Ahlers Q3 sales revenue down 4.1 percent

REPORT_ The Ahlers group’s sales revenues declined by 4.1

percent in the third quarter of the financial year 2012-13. This was primarily due to the postponement of deliveries of pre-sold merchandise from the third to the fourth quarter. As a result, sales revenues for the entire nine-month period declined by 4.8 percent. Despite the postponed deliveries, the premium segment grew by 1.3 percent and now contributes 65 percent to group sales revenues as compared to 61 percent the previous year.

The gross profit margin for the third quarter increased moderately from 50.9 percent to 51.6 percent in the reporting period due to higher contributions by the premium brands and the retail segment. The retail segment of the Ahlers group saw its sales revenues grow by 3.7 percent in the first nine months, reflecting the continued opening of new Pierre Cardin, Baldessarini and multibrand stores. Adjusted for the closed outlets, revenue growth even amounted to 11 percent. Ahlers’ own retail activities now contribute 10.5 percent to total sales revenues as compared to 9.6 percent the previous year.

Starting from a low base, the e-commerce business grew by 20 percent during the reporting period. Going forward to the fourth quarter of 2013, Ahlers AG anticipates an increase in sales revenues and rising sales are expected for the remaining months of the financial year 2012-13. Moreover, earnings should benefit from the non-recurrence of the restructuring provisions set aside for Gin Tonic last year.