Umbro plc reported that total wholesale equivalent sales, which is the Groups buy/sell sales plus the wholesale value of licensees sales, for the full fiscal year declined 1.2% to £351.9 million ($641 mm) from £356.3 million ($653 mm) in 2004.
Operating profit before exceptional items increased 1.3% to £24.5 million ($45 mm), compared to £24.2 million ($44 mm) last year. The 2005 year is a non-tournament year, in which sales are typically lower, making Umbro's ability to post any gain notable.
Group turnover was £123.0 million ($224 mm), compared to £140.4 million ($257 mm) achieved in 2004. Licensed apparel sales declined 20.3% to £74.0 million ($135 mm), compared to £92.9 million ($170 mm) last year.
Branded apparel sales declined 5.1% to £11.4 million ($21 mm) from £12.0 million ($22 mm) last year. Total apparel sales declined 18.6% to £85.3 million ($155 mm) from £104.8 million ($192 mm) a year ago. Footwear sales grew 10.9% to £10.4 million ($19 mm) from £9.4 million ($17 mm), while equipment and other sales declined 10.9% to £3.4 million ($6 mm) from £3.8 million ($7 mm).
Umbro posted net income of £15.8 million ($29 mm) in the first half, compared to a net loss of £9.7 million ($18 mm) in the year-ago period.
