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Studio Retail Group PLC

24 August 2020

24 August 2020

Studio Retail Group plc ("SRG" or "the Group")

Results for the 52 weeks ended 27 March 2020

A year of transition and further operational progress for the Group

SRG, the online value retail and Education business, today announces its full year results for the 52-week period ended 27 March 2020.

Group summary

   --      Total group revenue* of GBP514.8m, up 2.2% (FY19 restated**: GBP503.7m) 
   --      Revenue from continuing operations of GBP434.9m, up 3.1% (FY19 restated**: GBP421.7m) 

-- Adjusted operating profit* for the total group measured on a constant-GAAP basis up by 3.9% to GBP39.9m

-- Operating profit from continuing operations was down by 52.7% to GBP14.7m, largely as a result of the GBP20m estimated impact of COVID-19 on the bad debt charge and the adoption of IFRS 16

-- Adjusted profit before tax* for the total group measured on a constant-GAAP basis up by 8.6% to GBP31.2m

   --      Profit before tax from continuing operations of GBP6.8m (FY19 restated**: GBP26.2m) 
   --      Core net debt* reduced by GBP5.6m to GBP51.8m 

Studio

-- Studio, our online value retail business, reported revenue of GBP434.9m, up 3.1% (FY19 restated**: GBP421.7m)

o Product revenue of GBP311.7m (FY19 restated**: GBP304.2m), growth of 2.5%, with a strong performance during its peak trading period offset by a less consistent performance at other times.

o Competitive market conditions and a disappointing retail trading performance during Q4 resulted in product margins reducing slightly to 33.0% (FY19 restated**: 33.4%), although gross profit from retail increased by 1.0% to GBP102.8m (FY19 restated**: GBP101.7m).

o Financial services revenue increased by 4.9% to GBP123.2m.

-- Adjusted operating profit* for the business of GBP39.0m (FY19 restated**: GBP39.4m) after investment in upgraded systems and processes.

-- Individually significant items reported in respect of incremental PPI costs in August 2019 of GBP5.6m.

-- Statutory divisional operating profit of GBP17.1m (FY19 restated**: GBP36.5m) largely as a result of GBP20m estimated impact of COVID-19 on the bad debt charge.

Education

-- Conditional sale to YPO agreed in December 2019 for headline consideration of GBP50m. Awaiting clearance from the Competition & Markets Authority.

COVID-19

We would like to thank our colleagues for their continued support and understanding throughout the recent trading period. During this time, their health, safety, and wellbeing has remained our clear priority. In response to COVID-19, we have acted to further strengthen health and safety protocols across our sites, including enhanced cleaning protocols and clear social distancing measures. We have also encouraged colleagues to work from home wherever possible. We continue to regularly review and update the measures we have in place, in line with any changes in government guidance.

Current trading

Studio's trading performance in the first 20 weeks of the new financial year has been exceptional, with product sales up 42% on prior year and financial services revenue, which inherently lags behind product sales growth, up 6.4%. The business passed the milestone of having over 2 million active customers in June, which positions the business ideally as it heads into its traditional peak trading period up to Christmas. We expect that more competitive market conditions will return in the coming months, alongside additional costs associated with new working practices. Our planning assumes that sales growth for the remainder of FY21 will moderate to nearer the levels seen in recent years. Our intention would be to reinvest any benefits from exceptional growth into further growing the customer base and accelerating our digital transformation. We are not yet in a position to provide a detailed assessment of how the rest of FY21 will develop and we will aim to provide greater clarity in due course.

Outlook

Whilst Covid-19 is likely to present material challenges for the UK economy and the broader retail landscape for several years, Studio is well positioned with its digital-first strategy focussed upon delivering great value to its customers. Our overall strategy to grow the Studio customer base and increase our customers' spend with us, supported by our flexible credit offer, is essentially unchanged by the pandemic. Whilst it is too early to restore detailed guidance for FY21, we continue to believe that Studio's recent performance provides the basis for sustainable medium-term profit growth.

Phil Maudsley, Group Chief Executive, commented:

"The year FY20 seems a world away now, but it was a year in which we made operational progress as a Group, ensuring we were ready to face COVID-19 from a position of strength.

"Over the past five months I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues for their commitment and hard work. It is down to them, our improved infrastructure, and our strengthened online customer offer that we have been able to meet the significant increase in customer demand.

"As the public have remained at home, more and more customers have been attracted to, and become aware of, our phenomenal online value offer. It is now up to us to keep up the momentum and make sure our proposition continues to resonate at a time when shopping habits are moving online and consumers are valuing the pound in their pocket more than ever before.

"While wider economic uncertainty exists, we are in a digital sweet spot. We are a business on a strong footing, with the correct strategy, and we are confident of the long-term opportunities open to us."

Enquiries

Studio Retail Group plc

Phil Maudsley, Group CEO

Stuart Caldwell, Group CFO

0161 303 3465

Tulchan Communications

Will Smith

020 7353 4200

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

** balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

FINANCIAL highlights

 
                                          2020          2019       Change 
                                                     (restated**) 
 Revenue from continuing operations     GBP434.9m    GBP421.7m      +3.1% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Revenue from total group*              GBP514.8m    GBP503.7m      +2.2% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit* from 
  total group                           GBP39.9m      GBP38.4m      +3.9% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit* from 
  continuing operations                 GBP36.6m      GBP35.2m      +4.1% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit margin%* 
  from total group                        7.8%          7.6%       +20bps 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Operating profit from total 
  group*                                GBP17.2m      GBP34.3m     -49.8% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Operating profit margin from 
  total group*                            3.3%          6.8%       -350bps 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Operating profit margin from 
  continuing operations                   3.4%          7.4%       -400bps 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax* 
  from total group                      GBP31.2m      GBP28.8m      +8.6% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax* 
  from continuing operations            GBP27.4m      GBP25.6m      +7.1% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Profit before tax from continuing 
  operations                             GBP6.8m      GBP26.2m     -74.0% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Profit for the year                     GBP8.8m      GBP23.3m     -62.4% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Adjusted free cash flow generation*    GBP23.7m      GBP28.9m     -17.8% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Cash generated from operating 
  activities before interest and 
  tax paid                              GBP16.5m      GBP22.4m     -26.1% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Core net debt *                        GBP51.8m      GBP57.4m      -9.7% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 Overall net debt* (including 
  IFRS 16)                              GBP292.9m    GBP233.4m     +25.5% 
                                       ----------  --------------  ------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

** balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Chairman's Statement

FY20 was a year of transition and further operational progress for the Group. During the period, we continued to focus on strengthening our online value offer at our core Studio retail business, which continues to resonate with customers, while we also reached an agreement to dispose of our Education business.

Since our March year end, the impact of COVID-19 has continued to have a significant impact on people's everyday lives and on the way that the business operates. With this in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our colleagues for their hard work and dedication during this period. We have kept their health and safety as our clear priority throughout, and it is thanks to them that we have been able to continue to serve our customers and handle the disruption during lockdown.

Change of name

The Group changed its name from Findel plc to Studio Retail Group plc at its AGM in July 2019 to strengthen the Group's identity and align it with our primary trading brand. This follows the change in the trading subsidiary name from Express Gifts to Studio Retail at the start of 2019, and a modernisation of the Studio brand designed to make it more appealing in an increasingly digital marketplace for our customers' shopping preferences.

Disposal of Findel Education

Our ambition to focus our resources around the Studio business was the primary reason behind our decision to sell Education in December 2019 to YPO for headline consideration of GBP50m. We are continuing to work with YPO to obtain clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority for the transaction, which we anticipate will be granted in December 2020. The results for Education are generally presented within our FY20 results as a discontinued operation, although as analysts and management incentive schemes for FY20 were focussed upon the results of the Group including Education, we have also presented an adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis* for the year with Education's results included within it.

Financial performance

Total revenue from Studio increased by 3.1% to GBP434.9m (FY19 restated**: GBP421.7m), with a strong performance in the period leading up to Christmas but a more inconsistent retail performance during typically quieter periods given the challenging UK retail market and Brexit-related uncertainties. Adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis* from the total group, which was the measure of profit most closely monitored by management during the year, increased by 8.6% from GBP28.8m to GBP31.2m. The statutory profit before tax from continuing operations was GBP6.8m (FY19 restated**: GBP26.2m).

The accounting standard for bad debt provisioning, IFRS 9, requires the business to use external economic forecasts to estimate the likely level of future credit losses, using only the information that was available at the balance sheet date. The UK lockdown, which was a consequence of Covid-19, came into force shortly before the year-end. The resulting deterioration in the economic outlook, particularly in relation to unemployment, increased the level of provision indicated by our modelling by approximately GBP20m.

The unprecedented level of uncertainty around the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as a whole, and subsequently on our customer base, continues to cause challenges in assessing bad debt on a forward-looking basis. It should therefore be noted that that GBP20m figure quoted represents our best estimate of the incremental impact of the Covid-19 on the bad debt provision based on the information available at the end of March. At the time of writing, we have not seen a significant increase in the level of customer arrears resulting from the pandemic, nor have we seen a material reduction in customer payment rates.

Impact of Covid-19

The investments in modernising Studio's warehouse facilities and its supporting digital infrastructure enabled the business to react to the challenges of lockdown at the end of March 2020 from a position of strength. A significant number of colleagues were able to work effectively from home and Covid-19-safe processes and working conditions were implemented across our premises. The business has therefore been able to operate effectively throughout the lockdown period.

The Group initially took a very cautious approach to liquidity management, reducing stock intake, deferring discretionary capital projects and marketing expenditure whilst the position became clearer. As people remained at home during lockdown, it quickly emerged that Studio was seeing particularly strong demand for ranges such as toys, games, electricals, fitness and garden as consumers moved the majority of their purchasing online. This improved the Group's liquidity position, and enabled the reversal of the precautionary measures put in place in response to the introduction of lockdown.

We continue to retain a cautious stance in respect of customer repayments as, despite a modest number of requests for forbearance caused by disruption to household incomes, we anticipate that the level of customer arrears may worsen later in the year if unemployment levels increase materially.

Education's business experienced a greater reduction in demand due to the closure of UK and international schools, although the position has started to return towards normal seasonal patterns.

Dividends

The Board continues to prioritise investment in improving digital capabilities and in strengthening its financial position in light of the broader economic environment. In addition, the parent company has accumulated losses of GBP73.3m and, as such, the Company does not have plans to reinstate dividend payments at this stage.

Management and Board

Paul Kendrick, who has been Managing Director of Studio since April 2017, was appointed to the Board in December 2019. We subsequently announced that Paul would be appointed as Group CEO upon the retirement of Phil Maudsley in March 2021.

By then, Phil will have spent more than 33 years with the Group, overseeing the development of the Studio brand as Managing Director and, since 2017, driving the Group's significant progress as CEO. He will leave the Group with our thanks and best wishes for the future. I look forward to working more closely with Paul in his new role.

Colleagues

This has been an unprecedented period in which our colleagues' hard work and commitment has shone through. As a token of the Board's appreciation and recognition of our front-line colleagues who came into work during the challenging early period of lockdown, we introduced a temporary scheme giving those colleagues shopping vouchers between April 2020 and June 2020. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our thanks to them for their outstanding efforts.

Current trading

Studio's trading performance in the first 20 weeks of the year has been exceptional, with product sales up 42 % on prior year and financial services revenue, which inherently lags behind product sales growth, up 6.4%. The business passed the milestone of having over 2 million active customers in June, which positions the business ideally as it heads into its traditional peak trading period up to Christmas. We expect that more competitive market conditions will return in the coming months, alongside additional costs associated with new working practices. Our planning assumes that sales growth for the remainder of FY21 will moderate to nearer the levels seen in recent years. Our intention would be to reinvest any benefits from exceptional growth into further growing the customer base and accelerating our digital transformation. We are not yet in a position to provide a detailed assessment of how the rest of FY21 will develop and we will aim to provide greater clarity in due course.

Outlook

Whilst Covid-19 is likely to present material challenges for the UK economy and the broader retail landscape for several years, Studio is well positioned with its digital-first strategy focussed upon delivering great value to its customers. Our overall strategy to grow the Studio customer base and increase our customers' spend with us, supported by our flexible credit offer, is essentially unchanged by the pandemic. Whilst it is too early to restore detailed guidance for FY21, we continue to believe that Studio's recent performance provides the basis for sustainable medium-term profit growth.

Ian Burke

Chairman

22 August 2020

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

** balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Chief Executive's review

The majority of the financial information within this annual report relates to the financial year ended 27 March 2020 - the end of the first week of the UK's general lockdown caused by Covid-19 and the start of an overnight transformation of what we see as "normality". At the time of writing, without an effective vaccine, it looks like the necessary changes to our day-to-day lives caused by the virus will be with us for some time, and the longer-term impacts on how we shop, how we work and how prosperous we all are will be substantially different from anything we've seen before.

Back at the beginning of March before the start of lockdown, as I was looking back on my 33-year career with the Group, it was almost unbelievable to think that so many aspects of the Studio we know today didn't exist when I first joined back in 1987. The internet hadn't been developed, the flexible credit account had yet to be introduced, our main warehouse in Accrington was still focussed on picking Christmas cards and wrapping, and the Group contained a very broad array of operational interests both in the UK and overseas including a range of physical shops for its greetings card operation.

Today's Group is tightly focused upon developing Studio as a substantial digital value retailer, building on the new opportunities in the marketplace. Since becoming CEO in 2017, I have often commented that Studio is in a digital sweet-spot in the retail market. Our medium-term ambition remains to increase Studio's customer base beyond 3 million customers and to see revenue in excess of GBP1bn. In a post-Covid-19 world, that opportunity is greater than ever, but continued change and agility will be needed too.

Studio has thrived in the period since lockdown. Its digital offering of great value products appeals to families who truly know the value of the pound in their pocket. We have attracted more new customers, bringing our active customer base beyond 2 million. We have also successfully adapted our warehousing and support facilities to ensure our colleagues can work in a Covid-19-secure environment, with many able to work from home.

However there are key parts of the business that will require investment over the next few years to realise the medium to long-term ambition for Studio. The ability to fully utilise the information available to join up our marketing, trading and financial services activities and optimise performance to offer customers an even better shopping experience. We can improve our customer journey with improved stock availability and better integration where we ship products direct from third party suppliers giving even more opportunity for an enhanced range. And by improving the delivery options for our customers by updating our warehouse capabilities.

At the same time, the competitive landscape has undoubtedly changed in Studio's favour. The traditional high-street shopping model was already under sustained pressure well before Covid-19 but, as others have commented, online shopping is now the default option for the majority of people. Families often respond to periods of financial uncertainty by seeking great value and welcome the opportunity to spread the cost of their shopping over a number of months. We have seen these advantages come to the fore during lockdown, with product sales in the first 20 weeks of the year up 42 % on last year. That has left us in a strong liquidity position to build on as we move into our peak trading period in the run up to Black Friday and Christmas.

This will be my last report as Group CEO and it has been a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues over the years. Paul Kendrick joined the business in 2016 as my deputy in the Studio division, before taking charge of the division in April 2017. He has shown his strengths over the last three years in delivering Studio's growth, building a largely new and very capable executive team around him. I wish him every success as I hand over to him as CEO in the coming months. I have thoroughly enjoyed my long career at Fine Art Developments, Findel and now Studio Retail Group and look forward to seeing it reach its medium-term ambitions as soon as possible.

Phil Maudsley

Chief Executive Officer

22 August 2020

DIVISIONAL OVERVIEW

Studio

Summary income statement

 
                                       2020           2019        Change 
                                                   (restated**) 
                                    ----------  --------------- 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Product revenue                       311,697          304,176     2.5% 
 Other financial services revenue       18,617           19,332 
 Credit account interest               104,542           98,119 
 Financial services revenue            123,159          117,451     4.9% 
 Sourcing revenue                           38               26 
 Reportable segment revenue            434,894          421,653     3.1% 
                                    ----------  --------------- 
 
 Product cost of sales               (208,924)        (202,435)    -3.2% 
 Financial services cost of 
  sales                               (37,605)         (36,623)    -2.7% 
 Sourcing costs of sales                     -             (18) 
 Total cost of sales                 (246,529)        (239,076)    -3.1% 
                                    ----------  --------------- 
 
 Gross profit                          188,365          182,577     3.2% 
                                    ----------  --------------- 
 
 Marketing costs                      (31,661)         (31,693)     0.1% 
 Distribution costs                   (37,372)         (36,423)    -2.6% 
 Administrative costs                 (71,361)         (66,533)    -7.3% 
 EBITDA                                 47,971           47,928    -0.1% 
                                    ----------  --------------- 
 
 Depreciation and amortisation         (8,975)          (8,480)    -5.8% 
 
 Operating profit stated on 
  a like-for-like basis                 38,996           39,448    -1.1% 
                                                --------------- 
 
 Estimated COVID-19 bad debt 
  impact                              (20,000)                - 
 Change in bad debt accounting 
  estimate                               3,675                - 
 Impact of IFRS 16                          55                - 
 Adjusted operating profit*             22,726           39,448   -42.4% 
                                                --------------- 
 
 Product margin %                        33.0%            33.4%    -40bp 
                                                --------------- 
 Underlying impairment charge 
  as % of revenue                         8.6%             8.7%    -10bp 
                                                --------------- 
 Operating profit stated on 
  a like-for-like basis %                 9.0%             9.4%    -40bp 
----------------------------------  ----------  ---------------  ------- 
 Adjusted operating profit 
  %                                       5.2%             9.4%   -410bp 
----------------------------------  ----------  ---------------  ------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

** balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Studio is becoming a leading digital value retailer with a broad product offer of clothing and footwear alongside home and electrical products plus the more seasonal ranges, many of which can be personalised for free. Over 90% of sales are generated online and, although catalogues are still used, they are just a part of the wider marketing activity which includes growing investment into broadcast and digital media. Underpinning all this, is the drive to hunt for the best value so our customers don't have to, whilst providing them with a range of payment options.

Following the start of the lockdown in March 2020, Studio has seen very rapid sales growth as customers browse online, including using our new app, to find products that help make family life that bit easier. New customers have found the combination of a broad, value driven product range and financial services creates a point of difference to other retailers. With no physical stores to service and virtually all orders now coming online (a small minority still being phone and postal orders), it is now striving to utilise data and technology across all aspects of the business to improve decision making, becoming a truly digital retailer. With the Customer at the Heart of the business, ongoing improvements to customer experience and service means our 2 million customers love the Studio offer and continue to shop with us more frequently.

Our medium-term ambition is to increase the customer base to over 3 million and achieve over GBP1 billion of revenue. By continuing to increase our market share whilst also increasing the annual spend per customer to peer-equivalent levels, we believe this is an achievable ambition and so continue with a strategy built around three key pillars:

   -       Improve Retail Profitability 
   -       Maximise Financial Services Opportunity 
   -       Build Strong Foundations 

We will be reviewing these pillars in the coming months to ensure that they continue to be focussed on our customers' needs. The plans and priorities underpinning them have been sharpened over two years with many initiatives delivered or in flight and serving us well during the pandemic, combined with our clearly defined values to our customers and colleagues to deliver on our brand line We Do WoW:

These values came through customer research and by involving 700 colleagues across the business:

v Inclusive (We) - the broad product range has wide customer appeal, and the flexible payment option opens up our retail offer to customers who may prefer to spread the cost of purchases. To deliver this we act as one team, with no departmental silos.

v Trusted (Do) - customers have to be able to trust us to deliver the value and quality they expect, to deliver for those important family moments, like Christmas, and also that we make responsible decisions when we lend money. We do this by being positive and delivering against our promises.

v Amazing (Wow) - we amaze customers with our value and product range, along with targeted offers and service. To do this we are innovative, think big and are creative.

v Savvy (Wow) - for customers, shopping with Studio is clever - with its great range and value, there is no reason to buy elsewhere. For colleagues it means we are commercial, we hunt for great value and use the tools available to be even better at our jobs and deliver for our customers.

The strategic pillars frame the business plans and a transformation programme to invest in new technology, process change and enhancing the capabilities of our people to enable Studio to continue to grow into the future.

Retail Profitability

Increasing retail profitability will be achieved by growing sales through having more customers, who shop more frequently, and by improving how we plan and source our ranges to improve product margins.

The actions we are taking to deliver this are:

-- Build the Studio brand as the online destination for value and raise its profile within our target audience of value-conscious families.

-- Focus on Customer Experience with a single view of the customer to improve how we target and service them, alongside a programme to continually make Studio easier, faster and more trusted to shop with.

-- Product development -changing our buying processes to improve product planning and sourcing to in turn improve margins, with particular focus on attracting customers with great value own-brand clothing and household products, our Wow ranges (larger volume lines, offering exceptional value) and gift offer - especially where we can add value through free personalisation.

During FY20 1.8 million customers shopped with Studio. That base has since grown beyond 2.0 million during lockdown and builds upon the success in recent years where new customers have been recruited through increased use of TV advertising and digital marketing, with customers then being retained through data-driven CRM programmes utilising catalogue mailings and targeted digital activity. Over the last two years, we have updated the creative look and feel of Studio for customers with a revamped website, new advertising creative and a new Studio App featuring "shop the look" ideas.

Our business model is built around customer lifetime value, with initial acquisition costs taking time to pay back. The credit account acts as a loyalty mechanic, even for customers who pay in full when they get a statement and retention is further enabled by range development, targeted marketing and improving service levels to deliver a better overall experience. Our net promoter score (NPS) reduced at the start of lockdown as processes were adapted to new ways of working. Our customer experience colleagues and partners in the Philippines and in South Africa saw significantly tighter lockdown restrictions than we saw in the UK, which took longer to overcome. Restoring the NPS to pre-Covid-19 levels will be an important objective for the coming months.

Some recruitment channels have become less profitable in recent years, with the use of targeted marketing lists in particular becoming less prominent following the introduction of GDPR in 2018. The decision to move away from unprofitable routes, combined with lower level of credit account applicants discussed below, was the key driver behind product sales during H1 being 2.1% below the first half of FY19. Within that, sales from online channels in the Studio brand increased strongly, up by 12.8%, with average spend per customer - particularly from the app channel - up by 3.1% which reflects the changing customer base and targeting. Orders from legacy channels (phone and written) declined in the period, whilst orders from the secondary Ace brand were also weaker, down 23%, representing around 8% of total sales. Within both groups, there are a high number of non-credit taking customers who have tended to shop for highly-promotional items with lower levels of loyalty.

As we moved into the peak trading season of Black Friday and Christmas, the digital performance of Studio was particularly strong, with an improved performance from the legacy channels. This contributed to record levels of online orders and dispatches during the key Q3 period. However, retail market conditions particularly for high-street stores were very competitive during the second half of December. As a result, the margins achieved at the very end of Q3 were disappointing. Conditions in the final quarter of the year remained challenging and so product sales growth of just 2.5% for the year as a whole was considered to be disappointing.

In sharp contrast, the retail performance of Studio since the start of lockdown has been exceptional and was enabled by much of the strategic investment that has been made to date both in our digital transformation and market positioning as a leading online value retailer. For a period, we operated as a pureplay digital retailer. The challenge to the business remains to harness the positive trends seen during lockdown and to ensure that we use these as a base to drive growth in future years.

Financial Services

The second of our strategic pillars is maximising the financial services opportunity, whilst ensuring the credit offered is relevant, appropriate and affordable for our customers, and meets regulatory guidelines. The majority of Studio customers have a revolving credit account that allows them to either pay for their purchases within a month when their statement arrives, or to roll their balance and spread payments to help with their household budgeting.

The benefit to Studio of the credit proposition is not just an additional revenue stream through financial income when customers choose to roll a balance, but also in that the account facility drives higher loyalty for the retail part of the business and acts as a regular prompt for the customer to revisit the website and app to service their accounts . As we move forward, we will continue to deliver actions to underpin:

-- Payment proposition - provide a range of repayment options to make shopping with Studio easy, and to enhance the benefits of the credit account to be an ideal option for all customers

-- Lending approach - ensure that when we lend money to our customers it is done in a responsible way, with appropriate credit limits and that customers are treated fairly should they subsequently find they have repayment issues

-- Operational efficiency - to utilise new technologies to improve efficiency and how we service customer accounts

Studio's consumer credit activity is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and there are a number of guidelines which they have issued to ensure firms treat customers fairly, and that lenders take responsible steps to ensure loans are affordable and avoid any customer harm. Studio constantly reviews its processes to ensure it remains aligned with the FCA guidelines and is utilising new robust systems, datasets and risk management tools to help in this area. Credit limit strategies are regularly reviewed and more detailed information is now captured where relevant on income to assess whether our customer can afford to take on new or additional credit from us.

Some of these processes have led to a higher level of both declined and withdrawn applications over the last couple of years, in part due to some elements of the process being seen as excessive to some applicants. The new application and decision platform that we introduced in November 2019 is more bespoke to customers' circumstances and has led to a good recovery in applications being accepted in recent months. We have also tightened our acceptance criteria to riskier applicants, leading to a reduction in the overall average interest rate applied but a consequential improvement in the overall level of arrears and bad debt, producing a better outcome for customers and improved profitability for the business. Several further phases of system enhancement are due to be implemented later this year, including the introduction of open banking data into our decisioning.

Customer balances typically move in line with the seasonal patterns of product purchases. It is normal for balances to peak at Christmas before gradually reducing from then until the following summer. Customers receive a monthly statement and can then choose whether to repay their balance in full each month, in which case they do not incur any interest charges, or whether to pay an amount they choose between a minimum level and the outstanding balance.

Financial income in the year was up by 4.9%, below the 9.9% growth in live customer balances due to the reduction in average interest rate charged and also the more pronounced peak in product sales during the year compared to FY19. Improvements in the quality of the receivables book and continued strong recoveries from the sale of defaulted receivables led to underlying bad debt charges only increasing by 2.7%, slower than the level of income and balance growth. This underlying position retained a cautious level of judgement on future recovery rates, even before the onset of the pandemic.

IFRS 9 requires the bad debt provision to incorporate future macroeconomic conditions using a variety of possible scenarios, based on information that is available at the balance sheet date. The deterioration in the economic outlook caused by Covid-19, particularly in relation to unemployment, increased the level of provision indicated by our modelling by approximately GBP20m. The unprecedented level of uncertainty around the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as a whole, and subsequently on our customer base, continues to cause challenges in assessing bad debt on a forward-looking basis. It should therefore be noted that that GBP20m figure quoted represents our best estimate of the incremental impact of the Covid-19 on the bad debt provision based on the information available at the end of March.

Whilst we have not yet seen a significant increase in the level of customer arrears resulting from the pandemic, nor have we seen a material reduction in customer payment rates, we expect that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other support from government have delayed any deterioration in performance. We anticipate that arrears will increase when these schemes are phased out in the coming months.

During the period, the Group refined its impairment models to make use of more up to date customer data that is more reflective of current credit policies and operational processes. The availability of this more granular and up to date information has enabled management to refine its estimate in respect of the level of impairment provision required and has resulted in reduction in the provision required by GBP3.8m.

The FCA set a deadline of 29 August 2019 for customers to lodge enquiries and complaints about historic sales of PPI. In common with other institutions, Studio experienced a large and sudden inflow of enquiries in the weeks leading up to that deadline, having only received a nominal stream of new enquiries in the previous months. We have now substantially completed our evaluation of those enquiries, which required an incremental charge of GBP5.6m to be recorded during FY20, a reduction of GBP2.3m vs. the GBP7.9m estimated cost included in our half-year results. This charge was recorded as an individually significant item.

Strong Foundations

The third strategic pillar is Strong Foundations, where we are investing in the infrastructure to support our future growth, improve processes and how we manage the business and develop our people and culture for the future. Key action areas here are:

-- Warehouse development - ensure our current operations are robust and create a clear plan to improve service and scale to manage our sales ambitions

-- Data and technology - data is one of our most valuable assets and we will ensure it is kept safe and secure as well as building new capabilities to drive greater business intelligence. We will also modernise our technology architecture to be agile and scalable

-- Cost efficiency - continually look at ways to be more efficient and keep costs down so we can deliver on our value promise

-- People and culture - we need to have people with the right skills to deliver our plans and a culture that makes Studio a great place to work.

Studio has made progress over the last few years in gradually replacing its legacy mainframe systems and IT architecture through the development of a clear IT strategy around data, application and infrastructure architectures. This is aligned to the projects we are delivering, and new ways of working have been introduced,

Our governance structures were enhanced during FY20 as we completed the work to introduce the Senior Manager & Certification Regime from the FCA in December 2019, designed to improve individual accountability in key areas to protect against customer harm.

Since the start of 2020, we have appointed a new Trading Director to improve the consistency of our retail performance, a new Director of HR, and a Transformation Director to drive through our investment plans. We have also expanded our procurement function and appointed specialist advisors to review our overhead base and identify opportunities for future efficiency.

Brexit

The Group has continued to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of 2020. The majority of Studio's supplies are sourced, either directly or indirectly, from outside the European Union. All of Studio's customers are based in the UK and therefore, any imposition of customs tariffs or import duties is not anticipated to have a material impact on our operations. There is a broader risk that consumer confidence suffers if there continues to be a lack of clarity over Brexit, but we believe that more customers will seek Studio's value offer if economic conditions weaken further from these grounds. Our foreign exchange hedging policy has locked in the buying price of our US$ imports for the next 12 months, which should allow time for market conditions to stabilise.

Performance and Progress

As noted above, product sales were strong in the weeks leading up to Black Friday and Christmas 2019, but disappointed at other times of the year. In part this was due to tough market conditions for retailers. However, there were also aspects of the pricing and marketing strategies that were less successful than we anticipated and response levels from some of our older customers fell as we migrated activity from paper to digital channels and shifted our target customer younger. We have introduced strategies to better balance these for FY21. Product margins at the end of the Christmas season and then into the final quarter were particularly disappointing. As a result, product revenue for the full year of GBP311.7m was only 2.5% ahead of the prior year, compared to growth rates of 8-9% in the two previous years. Gross profit from product sales increased by 1.0% to GBP102.8m (FY19 restated**: GBP101.7m).

Adjusted financial services gross profit increased by 5.8%, leading to the total adjusted gross profit for the business increasing by 3.2% to GBP188.4m (FY19 restated**: GBP182.6m).

Continued marketing efficiencies, as we moved investment from print/paper into TV and Digital advertising meant that marketing costs for the year were unchanged at GBP31.7m. Distribution costs moved in line with product sales. We have continued to invest resource particularly within our IT functions to modernise the business, resulting in administrative costs increasing at a faster rate than activity.

Adjusted operating profit on like-for-like basis* for the year was GBP39.0m, down from GBP39.4m in FY19. Individually significant costs totalling GBP5.6m related to the increase to the provision for PPI redress as noted above (FY19: GBP2.9m). Operating profit was GBP17.1m (FY19: GBP36.5m)

FINANCE REVIEW

Adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis

The Group has been focussed throughout the year upon delivering an adjusted profit before tax for the total group* including Education. This is because the decision to sell Education was only made partway through the year, and then with an expectation that completion would take place after the year-end. In addition, IFRS 16 has been applied for the first time this year using the modified retrospective transition approach that makes comparability with prior year figures challenging.

The decision to sell Education in December 2019 means that its results for the year are presented as a discontinued operation. Having also presented the operation in this way with our interim results, IFRS 5 requires that the fixed assets of the discontinued operation are not subjected to depreciation or amortisation beyond the end of H1. However, for internal purposes and in the interests of consistency, we continued to accrue such charges during H2 in the adjusted profit figures.

The adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis for the total group* was GBP31.2m, up from GBP28.8m in FY19 as set out in the table below. Full reconciliations between the adjusted figures presented below and their statutory equivalents are shown in the Alternative Performance Measures section below.

 
                                                         2019 
                                          2020   (Restated**)    Change 
                                        GBP000         GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Adjusted operating profit on 
 a like-for-like basis*: 
Studio                                  38,996         39,448     (452) 
Central                                (2,370)        (4,248)     1,878 
------------------------------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Total continuing operations             36,626         35,200     1,426 
Education (discontinued operation)       3,287          3,217        70 
Adjusted operating profit* from 
 total group                            39,913         38,417     1,496 
Net finance costs*                     (8,679)        (9,656)       977 
Adjusted profit before tax* from 
 total group                            31,234         28,761     2,473 
Impact of adopting IFRS16              (1,759)              -   (1,759) 
Impact of discontinued operation 
 on depreciation in H2                   1,393              -     1,393 
Individually significant costs         (8,342)        (4,158)   (4,184) 
Exclude estimated COVID-19 bad 
 debt impact                          (20,000)              -  (20,000) 
Exclude change in bad debt estimate      3,675              -     3,675 
Fair value movement on derivative 
 financial instruments                   2,608          4,750   (2,142) 
------------------------------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Profit before tax                        8,809         29,353  (20,544) 
------------------------------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

** balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

The key elements of this improved performance are discussed above.

Individually significant items totalling GBP8.3m (FY19: GBP4.2m) were incurred, as discussed in more detail below and set out in note 3 to the Group Financial Information below. The fair value movement on derivative financial instruments was a credit of GBP2.6m (FY19: GBP4.8m). This is presented below the adjusted profit before tax* on the income statement as it relates to the reversal of prior year fair value movements net of the revaluation of hedging contracts that will unwind during FY21.

Individually significant items

During the year, Studio saw a large and unexpected increase in the level of PPI claims and enquiries in the days leading up to the FCA's deadline for claims of 29 August 2019. This included a large block of previously unseen claims from the Official Receiver acting on behalf of bankrupt customers. A provision of GBP7.9m was recognised in H1 as an individually significant item in respect of these cases with the majority of the provision relating to Plevin refunds, rather than mis-sold policies, and included the cost of reviewing and administering the claims. Although the exercise was not fully completed at the balance sheet date, it has now been substantially completed and the additional charge required in FY20 has reduced to GBP5.6m.

Covid-19

The impact of Covid-19 upon the Group's operations was relatively limited until the start of lockdown, as noted in the Strategic Report. The exception to this was the bad debt charge which, under IFRS 9 requires the bad debt provision to incorporate future macroeconomic conditions using a variety of possible scenarios, based on information that is available at the balance sheet date. The deterioration in the economic outlook caused by Covid-19, particularly in relation to unemployment, increased the level of provision indicated by our modelling by approximately GBP20m. The unprecedented level of uncertainty around the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as a whole, and subsequently on our customer base, continues to cause challenges in assessing bad debt on a forward-looking basis.

It should therefore be noted that the GBP20m figure quoted represents our best estimate of the incremental impact of the Covid-19 on the bad debt provision based on the information available at the end of March and, as noted in the strategic report, the business is yet to see any material indications of this increased provision being converted into cash loss. The GBP20m estimated impact of Covid-19 has been excluded when arriving at adjusted operating profit for Studio on a like-for-like basis* to enable comparability with the results of prior periods and to allow a fair (although estimated) assessment of the business' underlying trading performance prior to Covid-19.

It is also important to note that the increase to the bad debt provision does not represent the full impact of Covid-19 on the Group as we saw an increase in product sales in Studio in the aftermath of the lockdown announcement, but lost revenue in Education. Incremental costs were also incurred in both businesses as we moved to implement social distancing measures. It is not possible to quantify the net effect of these impacts reliably in accordance with IFRS and so separate presentation has not been made.

Change in accounting estimate

During the period, the Group refined its impairment models to make use of more up to date customer data that is more reflective of current credit policies and operational processes. The availability of this more granular and up to date information has enabled management to refine its estimate in respect of the level of impairment provision required and has resulted in a reduction in the provision required by GBP3.8m. Since this change is not reflective of the underlying performance of the receivables portfolio, it has been excluded when arriving at adjusted operating profit for Studio on a like-for-like basis* to enable a fair and balanced assessment of the business' underlying trading performance in FY20.

Discontinued operation - Education

Education reported an adjusted operating profit on a like-for-like basis* for the year of GBP3.3m, up slightly on the equivalent result of GBP3.2m from FY19. Revenue for the year fell by 2.6% to GBP79.9m, due primarily to the gradual closure of international schools from the second half of February and the closure of UK schools in mid-March. The business continued to see encouraging progress in delivering on its strategic objectives to increase online sales and improve its sourcing processes.

As noted above, the decision to sell the business during the year means that its segmental profit for the year is increased by the cancellation of depreciation and amortisation totalling GBP1.4m during the second half of the year. This has been added back in arriving at adjusted operating profit on a like-for-like basis* in order to enable comparability with the results of prior periods and to allow a fair assessment of the business' underlying trading performance. Individually significant costs relating to the planned disposal of GBP1.5m were incurred and recorded against the discontinued operation. It therefore reported a statutory operating profit of GBP2.5m for the year.

Pensions

The net valuation of the Group's legacy defined benefit scheme at the end of FY20, measured in accordance with IAS19, increased significantly from a small deficit of GBP0.1m at March 2019 to a surplus of GBP31.7m. The use of hedging within the asset portfolio alongside a decision by the trustees to de-risk the investment strategy by reducing the holding of equities in February 2020, before lockdown, was a key cause of the improved position. There were also favourable improvements to the liability profile and the demographic profile of scheme members.

The IAS19 valuation has no bearing on the contributions made by the Group to the scheme, which is instead derived from the triennial valuation of the scheme. The most recent valuation measured as at April 2019 is currently in progress. In the meantime, as previously agreed with the scheme's trustees, the Group made contributions totalling GBP5.0m in respect of FY20 (FY19: GBP2.5m) and will continue at this level for the time being.

As part of the agreement to sell Education, the Group has agreed an alternative level of contributions that will apply once the sale has completed. The Group will pay GBP13m into the scheme shortly after completion, with the rate of annual contributions falling from GBP5.0m to GBP3.75m backdated to the start of FY21.

Taxation

The Group posted a credit of GBP0.2m in the year in respect of taxation for continuing operations, compared to a GBP5.7m charge (restated**) seen in FY19. The decrease was the result of the revaluation of the group's deferred tax assets (principally relating to capital allowances) from 17% to 19%, and the valuation of the deferred tax liability on the surplus in the group section of the pension scheme at the prevailing corporation tax rate of 19%, rather than the 35% rate used in FY19.

Earnings per share

The adjusted earnings per share* for the year from continuing operations was 12.10p (FY19 restated**: 23.20p). The basic earnings per share from continuing operations was 8.16p per share (FY19 restated**: 23.70p).

Impact of new accounting standards

IFRS 16 "Leases"

The Group adopted IFRS 16 for FY20 and has decided to adopt the modified retrospective transition approach. As such the standard's requirements have been applied only from 30 March 2019, so there has been no adjustment to opening reserves and the comparative figures for FY19 have not been restated.

Following the adoption of IFRS 16, lease agreements now give rise to both a right of use asset and a lease liability for future lease payables. Whilst the new standard has no effect on the cash payable or on the total cost recognised over the course of a lease, under IFRS 16 the lease cost will be higher in the in the early years of the lease. The lease cost is also now split between depreciation of the right of use asset and interest on the lease liability in the income statement, rather than being presented within trading costs as was the case in previous years. The new standard does not impact on the Group's cash flows under lease arrangements but there have been some changes to presentation in the cash flow statement.

The impacts of adopting IFRS 16 on the consolidated financial statements are set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information. The adoption of IFRS 16 has reduced profit before tax for the total group* by GBP1.8m.

Summary balance sheet

 
                               2020       2019    Change 
                             GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
Intangible fixed assets           9     24,952  (24,943) 
Tangible fixed assets        80,007     45,511    34,496 
Net working capital^        215,811    201,010    14,801 
Net debt*                 (292,924)  (233,440)  (59,484) 
Assets held for sale         35,886          -    35,886 
Other net assets             36,592      5,487    31,105 
Net assets                   75,381     43,520    31,861 
------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

^ Net working capital comprises of inventories, trade receivables and other receivables, trade and other payables and provisions.

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below --

Consolidated net assets amounted to GBP75.4m at the period end (FY19: GBP43.5m), reflecting the net profit reported and the actuarial remeasurements in respect of the pension surplus. The net assets are equivalent to 87p per ordinary share (FY19: 50p per ordinary share).

Cash flow and borrowings

A part of management's variable incentive plans for FY20 related to the generation of free cashflow, as defined in the table below. Free cashflow generation was GBP23.7 m (FY19: GBP28.9m ). After taking account of interest and the net impact of lease liabilities, including the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group's core net debt reduced by GBP5.6m to GBP51.8m (FY19: GBP57.4m ), as summarised below.

 
                                                  2020      2019    Change 
                                                GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
Total group EBITDA^^                            41,097    50,022   (8,925) 
Decrease/(increase) in Studio's receivables 
 net of securitisation inflows                  13,610   (6,926)    20,536 
(Increase)/decrease in other working 
 capital                                       (6,615)    10,799  (17,414) 
Capital expenditure                           (14,822)  (11,545)   (3,277) 
Cash flows in respect of individually 
 significant items                             (5,390)  (11,983)     6,593 
Pension scheme contributions                   (4,792)   (2,500)   (2,292) 
Other                                              650     1,011     (361) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
Adjusted free cashflow*                         23,738    28,878   (5,140) 
Income tax                                     (3,717)   (1,931)   (1,786) 
Net interest payable                           (8,495)  (10,017)     1,522 
Repayment of lease liabilities                 (5,966)     (571)   (5,395) 
Movement in core net debt                        5,560    16,359  (10,799) 
Opening core net debt*                        (57,397)  (73,756)    16,359 
Closing core net debt*                        (51,837)  (57,397)     5,560 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

^^ for further details on the calculation of total group EBITDA please refer to note 2 to the Group Financial Information.

Total net debt* at the year-end was as follows:

 
                                          2020      2019     Change 
                                        GBP000    GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
External bank borrowings (excluding 
 securitisation facility)               85,000    95,000   (10,000) 
                                      ( 33,163 
Less total cash                              )  (37,603)     4, 440 
------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
Core net debt*                          51,837    57,397  (5, 560 ) 
Securitisation drawings                197,591   175,545     22,046 
Lease liabilities                       43,496       498     42,998 
Net debt*                              292,924   233,440    59, 484 
------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 

* this is an Alternative Performance Measure, for which the reconciliation to the equivalent GAAP measure can be found below

The Group's revolving credit facility was amended during the year with the available level of facilities now scheduled to be GBP85m until the end of December 2020, before reducing to GBP70m until its new maturity date of 31 December 2021. The securitisation facility was restructured during the year with its maximum available amount increasing from GBP185m to GBP200m to cater for the continued growth in Studio's trade receivables. Its maturity date was also extended to 31 December 2022.

Dividends and capital structure

The Group restructured its Asian sourcing operations during 2018, moving away from its Hong Kong based subsidiary to a new Shanghai based entity. The affairs of the Hong Kong entity are in the process of being wound up and the Company received a first and final dividend of GBP15.0m (HKD150.5m) during the period (FY19: GBPnil).

No other dividends were received by the Company from its subsidiaries during the period and its balance sheet as at 27 March 2020 shows a deficiency of GBP73.3m on its retained reserves (FY19: deficiency of GBP99.9m).

Studio Retail Group plc is therefore not yet in a position to declare a dividend and does not have plans to reinstate dividend payments in the near future since it continues to prioritise investment in growing its customer base, improving digital capabilities, and in strengthening its financial position in light of the broader economic environment. The Directors have determined that no interim dividend will be paid (FY19: GBPnil) and are not recommending the payment of a final dividend (FY19: GBPnil).

Treasury and risk management

The Group's central treasury function seeks to reduce or eliminate exposure to foreign exchange, interest rate and other financial risks, to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. It does not engage in speculative transactions and transacts only in relation to underlying business requirements in accordance with approved policies.

Interest rate risk management

The Group's interest rate exposure is managed by the use of derivative arrangements as appropriate. The Group has purchased interest rate caps covering the period to July 2021 to protect against the risk of unforeseen increases to LIBOR rates.

Finance costs for the year for the total group were GBP11.0m*, of which GBP2.3m related to the introduction of IFRS 16 (split GBP1.8m within continuing operations and GBP0.5m in discontinued operations). Net finance costs* of GBP8.7m are down slightly from the GBP9.7m seen in FY19 due primarily to a refund of GBP0.6m in respect of historic overpaid interest from one of the group's bankers, together with a reduction in the borrowing margin and lower pension scheme interest. This underlying charge was covered 4.6 times by adjusted operating profit on a like for like basis* (FY19: 4.0 times).

Currency risk management

A significant proportion of the products sold, principally through Studio, are procured through the Group's Far-East buying operations and beyond. The currency of purchase for these goods is principally the US dollar.

The Group's hedging policy aims to cover anticipated future exposures on a rolling 12-month basis. As at the balance sheet date, the Group had forward contracts with an outstanding principal of $91m (FY19: $93m) and an average rate of GBP1/$1.286 (FY19: $1.326). The market value and unrealised loss on those contracts as at the balance sheet date, less the reversal of the equivalent valuation as at the end of March 2019, was a gain of GBP2.6m (FY19: GBP4.8m). This is presented separately on the Income Statement as it represents an element of product costs to be realised in FY21 as the contracts unwind. The Group currently has forward contracts in place with an outstanding principal of $ 82.5m covering the period to July 2021.

In addition to this direct exposure, the divisions face a significant level of indirect exposure from supplies made by UK suppliers who in turn source goods from overseas. That risk is normally mitigated through a combination of supplier agreements and fixed term pricing, although from time to time there may be a requirement to increase prices to customers to maintain margins.

Borrowing and counterparty risk

The Group's exposure to borrowing and cash investment risk is managed by dealing only with banks and financial institutions with strong credit ratings.

Alternative Performance Measures

The Directors use several Alternative Performance Measures ("APMs") that are considered to provide useful information about the performance and underlying trends facing the Group. As these APMs are not defined by IFRS, they may not be comparable with APMs shown in other companies' accounts. They are not intended to be a replacement for, or be superior to, IFRS measures.

The principal APMs used in this Annual Report are set out below.

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis

These measures are used by management to assess the underlying trading performance of the Group from period to period.

In both the current and prior period, the following items have been excluded in arriving at these measures:

-- Individually significant items are, due to their nature or scale, not reflective of the underlying performance of the Group. The Directors believe that presenting these items separately aids year on year comparability of performance.

-- The Group's foreign exchange hedging policy means that there will be unrealised fair value gains or losses at the period end relating to contracts intended for future periods. Those fair value movements are therefore excluded from the underlying performance of the Group until realised.

In the current period, owing to the impact of Covid-19, the ongoing disposal process in respect of Education and the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases ("IFRS 16), further items have been adjusted for to ensure the figures are presented on a consistent basis:

-- The GBP20m estimated impact of Covid-19 on the impairment charge in Studio has been excluded in reaching like-for-like adjusted operating profit and profit before tax to enable comparability with the results of prior periods and to allow a fair (although estimated) assessment of the business' underlying trading performance prior to Covid-19. Further details can be found in the Finance Review.

-- During the period, the group refined its impairment models to make use of more up to date customer data that is more reflective of current credit policies and operational processes. The availability of this more granular and up to date information has enabled management to refine its estimate in respect of the level of impairment provision required and has resulted in reduction in the provision required by GBP3.8m.Since this change is not reflective of the underlying performance of the receivables portfolio, it has been excluded when arriving at like-for-like adjusted operating profit and profit before tax to enable to allow a fair and balanced assessment of the business' underlying trading performance in FY20.

-- IFRS 16 was adopted for the first time in FY20 using the modified retrospective adoption approach. In effect, this means that the FY20 income statement is presented on an IFRS 16 basis, whilst the FY19 comparative is still stated based on the requirements of IAS 17 Leases ("IAS 17"). In order to allow for a like-for-like comparison, and to present results on a consistent basis with that used to formulate market consensus, the impact of IFRS 16 has been excluded in reaching like-for-like adjusted operating profit and profit before tax.

-- IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations ("IFRS 5"). Since the group was engaged in an active sale process at 27 September 2019, Education met the criteria to classified as held for sale from half-year onwards. As a result, Education's FY20 results are presented separately in a single, post-tax "result from discontinued operation" line in the income statement. In addition, the amortisation of intangible assets relating to Education, which arise upon consolidation, and are normally disclosed within Central costs, are included within the result from discontinued operation. IFRS 5 also requires that no depreciation or amortisation be recorded against Education once it is classified as held for sale. As such, depreciation and amortisation charged in H2 for comparability, has been reversed. In order to make the presentation of results fair, balanced and understandable, and since Education has been run as an active part of the group throughout FY20, all IFRS 5 adjustments have been reversed when arriving at the like-for-like adjusted operating profit and profit before tax. These figures therefore present the Group's results as they would have been presented had the Group not been engaged in a sale process (i.e. a whole-group measure).

The adjusted and like-for-like figures are derived as follows:

 
                                                            2020                                                2019 
                     As       Exclude      Exclude       Reinstate    Exclude      Exclude    Like-for-like   Reported 
                   reported     IFRS         IFRS         H2 Depn     estimated     change        basis        figures 
                                 16     5 reallocation     (IFRS      COVID-19        in 
                                                             5)       bad debt       bad 
                                                                       impact        debt 
                                                                                   estimate 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Studio              22,726      (55)                -           -       20,000     (3,675)          38,996     39,448 
 Central            (1,235)      (15)          (1,120)           -            -           -         (2,370)    (4,248) 
 Adjusted 
  operating 
  profit from 
  continuing 
  operations         21,491      (70)          (1,120)           -       20,000     (3,675)          36,626     35,200 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Education            4,050     (490)            1,120     (1,393)            -           -           3,287      3,217 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 Adjusted 
  operating 
  profit from 
  total 
  Group              25,541     (560)                -     (1,393)       20,000     (3,675)          39,913     38,417 
 Net finance 
  costs 
  from total 
  group^           (10,998)     2,319                -           -            -           -         (8,679)    (9,656) 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted 
  profit before 
  tax                14,543     1,759                -     (1,393)       20,000     (3,675)          31,234     28,761 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  --------------  --------- 
 MTM on 
  derivatives         2,608         -                -           -            -           -           2,608      4,750 
 Individually 
  significant 
  items             (8,342)         -                -           -            -           -         (8,342)    (4,158) 
 Profit before 
  tax                 8,809     1,759                -     (1,393)       20,000     (3,675)          25,500     29,353 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ---------- 
 Tax                   (54)                                                                                    (6,064) 
                                                                                             -------------- 
 Profit after 
  tax                 8,755                                                                                     23,289 
                 ----------  --------  ---------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -------------- 
 

^Like-for-like net finance costs for the total group excludes the net impact of IFRS 16. ...

Adjusted profit before tax on a like-for-like basis from continuing operations

 
                                       2020      2019 
                                     GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Continuing operations 
 Adjusted profit before tax on 
  a like-for-like basis              27,395    25,582 
 Individually significant items     (6,807)   (4,158) 
 MTM on derivatives                   2,608     4,750 
 Impact of IFRS 16 adoption            (70)         - 
 Estimated impact of COVID-19      (20,000)         - 
  on impairment charge 
 Change in accounting estimate        3,675         - 
--------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Profit before tax                    6,801    26,174 
--------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

Revenue, EBITDA before individually significant items, adjusted operating profit, finance costs, and adjusted profit before tax from total group

The calculation of revenue, EBITDA before individually significant items, adjusted operating profit, finance costs, and adjusted profit before tax from total group includes continuing and discontinued operations and is set out in note 2 to the Group Financial Information.

Adjusted operating profit margin %

This is used a measure of the adjusted operating profit made by the Group as a whole. It is derived as follows:

 
                                                  2020           2019 
                                                          (Restated*) 
                                                GBP000         GBP000 
 Total group revenue including discontinued 
  operation                                    514,834        503,734 
 Adjusted operating profit on like-for-like 
  basis                                         39,913         38,417 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ------------- 
 Adjusted operating profit margin 
  on a like-for-like basis                        7.8%           7.6% 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ------------- 
 

*balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Studio Product Gross Margin %

This is used a measure of the gross profit made by Studio on the sale of products only, which shows progress against one of Studio's strategic pillars. It is derived as follows:

 
                                      2020           2019 
                                              (Restated*) 
                                    GBP000         GBP000 
 Product revenue                   311,697        304,176 
 Less product cost of sales      (208,924)      (202,435) 
------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Gross product margin              102,773        101,741 
------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Gross product gross margin %        33.0%          33.4% 
------------------------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

*balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Studio underlying impairment loss as a % of revenue

This is an assessment of the underlying impairment loss incurred in respect of Studio's trade receivables, which enables management to assess the quality and performance of its trade receivables from period to period. The estimated impact of COVID-19 and the change in accounting estimate (detailed above) are excluded from the reported impairment loss when calculating this measure, as they are not reflective of the underlying performance of the receivables portfolio.

 
                                     2020           2019 
                                             (Restated*) 
                                   GBP000         GBP000 
 Reported impairment loss          53,930         36,623 
 Exclude estimated impact of     (20,000)              - 
  COVID-19 
 Exclude change in accounting       3,675              - 
  estimate 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Underlying impairment loss        37,605         36,623 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Studio total revenue             434,894        421,653 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Studio underlying impairment 
  loss as a % of revenue             8.6%           8.7% 
------------------------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

*balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Studio marketing costs to sales ratio

This measure allows management to assess the efficiency of our marketing spend as we pursue our stated strategy of increasing the profile of the Studio brand. It is calculated by dividing marketing costs by product revenue.

 
                                      2020           2019 
                                              (Restated*) 
                                    GBP000         GBP000 
 Marketing costs                    31,661         31,693 
 Product revenue                   311,697        304,176 
--------------------------------  --------  ------------- 
 Marketing costs to sales ratio      10.2%          10.4% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------------- 
 

*balances have been restated as set out in note 1 to the Group Financial Information below.

Overall net debt

This measure takes account of total borrowings less cash held by the Group and represents our total indebtedness. Management use this measure for assessing overall gearing.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                            2020       2019 
                                          GBP000     GBP000 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Total bank loans                        282,591    270,545 
 Lease liabilities**                      43,496        498 
 Less cash and cash equivalents         (33,163)   (37,603) 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Overall net debt*                       292,924    233,440 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Exclude impact of IFRS 16 adoption     (42,902)          - 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Overall net debt on a like-for-like 
  basis                                  250,022    233,440 
-------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

** 2020 figures reflect the requirements of IFRS 16.

Core net debt

This measure excludes lease liabilities and securitisation borrowings from net debt to show borrowings under the revolving credit facility net of cash held by the Group. This is our preferred measure of the indebtedness of the Group and is relevant for covenant purposes.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                           2020        2019 
                                         GBP000      GBP000 
 Net Debt                               292,924     233,440 
 Lease liabilities**                   (43,496)       (498) 
 Less securitisation borrowings***    (197,591)   (175,545) 
 Core net debt*                          51,837      57,397 
-----------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

**2020 figures reflect the requirements of IFRS 16.

*** Disclosed within bank loans.

Debt funding consumer receivables

The majority of the trade receivables of Studio are eligible to be funded in part from the securitisation facility, with the remainder being funded from core net debt. This measure indicates the face value of those trade receivables (before any impairment provision) capable of being funded from the securitisation facility. It is useful to management as it demonstrates the proportion of net debt that is supported by paying customer receivables.

It is calculated as follows:

 
                                        2020      2019 
                                      GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Funded from securitisation loans    197,591   175,545 
 Funded from cash and bank            65,864    64,075 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Eligible receivables                263,455   239,620 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Securitisation %                        75%       73% 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Adjusted free cash flow generation

Free cash flow generation is a key operational metric and is of interest to investors. Consequently, it formed part of the remuneration targets for the Executive Directors.

Adjusted free cash flow is reconciled to cash generated by operations as follows:

 
                                                  2020       2019 
                                                GBP000     GBP000 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted free cash flow generation             23,738     28,878 
 Securitisation loans drawn                   (22,046)   (18,041) 
 Purchases of property plant and equipment 
  and software                                  14,822     11,545 
 Other                                               -       (26) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash generated from operating activities 
  before interest and tax paid                  16,514     22,356 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

Adjusted earnings per share

This measure shows the earnings per share given when individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments are excluded from the profit after tax figure. Details of how the adjusted earnings per share are calculated can be found in note 6 to the Group Financial Information.

Underlying effective tax rate

This measure shows the Group's effective tax rate when the tax impact of individually significant items and other non-recurring items are adjusted for. This measure allows management to assess underlying trends in the Group's tax rate. It is calculated as follows:

 
                                          2020      2019 
                                        GBP000    GBP000 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Tax credit/(charge)                       241   (5,715) 
 Exclude tax impact of individually 
  significant items                    (1,293)     (741) 
 Exclude impact of change in           (1,427)         - 
  corporation tax rate on deferred 
  tax assets & liabilities 
 Adjusted tax charge                   (2,479)   (6,456) 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit before tax and individually 
  significant items                     13,608    30,332 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying effective tax rate           18.2%     21.3% 
------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Principal risks and uncertainties

 
 Risk                            Root cause                         Key mitigating controls 
 
   Pressures on the levels         The economic outlook               The expansion of our 
   of disposable income            is uncertain, particularly         digital activity and 
   available to lower              in relation to the impact          a shift in customer 
   socio-economic groups,          of Covid-19, Brexit                acquisition strategy 
   who form a core part            and more broadly changes           has broadened the overall 
   of Studio's customer            in unemployment, interest          customer footprint and 
   base.                           rates and inflation                reduced our dependency 
                                   and wage restraint.                on older, lower socio-economic 
                                                                      customer segments. 
 
                                                                      Successful implementation 
                                                                      of our strategies to 
                                                                      recruit and retain customers, 
                                                                      thereby increasing our 
                                                                      customer base, will 
                                                                      dilute this impact. 
 
                                                                      Management information 
                                                                      tools, alongside Studio's 
                                                                      governance framework, 
                                                                      identify trends within 
                                                                      the receivables portfolio 
                                                                      enabling strategic changes 
                                                                      to be proposed and implemented 
                                                                      promptly. 
 
   Growth in credit income         Regulatory changes impacting       Studio has reviewed 
   could slow within the           customer acquisition               its integrated model 
   financial services              and credit limit management;       of retail and financial 
   business of Studio.             and our strategy to                services in terms of 
                                   put the customer at                both customer conduct 
                                   the heart of the business          risk and financial performance 
                                   by balancing financial             and developed a business 
                                   performance and customer           plan on this basis. 
                                   conduct risks.                     The review included 
                                                                      stress testing various 
                                                                      scenarios. 
                                                                      These factors will require 
                                                                      an evolutionary change 
                                                                      in our business model 
                                                                      placing a greater requirement 
                                                                      on the profitability 
                                                                      arising from the retail 
                                                                      side of Studio. The 
                                                                      plans set out in this 
                                                                      Strategic Report reflect 
                                                                      this. 
 
   Potential disruption            The business remains               Resilience testing and 
   to our business support         highly dependent upon              recovery plans are in 
   systems and the storage         legacy systems both                place. 
   and protection of our           in the support of running 
   customers' data.                the business on a daily            The business has continued 
                                   basis and the storage              to invest to update 
                                   and protection of customer         its technology solutions 
                                   data.                              as it seeks to lower 
                                                                      its dependency on legacy 
                                   The combination of increasing      systems. 
                                   cyber activity, fraud              Notable examples include 
                                   rings and the level                the enhancement in website 
                                   of change being deployed           capabilities at Education 
                                   in the business makes              and the development 
                                   this an area of higher             of the Financier platform 
                                   potential risk.                    at Studio. 
 
                                                                      In addition, an enhanced 
                                                                      fraud solution accompanied 
                                                                      by improved operational 
                                                                      practices within Studio's 
                                                                      customer and financial 
                                                                      services departments 
                                                                      are being deployed. 
 
   Execution and liquidity         Funding growth within              Appropriate facilities 
   risks from a substantial        our integrated retail              are in place for the 
   multi-year plan of              and credit business                medium term and regular 
   transformation and              model is dependent on              and rigorous viability 
   growth at Studio.               the continued availability         exercises are undertaken. 
                                   of debt facilities. 
                                                                      Fiscal controls, including 
                                                                      business forecasting 
                                                                      in support of stock 
                                                                      and cash flow management. 
 
                                   Any weakness in project            A Change Board has been 
                                   and change management              established to scrutinise, 
                                   in the delivery of key             prioritise and oversee 
                                   priorities.                        resourcing and delivery 
                                                                      of transformation projects. 
 
                                   High level of demand               We are adopting an enhanced 
                                   on planning and resource           process of integrated 
                                   management to ensure               cash management to meet 
                                   timely and on budget               the demands of (i) change 
                                   delivery.                          and capital deployment 
                                                                      within the business; 
                                                                      alongside 
                                                                      (ii) daily operational 
                                                                      requirements. 
 
   Attracting and retaining        Limited available experienced      Significant progress 
   the right talent in             staff in key business              has been made in attracting 
   the business, particularly      and technical areas                new talent to the business 
   in the highly competitive       and high demand for                resulting in the renewal 
   areas of digital marketing,     those people,                      of the senior management 
   IT development and                                                 teams throughout the 
   cyber security, to                                                 Group. 
   support the deployment 
   of our high growth                                                 Developing the business 
   digital strategy.                                                  as a regional employer 
                                                                      of choice is a key objective 
                                                                      and as such, enhanced 
                                                                      personnel frameworks 
                                                                      and reward strategies 
                                                                      are being developed. 
 
   A material interruption         Brexit could lead to              Studio's Shanghai sourcing 
   to the product supply           new barriers to trade             office is actively seeking 
   chain could reduce              with some overseas countries.     to widen the number 
   the level of retail                                               of countries that it 
   trading                         In particular, Studio             sources products from, 
                                   imports a relatively              whilst retaining appropriate 
                                   high proportion of its            quality standards. 
                                   retail products from 
                                   China, either sourced 
                                   directly or indirectly. 
                                   A further rise in geopolitical 
                                   tensions with China 
                                   could lead to legislative 
                                   or economic barriers 
                                   to trade being introduced. 
                                ---------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 
   Any inability to operate        While Studio has a number          Appropriate disaster 
   from one of our key             of warehouse facilities,           recovery plans have 
   warehouse facilities            there is a high dependency         been developed and are 
   centres                         on its main facility               periodically reviewed 
                                   in Accrington.                     and upgraded. 
 
                                   The consolidation of 
                                   Education's warehousing 
                                   into its facility at 
                                   Nottingham has concentrated 
                                   its fulfilment activities 
                                   into a single location 
                                   that could also potentially 
                                   become a point of failure 
                                   risk. 
                                ---------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

Studio Retail Group plc

Group Financial Information

Consolidated Income Statement

52-week period ended 27 March 2020

 
                                             Before 
                                       individually  Individually 
                                        significant   significant 
                                              items         items      Total 
                                             GBP000        GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  --------- 
Continuing operations 
Revenue                                     330,352             -    330,352 
Credit account interest                     104,542             -    104,542 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Total revenue (including credit 
 interest)                                  434,894             -    434,894 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Cost of sales                             (208,924)             -  (208,924) 
Impairment losses on customer 
 receivables                               (53,930)             -   (53,930) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Gross profit                                172,040             -    172,040 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Trading costs                             (150,549)       (6,807)  (157,356) 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                    35,037       (5,648)     29,389 
- Depreciation, amortisation and 
 impairment                                (13,546)       (1,159)   (14,705) 
Operating profit                             21,491       (6,807)     14,684 
Finance costs                              (10,491)             -   (10,491) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit before tax and fair value 
 movements on derivative financial 
 instruments                                 11,000       (6,807)      4,193 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Fair value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                        2,608             -      2,608 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                            13,608       (6,807)      6,801 
Tax (expense)/income                        (1,052)         1,293        241 
Profit from continuing operations            12,556       (5,514)      7,042 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Profit from discontinued operation, 
 net of tax                                   2,956       (1,243)      1,713 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit for the period                        15,512       (6,757)      8,755 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                                                                   8.16 
Diluted                                                                 8.12 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                                                                   1.98 
Diluted                                                                 1.97 
total attributable to ordinary 
 shareholders 
Basic                                                                  10.14 
Diluted                                                                10.09 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated income statement.

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Consolidated Income Statement

52-week period ended 29 March 2019 (restated - refer to note 1)

 
                                             Before 
                                       individually  Individually 
                                        significant   significant 
                                              items         items      Total 
                                             GBP000        GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  --------- 
Continuing operations 
Revenue                                     323,534             -    323,534 
Credit account interest                      98,119             -     98,119 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Total revenue (including credit 
 interest)                                  421,653             -    421,653 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Cost of sales                             (202,453)             -  (202,453) 
Impairment losses on customer 
 receivables                               (36,623)             -   (36,623) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Gross profit                                182,577             -    182,577 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Trading costs                             (147,377)       (4,158)  (151,535) 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                    45,147       (4,158)     40,989 
- Depreciation, amortisation and 
 impairment                                 (9,947)             -    (9,947) 
Operating profit                             35,200       (4,158)     31,042 
Finance costs                               (9,618)             -    (9,618) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit before tax and fair value 
 movements on derivative financial 
 instruments                                 25,582       (4,158)     21,424 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Fair value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                        4,750             -      4,750 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                            30,332       (4,158)     26,174 
Tax (expense)/income                        (6,456)           741    (5,715) 
Profit from continuing operations            23,876       (3,417)     20,459 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Profit from discontinued operation, 
 net of tax                                   2,830             -      2,830 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
Profit for the period                        26,706       (3,417)     23,289 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  --------- 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                                                                  23.70 
Diluted                                                                23.70 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                                                                   3.28 
Diluted                                                                 3.28 
total attributable to ordinary 
 shareholders 
Basic                                                                  26.98 
Diluted                                                                26.98 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated income statement.

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

52-week period ended 27 March 2020

 
                                                        2020     2019 
                                                      GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Profit for the period                                  8,755   23,289 
Other Comprehensive Income 
Items that may be reclassified to profit or 
 loss 
Cash flow hedges                                          28     (19) 
Currency translation loss arising on consolidation     (443)    (353) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                       (415)    (372) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified 
 to profit or loss 
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension scheme      26,915  (2,374) 
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive 
 income                                              (4,043)      643 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                      22,872  (1,731) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income for period                 31,212   21,186 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The total comprehensive income for the period is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company Studio Retail Group plc.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Company Number: 549034

at 27 March 2020

 
                                                   2020       2019 
                                                 GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------------    ---------  --------- 
Non-current assets 
Other intangible assets                               9     24,952 
Property, plant and equipment                    80,007     45,511 
Derivative financial instruments                      2          6 
Retirement benefit surplus                       31,695          - 
Deferred tax assets                                   -     10,556 
                                                111,713     81,025 
  ------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                      42,827     48,757 
Trade and other receivables                     235,227    235,923 
Derivative financial instruments                  3,250        604 
Cash and cash equivalents                        33,163     37,603 
Current tax assets                                1,718          - 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Current assets excluding assets 
 held for sale                                  316,185    322,887 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Assets held for sale                             60,570          - 
Total current assets                            376,755    322,887 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Total assets                                    488,468    403,912 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                       (57,908)   (72,592) 
Lease liabilities                               (6,035)      (498) 
Derivative financial instruments                   (36)          - 
Provisions                                      (4,335)    (3,325) 
Current tax liabilities                               -    (1,762) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Current liabilities excluding liabilities 
 held for sale                                 (68,314)   (78,177) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Liabilities held for sale                      (24,684)          - 
Total current liabilities                      (92,998)   (78,177) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans                                    (282,591)  (270,545) 
Lease liabilities                              (37,461)          - 
Provisions                                            -    (7,753) 
Retirement benefit obligation                         -       (68) 
Deferred tax liabilities                           (37)    (3,849) 
                                              (320,089)  (282,215) 
  ------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Total liabilities                             (413,087)  (360,392) 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Net assets                                       75,381     43,520 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                    48,644     48,644 
Translation reserve                                 321        764 
Hedging reserve                                    (26)       (54) 
Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)           26,442    (5,834) 
Total equity                                     75,381     43,520 
--------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

52-week period ended 27 March 2020

 
                                                                2020      2019 
                                                              GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------   --------  -------- 
Profit for the period                                          8,755    23,289 
Adjustments for: 
Income tax credit                                                 54     6,064 
Finance costs                                                 10,998     9,656 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                 14,393     9,438 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                    1,300         - 
Amortisation of intangible assets                              1,163     2,167 
Share-based payment expense                                      649       926 
Fair value movements on financial instruments net of 
 premiums paid                                               (2,621)   (4,784) 
Pension contributions less income statement charge           (4,792)      (40) 
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital      29,899    46,716 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories                          (10,068)     5,618 
Increase in receivables                                      (9,317)  (26,549) 
Increase in payables                                           4,442     5,522 
Increase/(decrease) in provisions                              1,558   (8,951) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Cash generated from operations before interest and 
 tax paid                                                     16,514    22,356 
Income taxes paid                                            (3,717)   (1,931) 
Interest paid                                                (8,495)  (10,017) 
Net cash from operating activities                             4,302    10,408 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Investing activities 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, software 
 and IT development costs and intangible assets             (14,822)  (11,545) 
Net cash used in investing activities                       (14,822)  (11,545) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Financing activities 
Payments of lease liabilities (2019: Repayments of 
 obligations under finance leases)                           (5,966)     (571) 
Bank loans repaid                                           (10,000)   (5,000) 
Securitisation loan drawn                                     22,046    18,041 
Net cash from financing activities                             6,080    12,470 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents         (4,440)    11,333 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period      37,603    26,244 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash held               -        26 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period            33,163    37,603 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated cash flow statement.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

52-week period ended 27 March 2020

 
                                            Translation                 (Accumulated 
                                                reserve   Hedging   losses)/retained 
                             Share capital                reserve           earnings  Total equity 
                                    GBP000       GBP000    GBP000             GBP000        GBP000 
---------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  -----------------  ------------ 
At 30 March 2018                    48,644        1,117      (35)           (28,318)        21,408 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the period                          -        (353)      (19)             21,558        21,186 
Transactions with owners 
Share-based payments                     -            -         -                926           926 
At 29 March 2019                    48,644          764      (54)            (5,834)        43,520 
Total comprehensive income 
 for the period                          -        (443)        28             31,627        31,212 
Transactions with owners 
Share-based payments                     -            -         -                649           649 
---------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  -----------------  ------------ 
At 27 March 2020                    48,644          321      (26)             26,442        75,381 
---------------------------  -------------  -----------  --------  -----------------  ------------ 
 

The total equity is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company Studio Retail Group plc.

.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Studio Retail Group plc

Notes to the Group Financial Information

1 Basis of preparation of consolidated financial information

The financial information set out herein does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements for the periods ended 27 March 2020 or 29 March 2019, but is derived from those financial statements. Statutory financial statements for 2019 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for 2020 will be delivered in due course. The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 22 August 2020. The auditors have reported on those financial statements; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Copies of the Company's statutory financial statements will be available on the Group's corporate website. Additional copies will be available upon request from Studio Retail Group plc, Church Bridge House, Accrington, BB5 4EE.

The Group financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted for use within the European Union and in accordance with the accounting policies included in the Annual Report for the period ended 29 March 2019 except as stated below.

Going concern

The directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements after assessing the principal risks and having considered the impact of severe but plausible downside scenarios for COVID-19. The Group is financed by a securitisation facility and a Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"). The directors considered the impact of the current COVID-19 environment on the business, as disclosed in the strategic report, for the next 12 months, the viability period and the longer term. Whilst there is inherent uncertainty in forecasts caused by COVID-19, the directors have considered a number of impacts on sales, profits and cash flows.

The directors have assumed that the Group's operations remain open and that we will continue to be able to serve our customers, as we have done through the lockdown period, with only temporary disruptions to operations being experienced in the downside scenarios. The downside sensitivities considered include a reduction in the level of future forecast revenue and gross margin growth and the impact of economic factors (particularly unemployment rates) on the ability of the Group's customer base to continue to shop with us and to service their credit accounts. The directors also considered the impact of these sensitivities occurring in combination. In the event that one of or a number of these downside scenario arise at the same time the Directors consider they are able to take reasonable mitigating actions, which include but are not limited to, a reduction in discretionary capital expenditure and a reduction in discretionary marketing spend. Implementing these mitigating actions would enable the Group to continue to operate within its existing facilities during the forecast period.

The directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks satisfactorily, noting that its revolving credit facility matures on 31 December 2021, and have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the signing date of the consolidated financial statements. They therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Impact of accounting standards that have become effective during the current period

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 is effective for all accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. For Studio Retail Group plc this is the first reported accounting period under IFRS 16. The Group adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach with a date of initial application of 30 March 2019.

Under IFRS 16, lease agreements give rise to both a right of use asset and a lease liability for future lease rentals. The right of use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. On transition, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group's incremental borrowing rate as at 30 March 2019. The right of use assets are measured at an amount equal to the lease liability adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments. The interest is recognised on the lease liability, resulting in a higher interest expense in the earlier years of the lease term. The total expense recognised over the life of the lease will be unaffected by the new standard, however, IFRS 16 results in the timing of lease expense recognition being accelerated for leases which would be currently accounted for as operating leases.

The Group has applied the practical expedient to "grandfather" the definition of a lease on transition and applied the recognition exemption for both short term and low value assets. Consequently, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 was applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after 30 March 2019. The Group has also applied a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics. Previous assessments of whether leases are onerous in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets immediately before the date of initial application have been relied upon as an alternative to performing an impairment review.

The modified retrospective approach does not require a restatement of the prior period comparatives and consequently, there will be no adjustment to opening retained earnings. Additionally, the disclosure requirements of IFRS 16 have not generally been applied to comparative information. The Group recognised an opening right of use asset of GBP43.2m and a lease liability of GBP52.3m at 30 March 2019. The most significant lease liabilities relate to property.

The GBP9.0m difference between the opening right use asset and lease liability is due to the portion of the onerous lease provision held at 29 March 2019 relating to lease rentals of GBP8.3m being reclassified against the opening right of use asset. In addition, GBP0.7m has been reclassified from other creditors in respect of a rent free period on one of the Group's properties, which was being amortised to the income statement over the life of the lease under IAS 17 but under IFRS 16, is netted off the right of use asset.

Operating profit from continuing operations in the current period has increased by GBP0.1m as operating lease rental costs of GBP4.3m have been replaced by GBP4.2m of depreciation of right of use assets under IFRS 16. Finance costs have increased by GBP1.8m reflecting interest charged on lease liabilities under IFRS 16. The net impact on profit before tax was therefore GBP1.7m.

There is no impact on total cash flows, although from a presentation perspective, whilst operating lease rentals formed part of net cash from operating activities, lease payments under IFRS 16 now form part of net cash used in financing activities.

We do not expect the adoption of IFRS 16 to have a material impact on the Group's effective tax rate.

A reconciliation from the operating lease commitments as at 29 March 2019 to the opening lease liabilities as at 30 March 2020 is as follows:

 
                                                                                GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------- 
Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 29 March 2019                     (57,841) 
Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at the date of application       7,993 
Less: low value and short-term leases not recognised as a liability            (2,931) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
Lease liability recognised as at 30 March 2019                                (52,779) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

Full details of the impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the consolidated income statement and balance sheet are given in the tables below:

Impact on the Consolidated Income Statement and Comprehensive Income

52-week period ended 27 March 2020

 
                                            Amounts          Impact of  As reported 
                                           prior to   IFRS 16 adoption 
                                           adoption 
                                         of IFRS 16 
                                             GBP000             GBP000       GBP000 
------------------------------------   ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Continuing operations 
Revenue                                     330,352                  -      330,352 
Credit account interest                     104,542                  -      104,542 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Total revenue (including credit 
 interest)                                  434,894                  -      434,894 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Cost of sales                             (208,924)                  -    (208,924) 
Impairment losses on customer 
 receivables                               (53,930)                  -     (53,930) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Gross profit                                172,040                  -      172,040 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Trading costs                             (157,426)                 70    (157,356) 
Analysis of operating profit: 
- EBITDA*                                    25,088              4,301       29,389 
- Depreciation, amortisation and 
 impairment                                (10,474)            (4,231)     (14,705) 
Operating profit                             14,614                 70       14,684 
Finance costs                               (8,668)            (1,823)     (10,491) 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Profit before tax and fair value 
 movements on derivative financial 
 instruments                                  5,946            (1,753)        4,193 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Fair value movements on derivative 
 financial instruments                        2,608                  -        2,608 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Profit before tax                             8,554            (1,753)        6,801 
Tax income                                      241                  -          241 
Profit from continuing operations             8,795            (1,753)        7,042 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
Discontinued operation 
Profit from discontinued operation, 
 net of tax                                   1,719                (6)        1,713 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Profit for the period                        10,514            (1,759)        8,755 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
Total comprehensive income for 
 period                                      32,971            (1,759)       31,212 
-------------------------------------  ------------  -----------------  ----------- 
 
Earnings per ordinary share 
from continuing operations 
Basic                                         10.19             (2.03)         8.16 
Diluted                                       10.14             (2.02)         8.12 
from discontinued operation 
Basic                                          1.99             (0.01)         1.98 
Diluted                                        1.98             (0.01)         1.97 
total attributable to ordinary 
 shareholders 
Basic                                         12.18             (2.04)        10.14 
Diluted                                       12.12             (2.03)        10.09 
 

*Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 27 March 2020

 
                                                             Amounts prior 
                                                            to adoption of 
                                                                   IFRS 16  Impact of IFRS 16 adoption  As reported 
                                                                 27.3.2020                   27.3.2020    27.3.2020 
                                                                   GBP'000                     GBP'000      GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Non-current assets 
Other intangible assets                                                  9                           -            9 
Property, plant and equipment                                       45,840                      34,167       80,007 
Derivative financial instruments                                         2                           -            2 
Retirement benefit surplus                                          31,695                           -       31,695 
Deferred tax assets                                                      -                           -            - 
                                                                    77,546                      34,167      111,713 
 --------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                         42,827                           -       42,827 
Trade and other receivables                                        235,227                           -      235,227 
Derivative financial instruments                                     3,250                           -        3,250 
Cash and cash equivalents                                           33,163                           -       33,163 
Current tax assets                                                   1,718                           -        1,718 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Current assets excluding assets held for sale                      316,185                           -      316,185 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Assets held for sale                                                55,459                       5,111       60,570 
Total current assets                                               371,644                       5,111      376,755 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Total assets                                                       449,190                      39,278      488,468 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                          (57,908)                           -     (57,908) 
Lease liabilities                                                    (175)                     (5,860)      (6,035) 
Derivative financial instruments                                      (36)                           -         (36) 
Current tax liabilities                                            (4,335)                           -      (4,335) 
Provisions                                                               -                           -            - 
--------------------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Current liabilities excluding liabilities held for sale           (62,454)                     (5,860)     (68,314) 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Liabilities held for sale                                         (19,704)                     (4,980)     (24,684) 
Total current liabilities                                         (82,158)                    (10,840)     (92,998) 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans                                                       (282,591)                           -    (282,591) 
Lease liabilities                                                    (419)                    (37,042)     (37,461) 
Provisions                                                         (6,845)                       6,845            - 
Retirement benefit obligation                                            -                           -            - 
Deferred tax liabilities                                              (37)                           -         (37) 
                                                                 (289,892)                    (30,197)    (320,089) 
 --------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Total liabilities                                                (372,050)                    (41,037)    (413,087) 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Net assets                                                          77,140                     (1,759)       75,381 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                                       48,644                           -       48,644 
Translation reserve                                                    321                           -          321 
Hedging reserve                                                       (26)                           -         (26) 
Retained earnings                                                   28,201                     (1,759)       26,442 
Total equity                                                        77,140                     (1,759)       75,381 
---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------------------  ----------- 
 

Impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 30 March 2019*

 
                                                 Amounts prior to 
                                                      adoption of 
                                                          IFRS 16  Impact of IFRS 16 adoption  Opening balance sheet 
                                                        30.3.2019                   30.3.2019              30.3.2019 
                                                          GBP'000                     GBP'000                GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------   ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Non-current assets 
Other intangible assets                                    24,952                           -                 24,952 
Property, plant and equipment                              45,511                      43,239                 88,750 
Derivative financial instruments                                6                           -                      6 
Retirement benefit surplus                                      -                           -                      - 
Deferred tax assets                                        10,556                           -                 10,556 
                                                           81,025                      43,239                124,264 
 ----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                48,757                           -                 48,757 
Trade and other receivables                               235,923                           -                235,923 
Derivative financial instruments                              604                           -                    604 
Cash and cash equivalents                                  37,603                           -                 37,603 
Current tax assets                                              -                           -                      - 
----------------------------------------------   ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Current assets excluding assets held for sale             322,887                           -                322,887 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Assets held for sale                                            -                           -                      - 
Total current assets                                      322,887                           -                322,887 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Total assets                                              403,912                      43,239                447,151 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                 (72,592)                         741               (71,851) 
Lease liabilities                                           (498)                     (6,771)                (7,269) 
Derivative financial instruments                                -                           -                      - 
Current tax liabilities                                   (3,325)                           -                (3,325) 
Provisions                                                (1,762)                         978                  (784) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Current liabilities excluding liabilities held 
 for sale                                                (78,177)                     (5,052)               (83,229) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Liabilities held for sale                                       -                           -                      - 
Total current liabilities                                (78,177)                     (5,052)               (83,229) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Bank loans                                              (270,545)                           -              (270,545) 
Lease liabilities                                               -                    (45,510)               (45,510) 
Provisions                                                (7,753)                       7,323                  (430) 
Retirement benefit obligation                                (68)                           -                   (68) 
Deferred tax liabilities                                  (3,849)                           -                (3,849) 
                                                        (282,215)                    (38,187)              (320,402) 
 ----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Total liabilities                                       (360,392)                    (43,239)              (403,631) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Net assets                                                 43,520                           -                 43,520 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                              48,644                           -                 48,644 
Translation reserve                                           764                           -                    764 
Hedging reserve                                              (54)                           -                   (54) 
Retained earnings                                         (5,834)                           -                (5,834) 
Total equity                                               43,520                           -                 43,520 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------  --------------------- 
 

* this balance sheet discloses the initial impact of adopting IFRS 16 as at 30 March 2019, this is not a restatement of the comparative balance sheet as at 29 March 2019.

Changes in classification of costs

During the current period management has changed presentation of Studio's trade discounts received on purchases to show them within cost of sales rather than within trading costs. Extended warranty credits have been deducted from revenue rather than shown within cost of sales. In addition, management has removed grossed up revenue and trading costs recognised in respect of free delivery services to its customers. The comparative figures have been restated to reduce revenue by GBP3,073,000, cost of sales by GBP5,909,000 and increase trading costs by GBP2,836,000. These adjustments have no effect on the profit for the year.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

A non-current asset or a group of assets containing a non-current asset (a disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through sale rather than through continuing use, it is available for immediate sale and sale is highly probable within one year.

On initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets and disposal groups are measured at the lower of previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell with any adjustments taken to profit or loss. The same applies to gains and losses on subsequent remeasurement although gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss. Any impairment loss on a disposal group first is allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets, employee benefit assets and investment property, which continue to be measured in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment once classified as held for sale or distribution are not amortised or depreciated.

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group's business that represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations that has been disposed of or is held for sale, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, if earlier. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative income statement is restated as if the operation has been discontinued from the start of the comparative period.

Findel Education

At 27 March 2020 the Group's Education business met the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale and as a discontinued operation as defined by IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Results from this discontinued operation have therefore been separated out in the consolidated income statement for the 52-week period ended 27 March 2020, and its assets and liabilities have been classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet at 27 March 2020. In addition, the comparative figures given in the consolidated income statement for the 52-week period ended 29 March 2019 has been restated to show the results from this discontinued operation separately, in order to enhance the comparability of the results of the Group's ongoing businesses. Further details are given in note 4.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the course of preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements and estimates that affect the application of the Group's accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:

Studio's trade receivables

Studio's trade receivables are recognised on the balance sheet at amortised cost (i.e. net of provision for expected credit loss). At 27 March 2020 trade receivables with a gross value of GBP317.8m (2019: GBP295.5m) were recorded on the balance sheet, less a provision for impairment of GBP101.8m (2019: GBP87.9m).

An appropriate allowance for expected credit loss in respect of trade receivables is derived from estimates and underlying assumptions such as the Probability of Default and the Loss Given Default, taking into consideration forward looking macro-economic assumptions. Changes in the assumptions applied such as the value and frequency of future debt sales in calculating the Loss Given Default, and the estimation of customer repayments and Probability of Default rates, as well as the weighting of the macro-economic scenarios applied to the impairment model could have a significant impact on the carrying value of trade receivables.

The impairment model was not designed to take into account changes to customer payment and default performance arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The deterioration in the economic outlook caused by Covid-19, particularly in relation to unemployment, has led management to increase the level of provision for expected credit loss by approximately GBP20m, based on information available at the end of March 2020. Whilst we have not yet seen a significant increase in the level of customer arrears resulting from the pandemic, nor have we seen a material reduction in customer payment rates, we expect that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other support from government have delayed any deterioration in performance. We anticipate that arrears will increase when these schemes are phased out in the coming months. We note that the unprecedented level of uncertainty around the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as a whole, and subsequently on our customer base, continues to cause challenges in assessing bad debt on a forward-looking basis

These assumptions are continually assessed for relevance and adjusted appropriately. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

The macro-economic drivers that impact the bad debt charge are as follows:

   --      Annual changes in unemployment rate; 
   --      Actual unemployment rate; and 
   --      Changes in average weekly earnings. 

The latest economic scenarios are heavily influenced by the impact of COVID-19 on the UK economy, in particular the impact on unemployment.

We consider four economic scenarios, and apply a weighting based on probability. These are:

   --      Upside 

Assumes the UK economy will make a rapid recovery following COVID19 lockdown restrictions and will therefore have the least detrimental impact on unemployment

   --      Baseline 

A short, sharp shock is expected to the economy with ongoing consumer caution and a 'V' shaped recovery to GDP. Assumes a consensus view on unemployment

   --      Downside 

A prolonged downturn in the economy, as ongoing consumer caution means that they do not return to pre-lockdown levels of activity for an extended period. Very high unemployment levels.

   --      Stress 

Prolonged, deep downturn, with continued COVID19 outbreaks. Large numbers of corporate failures cause unemployment not seen since the 1930's.

The table below summarises the peak employment levels assumed within each scenario, with the weightings we have applied to each.

 
                           2020                                2019 
 Scenario    Unemployment    Weighting Applied   Unemployment   Weighting Applied 
                  Peak                               Peak 
            --------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
  Upside         c 8%               25%              c 4%              5% 
            --------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
 Baseline        c 10%              60%             c 4.4%             30% 
            --------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
 Downside        c 14%              10%             c 6.6%             50% 
            --------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
  Stress         c 20%              5%              c 9.5%             15% 
            --------------  ------------------  -------------  ------------------ 
 

Discount rate for pension scheme liabilities

At 27 March 2020 the Group's defined benefit pension scheme showed a surplus of GBP31.7m (2019: deficit of GBP0.1m). Management makes use of the PwC Single Agency corporate bond yield curve to derive the discount rate applied to the scheme's projected cash flows, in the calculation of its liabilities under IAS 19. Changes to the discount rate applied could lead to significant changes in the level of liabilities recognised.

The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities detailed above are sensitive to the underlying assumptions used by management in their calculation. It is reasonably possible that the outcomes within the next financial year could differ from the assumptions made, which would impact upon the carrying values assumed.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any of the future periods affected.

Other key accounting estimates which, although important estimates, are not considered to be a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year are as follows:

Inventory provisioning

The Group carries significant amounts of inventory against which there are provisions for slow moving and delisted products. At 27 March 2020 a provision of GBP1.3m (2019: GBP2.5m) was held against a gross inventory value of GBP44.1m (2019: GBP51.2m).

Provisions are made against inventory based upon its location, the planned method of sale and the level of holding compared to forecast sales levels. The provisioning calculations require a high degree of judgement in assessing which lines require provisioning against and the use of estimates around historical recovery rates for slow moving and delisted products.

If a further 10% of lines were assessed as being slow moving, then the provision required would increase by approximately GBP150,000. If the recovery rate assumed decreased by 10% then the provision would increase by approximately GBP450,000. These sensitivities reflect management's assessment of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions which could result in adjustments to the level of provision within the next financial year.

Provisions for Financial Services redress

At 27 March 2020 an amount of GBP4.1m (2019: GBP2.2m) remains provided in the balance sheet in respect of redress and refunds for flawed financial services products. Studio saw a large increase in the level of PPI claims and enquiries in the days leading up to the FCA's deadline for claims of 29 August. This included a large block of previously unseen claims from the Official Receiver acting on behalf of bankrupt customers.

An increase in provision of GBP7.9m was recorded as at September 2019, which was based on management's assessment of estimated uphold rates from the population of claims received and average claim values expected to be paid in respect of claims upheld. All claims, other than those due to the Official Receiver have now been processed and refunded. The uphold rates were lower than we anticipated in September, resulting in a GBP2.3m release of provision (net, GBP5.6m increase in the year). A method of calculation has been agreed with the Official Receiver for those claims, and they are expected to be processed by the end of September 2020.

The Product Protection / Parcel Insurance refund programme is now complete, and decommissioning work at our outsourcer, Capita, was completed in June 2020. We continue to receive very low volumes of response to the mailings which were completed in 2018, and these will now be handled internally.

The Notice of Sums in Arrears (NOSIA) refund programme has begun, with contact mailings expected to be issued in the early part of FY21. This programme addresses a technical breach of the Consumer Credit Act (CCA), whereby a number of customers did not receive a NOSIA following two consecutive missed payments. This breach rendered the credit agreement unenforceable, and therefore interest and fees from this point must be refunded. An incremental GBP1.3m was provided in this regard in FY20.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any of the future periods affected.

Carrying value of right of use assets

The Group has rights of use assets of GBP31.3m as at 27 March 2020 which is primarily made up of property leases. These assets are held at cost less accumulated depreciation and are tested annually for impairment. Tests for impairment are primarily based on the calculation of a value in use for each cash generating unit. This involves the preparation of discounted cash flow projections, which require an estimate of both future operating cash flows and an appropriate discount rate.

Judgements

Judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows:

Held for sale classification

At 27 September 2019 the Group's Education business, met the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale and as a discontinued operation as defined by IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

The disposal is now subject to CMA phase 2 clearance and is likely to be completed more than twelve months after initial classification as at 27 September 2019. Therefore, as at 27 March 2020, judgement was required over whether the disposal continued to meet the criteria to be recognised as held for sale and as a discontinued operation. The Group remains committed to the disposal of Findel Education and the events that have delayed the disposal were outside of the Group's control. Whilst the disposal is delayed, it is expected to be completed within twelve months of the year end date of 27 March 2020.

2 Segmental analysis

52 weeks ended 27 March 2020

 
                                                       Continuing operations        Discontinued operation       Group 
                                                     Studio   Central       Total                Education       Total 
                                                     GBP000    GBP000      GBP000                   GBP000      GBP000 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Product revenue                                    311,697         -     311,697                   79,940     391,637 
 Other financial services revenue                    18,617         -      18,617                        -      18,617 
 Credit account interest                            104,542         -     104,542                        -     104,542 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Financial services revenue                         123,159         -     123,159                        -     123,159 
 Sourcing revenue                                        38         -          38                        -          38 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Reportable segment revenue                         434,894         -     434,894                   79,940     514,834 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Product cost of sales                            (208,924)         -   (208,924)                 (51,573)   (260,497) 
 Financial services cost of sales                  (53,930)         -    (53,930)                        -    (53,930) 
 Sourcing costs of sales                                  -         -           -                        -           - 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Total cost of sales                              (262,854)         -   (262,854)                 (51,573)   (314,427) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                       172,040         -     172,040                   28,367     200,407 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Marketing costs                                   (31,661)         -    (31,661)                  (3,161)    (34,822) 
 Distribution costs                                (37,372)         -    (37,372)                  (5,121)    (42,493) 
 Administrative costs                              (70,508)     2,538    (67,970)                 (14,025)    (81,995) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 EBITDA* before individually significant items       32,499     2,538      35,037                    6,060      41,097 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                      (9,773)   (3,773)    (13,546)                  (2,010)    (15,556) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit before individually 
  significant items                                  22,726   (1,235)      21,491                    4,050      25,541 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Individually significant items                     (5,648)   (1,159)     (6,807)                  (1,535)     (8,342) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                                    17,078   (2,394)      14,684                    2,515      17,199 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Finance costs                                                           (10,491)                    (507)    (10,998) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax and fair value movements on 
  derivative financial instruments                                          4,193                    2,008       6,201 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Fair value movements on derivative financial 
  instruments                                                               2,608                        -       2,608 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                                          6,801                    2,008       8,809 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, fair value movements on derivative financial instruments and individually significant items.

52 weeks ended 29 March 2019 (restated)

 
                                                       Continuing operations        Discontinued operation       Group 
                                                     Studio   Central       Total                Education       Total 
                                                     GBP000    GBP000      GBP000                   GBP000      GBP000 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Product revenue                                    304,176         -     304,176                   82,081     386,257 
 Other financial services revenue                    19,332         -      19,332                        -      19,332 
 Credit account interest                             98,119         -      98,119                        -      98,119 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Financial services revenue                         117,451         -     117,451                        -     117,451 
 Sourcing revenue                                        26         -          26                        -          26 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Reportable segment revenue                         421,653         -     421,653                   82,081     503,734 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Product cost of sales                            (202,435)         -   (202,435)                 (53,015)   (255,450) 
 Financial services cost of sales                  (36,623)         -    (36,623)                        -    (36,623) 
 Sourcing costs of sales                               (18)         -        (18)                        -        (18) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Total cost of sales                              (239,076)         -   (239,076)                 (53,015)   (292,091) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                       182,577         -     182,577                   29,066     211,643 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Marketing costs                                   (31,693)         -    (31,693)                  (2,803)    (34,496) 
 Distribution costs                                (36,423)         -    (36,423)                  (8,836)    (45,259) 
 Administrative costs                              (66,533)   (2,781)    (69,314)                 (12,552)    (81,866) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 EBITDA* before individually significant items       47,928   (2,781)      45,147                    4,875      50,022 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                      (8,480)   (1,467)     (9,947)                  (1,658)    (11,605) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit before individually 
  significant items                                  39,448   (4,248)      35,200                    3,217      38,417 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Individually significant items                     (2,918)   (1,240)     (4,158)                        -     (4,158) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                                    36,530   (5,488)      31,042                    3,217      34,259 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Finance costs                                                            (9,618)                     (38)     (9,656) 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax and fair value movements on 
  derivative financial instruments                                         21,424                    3,179      24,603 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Fair value movements on derivative financial 
  instruments                                                               4,750                        -       4,750 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax                                                         26,174                    3,179      29,353 
                                                 ----------  --------  ----------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

3 Individually significant items

An analysis of individually significant items arising during the current and prior periods is as follows:

Continuing operations

 
                                                                                      2020     2019 
                                                                                    GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------  ---  ---------------------------  ------- 
Impairment of right of use asset                                                   (1,159)        - 
Studio financial services redress and refund costs                                 (5,648)  (2,918) 
Reduction in onerous lease provisions                                                    -    1,220 
GMP equalisation adjustment                                                              -  (2,460) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
                                                                                   (6,807)  (4,158) 
Tax credit in respect of individually significant items                              1,293      741 
Total                                                                              (5,514)  (3,417) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 

Discontinued operation

 
                                                                              2020      2019 
                                                                            GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------  -------- 
Disposal costs                                                             (1,535)         - 
                                                                           (1,535)         - 
Tax credit in respect of individually significant items                        292         - 
Total                                                                      (1,243)         - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  -------- 
 
 

A charge of GBP1,159,000 has been recorded in respect of the impairment of the right of use asset for the group's property at Hyde following a re-assessment of the assumptions made subsequent to transition to IFRS 16 as a result of Education being classified as held for sale from September 2019 onwards. The right of use asset in respect of the Hyde property was assessed for impairment individually rather than part of a cash generating unit.

A charge of GBP5,648,000 has been recorded in the current period (2019: GBP2,918,000) in respect of an increase in provisions for redress and refunds for flawed financial services products. For further details, please refer to the Estimates section in note 1.

Disposal costs of GBP1,535,000 were incurred during current period in relation to the sale of Education. These costs have been disclosed within the result from discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5.

During the prior period, an agreement was reached to sublease the vacant property at Enfield. Since the level of sublet income was higher than anticipated, and the reduced risk around the sublease inflows has led to a reduced 4% discount rate being applied, a reduction in provision of GBP1.2m was indicated. Consequently, a credit was recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement in this regard.

In October 2018, the High Court handed down a judgement involving the Lloyds Banking Group's defined benefit pension schemes. The judgement concluded that the schemes should be amended to equalise pension benefits for men and women in relation to guaranteed minimum pension ("GMP") benefits. The issues determined by the judgement arose in relation to many other defined benefit pension schemes, including the Findel Group Pension Fund. After discussion with the trustees, actuaries and legal advisors of our fund, a past service cost of GBP2,460,000 was recognised in the prior period to address this historical issue

4 Discontinued operation

On 15 December 2019 the Group entered into an agreement for the sale of Findel Education Limited and its subsidiaries to the Council of the City of Wakefield acting in its capacity as the lead authority of the joint committee known as Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation ("YPO") for a gross consideration of GBP50m on a debt free, cash free basis. The transaction is subject to clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority. Management consider that the disposal transaction will reduce the group's indebtedness and allow a greater level of investment and focus on growing the core Studio business.

Education's results for the 52-week period to 27 March 2020 and the 52-week period to 29 March 2019 have been presented to show the discontinued operation separately from continuing operations and are summarised below:

 
                         52 weeks  52 weeks 
                            ended     ended 
                          27.3.20   29.3.19 
                           GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------   --------  -------- 
Revenue                    79,940    82,081 
Expenses                 (77,932)  (78,902) 
Profit before tax           2,008     3,179 
Tax charge                  (295)     (349) 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
Profit for the period       1,713     2,830 
-----------------------  --------  -------- 
 

No gain or loss on remeasurement has been recorded on the assets and liabilities of Education. The major classes of assets and liabilities as at 27 March 2020 were as follows:

 
                                  27.3.20 
                                   GBP000 
-----------------------------    -------- 
Assets 
Intangible assets                  24,310 
Tangible assets                     7,365 
Deferred tax assets                 2,884 
Inventories                        15,998 
Trade and other receivables        10,013 
-------------------------------  -------- 
                                   60,570 
  -----------------------------  -------- 
 
Liabilities 
Trade and other payables         (19,035) 
Lease liabilities                 (5,649) 
                                 (24,684) 
 
Net assets of disposal group       35,886 
-------------------------------  -------- 
 

The net cash flow used in Education during the period was as follows:

 
                         52 weeks ended 
                                27.3.20 
                                 GBP000 
---------------------    -------------- 
Operating cash flows              (492) 
Investing cash flows            (1,131) 
Financing cash flows                730 
-----------------------  -------------- 
Net cash flow                     (893) 
-----------------------  -------------- 
 

5 Current taxation

(a) Tax (credited)/charged in the income statement

 
                                                                    2019 
                                                         2020   restated 
                                                       GBP000     GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
Current tax expense: 
Current period (UK tax)                                 1,104      3,879 
Current period (overseas tax)                             166        123 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods (UK tax)(1)     (986)        185 
                                                          284      4,187 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
Deferred tax expense: 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences        (96)      1,382 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods(1)                998        146 
Impact of change in rate of corporation tax           (1,427)          - 
                                                        (525)      1,528 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
Tax (credit)/expense from continuing operations         (241)      5,715 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
 

(1) The prior period adjustment in FY20 relates to the tax treatment of a post balance sheet event recorded in the statutory accounts of Studio Retail Limited, which resulted in the Group's current tax liability for 2018/19 being lower than the level assumed in the FY19 accounts. This led to a reduction in the level of brought short-term timing differences, which resulted in a corresponding adjustment to deferred tax.

The Group believes that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on its assessment of many factors, including interpretations of tax law and prior experience. As at 27 March 2020 the Group held current tax assets of GBP1,718,000 (2019: current tax liabilities GBP1,762,000).

(b) Tax recognised directly in other comprehensive income

 
                                         2020    2019 
                                       GBP000  GBP000 
-------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Deferred tax: 
Tax on defined benefit pension plans    4,043   (643) 
-------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

(c) Reconciliation of the total tax (income)/charge

The tax expense in the income statement for the period differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2019: 19%).

The differences are reconciled below:

 
                                                                                     2019 
                                                                          2020   restated 
                                                                        GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
Profit before tax                                                        6,801     26,174 
Tax calculated at standard corporation tax rate of 19% (2019: 19%)       1,292      4,973 
Effects of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                    21        347 
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings                                      144        178 
Deferred tax asset not previously recognised                             (283)      (114) 
Impact of change in rate of corporation tax on deferred tax balances   (1,427)          - 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods                                     12        331 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
Total tax (credit)/expense for the period                                (241)      5,715 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  --------- 
 

6 Earnings per share

Earnings per share figures for the 52-week period ended 29 March 2019 have been restated to reflect the presentation of the results of Education as a discontinued operation as defined by IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations .

 
Weighted average number of shares 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                                        2020           2019 
                                               No. of shares  No. of shares 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Ordinary shares in issue                          86,442,534     86,442,534 
Effect of own shares held                          (114,808)      (114,808) 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Weighted average number of shares - basic         86,327,726     86,327,726 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Impact of potentially dilutive share options         412,383              - 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Weighted average number of shares - diluted       86,740,109     86,327,726 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 

From continuing operations

 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                     ------- 
                                                                                               2020     2019 
                                                                                             GBP000   GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings per share        7,042   20,459 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Individually significant items (net of tax)                                                   5,514    3,417 
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (net of tax)                       (2,112)  (3,847) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted earnings per share    10,444   20,029 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Earnings per share 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - basic                                                                     8.16    23.70 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                          12.10    23.20 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - diluted                                                                   8.12    23.70 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                        12.04    23.20 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

From discontinued operation

 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                    ------ 
                                                                                              2020    2019 
                                                                                            GBP000  GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings per share       1,713   2,830 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Individually significant items (net of tax)                                                  1,243       - 
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (net of tax)                            -       - 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted earnings per share    2,956   2,830 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 
Earnings per share 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Earnings per share - basic                                                                    1.98    3.28 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                          3.42    3.28 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Earnings per share - diluted                                                                  1.97    3.28 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                        3.41    3.28 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

Total attributable to ordinary shareholders

 
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 
                                                                                                     ------- 
                                                                                               2020     2019 
                                                                                             GBP000   GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of basic earnings per share        8,755   23,289 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Individually significant items (net of tax)                                                   6,757    3,417 
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments (net of tax)                       (2,112)  (3,847) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Net profit attributable to equity holders for the purposes of adjusted earnings per share    13,400   22,859 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Earnings per share 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - basic                                                                    10.14    26.98 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* basic                                                          15.52    26.48 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - diluted                                                                  10.09    26.98 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Earnings per share - adjusted* diluted                                                        15.45    26.48 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

* Adjusted to remove the impact of individually significant items and fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

The earnings per share attributable to convertible ordinary shareholders is GBPnil. The convertible shares have not converted at 27 March 2020 or subsequently and are therefore not dilute from an earnings per share perspective

7 Trade and other receivables

 
                                          2020      2019 
                                        GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Gross trade receivables                317,891   304,279 
Allowance for expected credit loss   (101,782)  (88,030) 
Trade receivables                      216,109   216,249 
Other debtors                            4,623     5,347 
Prepayments                             14,495    14,327 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                       235,227   235,923 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost. The directors consider that the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of the trade and other receivables and that their carrying amount approximates their fair value.

Certain of the Group's trade receivables are funded through a securitisation facility with HSBC Bank plc and is secured against those receivables. The finance provider will seek repayment of the finance, as to both principal and interest, only to the extent that collections from the trade receivables financed allows and the benefit of additional collections remains with the Group. At the period end, receivables of GBP263,455,000 (2019: GBP239,620,000) were funded through the securitisation facility, and the facilities utilised were GBP197,591,000 (2019: GBP175,545,000).

Studio

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 222 days (2019 restated: 213 days). On average, interest is charged at 3.5% (2019: 3.4%) per month on the outstanding balance.

Before accepting any new customer, Studio uses an external credit scoring system to assess the potential customer's credit quality and affordability of the credit and defines credit limits by customer. Limits and scoring attributed to customers are continually reviewed. There are no customers who represent more than 1% of the total balance of the Group's trade receivables.

The Group uses a number of forbearance measures to assist those customers approaching, or at the point of experiencing, financial difficulties. Such measures include arrangement to pay less than the minimum payment and the suspension of interest charges to help the customer pay off their debt. We expect customers to resume normal payments where they are able. At the balance sheet date forbearance measures were in place on 11,685 accounts (2019: 16,922) with total gross balances of GBP7,656,000 (2019: GBP10,429,000). Provisions are assessed as detailed above.

During the current period, overdue receivables with a gross value of GBP56,586,000 (2019: GBP35,492,000) were sold to third party debt collection agencies. As a result of the sales, the contractual rights to receive the cash flows from these assets were transferred to the purchasers. Any gain or loss between actual recovery and expected recovery is reflected within the bad debt charge.

The following tables provide information about the exposure to credit risk and ECLs for trade receivables from individual customers as at 27 March 2020:

 
                                                2020                                       2019 
                                           Trade receivables                          Trade receivables 
                                    Trade     on forbearance                   Trade     on forbearance 
                              receivables       arrangements      Total  receivables       arrangements     Total 
Ageing of trade receivables        GBP000             GBP000     GBP000       GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------------  -----------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  -----------------  -------- 
Not past due                      236,980              6,524    243,504      214,837              8,454   223,291 
Past due: 
0 - 60 days                        30,972                928     31,900       27,060              1,541    28,601 
60 - 120 days                      12,572                204     12,776       12,640                434    13,074 
120+ days                          29,605                  -     29,605       30,507                  -    30,507 
----------------------------  -----------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  -----------------  -------- 
Gross trade receivables           310,129              7,656    317,785      285,044             10,429   295,473 
Allowance for expected 
 credit loss                     (96,135)            (5,647)  (101,782)     (81,358)            (6,548)  (87,906) 
----------------------------  -----------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  -----------------  -------- 
Carrying value                    213,994              2,009    216,003      203,686              3,881   207,567 
----------------------------  -----------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                      2020                        2019 
                                     ---------------------------------------  -------- 
                                      Stage 1   Stage 2   Stage 3      Total     Total 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
                                       GBP000    GBP000    GBP000     GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Gross trade receivables               151,252   122,481    44,052    317,785   295,473 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Allowance for expected credit loss 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Opening balance                       (9,260)  (30,267)  (48,379)   (87,906)  (76,512) 
Impairment charge                    (12,834)   (8,907)  (32,188)   (53,929)  (36,623) 
Utilised in the period                      -         -    40,053     40,053    25,229 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Closing balance                      (22,094)  (39,174)  (40,514)  (101,782)  (87,906) 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
Carrying value                        129,158    83,307     3,538    216,003   207,567 
-----------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  -------- 
 

Allowance for expected credit loss

An appropriate allowance for expected credit loss in respect of trade receivables is derived from estimates and underlying assumptions such as the Probability of Default and the Loss Given Default, taking into consideration forward looking macro-economic assumptions. Changes in the assumptions applied such as the value and frequency of future debt sales in calculating the Loss Given Default, and the estimation of customer repayments and Probability of Default rates, as well as the weighting of the macro-economic scenarios applied to the impairment model could have a significant impact on the carrying value of trade receivables.

Sensitivity analysis

Management judgement is required in setting assumptions around probabilities of default, cash recoveries and the weighting of macro-economic scenarios applied to the impairment model, which have a material impact on the results indicated by the model.

A 1% increase/decrease in the probability of default would increase/decrease the provision amount by approximately GBP2.9m.

A 1p increase in the assumed recoveries rate would result in the impairment provision decreasing by approximately GBP1.2m.

Changing the weighting of macro-economic scenarios applied to the impairment model so that the baseline scenario weighting is reduced to 50%, upside scenario to 25%, downside to 20%, and the stress scenario to 5% would result in the impairment provision decreasing by approximately GBP1. 2m .

These sensitivities reflect management's assessment of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions which could result in a material adjustment to the level of provision within the next financial year.

Rest of the Group

Trade receivables are provided for based on estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods, determined by reference to past default experience.

Given the nature of the customer base within the rest of the Group , it is not considered necessary to utilise formal credit scoring. However, credit references are sought for all new customers prior to extending credit. There are no customers who represent more than 1% of the total balance of the Group's trade receivables.

Included in the rest of the Group's trade receivables balance in the prior period were debtors with a carrying amount GBP123,000 which were past due at the reporting date and were partially provided against. There had not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts were still considered recoverable. The Group did not hold any collateral over these balances. The average age of these receivables was 152 days.

The carrying value of not past due trade receivables which are unimpaired is GBPnil (2019: GBP5,593,000).

The aged analysis of the carrying values of past due trade receivables which are unimpaired is as follows:

 
                  2020    2019 
                GBP000  GBP000 
--------------  ------  ------ 
0 - 60 days         33   1,909 
60 - 120 days       40     849 
120+ days           33     208 
Total              106   2,966 
--------------  ------  ------ 
 

The aged analysis of the carrying values of past due trade receivables which are impaired is as follows:

 
                  2020    2019 
                GBP000  GBP000 
--------------  ------  ------ 
0 - 60 days          -       - 
60 - 120 days        -       - 
120+ days            -     123 
Total                -     123 
--------------  ------  ------ 
 

Movement in allowance for expected credit losses

 
                                                        Studio  Rest of 
                                                        Retail    Group     Total 
                                                        GBP000   GBP000    GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------  -------- 
Balance at 30 March 2018                                55,084      125    55,209 
Adjustment to opening balance on adoption of IFRS 9     21,428        -    21,428 
Impairment losses recognised                            36,623       55    36,678 
Amounts written off as uncollectible                  (25,229)     (56)  (25,285) 
Balance at 29 March 2019                                87,906      124    88,030 
Impairment losses recognised                            53,929        -    53,929 
Amounts written off as uncollectible                  (40,053)        -  (40,053) 
Impact of classification as held for sale                    -    (124)     (124) 
Balance at 27 March 2020                               101,782        -   101,782 
----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------  -------- 
 

8 Provisions

 
                                                 Studio financial 
                                                 services redress 
                                Onerous leases        and refunds     Total 
                                        GBP000             GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------   ----------------  -----------------  -------- 
At 30 March 2018                        11,407              8,622    20,029 
Released during the period             (1,220)                  -   (1,220) 
Provided during the period                   -              4,157     4,157 
Utilised in the period                 (1,344)           (10,544)  (11,888) 
----------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------- 
At 29 March 2019                         8,843              2,235    11,078 
Adoption of IFRS 16                    (8,301)                  -   (8,301) 
Provided during the period                   -              6,948     6,948 
Utilised in the period                   (350)            (5,040)   (5,390) 
At 27 March 2020                           192              4,143     4,335 
----------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -------- 
 
 
2020 
Analysed as: 
Current         192  4,143  4,335 
Non-current       -      -      - 
-------------   ---  -----  ----- 
                192  4,143  4,335 
 -------------  ---  -----  ----- 
 
 
2019 
Analysed as: 
Current                                           1,090        2,235      3,325 
Non-current                                       7,753            -      7,753 
---------------------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
                                                  8,843        2,235     11,078 
---------------------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 
 

Onerous Leases

A provision was made in prior periods for onerous leases regarding vacated leasehold properties.

Studio financial services redress and refunds

Provisions in excess of GBP30m were built up in previous years in relation to the anticipated refund of premiums and interest to customers in respect of historic flawed credit and insurance products. The amount provided was increased by GBP6,948,000 in the current period. Refer to note 1 for details. The provision is expected to be utilised within 12 months.

.

9 Related parties

During the current and prior periods, the Group made purchases in the ordinary course of business from Brands Inc. Limited and Firetrap Limited, subsidiaries of Frasers Group plc (formerly Sports Direct International plc), which is a significant shareholder in the ultimate parent company, Studio Retail Group plc. In the prior period, the Group also provided consultancy services to Frasers Group plc itself in the current period on arm's-length terms. The value of purchases made, and consultancy fees charged in the current and prior periods and amounts owed at the 27 March 2020 and 29 March 2019 were as follows:

Brands Inc. Limited

 
                  2020     2019 
                GBP000   GBP000 
-------------  -------  ------- 
Purchases           43      196 
Amounts owed        17       22 
-------------  -------  ------- 
 

Firetrap Limited

 
                  2020     2019 
                GBP000   GBP000 
-------------  -------  ------- 
Purchases            -      176 
Amounts owed         -        - 
-------------  -------  ------- 
 

Frasers Group plc (formerly Sports Direct International plc)

 
                               2020     2019 
                             GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------  -------  ------- 
Consultancy fees received         -       93 
Amounts due                       -        - 
--------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Transactions between Studio Retail Group plc and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of Studio Retail Group plc, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not discussed in this note. All transactions and outstanding balances between group companies are priced on an arm's-length basis and are settled in the ordinary course of business.

Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of the Directors including consultancy contracts and share-based payments, who are the key management of the Group, is summarised below.

 
                                  2020    2019 
                                GBP000  GBP000 
------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Short-term employee benefits     1,223   1,730 
Company pension contributions      131     123 
Long-term incentives               519       - 
Termination payments                 -       7 
------------------------------  ------  ------ 
                                 1,873   1,860 
Share-based payments charge        318     642 
                                 2,191   2,502 
------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

By order of the Board

   P B Maudsley                      S M Caldwell 
   Group CEO                           Group CFO 
   22 August 2020                   22 August 2020 

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END

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August 24, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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