Bos Glb Hldgs Regulatory News (BOS)

14 Jan 2005 07:00

Body Shop International PLC14 January 2005 THE BODY SHOP INTERNATIONAL PLCChristmas Trading Statement Key Messages: • Christmas sales (ten weeks to January 1) +6%; comparable store sales +3%. • Year to date sales +5%; comparable store sales +1%. • At Home sales were up 28% in the ten week period, 34% year to date. • Forecasted operating profit and EPS for the full year, marginally ahead of market expectations. Peter Saunders, Chief Executive said: "We are pleased to report that over theimportant Christmas period we have delivered positive comparable store sales of3% globally together with an improvement in underlying margins. Ourrepositioning of the brand continues to progress, and we expect to deliveranother year of good performance, marginally ahead of market expectations." SalesFor the ten week Christmas trading period to January 1 2005, total retail saleswere up 6%, with comparable store sales up 3%. On a year to date basis totalretail sales were up 5% and comparable store sales were up 1%. The Americas (23% of total year to date retail sales) saw comparable store salesof -1% for the ten week period, and flat year to date. The USA (includingMexico) saw flat comparable store sales for the ten week period, and +2% year todate. Asia Pacific (25% of total year to date retail sales) saw comparable store salesgrowth of +7% in the ten week period and +5% year to date. This reflectscontinued strong performance in most markets in the region. For the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (27% of total year to date retailsales), comparable sales for the ten week period were +4% and +1% year to date.France and Germany, both saw positive Christmas Trading results this year. In the UK and Republic of Ireland (25% of our total year to date retail sales)comparable store sales for the ten week period were +5%, and were -1% year todate. This demonstrates the continuing positive trend for the UK region. Retail sales through the Body Shop at Home continued to increase. Growth in theten week period was +28%, reaching +34% year to date. E-commerce was launched in the USA in October. Although still in its start-upphase, it has performed well. Operating Profits and EPSDespite the negative impact of foreign exchange rates, the Board continues toexpect a satisfactory increase in operating profit and earnings per share,marginally ahead of market expectations. Cash FlowOperating cash flow and net debt continue to be at expectations, providing asound basis for the investment program announced last year. The Body Shop hasconcluded a refinancing of our revolving credit facility, at a more favourablerate, extending the length of the facility to five years, and increasing theborrowing limit to £130 million. Preliminary results for the 52 week to 26 February 2005, will be announced on 28April 2005. For investor enquiries, please contact:The Body Shop International PLCAndrea AlveyFinance DirectorTel: 01903 844 040 For media enquiries, please contact:The Body Shop International PLCBill EyresHead of Global Corporate PRTel: 01903 844 040 Brunswick Group LimitedWilliam CullumTel: 020 7404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange