AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

CECONOMY AG

Quarterly Report Oct 30, 2007

75_10-q_2007-10-30_11d504e9-97a2-4656-b233-bd657a0c1b05.pdf

Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Interim Financial Report 9M/Q3 2007

METRO Group raises sales guidance

  • Group sales grow by 10.8% to €46.0 billion in the first nine months
  • Sales in Germany increase by 7.4% (organic growth: +0.4%)
  • International sales grow very dynamically: +13.5% to €26.5 billion Western Europe: +5.4%; Eastern Europe: +24.6%
  • EBIT adjusted for integration-related costs significantly above prior year
  • Outlook 2007:
  • Sales guidance raised to >9%
  • EBIT increase of 6 8% confirmed

Q3 2007:

METRO Group: Sales +10.8%; EBIT +14.8%

Metro Cash & Carry: Sales +6.3%, EBIT +19.3%

Real completes integration of Wal-Mart Germany with closure of headquarters

Media Markt and Saturn: Sales +13.6%, EBIT +5.2%

Galeria Kaufhof already EBIT positive in Q3

Contents

  • 3 Overview
  • 4 Interim Group Management Report
  • 4 Financial Position and Financial Performance
  • 6 Opportunities and Risks
  • 7 Subsequent Events and Outlook
  • 8 Metro Cash & Carry
  • 9 Real
  • 10 Media Markt and Saturn
  • 11 Galeria Kaufhof
  • 12 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
  • 12 Income Statement
  • 13 Balance Sheet
  • 14 Cash Flow Statement
  • 15 Statement of Changes in Equity
  • 16 Notes
  • 16 Segment Reporting
  • 19 Financial Calendar

Overview

*before special items

€ million 9M 2007 9M 2006 Change Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Change
Sales 45,962 41,472 10.8% 15,650 14,131 10.8%
Germany 19,510 18,172 7.4% 6,429 6,014 6.9%
International 26,453 23,300 13.5% 9,221 8,116 13.6%
International share of sales 57.6% 56.2% - 58.9% 57.4% -
EBITDA 1,695 1,626 4.3% 643 574 12.1%
EBIT 742 741 0.2% 323 282 14.8%
EBT 382 399 -4.2% 180 164 10.1%
EPS (€) 0.09 1.07 -91.5% -0.20 0.25 -
from continuing operations 0.09 0.63 -85.7% -0.20 0.25 -
from continuing operations
before special items
0.58 0.63 -8.4% 0.29 0.25 15.7%
from discontinued operations - 0.44 - - - -
Capex 1,316 1,219 8.0% 606 538 12.7%
Stores 2,401 2,219 8.2% 2,401 2,219 8.2%
Selling space (1,000 sqm) 12,020 10,784 11.5% 12,020 10,784 11.5%

Interim Group Management Report

Financial Position and Financial Performance

Sales

From January until September 2007 METRO Group generated sales of €46.0 billion (9M 2006: €41.5 billion). This corresponds to an increase of 10.8% (adjusted for currency effects: +10.6%).

In Q3 2007 sales growth amounted to 10.8% (adjusted for currency effects: +10.1%) despite a negative calendar effect due to a missing trading day compared to last year. This growth rate almost reaches the high H1 level. Also in Q3 2007 organic growth (excluding the acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany and Géant in Poland) was 7.1% and above the medium-term growth target of METRO Group of around 6% p.a. The international share of sales reached a new record of nearly 59%.

Sales in Germany rose by 7.4% to €19.5 billion in the first nine months. Despite the reduction in purchasing power due to the VAT increase at the beginning of 2007, organic sales growth was 0.4%.

Regardless of the negative calendar effect, sales grew by 6.9% in Q3 2007. Organic sales growth was above the rate in H1 2007 and was 0.5%.

Internationally, sales grew in the first nine months by 13.5% to €26.5 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +13.0%). Organically, international sales grew by 11.9%.

The international business continued also in Q3 2007 to be the growth driver of METRO Group. Sales grew by 13.6% to €9.2 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +12.4%). Organic sales growth amounted to 12.0%.

Sales in Western Europe (excluding Germany) grew significantly by 5.5% to €14.3 billion in the first three quarters, especially against the backdrop of the positive business development at Media Markt and Saturn. Thereby, the influence from currency effects was negligible.

The negative calendar effect, as well as the unfavourable weather conditions in several countries in July and August, dampened sales growth in Q3 2007, which amounted to 4.1%.

In the first nine months, sales in Eastern Europe grew dynamically by 24.6% to €10.8 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +22.5%). Organic sales growth was 20.2%.

In Q3 2007, sales growth accelerated. Sales increased by 26.8% to €3.9 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +22.6%). Organic sales growth was 22.5%. The sales development in Russia, Romania, Poland and Turkey was particularly good.

From January until September, sales in Asia/ Africa increased significantly by 26.7% to €1.3 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +32.1%). All Asian countries contributed to this good performance with double-digit sales growth.

In Q3 2007, sales increased by 27.0% to €0.5 billion (adjusted for currency effects: +30.9%).

Earnings

In the first nine months, EBITDA reached €1,695 million (9M 2006: €1,626 million). EBIT was €742 million (9M 2006: €741 million) and included expenses amounting to €45 million resulting from the integration of Real's acquisitions executed in 2006. Adjusted for these integration expenses at Real, EBIT rose significantly above prior year's level. In the segment Other, earnings resulting from active real estate portfolio management were €38 million (9M 2006: €29 million). EBT was €382 million after €399 million in 9M 2006. Changes in German tax legislation, especially the corporate tax reform 2008, resulted in an extraordinary, additional, noncash effective tax expense of €160 million. Accordingly, EPS from continuing operations was €0.09. Excluding the tax special item, EPS from continuing operations was €0.58 compared to €0.63 last year.

In Q3 2007 METRO Group's EBITDA reached €643 million and thus grew by 12.1%. EBIT increased to €323 million (Q3 2006: €282 million). In the segment Other earnings resulting from active real estate portfolio management contributed €27 million. EBT reached €180 million after €164 million in Q3 2006 and reflected higher interest expenses as well as a negative, currency-related Other financial result. Changes in German tax legislation, especially the corporate tax reform 2008, resulted in an extraordinary, additional, noncash effective tax expense of €160 million. Accordingly, EPS from continuing operations was €-0.20. Excluding this special item, EPS amounted to €0.29. Therefore, the adjusted tax rate was on prior year's level.

Capital expenditure

From January until September 2007, METRO Group's capex amounted to €1,316 million following €1,219 million in 9M 2006.

Store network

In the first nine months, the store network was further extended by 58 new store openings. 36 stores were disposed of respectively closed, thereof 31 at Real in Germany, three at Media Markt and Saturn in France, and two at Galeria Kaufhof.

Metro Cash & Carry's store network was extended by eight stores. Real opened seven hypermarkets and two Extra supermarkets. Media Markt and Saturn was able to open 40 new stores. Galeria Kaufhof opened one new department store.

In Q3 2007, 27 stores were opened, thereof six at Metro Cash & Carry, four at Real and 17 at Media Markt and Saturn - including the largest Media Markt Europe-wide with 7,600 sqm sales area in Berlin and the first store in Turkey.

As at the end of September METRO Group operated 2,401 stores.

Funding

METRO Group's short- and medium-term funding comprises typical capital markets' issuance programmes. Among these are the "Euro Commercial Paper Programme" started in 1999, and the "Commercial Paper Programme" specifically geared to French investors. The drawdown on both programmes in the reporting period amounted on average to €1,723 million. Furthermore, as per 30 September 2007, €2,116 million bilateral bank credit facilities were drawn down.

Balance Sheet

Total assets decreased by €1.5 billion to €30.6 billion compared to year-end closing 2006. The change in current assets of €1.3 billion is largely attributed to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents compared to year-end closing 2006.

As at third quarter-end closing 2007, METRO Group's balance sheet reported equity of €5.7 billion, which was below the year-end 2006 amount due to the dividend payment in Q2. The equity ratio remained almost unchanged at 18.8%.

After netting cash and cash equivalents with financial debts (including finance leases) net debt totalled €8.0 billion compared with €5.2 billion as at 31 December 2006. This increase in net debt is characteristic and resulted mainly from the reduction in trade payables of €2.3 billion. The reason behind this reduction lies in the high share Q4 sales contribute to the full year, which consistently corresponds to high trade payables at year-end closing. Year-on-year net debt rose only slightly by €0.1 billion.

Cash flow

A cash outflow of €1.3 billion (9M 2006: €0.9 billion) resulted from current operating activities in 9M 2007.

Investing activities led to cash outflows of €0.7 billion. Last year, the divestment of Praktiker led to a smaller cash outflow of €0.5 billion. Cash flow from financing activities showed inflows of €1.1 billion (9M 2006: €0.7 billion).

Opportunities and Risks

In 9M 2007 no significant change arose from the reported opportunities and risks concerning the ongoing development of the METRO Group as described in detail in the Annual Report 2006 (p. 63-66). There are no potentially ruinous risks for the company and presently no risks can be identified that could endanger the company's existence in the future.

Subsequent Events and Outlook

Events after the quarter-end closing

Material events after the quarter-end closing were non-existent.

Outlook

We shall consequently continue our profitable growth path. On the basis of economic forecasts, the sector's business situation and developments in the sales divisions, we expect a positive business development in 2007 for the METRO Group.

Over the medium-term we expect the METRO's profitable growth strategy to lead to sales growth of around 6% and an even higher increase in EBIT growth before special items. In 2007 we now project a sales growth of more than 9% (previously 8% to 9%) including the acquisitions of the Wal-Mart Germany and the Géant business in Poland. We expect an EBIT increase of 6% to 8% based on EBIT of €1,910 million. The basis is the EBIT adjusted for effects resulting from the repositioning of Real including the acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany and Géant in Poland.

In 2007 our investments in the current store network, including the conversion of the Wal-Mart stores to the Real brand, and in our organic expansion are expected to total about €2.5 billion.

On 25 September 2007, the employees of Extra were informed, that the Management Board of METRO AG is currently reviewing potential strategic options for the sales brand Extra. At the end of September the sales division Real operated 252 supermarkets under the sales brand Extra concentrated in Northern and Western Germany as well as in Berlin.

We are working to further extend our position as a leading international retailer also in the future. Thereby, we will continue to assume our social responsibility.

9M 2007 9M 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl 9M 2007 9M 2006 (in %)
Sales 22,541 21,356 5.5 2.1 EBITDA (€ million) 908 821 10.6
EBIT (€ million) 606 526 15.1
Germany 4,063 4,097 -0.8 -2.4 Capex (€ million) 506 521 -2.9
Western Europe 9,071 9,067 0.1 -0.3 Stores (number) 592 561 5.5
Eastern Europe 8,177 7,141 14.5 7.3 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 4,579 4,350 5.3
Asia/Africa 1,230 1,052 16.9 5.2 Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
104,180 98,086 6.2

Metro Cash & Carry

Sales at Metro Cash & Carry grew by 5.5% to €22.5 billion in the first nine months compared to a high prior year level. Adjusted for currency effects, sales increased by 5.1%. In Q3 2007, the growth rate was higher at 6.3% (excluding currency effects: +5.3%).

In Germany sales declined slightly. Despite the negative calendar effect, sales in Q3 2007 however showed a better development than in H1 2007.

Sales in Western Europe were slightly above prior year's level and amounted to €9.1 billion. Especially in Q3 2007, like-forlike sales decreased slightly. Besides the negative calendar effect, business was impaired by unfavourable weather conditions in several countries.

In the first nine months, sales in Eastern Europe rose significantly by 14.5% to €8.2 billion (excluding currency effects: +12.6%). Like-for-like sales growth amounted to 7.3%. The high-revenue countries Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Turkey showed above-average sales growth rates. The sales development accelerated in Q3 2007.

Sales in Asia/Africa increased significantly by 16.9% to €1.2 billion in the first nine months (excluding currency effects: +21.9%). All Asian countries showed double-digit growth rates.

The international share of sales increased from 80.8% to 82.0%.

Earnings also followed the good development seen already in H1 2007. From January until September 2007, EBITDA increased by 10.6% to €908 million. With the good like-for-like sales development, EBIT also improved significantly by 15.1% to €606 million.

From January until September, capex for expansion as well as for the modernisation of the store network amounted to €506 million. The store network was enlarged by eight stores. Two Metro Cash & Carry stores were opened in both Russia and Ukraine. In Germany, Denmark, China and Vietnam one store each was opened.

Metro Cash & Carry is the most international sales division of METRO Group with a presence in 28 countries and operates a total of 592 stores, thereof 121 in Germany, 252 in Western Europe, 165 in Eastern Europe and 54 in Asia/Africa.

Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl Q3 2007 Q3 2006 (in %)
Sales 7,784 7,322 6.3 2.9 EBITDA (€ million) 324 285 13.4
EBIT (€ million) 222 186 19.3
Germany 1,353 1,356 -0.3 -1.8 Capex (€ million) 250 264 -5.4
Western Europe 3,090 3,109 -0.6 -0.9 Stores (number) 592 561 5.5
Eastern Europe 2,930 2,508 16.9 9.5 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 4,579 4,350 5.3
Asia/Africa 411 350 17.6 7.9 Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
104,180 98,086 6.2

Real

9M 2007 9M 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl 9M 2007 9M 2006 (in %)
Sales 8,937 7,097 25.9 -0.9 EBITDA (€ million) -48 26 -
EBIT (€ million) -182 -75 -
Germany 7,386 6,265 17.9 -1.4 Capex (€ million) 252 122 -
Stores (number) 679 591 14.9
Eastern Europe 1,551 832 86.6 2.7 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 3,494 2,700 29.4
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
60,987 44,252 37.8

In the first nine months, sales at Real increased by 25.9% to €8.9 billion (excluding currency effects: +25.7%).The acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany and Géant in Poland, which took place in 2006, contributed especially with €1.7 billion to this development. Adjusted for these acquisitions, sales growth amounted to 2.6%. Like-for-like sales decreased slightly by 0.9% year-on-year.

In Germany like-for-like sales declined by 1.4% in 9M 2007. Thereby, Q3 showed a below-average development due to the negative calendar effect. The integration of Wal-Mart Germany was fully completed with the closure of the headquarters by the end of September. Meanwhile, 14 of the 85 acquired stores have been disposed of.

Further conversions of Real's heritage store network progressed with ten hypermarkets in Q3 2007. At the end of Q3 2007, a total of 35 concept stores have been converted.

The selective expansion in Eastern Europe continued very successfully. Sales grew by 86.6% to €1.6 billion. All Géant stores were converted to Real already by the end of March. Also the organic sales grew significantly by 40.4%.

The international share of sales grew from 11.7% to 17.4%.

EBITDA amounted to €-48 million after €26 million year-on-year. EBIT was €-182 million (9M 2006: €-75 million) and included integration expenses of €45 million. Furthermore, Q3 in particular was burdened by higher start-up losses for the accelerated international expansion in Eastern Europe.

In 9M 2007 capex amounted to €252 million (9M 2006: €122 million). In Germany 31 stores were disposed of (14 former Wal-Mart, eight Real and nine Extra stores). One Extra supermarket was converted to Real and one Wal-Mart store to Extra. Four hypermarkets were opened in Russia, two in Turkey, one in Romania and two Extra supermarkets in Germany. At the end of September the store network comprised 679 stores, thereof 601 in Germany (349 hypermarkets) and 78 in Eastern Europe.

Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl Q3 2007 Q3 2006 (in %)
Sales 2,928 2,360 24.1 -1.6 EBITDA (€ million) -28 -8 -
EBIT (€ million) -75 -41 -83.9
Germany 2,376 2,070 14.8 -2.5 Capex (€ million) 85 57 48.6
Stores (number) 679 591 14.9
Eastern Europe 552 290 90.6 4.8 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 3,494 2,700 29.4
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
60,987 44,252 37.8
9M 2007 9M 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl 9M 2007 9M 2006 (in %)
Sales 11,390 9,988 14.0 3.8 EBITDA (€ million) 401 374 7.2
EBIT (€ million) 249 235 5.8
Germany 5,364 5,068 5.8 1.7 Capex (€ million) 266 223 19.2
Western Europe 4,975 4,244 17.2 4.2 Stores (number) 658 590 11.5
Eastern Europe 1,051 676 55.5 16.6 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 2,046 1,809 13.1
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
49,488 42,216 17.2

Media Markt and Saturn

In first nine months sales at Media Markt and Saturn increased by 14.0% to €11.4 billion (excluding currency effects: +14.0%). Like-for-like sales grew significantly by 3.8%.

The market position in Germany was strengthened further. Despite the VAT increase, sales grew by 5.8% from January until September. Regardless of the high store density, like-for-like sales grew by 1.7%. In Q3 2007, the like-for-like sales growth of 2.6% was significantly higher than the growth rate in H1 2007.

In the first nine months, sales in Western Europe grew significantly by 17.2% to €5.0 billion (excluding currency effects: +17.7%). Except for France, all countries generated sales growth. Thereby, like-forlike sales in Belgium and The Netherlands showed an above-average development. Considering the tough comparatives and lower marketing intensity, sales growth decelerated in Q3 2007.

In Eastern Europe sales increased by 55.5% to €1.1 billion (excluding currency effects: +51.2%). In Q3 the business development remained on a high level following very good prior quarters.

The international share of sales increased significantly from 49.3% to 52.9%.

EBITDA improved from €374 million to €401 million. EBIT grew from €235 million to €249 million despite higher start-up losses in the new countries Russia, Sweden and Turkey.

Capex in the store network amounted to €266 million after €223 million in 9M 2006. The store network was enlarged by 40 stores (9M 2006: 32). In Germany nine stores were opened, among them the currently largest Media Markt at Berlin Alexanderplatz in the shopping centre "Alexa" opened on 12 September 2007. Spain and Italy opened six stores each. Five stores opened in Poland. The store network in France, Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary and Russia was extended each by two new stores and in Switzerland, Austria and Portugal by one store each. The first Media Markt in Turkey opened on 25 September 2007 in Istanbul.

At the end of September 2007 the store network of Media Markt and Saturn comprised 658 stores in now 15 countries, thereof 349 in Germany, 242 in Western Europe and 67 in Eastern Europe.

Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl Q3 2007 Q3 2006 (in %)
Sales 3,901 3,434 13.6 2.4 EBITDA (€ million) 176 167 5.1
EBIT (€ million) 126 120 5.2
Germany 1,794 1,670 7.4 2.6 Capex (€ million) 134 90 48.7
Western Europe 1,733 1,520 14.0 0.5 Stores (number) 658 590 11.5
Eastern Europe 374 244 53.4 13.1 Selling space (1,000 sqm) 2,046 1,809 13.1
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
49,488 42,216 17.2

Galeria Kaufhof

9M 2007 9M 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl 9M 2007 9M 2006 (in %)
Sales 2,411 2,446 -1.4 -2.0 EBITDA (€ million) 30 10 -
EBIT (€ million) -48 -72 33.0
Germany 2,185 2,236 -2.3 -3.0 Capex (€ million) 72 108 -33.6
Western Europe 226 210 7.2 7.6 Stores (number) 141 142 -0.7
Selling space (1,000 sqm) 1,481 1,486 -0.3
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
18,343 19,017 -3.5

Sales in the first nine months at Galeria Kaufhof decreased by 1.4%. However, gross sales maintained prior year's level. Like-for-like sales developed better in Q3 2007 than in H1 2007. Especially taking into account the missing trading day and the unfavourable weather conditions in July and August, this development is satisfactory.

In Germany, sales declined by 2.3% to €2.2 billion. While apparel sales developed well despite the poor summer weather, the hardline assortment sales decreased. All in all, in Q3 2007 Galeria Kaufhof compensated by and large the effects of the VAT increase in Q3 2007 despite the missing trading day.

In Belgium, the development continued benignly and sales increased by 7.2% to €226 million.

The international share of sales grew from 8.6% to 9.4% year-on-year.

In the first nine months EBITDA of Galeria Kaufhof reached €30 million after €10 million in 9M 2006. EBIT significantly improved by €24 million to €-48 million. A higher gross margin and the unchanged high cost orientation contributed to this improvement. Typically, German department stores reach positive earnings in Q4. Notwithstanding, Galeria Kaufhof already achieved EBIT positive in Q3.

From January until September 2007 capex in the store network was €72 million (9M 2006: €108 million). In Q1 the department store network was extended by one store in Berlin. In Q3 another Berlin store was closed as was a small-sized store in Q1.

Following the store at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Galeria Kaufhof presents from 13 September 2007, the "World Class Shopping" concept in Hannover near the central station. With around 27,000 sqm of sales space on six floors, newly-designed lifestyle departments set new standards.

Therewith, the store network comprised 141 stores, thereof 126 in Germany and 15 in Belgium.

Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Change (in %) Change
€ million € million total lfl Q3 2007 Q3 2006 (in %)
Sales 814 830 -1.9 -1.3 EBITDA (€ million) 29 20 43.6
EBIT (€ million) 4 -7 -
Germany 738 757 -2.6 -2.0 Capex (€ million) 40 24 71.8
Western Europe 77 73 5.1 5.7 Stores (number) 141 142 -0.7
Selling space (1,000 sqm) 1,481 1,486 -0.3
Employees at closing date
(full-time basis)
18,343 19,017 -3.5

Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Income Statement

€ million 9M 2007 9M 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006
Net sales 45,962 41,472 15,650 14,131
Cost of sales -36,541 -33,109 -12,425 -11,271
Gross profit on sales 9,421 8,363 3,225 2,860
Other operating income 1,174 1,087 429 345
Selling expenses -8,775 -7,800 -2,956 -2,614
General administrative expenses -1,013 -852 -354 -287
Other operating expenses -65 -57 -21 -22
EBIT 742 741 323 282
Result from associated companies 0 0 0 0
Other investment result 2 1 2 0
Interest income 142 105 57 35
Interest expenses -495 -445 -180 -152
Other financial result -9 -3 -22 -1
Net financial income -360 -342 -143 -118
EBT 382 399 180 164
Income taxes -284 -132 -217 -55
thereof extraordinary expenses due to changes in German tax
legislation (especially corporate tax reform 2008)
-160 - -160 -
Income from continuing operations 98 267 -37 109
Income from discontinued operations after taxes - 143 - -
Net profit for the period 98 410 -37 109
allocable to minorities 68 60 28 28
from continuing operations 68 60 28 28
from discontinued operations - - - -
allocable to stockholders of METRO AG 30 350 -65 81
from continuing operations 30 207 -65 81
from discontinued operations - 143 - -
Earnings per share (€) 0.09 1.07 -0.20 0.25
from continuing operations 0.09 0.63 -0.20 0.25
from discontinued operations - 0.44 - -

Balance Sheet

Assets 30.09.2007 30.09.2006 31.12.2006
€ million
Non-current assets 18,763 17,526 18,978
Goodwill 4,382 4,159 4,379
Other intangible assets 492 431 478
Tangible assets 12,280 10,998 12,087
Investment properties 112 144 136
Financial assets 110 143 139
Other receivables and assets 485 515 535
Deferred tax assets 902 1,136 1,224
Current assets 11,873 9,940 13,170
Inventories 6,634 5,810 6,640
Trade receivables 456 376 481
Financial assets 16 36 21
Other receivables and assets 2,638 2,218 2,852
Entitlements to income tax refunds 297 284 279
Cash & cash equivalents 1,832 1,108 2,732
Non-current assets held for sale - 108 165
30,636 27,466 32,148
Equity and Liabilities 30.09.2007 30.09.2006 31.12.2006
€ million
Equity 5,747 5,317 6,047
Capital Stock 835 835 835
Additonal paid-in capital 2,544 2,551 2,544
Reserves retained from earnings 2,116 1,713 2,451
Minority interests 252 218 217
Non-current liabilities 8,542 8,672 8,869
Provisions for pensions and similar commitments 987 995 1,023
Other provisions 502 445 506
Financial liabilities 6,186 6,291 6,279
Other liabilities 587 461 599
Deferred tax liabilities 280 480 462
Current liabilities 16,347 13,477 17,232
Trade payables 10,113 8,534 12,416
Provisions 632 268 719
Financial liabilities 3,677 2,742 1,740
Other liabilities 1,852 1,800 2,029
Income tax liabilities 73 105 304
Liabilities related to non-current assets held for sale - 28 24
30,636 27,466 32,148

Cash Flow Statement

€ million 9M 2007 9M 2006
EBIT 742 741
Depreciation and amortisation on tangible and intangible assets 953 885
Change in provisions for pensions and other provisions -131 -10
Change in net working capital -2,297 -1,982
Income taxes paid -402 -336
Other -165 -174
Cash flow from operating activities of continuing operations -1,300 -876
Cash flow from operating activities of discontinued operations - -
Total cash flow from operating activities -1,300 -876
Cash inflow from the acquisition of Wal-Mart 186 -
Investments in tangible assets (excl. finance leases) -1,202 -1,024
Other investments -136 -221
Divestment of Praktiker - 484
Disposals of fixed assets 415 321
Cash flow from investing activities of continuing operations -737 -440
Cash flow from investing activities of discontinued operations - -
Total cash flow from investing activities -737 -440
Profit distribution
METRO AG stockholders -366 -334
other stockholders -45 -50
Change of financial debts 1,825 1,313
Interest paid -490 -435
Interest received 140 112
Profit and loss transfers and other financing activities 72 58
Cash flow from financing activities of continuing operations 1,136 664
Cash flow from financing activities of discontinued operations - -
Total cash flow from financing activities 1,136 664
Total cash flows -901 -652
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents 1 -7
Overall change in cash and cash equivalents -900 -659
Cash and cash equivalents on January 1 2,732 1,767
Cash and cash equivalents on September 30 1,832 1,108
less cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations as per September 30 - -
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations as per September 30 1,832 1,108

Statement of Changes in Equity

Capital Stock Capital
reserve
Reserves
retained from
Total Minorities Total equity
€ million earnings
01.01.2006 835 2,551 1,721 5,107 206 5,313
Net profit for the period - - 350 350 60 410
Profit distribution - - -334 -334 -50 -384
Remeasurement IAS 39 - - 4 4 - 4
Currency translation - - -30 -30 0 -30
Other - - 2 2 2 4
30.09.2006 835 2,551 1,713 5,099 218 5,317
01.01.2007 835 2,544 2,451 5,830 217 6,047
Net profit for the period - - 30 30 68 98
Profit distribution - - -366 -366 -45 -411
Remeasurement IAS 39 - - 20 20 - 20
Currency translation - - -21 -21 1 -20
Other - - 2 2 11 13
30.09.2007 835 2,544 2,116 5,495 252 5,747

Notes

Segment Reporting 9M 2007

Sales Divisions

Metro Media Markt Other/
Cash & Carry Real and Saturn Galeria Kaufhof Consolidation METRO Group
€ million 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006
External sales (net) 22,541 21,356 8,937 7,097 11,390 9,988 2,411 2,446 684 585 45,962 41,472
Internal sales (net) 2 46 1 1 7 7 11 8 -20 -62 - -
Total sales (net) 22,543 21,402 8,937 7,098 11,397 9,995 2,421 2,454 664 522 45,962 41,472
EBITDA 908 821 -48 26 401 374 30 10 404 395 1,695 1,626
Depreciation/amortisation 303 295 135 101 153 139 78 82 285 268 953 885
EBIT 606 526 -182 -75 249 235 -48 -72 118 127 742 741
Investments 506 521 252 122 266 223 72 108 221 246 1,316 1,219
Segment assets 12,032 11,234 4,538 3,295 4,874 4,038 1,237 1,283 4,272 4,474 26,953 24,325
Segment liabilities 5,657 5,118 2,312 1,250 4,023 3,172 994 941 1,131 1,551 14,117 12,031
Employees at closing date
(full-time equivalents) 104,180 98,086 60,987 44,252 49,488 42,216 18,343 19,017 16,056 15,165 249,054 218,736
Selling space
(in 1,000 sqm) 4,579 4,350 3,494 2,700 2,046 1,809 1,481 1,486 419 439 12,020 10,784
Stores (number) 592 561 679 591 658 590 141 142 331 335 2,401 2,219

Regions

Western Europe
Germany excl. Germany Eastern Europe Asia / Africa Consolidation METRO Group
€ million 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006 9M 2007 9M 2006
External sales (net) 19,510 18,172 14,333 13,594 10,780 8,648 1,339 1,057 - - 45,962 41,472
Internal sales (net) 7 10 1 1 - - 592 560 -600 -570 - -
Total sales (net) 19,517 18,182 14,335 13,594 10,780 8,648 1,931 1,617 -600 -570 45,962 41,472
EBITDA 543 557 561 584 591 499 -2 -12 3 -2 1,695 1,626
Depreciation/amortisation 490 481 233 222 203 156 27 25 1 0 953 885
EBIT 53 76 328 362 388 343 -29 -37 2 -3 742 741
Investments 507 526 257 256 489 405 63 33 - - 1,316 1,219
Segment assets 13,425 12,288 8,878 8,177 6,770 5,215 990 723 -3,109 -2,077 26,953 24,325
Segment liabilities 6,816 5,711 4,372 4,069 3,061 2,151 435 399 -567 -298 14,117 12,031
Employees at closing date
(full-time equivalents) 108,204 100,865 51,602 48,722 75,071 57,119 14,177 12,030 - - 249,054 218,736
Selling space
(in 1,000 sqm) 6,719 6,168 2,703 2,589 2,200 1,671 397 356 - - 12,020 10,784
Stores (number) 1,508 1,438 529 494 310 239 54 48 - - 2,401 2,219

Segment Reporting Q3 2007

Sales Divisions

Metro Media Markt Other/
Cash & Carry Real and Saturn Galeria Kaufhof Consolidation METRO Group
€ million Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006
External sales (net) 7,784 7,322 2,928 2,360 3,901 3,434 814 830 223 185 15,650 14,131
Internal sales (net) 1 0 0 0 2 4 2 2 -5 -7 - -
Total sales (net) 7,785 7,323 2,928 2,360 3,904 3,438 816 832 217 178 15,650 14,131
EBITDA 324 285 -28 -8 176 167 29 20 144 109 643 574
Depreciation/amortisation 101 99 46 33 50 48 25 27 98 86 320 292
EBIT 222 186 -75 -41 126 120 4 -7 46 23 323 282
Investments 250 264 85 57 134 90 40 24 96 103 606 538
Segment assets 12,032 11,234 4,538 3,295 4,874 4,038 1,237 1,283 4,272 4,474 26,953 24,325
Segment liabilities 5,657 5,118 2,312 1,250 4,023 3,172 994 941 1,131 1,551 14,117 12,031
Employees at closing date
(full-time equivalents)
104,180 98,086 60,987 44,252 49,488 42,216 18,343 19,017 16,056 15,165 249,054 218,736
Selling space
(in 1,000 sqm)
4,579 4,350 3,494 2,700 2,046 1,809 1,481 1,486 419 439 12,020 10,784
Stores (number) 592 561 679 591 658 590 141 142 331 335 2,401 2,219

Regions

Western Europe
Germany excl. Germany Eastern Europe Asia / Africa Consolidation METRO Group
€ million Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006 Q3 2007 Q3 2006
External sales (net) 6,429 6,014 4,918 4,723 3,857 3,041 447 352 - - 15,650 14,131
Internal sales (net) 2 4 1 0 - - 246 226 -248 -229 - -
Total sales (net) 6,431 6,018 4,919 4,723 3,857 3,041 692 577 -248 -229 15,650 14,131
EBITDA 203 166 216 235 226 178 -1 -6 -1 0 643 574
Depreciation/amortisation 164 155 77 75 69 54 9 8 1 0 320 292
EBIT 39 11 139 160 156 124 -10 -14 -1 0 323 282
Investments 191 209 143 90 244 229 27 10 - - 606 538
Segment assets 13,425 12,288 8,878 8,177 6,770 5,215 990 723 -3,109 -2,077 26,953 24,325
Segment liabilities 6,816 5,711 4,372 4,069 3,061 2,151 435 399 -567 -298 14,117 12,031
Employees at closing date
(full-time equivalents)
108,204 100,865 51,602 48,722 75,071 57,119 14,177 12,030 - - 249,054 218,736
Selling space
(in 1,000 sqm)
6,719 6,168 2,703 2,589 2,200 1,671 397 356 - - 12,020 10,784
Stores (number) 1,508 1,438 529 494 310 239 54 48 - - 2,401 2,219

Notes to Group Accounting Principles and Methods

The interim financial statements as at 30 September 2007 were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and have not been audited. They do not include all information required for the full annual consolidated financial statements at the end of the full year in accordance with IFRS.

In preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements, the same recognition and valuation methods were applied as in the last preceding annual consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2006. Details on applied recognition and valuation methods are provided in the notes of the annual consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2006.

During the year, sales-dependent and cyclical positions are accounted for pro-rata based on corporate planning, where material.

The current interim consolidated financial statements apply the accounting standards and interpretations newly introduced by the IASB which were adopted by the Council of the European Commission (please see METRO Group's Annual Report 2006, pp. 105-106). The application of these accounting standards had no impact on METRO Group's financial position and financial performance.

To provide a better overview in the tables, decimal places have partly been left out. Therefore rounding differences can occur.

Notes to related parties

In 9M 2007 companies that are included in the circle of related companies rendered goods/services to the amount of €107 million to METRO Group companies. These consist primarily of leasing services. Business relations with related companies are based on contractual agreements and conform to market conditions. In the reporting period, METRO Group had no business relations with related natural persons.

Changes in the Management Board

The Chairman of the Management Board of METRO AG, Dr. Hans-Joachim Körber, asked the Supervisory Board to be released from his responsibilities effective from 31 October 2007. In the meeting on 26 September 2007, the Supervisory Board approved this request. At the same time the Supervisory Board appointed Dr. Eckhard Cordes as member of the Management Board and elected him Chairman of the Management Board as of 1 November 2007.

Changes in the Supervisory Board

Dr. Eckhard Cordes resigned from his mandate as Chairman and member of the Supervisory Board of METRO AG effective from 31 October 2007. The district court of Düsseldorf has appointed upon request of the Management Board of METRO AG Mr. Franz M. Haniel as the succeeding Supervisory Board member with effect from 1 November 2007.

METRO Group

Schlueterstraße 1 40235 Duesseldorf

PO Box 230361 40089 Duesseldorf

Investor Relations

Investor Hotline: +49 (0) 1802 - 725 750
Phone: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 1936
+49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 1051
Fax: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 3759
E-mail [email protected]

Creditor Relations

Phone: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 1904
Fax: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 1916
E-mail: [email protected]

Corporate Communications

Phone: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 2947
Fax: +49 (0) 211 - 6886 - 2000
E-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website at www.metrogroup.de, the primary source for publications and information about the METRO Group. With the METRO Group News Abo you can subscribe to regular news and official publications of the company online.

Please note: In case of doubt the German version shall prevail.

Disclaimer

This report contains certain statements that are neither reported financial results nor other historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond METRO Group's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market and economic conditions, the behavior of other market participants, the ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and achieve anticipated synergies and the actions of government regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this presentation. METRO Group does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of these materials.

Financial Calendar

Thursday, 10 January 2008, 8.00 am

Trading Statement 2007

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

8.00 am Annual Report 2007 2.00 pm Analysts' Meeting

Tuesday, 29 April 2008, 7.15 am

Interim Financial Report Q1 2008

Friday, 16 May 2008, 10.30 am

Annual General Meeting 2008

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.