profit before tax to �4.0m, including income from property
transactions of �0.3m).

After the tax credit of �4.4m (2007: tax charge �1.3m) - see note 3 to the
interim financial statements - the loss attributable to shareholders was �4.1m
(2007: profit �2.8m).

The loss per share for the period was 12.0p (2007: earnings per share 8.2p).

Interim Dividend

As we announced in mid January 2008, given the trading environment and the focus
on maintaining our cash position, the Board is not recommending the payment of a
dividend this financial year.

Expansion Programme

As also previously announced, we deferred the planned store expansion programme
until trading conditions improve. We currently trade from 95 stores with one new
store planned to open in Llanelli before the end of the financial year.

Distribution

In May 2007 we announced our planned increase in investment in this area of our
business in order to ensure an improved delivery experience for our customers.

During the first half we implemented the plan to reconfigure our distribution
centre network. Two new centres were opened in Coventry and Livingston and four
were closed. Also, having reviewed the delivery requirement in the London and
Anglian regions, we opened an additional centre in Radlett. During the
transitional period there was the inevitable overlap in costs, together with
additional costs on the extra temporary space taken on during November and
December 2007 to ensure that the important pre-Christmas deliveries were
achieved.


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (continued)

Principal risks and uncertainties

In line with the recently introduced Transparency Directive, the Board is
required to comment on the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company
for the next six months.

These can be summarised as the effects of the ongoing economic pressures on the
consumer and possible further weakness in like for like sales order intake on a
business with relatively high operational gearing.

As referred to in the Outlook, below, the Board has undertaken a comprehensive
cost review and the benefits are already flowing through in the second half.
Whilst this action addresses the variable cost base, it is the fixed cost nature
of the business that should be noted.

Outlook

We are under no illusions about the challenging conditions prevailing in our
market. Recognising our high operational gearing, we have to manage the business
on the basis that we are unlikely to see any upturn in economic conditions for
some time.

Like for like sales order intake for the year to date up to and including the
week ended 15 March 2008 remained at 15% down. Easter trading was well ahead of
a weak comparative Easter trading period, when the unseasonably warm weather
resulted in a disappointing performance. In projecting the full year outcome we
have assumed no improvement in trading conditions but we are budgeting the
initial benefits of the cost review. In considering the split between first half
and second half profitability, it is important to remember that the significant
advertising expenditure relating to a campaign running for the five weeks from
Boxing Day was all expensed in the first half, while the associated sales
benefit accrues in the second half.

As already referred to above, the benefits of the actions following the
comprehensive cost review have started to flow through in the second half and we
therefore remain confident of a profitable second half.

M F Browne
Chairman


The Interim Announcement was approved by the Board of Directors

25 March 2008


Responsibility Statements

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

a) The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS
34; Interim Reporting as adopted by the European Union:

b) The Chairman's statement includes a fair review of the information required
by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and
description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year); and

c) The interim financial statements include a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes
therein).

By order of the Board

David Knight


25 March 2008





ScS Upholstery plc
--------------------
Summarised Interim Consolidated Income Statement
For the 26 weeks to 26 January 2008

                                               Unaudited            Unaudited
                                              Six months           Six months
                                                   ended                ended
                                              26 January           27 January
                                                    2008                 2007
                                  Notes             �000                 �000

Revenue                                           91,772              105,315

Cost of sales                                    (48,455)             (54,391)
                                         ---------------      ---------------
Gross profit                                      43,317               50,924

Distribution costs                                (7,133)              (5,510)
Administration costs                             (44,981)             (42,147)
                                         ---------------      ---------------
Group trading (loss)/profit                       (8,797)               3,267

Other income                         2                 -                  291
                                         ---------------      ---------------
Group operating (loss)/profit
from continuing operations                        (8,797)               3,558

Finance revenue                                      342                  486
                                         ---------------      ---------------
(Loss)/profit from continuing
operations before taxation                        (8,455)               4,044

Income tax credit/(expense)          3             4,390               (1,267)
                                         ---------------      ---------------
(Loss)/profit attributable to
equity shareholders of the parent                 (4,065)               2,777
                                         ---------------      ---------------
                                         ---------------      ---------------

(Loss) / earnings per share -
Basic - (pence)                      5             (12.0)                 8.2

(Loss) / earnings per share -
Diluted - (pence)                    5             (12.0)                 8.2





ScS Upholstery plc
--------------------
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet
------------------------------------
As at 26 January 2008
                                              Unaudited                 Audited
                                                  As at                   As at
                                             26 January                 28 July
                                                   2008                    2007
                                                   �000                    �000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment                    40,175                  40,256
Intangible assets                                 3,509                   2,374
Other receivables                                   750                     778
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                                 44,434                  43,408
                                        ---------------         ---------------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables                       8,869                   9,163
Inventories                                      14,207                  10,452
Income tax receivable                             4,295                       -
Cash and cash equivalents                        14,965                  16,610
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                                 42,336                  36,225
                                        ---------------         ---------------
Total assets                                     86,770                  79,633
                                        ---------------         ---------------

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables                        (49,809)                (33,631)
Income tax payable                                    -                  (1,025)
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                                (49,809)                (34,656)
                                        ---------------         ---------------

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables                         (8,652)                 (8,802)
Deferred tax liability                              (31)                   (105)
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                                 (8,683)                 (8,907)
                                        ---------------         ---------------
Total liabilities                               (58,492)                (43,563)
                                        ---------------         ---------------
Net assets                                       28,278                  36,070
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                        ---------------         ---------------

Equity
Share capital                                       341                     341
Share premium account                             3,123                   3,123
Capital redemption reserve                          195                     195
Treasury shares                                  (1,225)                 (1,225)
Retained earnings                                25,844                  33,636
                                        ---------------         ---------------
Total equity                                     28,278                  36,070
                                        ---------------         ---------------
                                        ---------------         ---------------





ScS Upholstery plc

Interim Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the 26 weeks to 26 January 2008

                                               Unaudited              Unaudited
                                              Six months             Six months
                                                   Ended                  Ended
                                              26 January             27 January
                                                    2008                   2007
                                                    �000                   �000
Cash flows from operating activities
Group operating (loss)/profit                     (8,797)                 3,558
Depreciation                                       2,217                  1,979
Amortisation of non-current other
receivables                                           32                     27
Amortisation of other intangibles                    309                     97
Share based payments                                 326                    104
Increase in inventories                           (3,755)                (4,083)
Decrease in trade and other receivables              293                    234
Increase in trade and other payables              16,045                 15,798
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Cash generated from operations                     6,670                 17,714
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Income taxes paid                                 (1,004)                (2,018)
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Net cash flow from operating
activities                                         5,666                 15,696
                                         ---------------        ---------------

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received                                    342                    486
Payments to acquire intangible
fixed assets                                      (1,328)                (1,169)
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment                                         (2,272)                (5,565)
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment                                    -                    367
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Net cash flows from investing
activities                                        (3,258)                (5,881)
                                         ---------------        ---------------

Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of
ordinary shares                                        -                    118
Payment to acquire own shares                          -                    (99)
Dividends paid to equity
shareholders of the parent                        (4,053)                     -
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Net cash flows from financing
activities                                        (4,053)                    19
                                         ---------------        ---------------

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents                                  (1,645)                 9,834
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the period                           16,610                 12,222
                                         ---------------        ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the period                                 14,965                 22,056
                                         ---------------        ---------------



Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the 26 weeks to 26 January 2008

                      Equity    Share    Capital   
                       share  premium redemption   Treasury  Retained    Total  
                     capital  account    reserve     shares  earnings   equity  
                        �000     �000       �000       �000      �000     �000

At 29 July 2006          340    2,937        195    (1,172)   28,847    31,147
Profit for the period      -        -          -         -     2,777     2,777
Items recognised
directly in equity:
Share-based payments       -        -          -         -       104       104
Taxation                   -        -          -         -       184       184
Acquisition of
treasury shares            -        -          -       (99)        -       (99)
Employee share
options exercised          1      117          -        46         -       164
                    --------  -------  ---------  --------  --------   -------
At 27 January 2007       341    3,054        195    (1,225)   31,912    34,277
                    ========  =======  =========  ========  ========   =======

At 28 July 2007          341    3,123        195    (1,225)   33,636    36,070
Loss for the period        -        -          -         -    (4,065)   (4,065)
Equity dividends           -        -          -         -    (4,053)   (4,053)
Items recognised
directly in equity:
Share-based payments       -        -          -         -       326       326
                    --------  -------  ---------  --------  --------   -------
At 26 January 2008       341    3,123        195    (1,225)   25,844    28,278
                    ========  =======  =========  ========  ========   =======


ScS Upholstery plc

Notes to the Interim Results

This interim report was approved by the Directors on 25 March 2008. This
announcement is being sent to shareholders and will be made available at the
Group's registered office at 45-49 Villiers Street, Sunderland, SR1 1HA. Copies
of this report will also be available on the group's website at www.scs.co.uk.

1. Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements for the six months ended 26 January 2008 have
been prepared in accordance with the DTR of the Financial Services Authority and
IAS 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. The
interim financial information has been prepared using the same accounting
policies and methods of computation used to prepare the group's 2007 Annual
Report as described on pages 30 to 32 of that report which can be found on the
group's website at www.scs.co.uk, except for the adoption of new standards and
interpretations, noted below. The annual financial statements of the group are
prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

The following new standards or interpretations are mandatory for the first time
for the financial year ending 26 July 2008:

   *Amendment to IAS1 - Presentation of financial statements: capital disclosures
   *IFRIC 9 - Reassessment of embedded derivatives
   *IFRIC 10 - Interims and impairment
   *IFRIC 11 - IFRS 2 - Group and treasury share transactions
   *IFRS 7 - Financial instruments: disclosures.

Adoption of IFRICS's 9, 10 and 11 did not have any effect on the reported
financial position or performance of the group. The disclosure requirements of
IFRS7 and the amendment to IAS1 apply only to the annual financial statements of
the group.

The financial information for the six months ended 26 January 2008 and the
comparative financial information for the six months ended 27 January 2007 has
not been audited, but has been reviewed by the auditors. The comparative
financial information for the year ended 28 July 2007 has been extracted from
the 2007 annual report and financial statements. The financial information
contained in this interim report does not constitute statutory financial
statements as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 and does not
reflect all of the information contained in the group's annual report and
financial statements. The annual financial statements for the year ended 28 July
2007, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 September 2007,
received an unqualified audit report, did not contain a statement under section
237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and have been filed with the Registrar
of Companies.

The Board of Directors approved this report including the interim financial
statements, on 25 March 2008.

2. Other income

Other income in the comparative period represents net income received on the
early termination of property leases.

3. Taxation

The taxation charge is calculated by applying the Directors' estimate of the
annual tax rate to the result for the period. The estimated effective rate in
the period is 51.9% (6 months to 27 January 2007: 31.3%). This is higher than
the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 29.3%, due primarily to the
effect of accounting depreciation on certain fixed assets not eligible for tax
allowances, which is at a proportionately higher level compared to the result
before tax than in the comparative period.

4. Dividends paid

The equity dividend paid in the period was �4.1m and related to the final
dividend for the period ended 28 July 2007. No equity dividends were paid in the
comparative period as the final dividend paid relating to the year ended 30
September 2006 was paid in February 2007.

5. Loss per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the loss for the
financial period and a weighted average of 33,770,128 shares in issue during the
period (27 January 2007: 33,726,993). The diluted earnings per share is based on
the loss for the financial period and a weighted average of 33,770,128 shares in
issue and under option during the period (27 January 2007: 33,772,845).

At 26 January 2008 there were 34,111,584 ordinary shares in issue (28 July 2007:
34,104,284).

6. Capital expenditure

During the six months to 26 January 2008, the group purchased �2.1m (2007:
�6.9m) of tangible fixed assets.

7. Changes in commitments and contingencies

Capital commitments contracted but not provided at 26 January 2008 were �2.0m
(28 July 2007: �2.4m).

8. Related party transactions

There are no related party transactions or changes since the year end that could
have a material impact on the group's financial position or performance for the
period.


INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO SCS UPHOLSTERY PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the interim set of financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 26
January 2008 which comprises the Summarised Interim Consolidated Income
Statement, Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet, Interim Consolidated Cash Flow
Statement, Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the related
notes 1 to 8. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly
financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim set of financial
statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained
in ISRE 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed
by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices
Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report,
or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved
by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly
financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are
prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The interim
set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has
been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim
Financial Reporting," as adopted by the European Union.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the interim set
of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing
Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and
consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware
of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we
do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe
that the interim set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report
for the six months ended 26 January 2008 is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by
the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United
Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP
Registered Auditor
Newcastle upon Tyne

25 March 2008




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            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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