UK retailer Mothercare saw shares jump on Friday despite interim sales dropping 15% on tougher trading conditions in the Middle East.
Mothercare shares were up 4.26% and trading at 490p at 10.32am.
Global retail sales through franchise partners totalled £137.2 million (compared to £162.1 million in 2022), marking a 15% decrease from the previous year (13% decrease when adjusted for currency fluctuations).
This decline was attributed to challenging trading conditions in the Middle East, which experienced a 20% decrease compared to last year.
The sales in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, have been dropping relentlessly.
It is also mentioned that fiscal and legislative shifts, along with new leisure options competing for consumer spending, are reshaping consumer behaviour.
Excluding Middle East sales, ongoing operations saw a 6% decline compared to the previous year at constant currency.
Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that after these news reports, “Mothercare is in need of some self-care.”
She added that “tough trading conditions, especially in the Middle East, are causing problems for a company that’s already had to peddle extremely hard to stay afloat.”
The group’s revenue decreased to £29 million in the first half, down from £38.5 million last year and significantly below the £44.4 million recorded in 2020.
The company’s chairman, Clive Whiley, said in a statement that “these results are testament to our continued drive to preserve the strength of the Mothercare brand in a fast-changing retail and macroeconomic trading environment. Against significant headwinds in the Middle East, one of our core markets, we are pleased that our business model and disciplined approach to cost have resulted in an increase in profitability for the first half.”
Net debt increased to £15.8 million, compared to £11.6 million on September 24, 2022.
The company’s report further states that efforts are ongoing to address the pension scheme’s current deficit of £35 million (as of March 31, 2023), despite the reduction from £124.5 million since March.
Additionally, adjusted EBITDA increased by 12% to £3.6 million for the six months ending on September 23, 2023.
According to Sophie Lund-Yates, “an area that needs a laser-like focus from management is the net debt pile, which stands at many times the amount of the group’s cash profits.”
She added that “there’s also a sizable pension deficit to clear. For now, profits are being supported by deep cost cuts, but these can only go on for so long and won’t be enough in the long run.”
Chairman Clive Whiley says that the brand now hopes to expand its global presence. This involves entering new markets through various channels, such as e-commerce (direct or through marketplaces) or partnering with those holding online rights for a region.
This strategy will provide Mothercare with a chance for substantial growth, the statement explains, bringing synergies and increased profitability by leveraging the group’s strengths in supply, franchise partnerships, and international reach.