Half Year Results

Mulberry

19/11/2025 07:00

RNS Number : 0630I

Mulberry Group PLC

19 November 2025

 

Mulberry Group plc

Results for the twenty-six weeks ended 27 September 2025

 

Strong momentum, executing strategy at pace

 

Mulberry Group plc (the "Group" or "Mulberry"), the British luxury brand, announces unaudited results for the twenty-six weeks ended 27 September 2025 (the "period").

 

aNDREA BALDo, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMENTED:

 

"This has been an encouraging first half as we continue to deliver our 'Back to the Mulberry Spirit' strategy. We're still early in the turnaround, but the foundations we've put in place are working, and we're starting to see that reflected in performance.

 

We're strengthening our margin and improved our cash position through a greater focus on full-price sales and disciplined cost management, while our refreshed product offer and creative direction are reconnecting the brand with customers. The strong response to new icons the Roxanne and Hackney shows that Mulberry's distinctive spirit continues to resonate.

 

While we remain mindful of the wider trading environment, current momentum gives us confidence as we enter the key festive trading period. We're focused on maintaining this progress and continuing to build a stronger, resilient business for the long term."

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

·      Trading in line with the Board's expectations.

·      The focus during the period was on executing the "Back to The Mulberry Spirit" strategy previously outlined, and on operational discipline to improve margins and cost control.

·      Group revenue in the period down 4% to £53.9m (2024: £56.1m) but with a strong reaction from Wholesale (+36%) aligned to the strategic emphasis.

·      Overall like-for-like Retail & Digital revenue declined 2%; but in Retail Stores, both Full Price and Off Price, like-for-like revenue increased 4% in the key markets (UK, Europe and USA), with positive momentum building since Q2.

·     Asia Pacific revenue was down 17% versus last year, driven by like-for-like declines in stores (-14%) and store closures (-3%) as the strategy of structure simplification continued.

·    Gross margin increased to 69% (2024: 67%), from maintaining a full price, non-discounted offering in Retail and Digital.  

·     Total operating expenses decreased 16% to £42.7m (2024: £50.7m) as action was taken to manage the cost base and drive efficiencies, offset by continued investment in marketing and brand.

·     Reduced the underlying Group loss before tax to £7.4m (2024: £15.3m) driven by stable gross profit, strong cost control, and a focus on profitable locations in core markets.

·      More than halved the reported loss before tax to £6.9m (2024: £15.7m).

·     We continue, as expected, on our path towards sustainable profit and cash generation, unlocked through the £20m fundraise via Convertible Loan Notes from our two largest shareholders.

 

 

Operating Highlights

·     First product launch under new creative team successfully delivered; the Roxanne family and continued evolution of iconic families including the Bayswater 9 to 5.

·     Strong engagement with new marketing campaigns to connect with new and existing customers; including Cynthia Erivo as a brand ambassador in September 2025.

·     Optimisation of store network including closure of six stores in Asia, and new wholesale agreements in the UK with John Lewis, Liberty and Harvey Nichols.

·      Strengthened senior management team with new Brand Director and Chief Digital & Customer Officer.

·      Cost base review resulting in underlying operating expenses down by 13% for the period.

·     Launch of new retail incentive scheme driving improved performance; for example, European stores increased their revenue by 11% and UK stores by 10%, versus the same stores year on year.

·   The continued success of the buyback scheme enhanced Mulberry's approach to the circular business model; the period saw a 46% increase in pre-loved sales revenue compared to the same period last year.

 

Current Trading AND OUTLOOK

·      Positive trading momentum continues, despite ongoing external headwinds and inflationary pressures for the sector.

·     Our strategy, which has restoring profitability at its core, means as a brand we have focused significantly on reducing the volume of promotional and marked down sales, emphasising margin over top line growth.

·      Second half sees the launch of new product icons - the Hackney, the Lennox and the Boston.

·      Well set for the key festive trading period, with new Christmas campaign launched in early November.

 

 

 

 

 

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Mulberry

Billie o'Connor                                                                                Tel: +44 (0) 20 7605 6793

 

Headland (Public Relations)

Lucy Legh / Joanna clark                                                               Tel: +44 (0) 20 3805 4822

mulberry@headlandconsultancy.com 

HOULIHAN LOKEY UK LIMITED (FINANCIAL ADVISER AND NOMAD)

Tim Richardson                                                                                 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7389 3355

 

PEEL HUNT (CORPORATE BROKER)

JAMES THOMLINSON                                                                                                 TEL: +44 (0) 20 7419 8900

 

 

Overview

The wider macro-economic environment, including ongoing inflationary pressures, continues to present uncertainty and challenges. We continue to take appropriate cost actions and manage inventory levels to ensure they align with revenue expectations for the remainder of this year and next. Trading for the full financial year is expected to be weighted towards the second half given the important festive trading period.

 

Mulberry is a much-loved British icon with a rich heritage. While delivery of the Board's strategic goals of becoming a global luxury brand, pursuing international retail expansion, and big product launches has been hampered by the ongoing challenging trading conditions, the Board is convinced there is a clear path back to profitability driven by our focus on improving operational flexibility to ensure we can always act with agility and pace.

 

The capital raising announced at the end of the period provides the financial flexibility to support this. This funding is being used on rebuilding core stocks including 'iconic families' silhouettes to drive sales, selective marketing spend in core markets, and upgrades to existing customer engagement and digital platforms.

 

Our CEO's initial review on joining focused on enhancing operational efficiency and targeted product, pricing and distribution strategies to improve margin and cash position and we are seeing initial results of the strategy in the period's results.

 

 

STRATEGY

 

A Two-Phased Strategy

 

Strategic Priorities

 

In order to achieve these goals, the Board has set the following three strategic priorities:

 

 

 

 

APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBER

 

On 30 July 2025 James France of Frasers Group plc ("Frasers") joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director. Having joined Frasers' property division in 2016, Mr. France is a senior member of the Frasers' leadership team and has been instrumental in shaping Frasers' growth and investment approach to ensure success in a dynamic retail landscape.

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Loss before tax

 

2025
2024
£'m
£'m
% change
Revenue
53.9
56.1
(4%)
Cost of sales
(16.6)
(18.8)
12%
Gross profit
37.3
37.3
-
Other operating expenses
(42.7)
(50.7)
16%
Other operating income
0.4
0.3
48%
Operating loss
(4.9)
(13.1)
63%
Share of results of associates
-
-
-
Finance expense
(2.1)
(2.6)
21%
Loss before tax
(6.9)
(15.7)
56%

 

 

The table above summarises the Group Income Statement, showing the reported loss before tax for the period of £6.9m (2024: £15.7m). Further details are discussed within this Financial Review.

 

 

2025
2024
£'m
£'m
% change
Underlying loss before tax pre-SaaS costs
(7.2)
(14.4)
50%
SaaS costs
(0.2)
(0.8)
73%
Underlying loss before tax
(7.4)
(15.2)
52%
Store closure credit
1.0
0.8
27%
Strategic project costs
-
(0.4)
100%
Restructuring costs
(0.5)
(0.8)
34%
Reported loss before tax
(6.9)
(15.7)
56%

 

 

The table above shows the reconciliation from the reported loss before tax in the period of £6.9m (2024: £15.7m) to the underlying loss.

 

 

The Group's underlying loss for the period of £7.4m (2024: £15.2m) was delivered through stable gross profit, enhanced by the results of the review of the operating cost base in implemented in FY25 and continuing cost control. The operating expenses table within this financial review shows the operational costs decrease of £8.0m to £42.7m for the period (2024: £50.7m). Underlying operating expenses decreased by £6.6m to £42.9m (2024: £49.5m).

 

Reported loss before tax for the period of £6.9m (2024: £15.7m), includes adjusting items of a net credit of £1.0m (2024: credit £0.8m) for the closure of five retail stores and UK head office restructuring costs of £0.5m (2024: £0.8m).

 

 

Group revenue

 

Revenue analysis for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025 compared to the same period last year is as follows:

 

 

2025
2024
Like For Like
£'m
£'m
% change
% change
Digital
16.6
18.4
(10%)
(9%)
Stores
30.0
32.3
(7%)
4%
Retail (omni-channel)
46.6
50.7
(8%)
(2%)
Franchise and Wholesale
7.3
5.4
36%
N/A
Group Revenue
53.9
56.1
(4%)
N/A
Digital
10.0
11.8
(16%)
(13%)
Stores
18.2
19.4
(7%)
10%
Omni-channel - UK
28.1
31.2
(10%)
(1%)
Digital
2.1
1.7
22%
26%
Stores
4.0
3.6
10%
11%
Omni-channel - Europe
6.0
5.3
14%
16%
Digital
3.0
3.2
(6%)
(8%)
Stores
1.7
1.7
2%
(1%)
Omni-channel - USA
4.7
4.9
(4%)
(6%)
Digital
1.6
1.7
(4%)
(8%)
Stores
6.1
7.6
(20%)
(14%)
Omni-channel - Asia Pacific
7.7
9.3
(17%)
(14%)
Retail (omni-channel)
46.6
50.7
(8%)
(2%)

 

 

Like for Like stores, or digital concessions, are defined as being open for a full financial year and the store or concession must have traded for all weeks 1-26 in the prior period.

 

 

Q1
Q2
H1 2025
Revenue
£'m
% change
Revenue
£'m
% change
Revenue
£'m
% change
Digital
8.2
(14%)
8.4
(5%)
16.6
(10%)
Stores
14.5
(17%)
15.4
5%
30.0
(7%)
Retail (omni-channel)
22.7
(16%)
23.9
1%
46.6
(8%)
Franchise and Wholesale
3.8
(9%)
3.5
192%
7.3
36%
Group revenue
26.6
(15%)
27.4
10%
53.9
(4%)

 

Group revenue down 4% to £53.9m (2024: £56.1m)  

o  UK retail sales declined 10% to £28.1m (2024: £31.3m), with store sales down 7% and digital down 16% driven by closure of non-profitable stores and a focus on reduced promotion online. UK Off Price sales grew ahead of Full Price sales due to improved inventory management while store sales were less impacted than digital from the reduction in promotions. Full Price stores benefited from a new retail incentive scheme.

o  Europe retail sales increased 13% to £6.0m (2024: £5.3m), supported by strong performance predominantly in Ireland which grew by 25%, due to a full half year of Brown Thomas, and European Mulberry.com growth.

o  USA retail sales declined 4% to £4.7m (2024: £4.9m), with store sales up 2% and digital down 6%. Digital miss was driven by digital concessions rather than Mulberry.com which was 5% up for the same period year on year.  

o  Asia Pacific retail sales decreased 17% to £7.7m (2024: £9.3m), with digital sales down 6% and store sales down 20%. The region has experienced double-digit revenue decline compared to last year, driven by economic conditions as well as the closure of unprofitable stores.

o  Franchise and wholesale revenue rose 36% to £7.3m (2024: £5.4m) driven by new wholesale agreements in the UK including John Lewis, Liberty and Harvey Nichols.

 

Q1 saw a decrease of 15% in Group revenue while Q2 revenue increased 10%; this was distorted slightly by the timing of wholesale orders and therefore the Retail (omni-channel) split was 16% decrease in Q1 and a Q2 increase of 1% versus the same period last year.

 

 

Gross margin

 

2025
2024
£'m
£'m
% change
Revenue
53.9
56.1
(4%)
Cost of sales
(16.6)
(18.8)
12%
Gross profit
37.3
37.3
-
Gross profit margin
69.2%
66.5%


 

Gross profit margin during the period was 69.2% (2024: 66.5%), resulting in Gross profit being in line with the prior period on lower revenue. This improvement in gross margin rate year on year is related to improved full price sales mix and optimised inventory management.

 

Other operating expenses

 

2025
2024
(Restated*)
£'m
£'m
% change
Operating expenses
16.7
16.2
3%
Staff costs
16.7
19.9
16%
Depreciation and amortisation
6.2
6.8
8%
Systems and comms
3.5
4.7
26%
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
(0.1)
0.2
(142%)
Underlying operating expenses
42.9
49.5
13%
SaaS costs
0.2
0.8
73%
Store closure credit
(1.0)
(0.8)
27%
Strategic project costs
-
0.4
100%
Restructure costs
0.5
0.8
34%
Operating expenses
42.7
50.7
16%

 

 

* Prior period overhead absorption costs of £2.5m have been restated into underlying operating expenses, from non-underlying operating expenses. The total operating expenses remain unchanged from the reported prior period at £50.7m.

 

 

Operating expenses decreased by 16% to £42.7m (2024: £50.7m), reflecting ongoing cost discipline. A cost base review has resulted in underlying operating expenses reducing by 13% for the first half versus the same period last year.

 

In light of the March 2021 IFRIC agenda decision to clarify the treatment of Software as a Service (SaaS) costs, during the period we expensed £0.2m (2024: £0.8m) of SaaS costs which would previously have been capitalised, in line with the accounting for configuration and customisation cost arrangements. We expect to incur further SaaS costs in the second half.

 

Taxation

 

The Group reported a tax charge for the period of £0.1m (2024: £0.4m.) This relates to prior and current period current tax charges.

 

Balance Sheet

 

Net working capital, which comprises inventories, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables decreased by £0.4m to £10.5m at the period end (2024: £10.9m). This decrease was driven by a reduction in inventories of £2.0m as we continue to build stock cover from the low point at March 2025, which has been offset by a reduction in trade and other payables of £2.6m, due to timing of supplier payments.

 

At the period end, other trade receivables had decreased by £1.0m, principally due to the timing of wholesale receipts at period end.

 

Lease liabilities (current and non-current) reduced by £12.8m to £32.6m (2024: £45.4m) due to the release of regular lease payments made in the period and store closures.

 

 

Cash flow

 

2025
2024
£'m
£'m
% change
Operating cash inflow/(outflow)
0.2
(7.0)
103%
Net change in working capital
(4.8)
15.7
(131%)
Cash (used)/generated by operations
(4.6)
8.7
(153%)
Income taxes paid
-
(0.2)
97%
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
(4.6)
8.5
(154%)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(0.1)
(0.7)
90%
Acquisition of intangible assets
(0.1)
(1.2)
90%
Other
0.1
0.1
(35%)
Net cash used in investing activities
(0.1)
(1.8)
94%
Interest paid
(2.1)
(2.6)
21%
Proceeds from issue of shares
0.1
-
100%
Proceeds from convertible loan note
20.0
-
100%
Proceeds from net borrowings
-
3.8
-
Proceeds received under a supplier financing agreement
10.3
-
100%
Repayment of net borrowings
(8.1)
(2.1)
(295%)
Repayments under a supplier finance agreement
(10.2)
-
(100%)
Principal elements of lease payments
(6.3)
(4.1)
(53%)
Net cash generated by/(used in) financing activities
3.7
(2.4)
174%
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1.0)
1.7
(158%)

 

 

The net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of £1.0m (2024: increase of £1.7m) included proceeds of £20m from the Group's previously announced fundraising which were received in this reporting period. Following the fundraising, £8.1m of net borrowings were re-paid.

 

As a result of the financial performance in the period there was an operating cash inflow of £0.2m (2024: outflow £7.0m). This cash inflow has been offset by an increase in net working capital which had a cash outflow of £4.8m (2024: inflow £15.7m). The outflow was largely driven by the increase in inventories of £4.9m to bring stock cover to an optimal level on core stock lines.   

 

 

Borrowing facilities

 

The Group had bank borrowings relating to drawdowns under its RCF of £9.5m at 27 September 2025 (2024: £17.5m). The borrowings shown in the balance sheet also include the convertible loan note of £19.3m (2024: £nil), loans from minority shareholders in the Chinese subsidiary of £6.9m (2024: £7.8m), and an overdraft of £nil (2024: £6.4m). Shown separately on the balance sheet is the liability under a supplier trade finance arrangement of £5.9m (2024: £nil.)

 

The Group's net debt balance (comprising cash and cash equivalents, less overdrafts and borrowings excluding loans from minority shareholders) at 27 September 2025 was £21.6m (2024: net debt of £16.4m), with available liquidity of £18.5m. Net debt comprises cash balances of £7.2m (2024: £8.8m) less bank borrowings of £9.5m (2024: £25.2m), and convertible loan note of £19.3m (2024: £nil), excluding loans from related parties and non-controlling interests of £6.9m (2024: £7.8m). Net debt also excludes lease liabilities of £32.6m (2024: £45.4m) and liabilities under a supplier finance arrangement of £5.9m (2024: £nil) which are not considered to be core borrowings.

 

The Group continues to have a £17.5m RCF, a £6.0m supplier trade finance facility which is backed by UK Export Finance and a £4.0m overdraft facility in the UK.

 

Significant transactions in the period

 

Fundraise

 

On 20 June 2025, the Group announced a new fundraising initiative via a convertible loan note of £20m, with both its major shareholders Challice Limited and Frasers Group Plc, to further strengthen the balance sheet. The initiative was concluded and funds received by 14 July 2025.

 

Retail Offer

On 10 July 2025 the Group announced a conditional offer of new ordinary 5p shares to the remaining shareholders for an issue price of £0.975 per share. On 31 July 2025 107,720 new shares were issued under the offer raising £0.1m net of expenses.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

Note
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025 £'000
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
28 September 2024
£'000
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
£'000
Revenue
53,932
56,145
120,389
Cost of sales
(16,588)
(18,813)
(39,953)
Gross profit
37,344
37,332
80,436
Impairment charge relating to intangibles
-
(161)
Impairment charge relating to property, plant and equipment
-
-
(338)
Impairment charge relating to right-of-use assets
-
-
(281)
Other operating expenses
(42,663)
(50,725)
(107,149)
Other operating income
415
281
626
Operating loss
(4,904)
(13,112)
(26,867)
Share of results of associates
36
11
42
Finance expense
(2,079)
(2,623)
(4,995)
Loss before tax
(6,947)
(15,724)
(31,820)
Tax charge
4
(78)
(374)
(381)
Loss for the period
(7,025)
(16,098)
(32,201)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
(6,605)
(15,068)
(30,376)
Non-controlling interests
(420)
(1,030)
(1,825)
Loss for the period
(7,025)
(16,098)
(32,201)
Basic loss per share
5
(10.0p)
(27.0p)
(49.8p)
Diluted loss per share
5
(10.0p)
(27.0p)
(49.8p)

 

All activities arise from continuing operations.

 

  

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025 £'000
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
28 September 2024 £'000
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
£'000
Loss for the period
(7,025)
(16,098)
(32,201)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss;
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(213)
51
140
Total comprehensive expense for the period
(7,238)
(16,047)
(32,061)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
(7,108)
(15,227)
(30,413)
Non-controlling interests
(130)
(820)
(1,648)
Total comprehensive expense for the period
(7,238)
(16,047)
(32,061)

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AT 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

Unaudited
27 September 2025 £'000
Unaudited
28 September 2024 £'000
Audited
29 March 2025
£'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
4,149
8,258
5,230
Property, plant and equipment
13,152
17,219
14,702
Right-of-use assets
23,348
30,591
26,738
Interests in associates
398
93
450
41,047
56,161
47,120
Current assets
Inventories
23,102
25,079
18,223
Trade and other receivables
12,069
13,120
13,107
Current tax asset
-
-
45
Cash and cash equivalents
7,200
8,761
8,200
42,371
46,960
39,575
Total assets
83,418
103,121
86,695
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
(24,694)
(27,259)
(24,715)
Liabilities under a supplier finance arrangement
(5,869)
-
(5,726)
Current tax liabilities
(24)
(290)
-
Lease liabilities
(8,784)
(10,526)
(10,153)
Borrowings
(16,368)
(25,175)
(17,596)
(55,739)
(63,250)
(58,190)
Net current liabilities
(13,368)
(16,290)
(18,615)
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
(2,189)
(2,155)
(2,318)
Lease liabilities
(23,690)
(34,898)
(29,735)
Borrowings
(19,326)
(7,785)
(7,229)
(45,205)
(44,838)
(39,282)
Total liabilities
(100,944)
(108,088)
(97,472)
Net liabilities
(17,526)
(4,967)
(10,777)
Equity
Share capital
3,529
3,004
3,524
Share premium account
21,874
12,160
21,779
Own share reserve
(396)
(490)
(365)
Capital redemption reserve
154
154
154
Foreign exchange reserve
(503)
(379)
(290)
Retained earnings
(33,880)
(12,070)
(27,405)
Equity attributable to holders of the parent
(9,222)
2,379
(2,603)
Non-controlling interests
(8,304)
(7,346)
(8,174)
Total equity
(17,526)
(4,967)
(10,777)

 

    

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

Share
capital
£'000
Share premium account £'000
Own share reserve £'000
Capital re-demption reserve £'000
Foreign exchange reserve £'000
Retained earnings £'000
Total
£'000
Non-controlling interest £'000
Total equity £'000
As at 1 April 2024
3,004
12,160
(438)
154
(430)
2,955
17,405
(6,526)
10,879
Loss for the period
-
-
-
-
-
(15,068)
(15,068)
(1,030)
(16,098)
Other comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
51
-
51
-
51
Total comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
51
(15,068)
(15,017)
(1,030)
(16,047)
Credit for employee share-based payments
-
-
-
-
-
(9)
(9)
-
(9)
Impairment of shares in trust
-
-
(52)
-
-
52
-
-
-
Non-controlling interest foreign exchange
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
210
210
As at 28 September 2024
3,004
12,160
(490)
154
(379)
(12,070)
2,379
(7,346)
(4,967)
Loss for the period
-
-
-
-
-
(15,308)
(15,308)
(795)
(16,103)
Other comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
89
-
89
-
89
Total comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
89
(15,308)
(15,219)
(795)
(16,014)
Issue of shares
520
9,619
-
-
-
-
10,139
-
10,139
Charge for employee share-based payments
-
-
-
-
-
98
98
-
98
Impairment of shares in trust
-
-
125
-
-
(125)
-
-
-
Non-controlling interest foreign exchange
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(33)
(33)
As at 29 March 2025
3,524
21,779
(365)
154
(290)
(27,405)
(2,603)
(8,174)
(10,777)
Loss for the period
-
-
-
-
-
(6,605)
(6,605)
(420)
(7,025)
Other comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
(213)
-
(213)
-
(213)
Total comprehensive expense for the period
-
-
-
-
(213)
(6,605)
(6,818)
(420)
(7,238)
Issue of shares
5
95
-
-
-
-
100
-
100
Charge for employee share-based payments
-
-
-
-
-
99
99
-
99
Impairment of shares in trust
-
-
(31)
-
-
31
-
-
-
Non-controlling interest foreign exchange
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
290
290
As at 27 September 2025
3,529
21,874
(396)
154
(503)
(33,880)
(9,222)
(8,304)
(17,526)

 

 

  

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025 £'000
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
28 September 2024 £'000
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
£'000
Operating loss for the period
(4,904)
(13,112)
(26,867)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
1,714
2,063
4,577
Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use assets
3,560
3,745
7,623
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
967
982
2,115
Gain on lease modifications and lease disposals
(1,203)
(802)
(1,228)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
-
65
217
Loss on sale of intangibles
-
-
2,568
Share-based payments expense/(credit)
99
(9)
89
Operating cash inflow/(outflow) before movements in working capital
233
(7,068)
(10,906)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(4,853)
8,080
14,619
Decrease in receivables
1,038
2,333
2,346
(Decrease)/increase in payables
(990)
5,332
2,590
Cash (used)/generated by operations
(4,572)
8,677
8,649
Income taxes paid
(6)
(208)
(550)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
(4,578)
8,469
8,099
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(68)
(704)
(1,152)
Acquisition of intangible fixed assets
(117)
(1,188)
(1,818)
Dividend received from associate
71
109
109
Net cash used in investing activities
(114)
(1,783)
(2,861)
Financing activities:
Interest paid
(2.060)
(2,623)
(4,995)
Proceeds from issue of shares
100
-
10,139
Proceeds from convertible loan notes
20,000
-
-
Proceeds from new borrowings
-
3,752
-
Proceeds received under a supplier financing agreement
10,282
-
9,647
Repayment of borrowings
(8,096)
(2,051)
(5,878)
Repayments under a supplier finance agreement
(10,220)
-
(3,921)
Principal elements of lease payments
(6,274)
(4,100)
(9,092)
Net cash generated/(used) in financing activities
3,732
(5,022)
(4,100)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(960)
1,664
1,138
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
8,200
7,138
7,138
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(40)
(41)
(76)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
7,200
8,761
8,200

 

 

  

 

 

Notes to the condensed financiAL statements

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Mulberry Group plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006.  The half year results and condensed consolidated financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025 (the interim financial statements) comprise the results for the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and the Group's interest in associates. The interim financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025 have not been reviewed or audited.

 

The information for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.  The statutory accounts for that period were approved by the Board of Directors on 10 July 2025 and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.  The auditor's report on those statutory accounts was not qualified, although included an emphasis of matter in respect of material uncertainty around going concern and did not contain statements under section 498(2) (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The report stated that should there be an extreme and prolonged decline in trading performance which is over and above the current trading levels and the level of mitigating actions including promotional activity was not achieved, then the Group would breach its covenants during the going concern period. This would give rise to a material uncertainty, which may cast significant doubt on the Group and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, meaning it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in the interim financial statements are consistent with those published in the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025.

 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and with International Accounting Standards (IAS) 34, Interim Financial Reporting, in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. This report should be read in conjunction with the Group's financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The Annual Report and Financial Statements are available from the Group's website (www.mulberry.com) or from the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office, The Rookery, Chilcompton, Bath, England, BA3 4EH.

 

CONVERTIBLE LOAN NOTES

 

The interest-bearing element of convertible loan notes are initially recorded at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The Group has determined that the conversion feature of the loan notes should be classified as a derivative financial liability. Derivative financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date.  The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the income statement immediately.

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

 

Preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires the Directors to make certain estimates and judgements that affect the measurement of reported revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities.

 

The critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty applied in the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those described on pages 74-75 of the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025.  

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

The management of the business and the execution of the Group's growth strategies are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Group's future development. The principal risks and uncertainties for the Group and the key mitigating actions used to address them are consistent with those outlined on pages 30-33 of the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025.

 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

 

In reporting financial information, the Group presents an APMs, which is not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS. The Group believes that these APMs, which are not considered to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures, provide stakeholders with additional helpful information on the performance of the business. These APMs are consistent with how the business performance is planned and reported within the internal management reporting to the Board of Directors. Some of these measures are also used for the purpose of setting remuneration targets.

 

The Group makes certain adjustments to the statutory profit or loss measures in order to derive the APMs. Adjusting items are those items which, in the opinion of the Directors, should be excluded in order to provide a consistent and comparable view of the performance of the Group's ongoing business. Generally, this will include those items that are largely one-off and material in nature as well as income or expenses relating to acquisitions or disposals of businesses or other transactions of a similar nature. Treatment as an adjusting item provides stakeholders with additional useful information to assess the year-on-year trading performance of the Group. 

 

A reconciliation of reported (loss)/profit before tax to underlying loss before tax is set out below:

 

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025 £'000
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
29 September 2024 £'000
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
£'000
Reconciliation to underlying loss before tax
Loss before tax
(6,947)
(15,724)
(31,820)
Store closure credit
(979)
(773)
(547)
Restructuring costs
541
824
3,106
Strategic project costs
-
424
982
Impairment charge related to intangibles
-
-
161
Impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment
-
-
338
Impairment charge related to right-of-use assets
-
-
281
Legal claim
-
1,250
Intangible software costs
-
2,563
Underlying loss before tax - non-GAAP measure
(7,385)
(15,249)
(23,686)
Underlying basic loss per share
(10.9p)
(26.7p)
(40.1p)
Underlying diluted loss per share
(10.9p)
(26.7p)
(40.1p)
Store closure charge
During the period 5 stores (2024: 1 store) were closed. The credit on disposal comprises the release to the income statement of lease and other liabilities of £1,197,000 (2024: £802,000) and the charge of lease exit costs of £218,000 (2024: £29,000).
Restructuring costs
During the period the Group continued its restructuring programme which began in the second half of the prior period and incurred redundancy costs of £541,000 (2024: £824,000).

 

3. GOING CONCERN

 

In determining whether the Group's accounts can be prepared on a going concern basis, the Directors considered the Group's business activities and cash requirements together with factors likely to affect its performance and financial position.

 

 

The Group's net debt balance (comprising cash and cash equivalents, less overdrafts and borrowings excluding loans from minority shareholders) at 27 September 2025 was £21.6m (2024: net debt of £16.4m), with available liquidity of £18.5m. Net debt comprises cash balances of £7.2m (2024: £8.8m) less bank borrowings of £9.5m (2024: £25.2m), and convertible loan note of £19.3m (2024: £nil), excluding loans from related parties and non-controlling interests of £6.9m (2024: £7.8m). Net debt also excludes lease liabilities of £32.6m (2024: £45.4m) and liabilities under a supplier finance arrangement of £5.9m (2024: £nil) which are not considered to be core borrowings.

 

The Group's full year financial statements for the period ended 29 March 2025 were announced on 10th July 2025 and the Directors concluded that there were adequate resources for the Group to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. However, the Directors acknowledged the existence of a material uncertainty in the severe but plausible scenario of either a prolonged macro climate downturn or the non-renewal of uncommitted facilities, and an inability to mitigate this impact through cost savings and working capital management. The Directors have continued to review the 12-month forecasts including their resilience in the face of possible downside scenarios.

 

Based on the assessment outlined above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has access to adequate resources to enable it to continue to operate as a going concern for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, the Directors consider it appropriate for the Group to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Interim Report and financial statements.

 

4. TAXATION

 

The tax charge relates to prior period and current period current tax charges. 

 

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE ('EPS')

 

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
29 September 2024
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
Basic loss per share
(10.0p)
(27.0p)
(49.8p)
Diluted loss per share
(10.0p)
(27.0p)
(49.8p)
Underlying basic loss per share
(10.9p)
(26.7p)
(40.1p)
Underlying diluted loss per share
(10.9p)
(26.7p)
(40.1p)

 

Earnings per share is calculated based on the following data:

 

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
29 September 2024
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
Loss for the period for basic and diluted earnings per share
(7,025)
(16,098)
(32,201)
Adjusting items:
Restructuring costs *
406
618
2,330
Store closure (credit)/charge *
(1,003)
(773)
(565)
Strategic costs
-
318
737
Impairment charge related to intangibles
-
-
161
Impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment*
-
-
335
Impairment charge related to right-of-use assets*
-
-
385
Legal claim
-
938
Intangible software costs
-
1,922
Underlying loss for the period for basic and diluted earnings per share
(7,622)
(15,935)
(25,958)

 

*These items are included net of tax

 

 

 

 

Unaudited
26 weeks ended
27 September 2025 Million
Unaudited
26 weeks ended
29 September 2024
Million
Audited
52 weeks ended
29 March 2025
Million
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic EPS
70.1
59.7
64.7
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares
-
-
-
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted EPS
70.1
59.7
64.7

 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period excludes those held by the Employee Share Trust.

 

 

 

6. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

 

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), defined as the Board of Directors, to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis. The Group also presents analysis by geographical destination and product categories.

a)     Business segment

The Group continues to extend its omni-channel network in order to support the Group's global growth ambitions. Mulberry has thus become increasingly reliant on individual market-level profitability metrics to enable them to make timely market-centric decisions that are operational and investment in nature. It is therefore appropriate for the segmental analysis disclosures to be a regional view of segments to reflect the current business operations and the way the business internally reports and the information that the CODM reviews and makes strategic decisions based on its financial results.

 

As previously advised in the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025 due to the increased significance of the USA region to the Group, USA, which was previously reported as part of the Other International region, is now reported in its own segment. The reportable segments are now UK, Europe, USA and Asia Pacific (Other International has been renamed as Europe). The segmental reporting for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025 on the new basis was previously disclosed in the Annual Report and is shown below. The segmental reporting for the 26 weeks ended 28 September 2024 has been restated to reflect the revised segments.

 

The principal activities are as follows:

·      The Group designs, manufactures and manages the Mulberry brand for the segment and therefore the finance income and expense are not attributable to the reportable segments.

·      The accounting policies of the reportable segment are the same as described in the Group's financial statements. Information regarding the results of the reportable segment is included below. Performance for the segment is assessed based on operating profit/(loss).

 

 

 

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT

26 WEEKS ENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2025

UK
£'000
Europe
£'000
USA
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Eliminations £'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
Omni-channel
61,010
6,018
4,728
7,705
(32,861)
46,600
Wholesale
1,336
5,114
44
838
7,332
Total revenue
62,346
11,132
4,772
8,543
(32,861)
53,932
Segment (loss)/profit
(4,776)
3,696
(212)
(2,113)
(3,405)
Central costs
(1,937)
Store closure credit
979
Restructuring costs
(541)
Operating loss
(4,904)
Share of results of associates
36
Finance expense
(2,079)
Loss before tax
(6,947)
UK
£'000
Europe
£'000
USA
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Central
£'000
Total
£'000
Segment cost of sales
40,586
4,740
1,019
3,104
(32,861)
16,588
Segment depreciation and amortisation
3,715
420
275
874
957
6,241
Segment capital expenditure
129
-
-
32
-
161
Segment assets
54,988
6,025
5,271
10,876
6,258
83,418
Segment liabilities
54,782
3,439
4,419
11,996
26,308
100,944

 

  

 

 

 

 

26 WEEKS ENDED 28 september 2024 (restated*)

UK
£'000
Europe (restated*)
£'000
USA (restated*)
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Eliminations £'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
Omni-channel
51,019
5,330
4,900
9,267
(19,774)
50,742
Wholesale
343
4,128
36
896
5,403
Total revenue
51,362
9,458
4,936
10,163
(19,774)
56,145
Segment (loss)/profit
(8,020)
1,457
(423)
(4,047)
(11,033)
Central costs
(1,604)
Store closure credit
773
Restructuring costs
(824)
Strategic project costs
(424)
Operating loss
(13,112)
Share of results of associates
11
Finance expense
(2,623)
Loss before tax
(15,724)
UK
£'000
Europe (restated*) £'000
USA (restated*)
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Central
£'000
Total
£'000
Segment cost of sales
28,062
5,358
1,252
3,915
(19,774)
18,813
Segment depreciation and amortisation
4,108
326
324
1,073
959
6,790
Segment capital expenditure
792
-
-
198
-
990
Segment assets
71,162
3,832
6,433
13,339
8,355
103,121
Segment liabilities
72,931
3,411
7,534
16,147
8,065
108,088

 

 

 

*As described above Europe and USA which were previously reported as Other International, are now reported in their own segments for clarity.

 

   

 

 

 

52 WEEKS ENDED 29 MARCH 2025

UK
£'000
Europe
£'000
USA
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Eliminations £'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
Omni-channel
113,336
11,803
10,968
18,865
(45,560)
109,412
Wholesale
850
8,141
79
1,907
10,977
Total revenue
114,186
19,944
11,047
20,772
(45,560)
120,389
Segment (loss)/profit
(11,906)
1,470
(499)
(4,245)
(15,180)
Central costs
(3,553)
Store closure credit
547
Restructuring costs
(3,106)
Impairment of intangibles
(161)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
(338)
Impairment of right-of-use assets
(281)
Strategic costs
(982)
Legal claim
(1,250)
Intangible asset write off
(2,563)
Operating loss
(26,867)
Share of results of associates
42
Finance expense
(4,995)
Loss before tax
(31,820)
UK
£'000
Europe
£'000
USA
£'000
Asia Pacific
£'000
Central
£'000
Total
£'000
Segment cost of sales
64,525
10,458
2,653
7,877
(45,560)
39,953
Segment depreciation and amortisation
8,370
(82)
858
3,253
1,916
14,315
Segment capital expenditure
1,585
34
4
478
-
2,101
Segment assets
57,305
5,925
5,607
10,894
6,964
86,695
Segment liabilities
64,507
4,024
6,194
15,158
7,589
97,472

 

 

For the purposes of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments, the Chief Operating Decision Maker, which is deemed to be the Board, monitors the tangible, intangible and financial assets. All assets are allocated to the reportable segment.

(b) Product categories

 

Leather accessories account for around 90% of the Group's revenues, of which bags represent over 70% of revenues. Other important product categories include small leather goods, shoes, soft accessories and women's ready-to-wear. Net asset information is not allocated by product category.

 

 

 

7. CONVERTIBLE LOAN NOTE

 

 

On 20 June 2025, the Group announced a new fundraising initiative via a convertible loan note of £20m, with both its major shareholders Challice Limited and Frasers Group Plc participating, funds were received by 14 July 2025.

 

The interest-bearing element of the convertible loan notes were initially recorded at fair value and subsequently remeasured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The value of the loan notes including accrued interest at 27 September 2025 is £19.3m and is classified as borrowings within non-current liabilities.

 

The conversion feature of the loan notes has been classified as a derivative financial liability and was initially recorded at fair value and subsequently remeasured to fair value at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the derivative at 27 September 2025 is £0.5m and is included within trade and other payables in current liabilities.

 

 

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