Full year underlying revenue rose 23% to £2.8bn, which was 10% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. This reflected a favourable mix of products sold, and a double-digit rise in comparable store sales, which were up 6% versus 2020. Underlying operating profits rose 38% to £523m, ahead of expectations, as full priced sales rose 24% year over year.
Burberry announced a final dividend of 35.4p, taking the full year up 11% to 47.0p. The group's also planning a £400m share buyback scheme, due to complete in 2023.
The group expects to perform in line with targets for the medium term, but noted that the impact of Covid on consumer spending in China could create some near-term uncertainty.
Shares were broadly flat following the announcement.
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Our view
Burberry's efforts to reposition itself at the top of the value chain coincided with the pandemic's assault on international travel. Tourism spend is a big slice of the group's revenue, so this stung progress. Now that things are nearly back to normal, it seems Burberry is emerging stronger than before.
The group's been cutting ties with non-luxury partners, reducing outlet activity and stopping in-store discounts. Digital channels and stores themselves are also getting some serious TLC. The pivot is boosting underlying operating margins as full price sales swell. It's an admirable transition.
It's unclear how much of the past year's work can be attributed to newly minted CEO ex-Gianni Versace leader Jonathan Akeroyd, but, either way, he appears to be inheriting a business on the upswing.
Efforts to be seen at the top end of luxury fashion has proved a shrewd move - full price sales are flying. Plus, luxury fashion is all about image, and elevating the brand will pay dividends in the form of higher prices and stickier customers. Those luxury customers also help in a different way. With inflation continuing to surge, it's worth remembering luxury customers tend not to be as swayed by economic ups and downs, including when money in the bank is losing its value at a faster rate than normal.
It's not all rosy - Investment is a key part of reinvigorating the Burberry brand, and the recovery in sales post-pandemic is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. While we agree with the long-term direction of travel, investors shouldn't be expecting a total about-turn in bottom line growth just yet.
The group's balance sheet is in reasonable health, with net debt well below the target range of 0.5-1.0 times underlying cash profits (EBITDA). That not only provides the fuel for store and product investment, but means the group is comfortable enough to restart shareholder returns. Dividends are back, and currently at a higher level than pre-pandemic, and the group's announced a share buyback too. If things go to plan those could be extended at the full year but as with all dividends there are no guarantees.
Overall, we think Burberry looks well placed - a strong brand and balance sheet is a powerful combination. Given the underlying reaction to new ranges and the uptick in full price sales, we think Burberry's in a good position to boost sales, margins and ultimately profits in the longer term. Nonetheless there's a lot riding on execution.
Burberry key facts
All ratios are sourced from Refinitiv. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn't be looked at on their own - it's important to understand the big picture.
Full Year Results (comparisons to 2020, constant currency unless otherwise stated)
Overall comparable store sales were negatively impacted by renewed lockdown restrictions in Asia in the fourth quarter. This meant growth was weighted to the first half. Full price sales saw growth across all product categories.
Comparable store sales in the group's largest geographical region, Asia Pacific, rose 13% with full price sales up 29%. Regional lockdowns impacted performance in Mainland China, but comparable store sales still rose 37%. Limited tourist traffic meant South Asia Pacific and Japan posted declines.
Europe, Middle East, India and Africa saw comparable store sales fall 18% with full price sales down 11%. This was largely due to lower tourist spend which historically made up roughly half of the region's revenue, with continental European customer spend up 30%. The Middle East continued to grow with both domestic and tourist demand on the rise.
Comparable store sales in the Americas increased 28% with full-price sales up 86%. This was driven by full price sales growth in the US, which nearly doubled as new and younger customers adopted the brand.
Overall Retail sales rose 20% year-on-year while Wholesale revenue was up 35% over the same period. Underlying operating profits for the combined Retail/Wholesale division were up 41% year over year to £486m. Licencing saw revenue and adjusted operating profits rise 11% and 10% respectively compared to 2021
The group competed its efforts to streamline its estate with 35 stores closed over the year and 38 opened. The group redesigned 47 stores over the year and plans to open 65 stores under the new format this year.
Free cash flow declined slightly over the year to £340m, reflecting lower covid-related lease rebates and changes in inventory provisioning. Net debt including leases rose from £101m last year to £179m or 0.2 times underlying cash profits. This is well below the group's target range of 0.5-1.0 times.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
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