Press
Trading Statement fourth quarter / fiscal year 200209.01.2003
"Overall the operational divisional sales development was at the lower end of our expectations", commented METRO AG’s CEO Dr. Hans-Joachim Koerber, "With the very satisfactory development of our nonfood-divisions in the fourth quarter, the EPS-growth target of around 10% remains achievable."
Abroad, sales increased by 8.2% to € 23.8 bn (2001: € 22.0 bn). The foreign share of sales went up further from 44.4% to 46.3%.
Development in Q4 2002
In Q4 METRO Group showed sales growth of 2.6% (pre currency: +4.1%). METRO Group’s divisions achieved an increase of 2.9% (pre currency: +4.5%). Negative currency effects, especially in the hyperinflationary countries Turkey and Romania, but also in Poland and China, significantly affected the sales development.
Like-for-like sales development at the food-divisions Metro Cash & Carry, Real Hypermarkets and Extra Food Stores was again characterized by an increased demand for private labels. The sales development at the international Metro Cash & Carry business was affected by negative currency effects. With good customer frequency, Real Hypermarkets in Germany developed in line with the first nine months and gained further market share. Sales development at Extra Food Stores was slightly better than in the first nine months of the year.
The nonfood-divisions, Media Markt / Saturn Consumer Electronics and Praktiker Home Improvement Centers as well as the Kaufhof Department Stores showed a very satisfactory sales development in the fourth quarter. With a successful Christmas business, Media Markt / Saturn increased like-for-like sales further in Germany and expanded their market share significantly. 16 new stores were opened in Q4 2002. Praktiker Home Improvement Centers achieved positive like-for-like sales development for the third consecutive quarter. With a satisfactory Christmas business, the Kaufhof Department Stores again showed an improved like-for-like sales development compared to the third quarter.
Store network development 2002
In fiscal year 2002 METRO Group’s sales network was expanded by a total of 61 stores. Expansion was driven forward by Metro Cash & Carry with 53 and Media Markt / Saturn with 39 openings. By the end of the year 2002, METRO Group’s store network comprised a total of 2,310 stores. With the market entry into Vietnam and Japan, METRO Group is now present in 26 countries.
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