07 July 2016

Sports Direct International plc

Preliminary Results for the Year ended 24 April 2016

Group revenue up 2.5%; Group underlying EBITDA down 0.5%

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

Change

(%)

£m

£m

Group revenue

2,904

2,833

2.5

Sports Retail

2,492

2,399

3.9

Premium Lifestyle

181

208

-12.7

Brands

232

226

2.3

Group gross margin

44.2%

43.8%

0.4

Sports Retail gross margin

44.6%

44.6%

0.0

Underlying EBITDA (pre share scheme costs)

381.4

383.2

-0.5

Underlying profit before tax (PBT)

275.2

300.3

-8.4

Reported profit before tax

361.8

313.4

15.4

Underlying earnings per share (EPS)

35.5p

38.9p

-8.7

Reported earnings per share

46.8p

40.6p

Net debt

99.6

59.7

Key highlights

· Sports Retail revenue increased by 0.6% (excluding Heatons)

· Sports Retail like-for-like stores gross contribution decreased by 0.8% (FY15: 7.4%)

· Underlying profit before tax decreased by 8.4% to £275.2m

· Underlying earnings per share decreased by 8.7% to 35.5p

· Underlying free cash generation of £309.1 m

· Net debt increased to £99.6m (£59.7m at 26 April 2015)

· Continued roll out of large format 'Key Location Doors'

· Latest phase of ongoing Shirebrook campus development now complete

· Completed the acquisition of remaining 50% of the Heatons Irish business

· Continued investment in inventory and strategic stakes while maintaining a strong balance sheet

Dave Forsey, Chief Executive, said:

'The Group has delivered a disappointing full year financial performance, impacted primarily by a tough trading environment in the second half across our sports retail businesses.

Our continued investment in upgrading and relocating stores, including Key Location Doors such as Leeds and Plymouth, has been well received by our leading third party suppliers.

Unfortunately our disappointing results have meant that the Group has not achieved the first EBITDA target set by the 2015 Share Scheme, which is a key long term share-based incentive scheme that rewards eligible staff for their hard work and commitment, and is based on the achievement of four consecutive full year EBITDA targets. This is very disappointing as the Share Scheme is a significant part of our high performance and reward culture, and we are working to replace this arrangement with a new incentive scheme to continue to reward our people for their commitment and performance.

I would like to thank all of our people for being part of the Sports Direct team in what has been a particularly tough year for the Group. Thank you for all your hard work this year and in the past, and I look forward to our future achievements.'

(1)

Underlying EBITDA, underlying profit before taxation and underlying EPS exclude realised foreign exchange gains/losses in selling and administration costs, exceptional costs and the profit/loss on sale of strategic investments. Underlying EBITDA also excludes the Share Scheme charges.

(2)

Underlying free cash generation is defined as operating cash flow before working capital, made up of underlying EBITDA (before Share Scheme costs) plus realised foreign exchange gains and losses, less corporation tax paid.

(3)

Net debt is borrowings less cash held.

Sports Direct International plc

Dave Forsey, Chief Executive

Matt Pearson, Acting Chief Financial Officer

T: 0344 245 9200

KBA PR

Keith Bishop

T: 0207 734 9995

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Overview

The Group's financial performance has been disappointing in what has been a considerably tough year for trading and external attention on the business. With this performance, it is with regret that I note that we did not achieve the FY16 EBITDA target of £420m in relation to the Group's 2015 Share Scheme for eligible employees. The Board and Executive Directors are currently working on developing of a new incentive scheme to replace this, and ahead of this I would like to thank all of our people for their continued hard work and commitment during what has been a difficult time.

Our values and people

Sports Direct has been built on the expertise and passion of our people from day one. The Group's values are: operating as one team; planning for success; striving to lead and energise others; doing things the right way; creating a good impression; wowing our customers; and, delivering results. Our values and the development of our people have underpinned our high performance and high reward culture, which has driven the Group's success since it was founded in 1982.

During the year the Group received serious criticism regarding some of its workplace practices, particularly in relation to its agency workers in the warehouse of the Group's Shirebrook campus, which we have taken very seriously. The Board made it a priority to undertake a review of what was raised and from the preliminary findings, a number of measures were put in place to address the concerns. These included an increase in pay for the Group's directly employed UK employees and directly engaged casual workers from being on the National Minimum Wage to being above the National Minimum Wage from 1 January 2016. This was implemented without any reduction in existing benefits.

Since the end of FY16, the Group's Executive Deputy Chairman, Mike Ashley, has given evidence to the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee regarding the assertions made in relation to the Company's workplace practices. The business has set in motion a review of the specific concerns.

Additionally following year end, the Board was informed of the decision of the Chief Executive, Dave Forsey, to forego the vesting of 1 million shares due to him in September 2017 under the 2011 Share Scheme. At the time of the announcement this represented a value of approximately £3.6m. The Board believes that this decision is very much reflective of the Executive Directors sharing risk with shareholders and taking responsibility for results that fell short of their expectation.

Strategic acquisitions and investments

The Board remains committed to our organic and inorganic growth strategy, and will continue to maintain an appetite for strategic opportunities alongside the work being conducted on the review of the Group's people strategy.

The Group's acquisition and investments strategy, parameters and decision-making is performed by the Board, and delegated at a certain materiality level to be performed by the Executive Directors within the agreed strategy. The Group is focused on opportunities that will deliver extensions or enhancements to our customer offering, broaden or enhance our commercial relationships, broaden or enhance our retail channels, selectively grow our market share, further diversify our operations, further expand our gross margin, and/or deliver operational efficiencies. Given the breadth of our business, our strategic benefits can be varied and extensive, and the Group employs an array of mechanisms to facilitate strategic discussions with potential partners towards varied strategic goals.

This year we were pleased to announce the acquisition of the Heatons business in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which will build upon the Group's existing relationship with Heatons and strengthen our presence in one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. We also announced the extension of our strategic investment interest in Debenhams Retail plc ('Debenhams'). Through this investment interest we have developed a commercial relationship with Debenhams and currently have 9 concessions throughout Debenhams stores, which provide mutual benefits for both parties.

Potential share buyback

Further to the authority to repurchase shares granted by the Company's shareholders at its 2015 Annual General Meeting, and in light of current volatility in equity markets, the Company is announcing that it is considering commencing a share buyback, the purpose of which would be to reduce its share capital.

Mike Ashley's shareholding

In response to repeated press speculation about his intentions with regards to his shareholding in Sports Direct, Mike Ashley has confirmed to the board of directors that he has no current intention of taking the Company private, and has indicated his willingness for the Company to confirm this statement publicly.

Dividend

The Board has decided not to propose a dividend in relation to FY16. The Board remains of the opinion that it is in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders to preserve financial flexibility, facilitating future investments and other growth opportunities. The payment of dividends remains under review.

Dr. Keith Hellawell. QPMNon-Executive Chairman

07July 2016

chief executive's report and business review

Summary of Results

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

Change

(£m)

(£m)

%

Revenue

2,904.3

2,832.6

2.5

Underlying EBITDA

381.4

383.2

-0.5

Underlying profit before tax

275.2

300.3

-8.4

Reported profit before tax

361.8

313.4

15.4

Pence per share

Pence per share

Underlying EPS

35.5

38.9

-8.7

Reported EPS

46.8

40.6

15.3

The Directors believe that underlying EBITDA, underlying profit before tax and underlying earnings per share provide more useful information for shareholders on the underlying performance of the business than the reported numbers and are consistent with how business performance is measured internally. They are not recognised profit measures under IFRS and may not be directly comparable with 'adjusted' profit measures used by other companies.

EBITDA is earnings before investment income, finance income and finance costs, tax, depreciation and amortisation and, therefore, includes the Group's share of profit from associated undertakings and joint ventures. Underlying EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA before the impact of foreign exchange, any exceptional or other non-trading items and costs relating to the Share Scheme.

Overview of financial performance

In the midst of a tough trading environment, particularly in the second half, the Group has achieved a disappointing financial result for FY16 with underlying EBITDA largely flat on FY15.

Group revenue increasing by 2.5% to £2,904.3m in the year. This was primarily due to the increase in Sports Retail revenue of 3.9% to £2,491.6m, which includes the impact of the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the Heatons business during the year, and the increased store footprint. Premium Lifestyle revenue fell by 12.7%, largely due to the closure of loss-making stores in the period, and revenue was up 2.3% in Brands, with increases in both wholesale and licensing.

Group gross margin in the year increased by 40 basis points from 43.8% to 44.2%. Sports Retail maintained the previous year's gross margin at 44.6%, while the Brands division gross margin increased by 180 basis points from 40.3% to 42.1%, and Premium Lifestyle's gross margin increased by 330 basis points from 38.8% to 42.1%, which was largely due to discounting and clearance of stock in the prior year. We expect gross margin to be impacted significantly by negative movements in exchange rates in FY17 and beyond, given the recent movements in the US dollarcompared with the pound.

Group operating costs increased by 5.3% to £905.7m (FY15: £860.5m), as a result of completion of the Shirebrook campus and associated increased costs, the part year impact of the Group's decision to increase wages from the National Minimum Wage to above the National Minimum Wage for directly employed UK employees and directly engaged casual workers, and the impact of acquisitions.

As a result, Group underlying EBITDA (pre-Share Scheme costs) for the year was down 0.5% to £381.4m (FY15: £383.2m). Sports Retail underlying EBITDA was down 2.2% to £349.0m (FY15: £356.8m), while the Premium Lifestyle and Brands division underlying EBITDA increased to -£5.1m and £37.5m respectively (FY15: -£7.7m and £34.1m). The Premium Lifestyle division achieved a breakeven Underlying EBITDA result in 2H FY16.

Excluded from underlying EBITDA is a £7.1m (FY15: £10.1m) charge in respect of the 2011 Share Scheme. This charge has been taken centrally and is not reflected in the divisional numbers in this report.

The depreciation charge has increased by 41.0% to £95.6m (FY15: £67.8m) due to the acquisition of the controlling interest in Heatons and increased investment in our store portfolio.

Group underlying profit before tax decreased 8.4% to £275.2m, due to lower EBITDA and higher depreciation charges. In line with this movement, underlying EPS for the year decreased by 8.7% to 35.5p (FY15: 38.9p).

The Group generated underlying free cash flow during the year of £309.1m, up from £301.8m in the prior year, and net debt increased by £39.9m to £99.6m at year end as a result of investment in inventory, freehold property and the acquisition of Heatons. Net debt currently stands at 0.31 times reported EBITDA (26 April 2015: 0.16 times).

Review by business segment

Year ended

24 April 2016

(£m)

Year ended

26 April 2015

(£m)

Change

%

Retail

Revenue:

Sports Retail

2,491.6

2,398.6

3.9

Premium Lifestyle

181.2

207.6

-12.7

Total retail revenue

2,672.8

2,606.2

2.6

Cost of sales

(1,485.7)

(1,456.6)

Gross profit

1,187.1

1,149.6

Gross margin percentage

44.4

44.1

Year ended

24 April 2016

(£m)

Year ended

26 April 2015

(£m)

Change

%

Brands

Revenue:

Wholesale

196.7

193.3

1.8

Licensing

34.8

33.1

5.1

Total brands revenue

231.5

226.4

2.3

Cost of sales

(134.0)

(135.2)

Gross profit

97.5

91.2

Gross margin percentage

42.1

40.3

Sports Retail

Revenue grew 3.9% to £2,491.6m, largely as a result of the acquisition of Heatons during the year. Excluding the impact of Heatons, Sports Retail revenue growth was broadly flat at 0.6%.

Sports Retail gross margin for the second half of the year decreased to 43.6% (FY15 H2: 44.6%) due to discounting required to clear excess winter stock. The margin for FY17 is expected to be affected by adverse foreign exchange movements.

Sports Retail like-for-like gross contribution, which excludes online sales, decreased by 0.8% compared to the prior year. The number of stores included in this year's KPI is 531 (FY15: 432).

Operating expenses increased by 2.6% excluding the impact of Heatons, and 6.9% including the impact of Heatons in the year, to £764.4m (FY15: £715.2m). Store wages were up 4.7% in the year to £250.5m (FY15: £239.2m) but as a percentage of sales remained at 10.0% (FY15: 10.0%). The aggregate wages expense increase included approximately 4 months' impact of the expected annualised increase in costs of c. £10m as a result of the increase in wages for all directly employed UK employees and directly engaged casual workers.

Underlying EBITDA for Sports Retail was £349.0m (FY15: £356.8m), a decrease of 2.2% for the year.

During the year we opened 60 new stores in eleven countries, as well as completing the acquisition of Heatons which operates 15 Sports Direct stores in Northern Ireland and 27 sports stores in the Republic of Ireland . We also own a 40% shareholding in the Sports Direct business in Iceland.

During the period the Group impaired the goodwill relating to the acquisition of our Austrian subsidiary due to its recent trading being below expectations. Converting the former Eybl megastores is taking longer than expected and the lost revenue in certain categories is also proving harder to replace than expected.

Period end square-footage now stands at c.8.25m sq. ft.(1) (FY15: c.7.75m), excluding Heatons.

SPORTS STORE PORTFOLIO

24 April 2016

26 April 2015

England

393

381

Scotland

35

34

Wales

30

25

Northern Ireland

15

0

Austria

42

46

Republic of Ireland

27

0

Belgium

41

43

Estonia

25

24

Latvia

14

13

Lithuania

14

12

Portugal

17

17

Slovenia

15

15

Poland

15

10

France

6

7

Czech Republic

7

6

Holland

6

6

Cyprus

6

6

Hungary

13

5

Slovakia

5

4

Germany

3

3

Luxembourg

2

2

Spain

2

1

Switzerland

0

1

Total

733

661

Opened

60

39

Closed

29

16

Area (sq. ft.)

c.8.25m

c.7.75m

(1) Excluding Iceland

(2) Includes only stores with SPORTSDIRECT.com and Sportland fascias

All of the above stores are operated by companies wholly owned by the Group, except Portugal, where the Group owns 50.1% and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania where the Group owns 60.0%.

Premium Lifestyle

Premium Lifestyle sales decreased 12.7% to £181.2m (FY15: £207.6m), due to the closure of loss-making stores in the year. The Premium Lifestyle gross margin for the year increased by 330 basis points to 42.1% (FY15: 38.8%) as a result of the clearance of legacy stock in the prior year.

Premium Lifestyle operating costs decreased by 7.8% to £81.3m (FY15: £88.2m) due to the continued rationalisation of the USC and Republic businesses and synergies gained by the consolidation of key head office functions in Flannels, Cruise and Van Mildert and the integration of the distribution function.

We continue to strengthen our relationships with key third party suppliers and have introduced several new brands in the period. Growth at Cruise, Flannels and Van Mildert also reflects the Group's buying disciplines and online expertise.

The Underlying EBITDA loss for Premium Lifestyle decreased to £5.1m (FY15: £7.7m loss) and achieved breakeven in 2H FY16, as we continue to see the benefit of rationalisation of the businesses. We expect to see further benefits of this in future years.

At the year end, the Premium Lifestyle division traded from 83 stores under four main fascias:

24 April 2016

26 April 2015

USC

50

66

Cruise

10

10

Van Mildert

9

10

Flannels

9

8

Other

5

9

Total

83

103

Brands

The Brands portfolio includes a wide variety of world-famous sport and lifestyle brands. The Group's Sports Retail division sells products under these Brands in its stores, and the Brands division sells the brands through its wholesale and licensing activities. The Brands division continues to sponsor a variety of prestigious events and retains a variety of globally-recognised, high-profile celebrities and sporting professionals as brand ambassadors.

The Brands division's total revenue increased by 2.3% to £231.5m (FY15: £226.4m). Wholesale revenues were up 1.8% to £196.7m (FY15: £193.3m), including growth in the challenging UK market. Trading in the US market was in line with expectations and continues to represent c.20% of total wholesale sales.

Brands gross margin increased by 180 basis points to 42.1% (FY15: 40.3%). Wholesale gross margins increased 180 basis points to 31.9% (FY15: 30.1%) largely due to a shift in the sales mix away from lower margin lines.

Licensing revenues in the year were up 5.1% to £34.8m (FY15: £33.1m). During the year we signed 35 new licence agreements and renewed several existing licensees, covering multiple brands, product categories and geographies, with minimum contracted values of $15.5m over the life of the agreements.

Longer term, we still regard licensing as the key driver of the Brands division's profitability and central to the overall growth of the Brands business. The key growth areas are expected to include Australasia and Asia Pacific.

Brands operating costs increased by 5.3% to £60.0m (FY15: £57.0m) primarily due to increased bad debt costs in the year. Underlying EBITDA increased by 10.0% to £37.5m (FY15: £34.1m).

Outlook

Trading since the start of May and leading up to the EU referendum was broadly in line with management expectations albeit with the continued volatility seen in the wider retail sector. Since the EU vote we expect the current political uncertainty, and potential weakness in the UK's short to medium term economic outlook, is likely to act as a continuing drag on consumer confidence. When combined with the structural difficulties for UK retailers, including high street footfall, and our exposure to the weakness of the pound against the US dollar (as announced on 24 June 2016), these factors make the current outlook for FY17 somewhat uncertain and therefore hard to predict.

We shall continue to focus on delivering an enhanced retail offering for our customers through an expanded product range and availability as well as optimising our online capability to benefit the overall Group performance. Furthermore we will continue to invest for the future by upgrading and relocating stores and working closely with our key third party brand partners on our assortment and new generation concept stores.

We will continue to update the market on FY17 performance as the situation becomes clearer.

Key Performance Indicators

The Board monitors the performance of the Group by reference to a number of key performance indicators (KPIs), which are discussed in this Chief Executive's Report and in the Financial Review. The most important of these KPIs are:

52 weeks ended

24 April 2016

52 weeks ended

26 April 2015

52 weeks ended

27 April 2014

Financial KPIs

Group revenue

£2,904.3m

£2,832.6m

£2,706.0m

Underlying EBITDA

£381.4m

£383.2m

£331.1m

Sports Retail gross margin

44.6%

44.6%

42.9%

Sports Retail like-for-like stores gross contribution

-0.8%

+7.4%

+10.5%

Online revenue as a percentage of total Sports Retail revenue

17.4%

16.5%

15.1%

Underlying earnings per share

35.5p

38.9p

32.1p

Non-financial KPIs

No. of Sports Retail stores

733

661

629

Workforce turnover

22.0%

18.7%

19.2%

Cardboard recycling

10,000 tonnes

9,526 tonnes

9,230 tonnes

The method for calculating underlying EBITDA is set out in the Financial Review.

Sports Retail like-for-like contribution is defined as the percentage change in gross contribution in the successive 12 month period. A like-for-like store is one that has been trading for the full 12 months in both periods and has not been affected by a significant change, such as a major refurbishment.

Excludes wholesale revenue.

The method for calculating underlying earnings per share is set out in the Financial Review.

Excluding associates and stores in the Baltics states that trade under fascias other than SPORTLAND or SPORTSDIRECT.com. Includes Heatons group now 100% owned.

Operational Review

The Group's strategic focus is to deliver sustainable growth for our shareholders in the medium to long term. Below we have outlined the progress on the Company's strategic initiatives for FY16.

Strategic acquisitions and investments

During the year we completed the acquisition of the Heatons business in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for a consideration of €48.0m. The acquisition will build upon the Group's existing relationship with Heatons and strengthen our presence in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally during the year we also acquired a standalone gym in West London to add to our Sports Retail Fitness division.

Completion of our Shirebrook campus

In late 2015 the Group completed the latest phase of our ongoing Shirebrook campus development, our National Distribution Centre, which added an additional c. 700,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office space to the site. The extension has enhanced our supply chain and distribution capabilities; the Group's online capacity; improved our office space and ability to bring teams together to benefit from co-location; and enhanced our training environment for staff, with an International Training Academy supported by Nike and Puma located on site. The additional office space has also enabled us to incorporate more office space for third party brand partners to help us to continue to work closely together on building a better business.

Developing our stores and in-store customer experience

Consistent with our plans in FY15, this year we have focused on re-locating, re-configuring and upgrading our store portfolio across all of our fascias and geographies to enhance the customer experience.

We have continued our focus on growing our larger format stores, our key location doors, and this year we opened Leeds and Plymouth, and we recently announced the acquisition of the freehold property at 161-167 Oxford Street, London. This property, once redeveloped, will operate as a flagship site in London for a 20,000 sq. ft. Flannels.com store and 20,000 sq. ft. of prestige office space.

Our key location stores enable us to construct exceptional visual merchandising and specialist performance areas, often in partnership with leading third-party brand partners, creating an inspiring store experience for our customers, and a rewarding experience for our third-party brand partners. With this investment in stores, we expect to be able to offer our customers even more in premium ranges from leading global brands as well as the Group's 'better' and 'best' branded products, as part of our commitment to offer the broadest range of brands in our stores and online.

With the acquisition of Heatons completed during the year, the Group plans a substantial investment in the Heatons store portfolio over the coming years to enhance the sports offering and continue to develop the store experience.

Extending the Fitness Division

During the year we opened twogyms which were co-located with SPORTSDIRECT.com retail stores in Newport and St Helens. The gyms offer membership value consistent with SPORTSDIRECT.com. This is a proactive strategy to capture market share in the low cost fitness market and to generate synergies from co-locating our gym and retail offering, given the natural lifestyle fit.

Enhancing our online offering

Online is a growing channel for the Group and we have always maintained discipline to ensure that this channel is profitable. In FY16 we made a number of enhancements to our websites, which included improved search capabilities, optimisation of the speed of the platform, enhancing the platform for mobile and tablet devices, and improvements in security and data protection. We have also fully integrated the SPORTSDIRECT.com website with social media channels, to execute partner marketing initiatives, and developed an additional 14 non UK local websites, to facilitate demand and complement our stores in these countries.

Building our world famous brand portfolio

The Group is dedicated to enhancing our brands' value, and during the year we successfully appointed internationally-recognised celebrities and sporting professionals as brand ambassadors, as well as announcing that Slazenger had secured a further 3-year partnership with The Championships, Wimbledon during the year, a relationship that has stood for 114 years, the longest relationship of its kind in sporting history.

Slazenger was also excited to announce that 4-time Olympic Medallist swimmer Rebecca Adlington and cricket player Jason Roy had joined as brand ambassadors, and British Snowboarder and GB Olympian Billy Morgan was secured to fly the flag for No Fear which is expected to be a great partnership.

USA Pro's partnership with world-famous girl band, Little Mix, was announced during the year and we are set to launch a co-branded range which is expected to be in-stores in FY17.

Growing our licensing relationships

Our strategic focus for our brands remains on growing our licensing partners, having signed 35 new license agreements in FY16, as well as renewals of existing licensees with contracted minimum royalties of $15.5m over the life of the contracts. We expect to maintain our presence in our current markets, and will focus on growing our presence and licensing partners in Asia and Australia.

Increasing our wages for our UK workforce

During the initial review of the Group's workplace practices in its Shirebrook warehouse undertaken by the Board, in December 2015 the Group determined to increase the wages of directly employed UK employees and directly engaged casual workers from being on the National Minimum Wage, to being above the National Minimum Wage, from 1 January 2016, resulting in an annualised cost increase of c. £10m.

Engaging with local communities

The Company and our Brands engage at various levels with the local communities in which we operate, and in relation to our Shirebrook campus, we continue to actively work with the Shirebrook Forward NG20 working group, which aims to help Shirebrook and the surrounding towns to retain its community spirit, its breadth of services, and help local support functions in community initiatives.

Dave Forsey

Chief Executive

07 July 2016

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The financial statements for the Group for the year ended 24 April 2016 are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU.

EBITDA and Profit Before Tax

EBITDA

PBT

£m

£m

Operating profit

223.2

Depreciation and amortisation

95.6

Share of profit of associated undertakings (excl. FV adjustments)

2.4

Reported

321.2

361.8

Share scheme

7.1

-

Exceptional items

50.8

50.8

Investment Income

-

(146.5)

RealisedFX loss

2.3

2.3

IAS 39 FX fair value adjustment to forward currency contracts

-

6.8

Underlying

381.4

275.2

Underlying 52-week FY16 profit before tax excludes:

(i) exceptional items which decreased profit by £50.8m;

(ii) Investment Income which increased profit by £146.5m;

(iii) realised foreign exchange losses which decreased profit by £2.3m; and

(iv) IFRS revaluation of written options which decreased profit by £6.8m.

Foreign exchange

The Group manages the impact of currency movements through the use of forward fixed rate currency purchase and sales contracts. The Group's strategy is to hold or hedge up to five years of anticipated Euro denominated sales and US dollar purchases.

Following the outcome of the EU referendum, we are aware of the associated market volatility and in particular material changes to sterling / dollar and sterling/Euro exchange rates, and the lack of transparency as to how those rates will move in the short to medium term. These factors are likely to impact US dollar purchases and therefore profitability for which the Company is currently not hedged for the FY17 period and beyond.

There is also a potential exposure in relation to the Euro forward sales contracts and written option arrangements that the group is party to although we would highlight that the contracted rates on the forward contracts are favourable to underlying Euro/sterling rates experienced during FY16.

As at 24th April 2016 the Group was party to €840m of euro sale forward contracts that qualify for hedge accounting and €840m of written currency option contracts that do not. The contracted forward rates for these instruments are shown in the notes to the financial statements.

The forward contracts will be covered by our forecast Euro denominated on-line sales over the 4 year period of cover in place. Sales that we make over and above the covered amount, and existing surplus Euros within the business will mitigate the risk associated with the written currency options.

If sterling depreciates by 10% against the euro, a fair value loss of £65m would be recognized in the income statement in relation to these option contracts.

The realised exchange loss of £2.3m (FY15: £3.7m loss) included in administration costs has arisen from:

a) accepting Dollars and Euros at the contracted rate; and

b) the translation of Dollar and Euro denominated assets and liabilities at the period end rate or date of realisation.

The exchange loss of £6.8m (FY15: £7.2m gain) included in finance costs substantially represents the increase in the mark-to-market liability made (under IFRS) for the Group's unhedged written option contracts as at 24 April 2016. A number of the forward contracts outstanding at 24 April 2016 qualify for hedge accounting and the fair value loss on these contracts has been debited to equity through the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Sterling exchange rate with the US Dollar was $1.502 at 26 April 2015 and $1.440 at 24 April 2016. The sterling exchange rate with the Euro was 1.392 at 26 April 2015 and 1.283 at 24 April 2016.

Given the potential impact of commodity prices on raw material costs, the Group may hedge certain input costs, including cotton, crude oil and electricity.

Finance costs

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

(£m)

(£m)

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts

(7.5)

(6.7)

Interest on other loans

(0.6)

(0.2)

Interest on retirement benefit obligations

(0.4)

(0.6)

Fair value adjustment to written currency option contracts

(6.8)

-

(15.3)

(7.5)

The increase in interest payable is a result of the increased use of the revolving credit facility.

The fair value adjustment to written currency option contracts relates to differences between the fair value of the written options that do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Exceptional items

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

(£m)

(£m)

Profit on sale of freehold properties

13.5

10.3

Provision against receivables and other

(5.8)

-

Impairment, accelerated depreciation and amortisation

(58.5)

(13.3)

(50.8)

(3.0)

The profit on disposal of freehold property relates to the sale of a freehold property for £44m, realising a profit of £13.5m. In the prior year, the profit on disposal related to the sale of a warehouse.

The impairment mainly relates to goodwill in our Austrian business, reported within our Sports Retail segment, due to recent trading being below expectations. Converting the former Eybl megastores is taking longer than expected and the lost revenue in certain categories is also proving harder to replace than expected. Other impairments relate to certain brands that had been acquired a number of years ago.

The provision against receivables mainly relates to a funding loan made to an associate on acquisition of the initial stake.

Taxation

The effective tax rate on profit before tax in FY16 was 22.9% (FY15: 23.0%). This rate reflects depreciation on non-qualifying assets and overseas earnings being taxed at a higher rate than the UK corporate tax rate.

Earnings

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

Change

pence per share

pence per share

%

Reported EPS (Basic)

46.8

40.6

15.3

Underlying EPS

35.5

38.9

(8.7)

Weighted average number of shares (actual)

592,573,254

592,294,371

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the actual financial period. Shares held in Treasury and the Employee Benefit Trust are excluded from this figure.

The underlying EPS reflects the underlying performance of the business compared with the prior year and is calculated using the weighted average number of shares. It is not a recognised profit measure under IFRS and may not be directly comparable with 'adjusted' profit measures used by other companies.

The items adjusted for arriving at the underlying profit after tax and minority interests is as follows:

Year ended

24 April 2016

Year ended

26 April 2015

(£m)

(£m)

Profit after tax

277.4

240.4

Post tax effect of adjustment items:

Profit on disposal of listed investments

(104.5)

(2.8)

Impairment of fixed assets

4.4

-

Fair value adjustment to forward foreign exchange contracts

5.2

(12.5)

Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instruments

(8.4)

-

Realisedloss/(gain) on forward foreign exchange contracts

1.8

2.9

Profit on disposal of freehold properties

(10.4)

(7.9)

Impairment and accelerated depreciation and amortisation

45.2

10.2

Underlying profit after tax

210.7

230.3

Dividends

The Board has decided not to propose a dividend in relation to FY16. The Board remains of the opinion that it is in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders to preserve financial flexibility, facilitating future investments and other growth opportunities. The payment of dividends remains under review.

Capital expenditure

During the year, capital expenditure amounted to £207.1m (FY15: £100.3m), which includes £115.3 on freeholds and construction costs for our Shirebrook warehouse.

Acquisitions

During the year the Group acquired the remaining 50% of the share capital of Warnambool Ltd, the holding company for the Heatons business in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Strategic investments

During the year the Group disposed of c.11.6m shares in JD Sports Fashion plc, at the year-end it held a 5.4% stake (inclusive of economic interest).

The maturity date of the Put Option put in place on 23 January 2015 referencing 128,927,113 ordinary shares of Debenhams (representing 10.5 per cent of the issued share capital of Debenhams) has been extended by twelve months post year-end.

During the year the Group acquired 16.4m shares and an economic interest in Findel plc, and disposed of 1.5m shares during the year. At the year-end the Group held a stake of 29.9% (inclusive of economic interest).

In January 2016 the Group acquired c.2m shares (including an economic interest) in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc., representing c.2% of the issued share capital of Dicks Sporting Goods (inclusive of economic interest).

During the year the Group obtained economic interest in 6.9m shares in Iconix Brand Group Inc, representing 14.3% of the issued share capital.

The fair value of the Group's share holdings at 24 April 2016 was £193.4m (26 April 2015: £140.8m). The movement in the fair value of the shares held has been recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income.

These stakes allow us to develop relationships and commercial partnerships with the relevant retailers and assist in building relationships with key suppliers and brands.

The fair value of equity derivative agreements is included within the derivative financial assets balance of £82.5m.

Cash flow and net debt

Net debt increased by £39.9m from £59.7m at 26 April 2015 to £99.6m at 24 April 2016.

The analysis of debt at 24 April 2016 was as follows:

At 24 April 2016

At 26 April 2015

(£m)

(£m)

Cash and cash equivalents

233.7

78.3

Borrowings

(333.4)

(138.0)

Net debt

(99.6)

(59.7)

During the year the Group utilised the accordion option under its £688m revolving credit facility ('RCF'). As a result, the revolving credit facility has been increased from £738m to £788m. The facility is available until September 2018 and is not secured against any of the Group's fixed assets.

Under the terms of the RCF, the interest rate payable by the Group increases if it is more than one third drawn (i.e. more than £263 million). Previously, when the Group has required borrowing in excess of this amount, it had utilised its £250 million loan facility ('MALF') with Mike Ashley/Mash Holdings Limited. The rate of interest payable on this facility was c.50% lower than that payable on the RCF, and does not attract arrangement fees or commitment fees. Accordingly, although an unusual arrangement for a public company, using this facility in this way was a significant benefit to the Group, over time giving rise to a saving of over £1 million.

Further to the Company's announcement on 26 February 2016, the MALF has not been renewed.

The Group continues to operate well within its banking covenants and the Board remains comfortable with the Group's available headroom.

Cash flow

Total movement is as follows:

At 24 April 2016

At 26 April 2015

(£m)

(£m)

Underlying 52 week EBITDA

381.4

383.2

Realised(loss)/profit on forward foreign exchange contracts

(2.4)

(3.7)

Taxes paid

(69.9)

(77.7)

Underlying free cash flow

309.1

301.8

Invested in:-

Movement in inventory

(155.4)

49.3

Working capital and other

(88.0)

(114.1)

Acquisitions (including debt)

(33.1)

(3.8)

Net proceeds from/(purchase of) investments

92.1

4.1

Net capital expenditure

(163.1)

(79.1)

Finance costs and other financing activities

(1.5)

(5.9)

Decrease / (increase) in net debt

(39.9)

152.3

The increase in working capital is partly to support the growth of Sports Retail and the online business and partly due to the timing of payments around year end.

Pensions

The Group operates a number of closed defined benefit schemes in the Dunlop Slazenger companies and a defined benefit scheme in Sport Eybl Holding Gmbh. The net deficit in these schemes decreased from £14.9m at 26 April 2015 to £13.1m at 24 April 2016.

Matt Pearson

Acting Chief Financial Officer

07 July 2016

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 24 APRIL 2016

Year ended
24 April
2016

Year ended
26 April
2015

Notes

£'000

£'000

Revenue

2

2,904,325

2,832,560

Cost of sales

(1,619,681)

(1,591,748)

Gross profit

1,284,644

1,240,812

Selling, distribution and administrative expenses

(1,019,492)

(950,526)

Other operating income

11,137

8,345

Profit / (Loss) on foreign exchange contracts

(2,352)

Exceptional items

3

(50,759)

(3,050)

Operating profit

2

223,178

295,581

Other investment income

148,148

14,104

Finance income

3,362

8,289

Finance costs

(15,330)

(7,487)

Share of profit of associated undertakings and joint ventures

2,449

2,959

Profit before taxation

361,807

313,446

Taxation

4

(82,826)

(72,093)

Profit for the period

2

278,981

241,353

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Group

277,415

240,397

Non-controlling interest

1,566

956

Profit for the period

2

278,981

241,353

Earnings per share attributable to the equity shareholders

Pence per share

Pence per share

Basic earnings per share

5

46.8

40.6

Diluted earnings per share

5

45.5

39.0

Underlying basic earnings per share

5

35.5

38.9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 24 APRIL 2016

Year ended
24 April
2016

Year ended
26 April
2015

Notes

£'000

£'000

Profit for the period

2

278,981

241,353

Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Actuarial (losses) / gains on defined benefit pension schemes

(5)

(2,493)

Taxation on items recognised in other comprehensive income

34

524

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

12,404

9,156

Exchange differences on hedged contracts - recognised in the period

(5,685)

77,181

Exchange differences on hedged contracts - reclassified and reported in net profit

(63,679)

7,240

Exchange differences on hedged contracts - tax taken to hedging reserve

16,376

(17,728)

Fair value adjustment in respect of available-for-sale financial assets

115,281

21,893

Fair value adjustment in respect of available-for-sale financial assets

(106,168)

-

Taxation on items recognised in other comprehensive income

(1,837)

-

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

(33,279)

95,773

Total comprehensive income for the period

245,702

337,126

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Group

244,136

336,170

Non-controlling interest

1,566

956

245,702

337,126

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 24 APRIL 2016

24 April
2016

26 April
2015

Notes

£'000

£'000

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

585,876

422,742

Intangible assets

208,569

255,364

Investments in associated undertakings and joint ventures

16,635

38,133

Available-for-sale financial assets

193,355

140,795

Deferred tax assets

43,984

38,352

1,048,419

895,386

Current assets

Inventories

702,158

517,054

Trade and other receivables

292,589

190,726

Derivative financial assets

82,527

92,199

Cash and cash equivalents

234,163

78,318

1,311,437

878,297

TOTAL ASSETS

2,359,856

1,773,683

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Share capital

64,060

64,060

Share premium

874,300

874,300

Treasury shares reserve

(56,234)

(56,234)

Permanent contribution to capital

50

50

Capital redemption reserve

8,005

8,005

Foreign currency translation reserve

26,840

14,436

Reverse combination reserve

(987,312)

(987,312)

Own share reserve

(33,726)

(13,251)

Hedging reserve

8,080

78,796

Retained earnings

1,482,331

1,181,511

1,386,394

1,164,361

Non-controlling interests

(1,666)

(2,810)

Total equity

1,384,728

1,161,551

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

6

333,063

136,849

Retirement benefit obligations

13,065

14,869

Deferred tax liabilities

21,590

40,088

Provisions

66,802

37,705

434,520

229,511

Current liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities

61,704

5,629

Trade and other payables

426,741

340,936

Borrowings

6

769

1,204

Current tax liabilities

51,394

34,852

540,608

382,621

Total liabilities

975,128

612,132

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

2,359,856

1,773,683

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 24 APRIL 2016

Year
ended
24 April
2016

Year
ended
26 April
2015

Notes

£'000

£'000

Cash inflow from operating activities

7

135,589

314,362

Income taxes paid

(69,881)

(77,710)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

65,708

236,952

Cash flow from investing activities

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

44,000

21,150

Proceeds on disposal of listed investments

181,342

51,695

Purchase of associate, net of cash acquired

(9,078)

(50)

Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

(24,013)

(3,847)

Purchase of intangible assets

(124)

(2,937)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(206,977)

(97,342)

Purchase of listed investments

(89,213)

(50,415)

Investment income received

2,778

2,883

Finance income received

3,362

987

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(97,923)

(77,876)

Cash flow from financing activities

Finance costs paid

(7,720)

(6,845)

Borrowings drawn down

267,390

126,989

Borrowings repaid

(71,258)

(346,997)

Exercise of option over non-controlling interests

-

-

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities

188,412

(226,853)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts

156,195

(67,777)

Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at beginning of period

77,505

145,282

Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at the period end

233,702

77,505

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 24 APRIL 2016

Treasury shares

Foreign currency translation

Own share reserve

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Sub-total

Non-controlling interests

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

At 27 April 2014

(56,234)

5,280

(13,251)

931,819

(46,522)

821,092

(3,538)

817,554

Credit to equity for Share-based payment

-

-

-

5,833

-

5,833

-

5,833

Deferred tax on share schemes

-

-

-

1,266

-

1,266

-

1,266

Non-controlling interests - acquisitions

-

-

-

-

-

-

384

384

Transactions with owners

-

-

-

7,099

-

7,099

384

7,483

Profit for the financial period

-

-

-

240,397

-

240,397

956

241,353

Dividends received

-

-

-

-

-

-

(612)

(612)

Other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

- recognised in the period

-

-

-

-

77,181

77,181

-

77,181

- reclassified and reported in net profit

-

-

-

-

7,240

7,240

-

7,240

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes

-

-

-

(2,493)

-

(2,493)

-

(2,493)

Fair value adjustment in respect of available-for-sale financial assets

-

-

-

21,893

-

21,893

-

21,893

Taxation

(17,204)

(17,204)

(17,204)

Translation differences - Group

-

13,783

-

-

-

13,783

-

13,783

Translation differences - associates

-

(4,627)

-

-

-

(4,627)

-

(4,627)

Total comprehensive income for the period

-

9,156

-

242,593

84,421

336,170

344

336,514

At 26 April 2015

(56,234)

14,436

(13,251)

1,181,511

37,899

1,164,361

(2,810)

1,161,551

Credit to equity for Share-based payment

-

-

-

4,246

-

4,246

-

4,246

Vesting of Share-based payments

-

-

8,963

(8,963)

-

-

-

-

Deferred tax on share schemes

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Current tax on share scheme

-

-

-

3,089

-

3,089

-

3,089

Purchase of own shares

-

-

(29,438)

-

-

(29,438)

-

(29,438)

Non-controlling interests - acquisitions

-

-

-

-

-

-

(422)

(422)

Transactions with owners

-

-

(20,475)

(1,628)

-

(22,103)

(422)

(25,525)

Profit for the financial period

-

-

-

277,415

-

277,415

1,566

278,981

Other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

- recognised in the period

-

-

-

-

(5,685)

(5,685)

-

(5,685)

- reclassified and reported in net profit

-

-

-

-

(63,679))

(63,679))

-

(63,679))

- taxation in reserves

-

-

-

17,728

(1,352)

16,376

-

16,376

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes

-

-

-

(5)

-

(5)

-

(5)

Fair value adjustment in respect of available-for-sale financial assets

-

-

-

9,113

-

9,113

-

9,113

Taxation

-

-

-

(1,803)

-

(1,803)

-

(1,803)

Translation differences - Group

-

12,404

-

-

-

12,404

-

12,404

Translation differences - associates

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total comprehensive income for the period

-

12,404

-

302,448

(70,716)

244,136

1,566

245,702

At 24 April 2016

(56,234)

26,840

(33,726)

1,482,331

(32,817)

1,386,394

(1,666)

1,384,728

1. Accounting policies

The financial information, which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity and related notes, does not constitute full accounts within the meaning of s435 (1) and (2) of the Companies Act 2006. The auditors have reported on the Group's statutory accounts for the each of the years ended 24 April 2016 and 26 April 2015 which do not contain any statement under s498 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unqualified. The statutory accounts for the year ended 26 April 2015 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the statutory accounts for the year ended 24 April 2016 will be filed with the registrar in due course.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted for use in the European Union (including International Accounting Standards ('IAS') and International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee ('IFRSiC') interpretations) and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS as adopted for use in the European Union. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified to include fair valuation of certain financial assets and derivative financial instruments.

2. Segmental analysis

IFRS 8 - 'Operating Segments' requires the Group's segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to assess performance and allocate resources across each operating segment.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker has been identified as the Executive Directors and the operating segments are identified as the store fascia or brand, in line with the internal reporting to the Executive Directors.

Sales and gross profit for each operating segment, as well as underlying EBITDA, are the main measures used by the Executive Directors to assess performance.

In accordance with paragraph 12 of IFRS 8 the Group's operating segments have been aggregated into the following reportable segments:

• Sports Retail - includes the results of the UK and International retail network of sports stores along with related websites. The directors have reviewed the markets for UK sports retail and international sports retail and are satisfied that these display similar economic characteristics and that these are therefore correctly reported as one segment;

• Premium Lifestyle - includes the results of the premium retail businesses such as Republic, Cruise and USC; and

• Brands - includes the results of the Group's portfolio of internationally recognised brands such as Everlast, Lonsdale and Dunlop.

Information regarding the Group's reportable segments for the year ended 24 April 2016, as well as a reconciliation of reported profit for the period to underlying EBITDA, is presented below:

Segmental information for the year ended 24 April 2016:

Retail

Brands

Eliminations

Total

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Retail Total

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Sales to external customers

2,491,598

181,249

2,672,847

231,478

-

2,904,325

Sales to other segments

-

-

-

40,537

(40,537)

-

Revenue

2,491,598

181,249

2,672,847

272,015

(40,537)

2,904,325

Gross profit

1,110,960

76,161

1,187,121

97,523

-

1,284,644

Operating profit before foreign exchange and exceptional items

253,733

(9,749)

243,984

32,305

`

276,289

Operating profit

222,493

(23,233)

199,260

23,918

-

223,178

Investment income

148,148

Finance income

3,362

Finance costs

(15,330)

Share of profits of associated undertakings and joint ventures

2,449

Profit before taxation

361,807

Taxation

(82,826)

Profit for the period

278,981

Sales to other segments are priced at cost plus a 10% mark-up.

Other segment items included in the income statement for the year ended 24 April 2016:

Retail

Brands

Total

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Total

Brands

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Depreciation

82,794

3,965

86,759

2,447

89,206

Amortisation

2,976

702

3,678

2,716

6,394

Information regarding segment assets and liabilities as at 24 April 2016 and capital expenditure for the year then ended:

Retail

Brands

Eliminations

Total

Sports

Retail

Premium Lifestyle

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Investments in associated undertakings and joint venture

16,635

-

-

-

16,635

Other assets

2,386,990

24,330

222,844

(275,003)

2,359,161

Total assets

2,403,625

24,330

222,844

(275,003)

2,375,796

Total liabilities

(1,126,214)

(64,453)

(75,404)

275,003

(991,068)

Tangible asset additions

274,678

1,216

440

-

276,334

Intangible asset additions

4,002

-

-

-

4,002

Total capital expenditure

278,680

1,216

440

-

280,336

Segmental information for the year ended 26 April 2015:

Retail

Brands

Eliminations

Total

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Retail Total

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Sales to external customers

2,398,547

207,623

2,606,170

226,390

-

2,832,560

Sales to other segments

-

-

-

25,480

(25,480)

-

Revenue

2,398,547

207,623

2,606,170

251,870

(25,480)

2,832,560

Gross profit

1,069,088

80,523

1,149,611

91,201

-

1,240,812

Operating profit before foreign exchange and exceptional items

285,534

(11,170)

274,364

27,984

`

302,348

Operating profit

283,347

(11,278)

272,069

23,512

-

295,581

Investment income

14,104

Finance income

8,289

Finance costs

(7,487)

Share of profits of associated undertakings and joint ventures

2,959

Profit before taxation

313,446

Taxation

(72,093)

Profit for the period

241,353

Sales to other segments are priced at cost plus a 10% mark-up.

Other segment items included in the income statement for the year ended 26 April 2015:

Retail

Brands

Total

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Total

Brands

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Depreciation

57,855

2,543

60,398

2,026

62,424

Amortisation

548

687

1,235

4,122

5,357

Information regarding segment assets and liabilities as at 26 April 2015 and capital expenditure for the year then ended:

Retail

Brands

Eliminations

Total

Sports

Retail

Premium Lifestyle

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Investments in associated undertakings and joint venture

38,133

-

-

-

38,133

Other assets

1,688,779

24,446

190,772

(168,447)

1,735,550

Total assets

1,726,912

24,446

190,772

(168,447)

1,773,683

Total liabilities

(646,836)

(60,255)

(73,488)

168,447

(612,132)

Tangible asset additions

93,429

2,321

1,592

-

97,342

Intangible asset additions

108

-

2,829

-

2,937

Total capital expenditure

93,537

2,321

4,421

-

100,279

Geographic information

Segmental information for the Year ended 24 April 2016:

UK

Non-UK

Eliminations

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Segmental revenue from external customers

2,281,158

623,167

-

2,904,325

Total capital expenditure

189,661

90,675

-

280,336

Non-current segmental assets

464,665

346,415

-

811,080

Segmental assets

2,151,309

439,077

(230,530)

2,359,856

Segmental information for the Year ended 26 April 2015:

UK

Non-UK

Eliminations

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Segmental revenue from external customers

2,252,360

580,200

-

2,832,560

Total capital expenditure

81,793

18,486

-

100,279

Non-current segmental assets

408,651

307,588

-

716,239

Segmental assets

1,564,864

377,266

(168,447)

1,773,683

Material non-current segmental assets - by non-UK country

£'000s

USA

Belgium

Austria

Estonia

Ireland

FY16

149,384

9,346

62,551

18,297

74,036

FY15

142,805

35,546

55,550

16,238

31,156

The following table reconciles the reported operating profit to the underlying EBITDA as it is one of the main measures used by the chief operating decision maker when reviewing performance:

Reconciliation of operating profit to underlying EBITDA for the Year ending 24 April 2016.

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Brands

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Operating profit

222,493

(23,233)

23,918

223,178

Depreciation

82,794

3,965

2,447

89,206

Amortisation

2,976

702

2,716

6,394

Share of profit/(loss) of associated undertakings

2,449

-

-

2,449

Reported

310,712

(18,566)

29,081

321,227

Charges for the Share Schemes

7,077

-

-

7,077

Exceptional items

27,112

13,647

10,000

50,759

Realised FX Loss/(Gain)

4,128

(163)

(1,613)

2,352

Underlying EBITDA

349,029

(5,082)

37,468

381,415

Reconciliation of operating profit to underlying EBITDA for the Year ending 26 April 2015.

Sports Retail

Premium Lifestyle

Brands

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Operating profit

283,347

(11,278)

23,512

295,581

Depreciation

57,855

2,543

2,026

62,424

Amortisation

548

687

4,122

5,357

Share of profit/(loss) of associated undertakings

3,009

-

(50)

2,959

Reported

344,759

(8,048)

29,610

366,321

Charges for the Share Schemes

10,110

-

-

10,110

Exceptional items

(3,395)

-

6,445

3,050

Realised FX Loss/(Gain)

5,332

358

(1,973)

3,717

Underlying EBITDA

356,806

(7,690)

34,082

383,198

3. Exceptional items

Year ended
24 April
2016

Year ended
26 April
2015

£'000

£'000

Profit on sale of freehold property

13,541

10,288

Impairment and accelerated depreciation and amortisation

(58,544)

(13,338)

Provision against receivables and other

(5,756)

-

(50,759)

(3,050)

-

-

The profit on disposal of freehold property relates to the sale of a freehold property for £44m, realising a profit of £13.5m. In the prior year, the profit on disposal related to the sale of a warehouse.

The impairment mainly relates to goodwill in our Austrian business, reported within our Sports Retail segment, due to recent trading being below expectations. Converting the former Eybl megastores is taking longer than expected and the lost revenue in certain categories is also proving harder to replace than expected. Other impairments relate to certain brands that had been acquired a number of years ago.

The provision against receivables mainly relates to a funding loan made to an associate on acquisition of the initial stake.

4. Taxation

The effective tax rate on profit before tax for FY16 was 22.9% (FY15: 23.0%). This rate reflects depreciation on non-qualifying assets and overseas earnings being taxed at a higher rate.

5. Earnings per share from total and continuing operations attributable to the equity shareholders

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares, 592,573,254 (2015: 592,294,371), is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares under the Group's Share Schemes, being 17,667,000 (2015: 24,200,000), to give the diluted weighted average number of shares of 610,240,254 (2015: 616,494,371).

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Year ended
24 April
2016

Year ended
24 April
2016

Year ended
26 April
2015

Year ended
26 April
2015

Basic
£'000

Diluted

£'000

Basic
£'000

Diluted

£'000

Profit for the period

277,415

277,415

240,397

240,397

Number in thousands

Number in thousands

Weighted average number of shares

592,573

610,240

592,294

616,494

Pence per share

Pence per share

Earnings per share

46.8

45.5

40.6

39.0

Underlying earnings per share

The underlying earnings per share reflects the underlying performance of the business compared with the prior year and is calculated by dividing underlying earnings by the weighted average number of shares for the period. Underlying earnings is used by management as a measure of profitability within the Group. Underlying earnings is defined as profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent for each financial period but excluding the post-tax effect of certain non-trading items. Tax has been calculated with reference to the effective rate of tax for the Group.

The directors believe that the underlying earnings before exceptional items and underlying earnings per share measures provide additional useful information for shareholders on the underlying performance of the business, and are consistent with how business performance is measured internally. Underlying earnings is not a recognised profit measure under IFRS and may not be directly comparable with 'adjusted' profit measures used by other companies.

Year
ended
24 April
2016

Year
ended
24 April
2016

Year
ended
26 April
2015

Year
ended
26 April
2015

Basic

£'000

Diluted

£'000

Basic

£'000

Diluted

£'000

Profit for the period

277,415

277,415

240,397

240,397

Post tax adjustments to profit for the period for the following non-trading items:

Realised loss / (gain) on forward exchange contracts

1,813

1,813

2,862

2,862

Fair value adjustment to forward foreign exchange contracts

5,243

5,243

Fair value adjustment to derivative financial instruments

(8,445)

(8,445)

(12,472)

(12,472)

Profit on disposal of listed investments

(104,529)

(104,529)

(2,832)

(2,832)

Impairment of fixed assets

4,438

4,438

-

-

Profit on disposal of property

(10,440)

(10,440)

(7,921)

(7,921)

Impairment and accelerated depreciation and amortisation

45,137

45,137

10,270

10,270

Underlying profit for the period

210,632

210,632

230,304

230,304

Number in thousands

Number in thousands

Weighted average number of shares

592,573

610,240

592,294

616,494

Pence per share

Pence per share

Underlying earnings per share

35.5

34.5

38.9

37.4

6. Borrowings

24 April
2016

26 April
2015

£'000

£'000

Non-current:

Bank and other loans

333,063

136,849

Current:

Bank overdrafts

461

813

Bank and other loans

308

391

769

1,204

Total borrowings:

Bank overdrafts

461

813

Bank and other loans

333,371

137,240

333,832

138,053

An analysis of the Group's total borrowings other than bank overdrafts is as follows:

24 April
2016

26 April
2015

£'000

£'000

Borrowings - Sterling

320,000

95,808

Borrowings - Other

13,371

41,432

333,371

137,240


Loans are all at rates of interest ranging between 1.15% and 2.0% over the interbank rate of the country within which the borrowing entity resides.

During the year the Group utilised the accordion option under its working capital facility. As a result, the working capital facility has been increased to £788m (FY15 £738m). The facility is available until September 2018 and is not secured against any of the Group's fixed assets.

The Group also had a £250m working capital facility with Mike Ashley/Mash Holdings Limited, which has expired and not been renewed. This facility was agreed at market terms at its inception and is not secured against any fixed assets. At the period end no balance was due and no draw-downs were made during the year.

The Group continues to operate comfortably within its banking facilities and covenants.

The carrying amounts and fair value of the borrowings are not materially different.

Net debt at 24 April 2016 was £99.6m (26 April 2015: £59.7m).

7. Cash inflow from operating activities

Year
ended
24 April
2016

Year
ended
26 April
2015

£'000

£'000

Profit before taxation

361,807

313,446

Net finance costs / (income)

11,968

(802)

Other investment income

(148,148)

(14,104)

Share of profits of associated undertakings and joint ventures

(2,449)

(2,959)

Operating profit

223,178

295,581

Depreciation

89,206

62,924

Amortisation

6,379

12,725

Impairment

58,544

5,314

Profit on disposal of property, plant & equipment

(13,541)

-

Loss on disposal of intangibles

27

107

Defined benefit pension plan current service cost

13

21

Defined benefit pension plan employer contributions

(2,708)

(2,718)

Share-based payments

7,077

10,105

Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital

368,175

384,059

Increase in receivables

(97,039)

(66,368)

Decrease / (Increase) in inventories

(155,384)

49,320

Increase in payables

19,837

(52,349)

Cash inflow from operating activities

135,589

314,662

8. Post balance sheet events

On 25 April 2016, the Group purchased a property on Oxford Street, London for a total £108,000,000. A deposit of £10,800,000 was included in Other Debtors at the year-end date.

Following the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership, the Group notes the associated market volatility and in particular material changes to sterling / dollar exchange rates, and the lack of transparency as to those rates in the short to medium term. These factors are likely to impact purchases for which the Group is currently not hedged for the FY17 period and beyond. The Group does not consider this an adjusting event for the accounting period ended 24 April 2016.

Sports Direct International plc published this content on 07 July 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 07 July 2016 06:15:08 UTC.

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