Trading Statement

Burberry Group PLC 15 April 2003 Burberry Group plc Second Half Trading Update April 15, 2003. Burberry Group plc reports on trading for the six months ended 31 March 2003. Highlights * Total revenues increased by 22%, 15% underlying* * Retail sales rose 30% on an underlying basis driven by new and existing stores * Wholesale sales increased by 6% on an underlying basis * Licensing revenue increased by 9% on an underlying basis *Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the impact of the Asia acquisitions. Burberry acquired the operations of its primary distributors in Asia outside of Japan in January 2002 and July 2002 (the 'Asia acquisitions'). Commenting on the trading results, Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive, stated, 'We are pleased to report that as a result of Burberry's strong trading performance in the second half, the company has more than achieved the 2002/03 revenue objective set at the time of the IPO. These results were driven by growth in key product categories, targeted regions and selected distribution channels. Moving into the new financial year, we remain confident in our strategies while approaching the volatile and uncertain trading environment with appropriate caution.' Total revenues Total revenues in the period increased by 22% (24% at constant exchange rates), or 15% on an underlying* basis (i.e. at constant exchange rates and excluding the impact of the Asia acquisitions) compared to the six months ended 31 March 2002. Retail On an underlying basis, retail sales in the second half increased by 30%, driven by contributions from newly opened stores and sales gains at existing stores. Total retail sales increased 55%, boosted by the contribution from stores and concessions added as part of the Asia acquisitions. In the fourth quarter retail sales increased by 28% on an underlying basis and 46% in total. During March, geopolitical and health-related factors increasingly affected performance as the month progressed, particularly in the UK and Hong Kong markets. Following the seven store openings during the second half, in the current financial year Burberry plans to add approximately eight stores and two concessions, increasing net retail selling area by approximately 10%. Wholesale Total wholesale sales increased by 6% on an underlying basis, 4% reported, during the second half. This growth was tempered by the acceleration of deliveries into the first half compared to the prior year, as previously discussed. Over the full Spring/Summer 2003 season, Burberry continues to expect high single digit wholesale volume growth. Licensing Total licensing revenues in the second half increased by 9% on an underlying basis, 4% reported. As anticipated, this gain primarily reflects modest volume gains and increases in certain royalty rates in Japan. Strong sales increases by global product licensees also contributed to this gain. Burberry will announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2003 on 22 May 2003. Enquiries: Burberry Mike Metcalf COO and CFO 020 7968 0411 Matt McEvoy Strategy and IR 020 7968 0411 Brunswick Susan Gilchrist 020 7404 5959 Charlotte Elston 020 7404 5959 *Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the impact of the Asia acquisitions. Burberry acquired the operations of its primary distributors in Asia outside of Japan in January 2002 and July 2002 (the 'Asia acquisitions'). Certain statements made in this Trading Update are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements. This announcement does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any Burberry Group plc or GUS plc shares. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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