28 August - Casino announce today its first-half results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Group's business model in France and in international markets. Trading profit rose a significant 9.8% as reported, and by 8% on an organic basis(1), in line with growth in net sales. As a result, organic(1) trading margin was stable for the period.
Highlights
* Sharp increase in net sales, up 19.6%
* Faster organic growth, up 6.9%
* Sustained growth in EBITDA, up 11.2%, and trading profit, up 9.8%
* Organic trading margin stable in France and higher in international operations
* Significant increase in net profit attributable to equity holders, up 10.7%
Good Performance in France Sales rose a sustained 4.8% in France , led by the Group's presence in the most promising formats (discount and convenience), the effectiveness of the banners' marketing strategies and the success of the sales revitalisation programme at Franprix and Leader Price. Trading profit increased by 1.9% for the period. Trading margin was stable on an organic basis.
Franprix-Leader Price sales were up a sharp 8.7%, lifted by a sustained improvement in same-store sales at both banners. Trading margin declined by 34 basis points to 6.5%, reflecting the impact of the sales recovery plans. The second half will see faster expansion at Franprix and Leader Price, two cash-efficient concepts that are aligned with customer expectations.
Géant Casino reported very satisfactory results in a market environment fairly unfavourable for hypermarkets. The banner's trading margin improved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken to improve marketing strategy and operational excellence.
The convenience formats confirmed their strong momentum with a sustained 5.7% increase in sales. Casino Supermarkets continued to gain new market share, while trading margin was stable excluding the impact of disposals to OPCI property mutual funds. Monoprix turned in a satisfactory performance, maintaining its high profitability. Superettes trading margin declined from a high first-half 2007 base of comparison.
The other businesses (property, Cdiscount, Banque Casino, Casino Restauration) continued to enjoy fast growth, with sales gaining 10.9% on the back of Cdiscount's robust 16.4% increase over the first-half.
Strong growth in international results International operations reported very strong growth in sales, led by double-digit organic growth in South America (15.5%) and Asia (13.1%) and by the full consolidation of Exito and Super de Boer. Trading profit rose a steep 36.1%.
Organic trading margin widened by a strong 38 basis points, reflecting improvement in South America and sustained high margins in Asia.
International operations increased their contribution to both sales and trading margin, confirming their role as a growth driver.
Net debt stood at €5,868 million at 30 June 2008, versus €6,015 million a year earlier. The Group's balance sheet will be strengthened by the improvement in free cash flow, led by targeted expansion in France in promising and low capital intensive formats, capital expenditure in international markets in line with growth in international sales and a dynamic asset turnover strategy.