Premier Investments Ltd. Reports Consolidated Earnings Results for the Year Ended July 28, 2012; Expects Gross Margin Gains for the Fiscal 2013 and 2014; Declares Final Fully Franked Dividend, Payable on November 21, 2012; Plans to Open 5-10 Additional Stores in Singapore over the Next 12-24 Months; Announces Board Changes
September 20, 2012
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Premier Investments Ltd. reported consolidated earnings results for the year ended July 28, 2012. For the period, the company reported revenue from sale of goods AUD 837,195,000 compared to AUD 875,610,000 a year ago. Total revenue of AUD 860,974,000 compared to AUD 898,202,000 a year ago. Profit from continuing operations before income tax of AUD 92,767,000 or 43.52 cents per diluted share compared to AUD 57,576,000 or 25.92 cents per diluted share a year ago. Net profit for the period attributable to owners was AUD 68,248,000 or 43.52 cents per diluted share compared to AUD 40,517,000 or 25.92 cents per diluted share a year ago. Net cash flows from operating activities were AUD 78,714,000 compared to AUD 71,039,000 a year ago. Payment for financial instruments was AUD 21,495,000. Payment for property, equipment and leasehold premiums was AUD 13,258,000 compared to AUD 22,768,000 a year ago. Premier Retail underlying EBIT was AUD 80.4 million, up 23%.
Premier Retail expects further margin gains from all of the core strategies in fiscal 2013 and 2014.
The Premier board has declared a final fully franked dividend of 18 cents per share which brings the full year dividend to 36 cents per share, in line with the prior year. This represents a return to shareholders of 82% of earnings, above the minimum set out in the company's dividend policy. The final dividend will be payable on November 21, 2012. The dividend will be 100% franked. The record date will be October 10, 2012.
Premier Retail now operates 13 Smiggle stores in Singapore, with plans to open 5-10 additional stores in Singapore over the next 12 to 24 months. The company sees potential for over 30 stores in Malaysia and 15-30 stores in Japan over the next 3 to 5 years.
The company also reported that the directors have invited Mark McInnes to join the board effective from December 1, 2012. Mark will become an Executive Director of Premier Investments and retain his existing role as Chief Executive Officer, Premier Retail. The company also appointed Colette Garnsey as Core Brand Director.
Premier Investments Limited is an Australia-based company, which operates a number of specialty retail fashion chains within the specialty retail fashion markets in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. The Company also has investments in listed securities and money market deposits. It operates through two business segments: investments and retail. The retail segment represents the financial performance of a number of specialty retail fashion chains. The investment segment represents investments in securities for both long and short term gains, dividend income and interest. It offers its products under various brands, such as Peter Alexander, Smiggle, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Dotti and Jacqui E. Its subsidiaries include Kimtara Investments Pty Ltd, Premfin Pty Ltd, Springdeep Investments Pty Ltd, Prempref Pty Ltd, Metalgrove Pty Ltd, Just Group Limited, Just Jeans Group Pty Limited, Just Jeans Pty Limited, Portmans Pty Limited, Dotti Pty Ltd, Smiggle Pty Limited and others.
Premier Investments Ltd. Reports Consolidated Earnings Results for the Year Ended July 28, 2012; Expects Gross Margin Gains for the Fiscal 2013 and 2014; Declares Final Fully Franked Dividend, Payable on November 21, 2012; Plans to Open 5-10 Additional Stores in Singapore over the Next 12-24 Months; Announces Board Changes