ASOS Regulatory News (ASC)

30 Apr 2007 07:01

ASOS PLC30 April 2007 FOR RELEASE7.00 amMonday 30 April 2007 ASOS plc ("ASOS or Group") A leading Internet based fashion retailer Trading Statement for the year ended 31 March 2007 * ASOS.com sales for the 12 months to 31 March 2007 up 111% to £38.4m * Group profit before tax and exceptional items expected to be slightly ahead of market expectations * Sales for the 4 weeks to 26 April 2007 up 102% on last year Nick Robertson, the Chief Executive, made the following comments. "I am pleased to report another strong year. Whilst we are reporting a 111%increase in sales, it should be noted that the comparative year was affected bythe Buncefield fuel depot explosion in December 2005. We believe a figure of 80%would more accurately reflect the performance of the business. In March 2007 ASOS.com recorded its highest traffic levels ever, with over 2 million unique visitors to the website. We remain optimistic about the prospects of ASOS.com and early signs are that2007/8 should be another strong year of growth for the company. Sales for the 4weeks to 27 April are 102% ahead of last year." Final results for the year to 31 March 2007 will be released in the weekcommencing 9 July 2007. Exceptional items in the year include a receipt of £570,000 insurance proceedsrelating to the Buncefield fuel depot explosion and a charge of £239,000relating to the closure of Entertainment Marketing (UK) Ltd. In the final results for the year ended 31 March 2007 the presentation of saleswill change to include £4.3m of postage and packaging receipts which havepreviously been offset against the cost; this will increase ASOS.com sales from£38.4m (as noted above in the highlights) to £42.6m. The sales for the previousyear will also be re-presented increasing sales by £1.5m to £19.7m. There is noimpact on profit before tax. For further information: ASOS plcNick Robertson, Chief Executive Tel: 020 7240 7070Jon Kamaluddin, Finance Director Tel: 020 7240 7070 Cubitt ConsultingBrian Coleman Smith / Leanne Denman / Jaiye Elias Tel: 020 7367 5100 Seymour PierceMark Percy / Nicola Marrin Tel: 020 7107 8000 ASOS plc is an Internet Retail business, established in June 2000 and admittedto AIM in October 2001, ASOS.com, its main trading subsidiary, is the UK'slargest independent online fashion and beauty retailer. Aimed primarily atInternet savvy 18-34 year olds, ASOS offers over 5000 products acrosswomenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery and beauty. In additionto its own label ranges, ASOS.com also offers a large selection of 'currentseason' directional brands and attracts over 2 million unique visitors a month.ASOS.com has 1.2 million registered users. www.asos.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange