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H&M Hennes & Mauritz

Quarterly Report Jan 29, 2009

2920_10-k_2009-01-29_3216538d-0c3e-4c66-9ab5-4253adcffba4.pdf

Quarterly Report

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H & M HENNES & MAURITZ AB

FULL YEAR REPORT

1 December 2007 – 30 November 2008

  • Sales including VAT for the H&M Group for the financial year amounted to SEK 104,041 m (92,123). Sales excluding VAT for the financial year amounted to SEK 88,532 m (78,346), an increase of 13 percent. In local currencies, the increase was 11 percent. In comparable units, sales decreased by 1 percent.
  • Profit after financial items for the financial year was SEK 21,190 m (19,170), an increase of 11 percent. Group profit after tax was SEK 15,294 m (13,588), corresponding to SEK 18.48 (16.42) per share, an increase of 13 percent.
  • Sales excluding VAT for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 26,310 m (22,817), an increase of 15 percent. In local currencies, sales increased by 8 percent and decreased by 3 percent in comparable units.
  • Profit after financial items for the fourth quarter was SEK 7,114 m (6,221), an increase of 14 percent.
  • Sales in the first two H&M stores in Tokyo surpassed the company's high expectations and were H&M's most successful store openings ever.
  • The outlook for the future expansion and the development opportunities remains positive. H&M will create 6,000 to 7,000 new job opportunities during 2009.
  • For the financial year 2008/2009 a net contribution of 225 stores is planned.
  • The company is preparing the first store opening in Bejing during the spring 2009.
  • The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 15.50 (14.00) per share.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  • Sales in December 2008 increased by 3 percent in local currencies compared to the same month previous year.
  • Sales in January 2009 expected to increase by 8 percent in local currencies compared to the same month last year.

Sales

Sales excluding VAT for the H&M Group for the financial year amounted to SEK 88,532 m (78,346), an increase of 13 percent. In local currencies the increase was 11 percent. In comparable units, sales decreased by 1 percent. Sales including VAT amounted to SEK 104,041 m (92,123).

Sales excluding VAT in the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 26,310 m (22,817), an increase of 15 percent. Sales including VAT were SEK 30,848 m (26,836), in local currencies sales increased by 8 percent and decreased by 3 percent in comparable units.

The Group opened 214* (193) stores during the financial year and 18 (16) stores were closed. In addition, 13 Weekday-stores and 7 Monki-stores have been consolidated through H&M's acquisition of FaBric Scandinavien AB. In the fourth quarter 129 (94) stores were opened and 9 (4) were closed. The total number of stores in the Group as per 30 November 2008 thus amounted to 1,738 (1,522), of which 18 are franchise stores.

* including 4 Monki-stores and 1 Weekday-store that opened after 1 May, 2008.

Results for the financial year

Gross profit for the financial year amounted to SEK 54,468 m (47,847), which corresponds to 61.5 percent (61.1) of sales.

The operating profit after deducting selling and administrative expenses was SEK 20,138 m (18,382). The result corresponded to an operating margin of 22.7 percent (23.5).

Operating profit for the financial year has been charged with depreciation amounting to SEK 2,202 m (1,814).

Consolidated net interest income was SEK 1,052 m (788).

Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 21,190 m (19,170), an increase of 11 percent.

Group profit after tax with an average effective tax rate of 27.8 percent (29.1) for the financial year was SEK 15,294 m (13,588), corresponding to earnings per share of SEK 18.48 (16.42), an increase of 13 percent.

Return on shareholders' equity was 44.3 percent (45.4) and return on capital employed was 61.1 percent (63.7).

The result before tax for the financial year was positively affected by currency translation effects of approximately SEK 287 m compared to a recalculation of the result at last year's average exchange rates. The Group's hedging of the internal flow of goods to the subsidiaries has led to that the company has not been able to benefit from the positive effect in Swedish krona that would have arisen due to the strengthening of most of the subsidiaries' currencies in relation to the Swedish krona. This effect would have been approximately SEK 400 m during the year.

Nor will the company in the first quarter of 2008/2009, due to the hedging policy of the internal flow of goods, be able to benefit from the strengthening of primarily the euro.

Comments on the full year

Sales for the full year can, especially considering the downturn in the global economy during the autumn, be regarded as satisfying. During the financial year H&M reached a milestone when sales including VAT exceeded SEK 100 billion.

Online and catalogue sales have had a positive development during the year. In Germany and Austria, online sales were complemented by catalogue sales which were well received. The development of the new initiatives COS and FaBric Scandinavien has continued according to plan.

The reception of the two new H&M stores in Tokyo was fantastic and sales surpassed the company's high expectations.

New franchise countries during the year were Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman.

Selling and administrative expenses in relation to sales have increased by 1.2 percentage units compared to last year's 38.8 percent. This is mainly due to an increased cost level related to organisational reinforcements in preparation for long-term investments in store expansion, online and catalogue sales as well as the new initiatives COS, FaBric Scandinavien and H&M Home.

The number of store openings during the year, with most openings in the fourth quarter, was in accordance to the expansion plan. The proportion of rebuilt stores remained on the same high level as previous year. Investments and costs for new as well as rebuilt stores as calculated per unit increased in comparison to last year, mainly due to continued investments in store standard in order to enhance the customer experience and consequently further reinforce H&M's competitiveness.

Logistics has continued to develop and has been rendered more effective during the year in order to facilitate a more efficient use of the stock-in-trade as well as to support the strong expansion of stores as well as online and catalogue sales. Among other things a new logistics centre in Hamburg was opened during the autumn. Furthermore, the company sees a continued potential for improvements of the effectiveness of the operations in the two large logistics centres in Poznan and Hamburg during the years to come.

Results for the fourth quarter

Gross profit for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 16,416 m (14,174) which corresponded to a gross margin of 62.4 percent (62.1).

Operating profit was SEK 6,819 m (5,996) for the fourth quarter, corresponding to an operating margin of 25.9 percent (26.3).

Profit after financial items was SEK 7,114 m (6,221), an increase of 14 percent.

Comments on the fourth quarter

Sales during the quarter increased by 15 percent, corresponding to an increase in local currencies of 8 percent. Most of H&M's sales markets were affected by a more restrained consumption due to the difficult global economic situation.

The gross margin increased by 0.3 percentage units, to 62.4 percent, compared to the corresponding period last year. The gross margin was positively affected by the USdollar exchange rate and lower price reductions compared to the fourth quarter last year. Selling and administrative expenses for the quarter amounted to SEK 9,597 m (8,178), an increase of 17 percent compared to the fourth quarter last year, in local currencies the increase was 10 percent.

Despite somewhat lower sales than planned during the fourth quarter, the level of stockin-trade was satisfying by the end of the quarter.

Financial position and cash flow

Consolidated total assets as per 30 November 2008 increased by 23 percent compared to the same point of time last year and amounted to SEK 51,243 m (41,734).

During the financial year the Group generated a cash flow of SEK 5,292 m (6,010). The operating activities generated a positive cash flow of SEK 17,966 m (15,381). Cash flow was among other things affected by dividends of SEK -11,584 m (-9,515), investments in fixed assets of SEK -5,193 m (-3,608), acquisition of subsidiary SEK -555 m (-) and by financial investments with a duration of three to twelve months of SEK 4,900 m (3,848). Liquid funds and short-term investments amounted to SEK 22,726 m (20,964).

The stock-in-trade increased by 7 percent compared to the same point of time last year and amounted to SEK 8,500 m (7,969). This corresponds to 9.6 percent (10.2) of sales excluding VAT. The stock-in-trade was 16.6 percent (19.1) of total assets.

The equity/assets ratio was 72.1 percent (76.9) and the share of risk-bearing capital was 75.7 percent (78.5).

Shareholders' equity apportioned on the outstanding 827,536,000 shares as per 30 November 2008 was SEK 44.65 (38.78).

Expansion

H&M remains positive towards the future expansion and the company's business opportunities. The proportion of new stores and rebuilding of existing stores are expected to remain on the same high levels as during 2007/2008 and the company will employ between 6,000 and 7,000 new employees during 2009.

For the financial year 2008/2009 a net contribution of 225 stores is planned, of which 15 Monki- and Weekday stores and 8 COS stores. Most of the Group's number of stores is planned for the US, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany.

The investments into raising the standard of rebuilt as well as new stores continue according to plan. The investments are made in order to enhance the customer experience as well as the stores' attractiveness thereby strengthening H&M's competitiveness.

At the end of February 2009 the new textile concept for the home, H&M Home, will be available through catalogue and online sales in the Nordic countries, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria. H&M Home's collection was very well received when it was shown to media in Berlin at the end of 2008.

The preparations for the two store openings in Moscow during the spring 2009 are continuing according to plan. Furthermore, leases have been signed for a store to open in Moscow during the autumn of 2009 as well as for a store in St. Petersburg to open during 2010. The Russian market is considered very interesting with great potential for future growth.

The company is also preparing for the first store opening in Beijing during the spring of 2009, followed by further plans for store openings during 2009.

The interest in H&M in the Middle East is great. H&M's franchise partner Alshaya plans to open the first store in Lebanon during the autumn of 2009. H&M's Israeli franchise partner Match Retail plans to open the first store in Israel during 2010.

H&M's growth target is to increase the number of stores with 10-15 percent with continued high profitability and at the same time increase sales in existing stores.

Taxes

The tax rate for 2008 was 27.8 percent (29.1) a reduction that was mainly due to the fact that the altered internal price setting gave full effect. For the full year of 2008/2009 the effective tax rate for the Group is expected to be approximately 27.5 percent. For the following year the tax is expected to decrease to approximately 27 percent as a consequence of the decreased company tax level in Sweden.

Employees

The average number of employees, converted into full-time positions, in the Group was 53,430 (47,029), of which 4,924 (4,456) in Sweden.

The Parent Company

Sales excluding VAT for the parent company during the financial year amounted to SEK 5,311 m (9,629). The result before balance sheet appropriations amounted to SEK 15,395 m (10,938), of which dividend from subsidiaries of SEK 12,839 m (8,465). The cash-flow for the parent company has been affected by net investments in fixed assets of SEK -185 m (114).

Store operations in Sweden were run up until 31 May 2007 by the parent company. Internet and catalogue sales in Sweden were run up until 30 November 2007 by the parent company. In conjunction with Group restructuring activities, these businesses have been transferred to separate subsidiaries. The external revenue that still remains in the parent company in the amount of SEK 136 m refers to franchise revenues and remuneration for administrative expenses related to franchising.

Events after the close of the quarter

Sales including VAT in local currencies for December 2008 increased by 3 percent compared to the same month previous year. Sales in comparable units decreased by 7 percent.

Sales including VAT in local currencies for January 2009 are expected to increase by 8 percent compared to the same month last year.

The continued downturn in the global economy has affected H&M's sales in December and January, the sales development should however be seen in the light of the fact that H&M's first quarter 2008 was strong. H&M's successful business idea and financial strength implies that the company is well prepared to meet future challenges and possibilities, amongst other things through increased possibilities to good store locations and strengthened bargaining positions.

Dividend proposal

H&M's financial goal is to enable the company to continue enjoying good growth and to be prepared to exploit business opportunities. It is essential that the expansion, as in the past, proceeds with the same high degree of financial strength and continued freedom of action.

Based on this policy, the Board of Directors has determined that the total dividend should equal about half of the profit after tax. In addition, the Board may propose that the surplus liquidity can also be distributed.

The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting 2009 a dividend of SEK 15.50 per share (14.00), which corresponds to 84 percent (85) of the result after tax.

The Board of Directors is of the opinion that the proposed distribution of earnings is justifiable taking into consideration the financial position and continued freedom of actions of the Group and the parent company and observing the requirements that the nature and extent of the business, its risks and future expansion plans impose on the Group's and the parent company's equity and liquidity.

Annual General Meeting 2009

The Annual General Meeting 2009 will be held on Monday 4 May, at 3 pm in the Victoria Hall, International Fairs, in Stockholm.

Annual Report 2008

The Annual Report including the Corporate Governance Report is expected to be published on 23 March 2009, on the same date it will also be published on ww.hm.com. The printed Annual Report which will be sent out by post to shareholders that have requested this and it will also be available from the company's office.

Accounting principles

The Group applies International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by EU. This Interim Report has been prepared according to IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act.

The accounting principles applied in this report are described in the Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for 2006/2007, in Note 1 – Accounting principles. Regarding reporting of the acquisition of FaBric Scandinavien, refer to Note 1 at the end of this report.

The parent company applies the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and Recommendation RFR 2.1, Accounting for Legal Entities, which essentially means that IFRS is applied. In accordance with Recommendation RFR 2.1, IAS 39 is not applied in the parent company.

Risks and uncertainties

A number of factors may affect H&M's results and business. Most of these can be dealt with through internal routines, while certain others are affected more by external influences. There are risks and uncertainties related to fashions, weather situations, quota systems and exchange rates, but also in connection with expansion into new markets, the launch of new concepts, changes in consumer behaviour or handling of the brand.

For a more detailed description of risks and uncertainties, refer to the Administration Report and to Note 2 in the Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts for 2006/2007. There were no significant changes in risks and uncertainties during the period.

Calendar

26 March 2009 Three Month Report, 1 Dec 2008 – 28 Feb 2009
4 May 2009, at 3 p.m. AGM 2009, Victoriahallen, International Fairs,
Stockholm
25 June 2009 Half year Report, 1 Dec 2008 – 31 May 2009
24 September 2009 Nine Month Report, 1 Dec 2008 – 31 August 2009
28 January 2010 Full year Report, 1 Dec 2008 – 30 November 2009
25 March 2010 Three Month Report, 1 Dec 2009 – 28 Feb 2010
29 April 2010, at 3 p.m. Annual General Meeting 2010

The Full Year Report has not been audited by the company's auditors.

Stockholm, 28 January 2009 The Board of Directors

All figures within parenthesis refer to the corresponding period or point of time previous year. Comparable units, previously referred to as comparable stores, imply the stores and the internet and catalogue sales countries that have been in operation for at least a financial year. H&M's financial year extends from 1 December to 30 November.

The information in this Interim Report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden's Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 08:00 (CET) on 29 January 2009.

Contact persons:

Nils Vinge, IR +46-8-796 5250 Jyrki Tervonen, CFO +46-8-796 5277 Rolf Eriksen, CEO +46-8-796 5233 Switchboard +46-8-796 5500

Information about H&M and press images are available at www.hm.com

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (Publ.) 106 38 Stockholm Phone: +46-8-796 5500, Fax: +46-8-24 80 78, E-mail: [email protected] Registered office Stockholm, Reg .No 556042-7220

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT (SEK m)

1 December - 30 November

2008 2007 Q4 2008 Q4 2007
Sales including VAT 104,041 92,123 30,848 26,836
Sales excluding VAT 88,532 78,346 26,310 22,817
Cost of goods sold -34,064 -30,499 -9,894 -8,643
GROSS PROFIT 54,468 47,847 16,416 14,174
Selling expenses -32,185 -27,687 -8,997 -7,645
Administrative expenses -2,145 -1,778 -600 -533
OPERATING PROFIT 20,138 18,382 6,819 5,996
Interest income 1,060 793 297 228
Interest expense -8 -5 -2 -3
PROFIT AFTER FINANCIAL ITEMS 21,190 19,170 7,114 6,221
Tax -5,896 -5,582 -2,025 -1,568
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 15,294 13,588 5,089 4,653
All profit is attributable to the parent company's shareholders.
Earnings per share, SEK* 18.48 16.42 6.15 5.62
Number of shares, thousands* 827,536 827,536 827,536 827,536
Depreciation, total 2,202 1,814 457 364
of which cost of goods sold 245 203 67 52
of which selling expenses 1,825 1,505 341 276
of which administrative expenses 132 106 49 36

* Before and after dilution

GROUP BALANCE SHEET (SEK m)

30 November

ASSETS 2008 2007
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible fixed assets
Brands 443 -
Customer relationships 123 -
Leasehold rights 659 266
Goodwill 431 -
1,656 266
Tangible fixed assets
Buildings and land 480 466
Equipment, tools, fixture and fittings 11,961 8,821
12,441 9,287
Long-term receivables 476 253
Deferred tax receivables 1,299 883
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 15,872 10,689
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock-in-trade 8,500 7,969
Short-term receivables
Accounts receivables 1,991 1,122
Other receivables 1,206 356
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 948 634
4,145 2,112
Short-term investments - 4,900
Liquid funds 22,726 16,064
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 35,371 31,045
TOTAL ASSETS 51,243 41,734

GROUP BALANCE SHEET (SEK m)

30 November

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2008 2007
EQUITY
Share capital 207 207
Reserves 1,410 263
Retained earnings 20,039 18,035
Profit for the year 15,294 13,588
TOTAL EQUITY 36,950 32,093
Long-term liabilities*
Provisions for pensions 228 156
Deferred tax liabilities 1,818 651
Other provisions 368 -
2,414 807
Short-term liabilities**
Accounts payable 3,658 2,483
Tax liabilities 1,279 2,036
Other liabilities 3,255 1,468
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 3,687 2,847
11,879 8,834
TOTAL LIABILITIES 14,293 9,641
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 51,243 41,734
Pledged assets and contigent liabilities. - -

* Only provisions for pensions are interest bearing.

** No current liabilities are interest bearing.

GROUP CHANGE IN EQUITY (SEK m)

All shareholders' equity is attributable to the parent company's shareholders since there are no minority interests.

Share
capital
Translation
effects
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
Shareholders' equity, 1 December 2006 207 22 27,550 27,779
Translations effect, hedging reserves - 241 - 241
Income and expenses posted directly
to equity - 241 - 241
Profit for the year - - 13,588 13,588
Total income and expenses - 241 13,588 13,829
Dividend - - -9,515 -9,515
Shareholders' equity, 30 November 2007 207 263 31,623 32,093
Share
capital
Translation
effects
Hedging
reserves
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
Shareholders' equity, 1 December 2007 207 263 - 31,623 32,093
Translations effect, hedging reserves
Deferred tax
-
-
1,679
-
-739
207
-
-
940
207
Income and expenses posted directly
to equity
- 1,679 -532 - 1,147
Profit for the year - - - 15,294 15,294
Total income and expenses - 1,679 -532 15,294 16,441
Dividend - - - -11,584 -11,584
Shareholders' equity, 30 November 2008 207 1,942 -532 35,333 36,950

The Group's managed capital consists of shareholders' equity. The Group's goal with respect to the managing of capital is to enable good growth to continue and to be prepared to exploit business opportunities. It is essential that the expansion, as in the past, proceeds with the same high degree of financial strength and continued freedom of action. Based on this policy, the Board of Directors has established a dividend policy whereby the dividend should equal around half of the profit for the year after taxes. In addition, the Board may propose that surplus liquidity may also be distributed. H&M meets the capital requirements set out in the Swedish Companies Act. No other external capital requirements exist.

GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT (SEK m)

1 December - 30 November

2008 2007
Profit after financial items* 21,190 19,170
Provisions for pensions 72 27
Depreciation 2,202 1,814
Tax paid -5,940 -5,557
Cash flow from current operations before changes
in working capital 17,524 15,454
Cash flow from changes in working capital
Current receivables -1,343 -421
Stock-in-trade -183 -615
Current liabilities 1,968 963
CASH FLOW FROM CURRENT OPERATIONS 17,966 15,381
Investment activities
Investment in leasehold rights -446 -86
Investment in/sale of buildings and land -23 -56
Investment in fixed assets -4,724 -3,466
Acquistion of subsidiaries, Note 1 -555 -
Change in financial investments, 3 - 12 months 4,900 3,848
Other investments -242 -96
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES -1,090 144
Financing activities
Dividend -11,584 -9,515
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES -11,584 -9,515
CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR 5,292 6,010
Liquid funds at begining of the year 16,064 9,877
Cash flow for the year 5,292 6,010
Exchange rate effect 1,370 177
Liquid funds at the end of year 22,726 16,064

* Interest paid amounts for the Group to SEK 8 m (5).

Received interest amounts for the Group to SEK 1,070 m (822).

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

1 December - 30 November

THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Sales including VAT, SEK m 104,041 92,123 80,081 71,886 62,986
Sales excluding VAT, SEK m 88,532 78,346 68,400 61,262 53,695
Change from previous year, % 13 15 12 14 11
Operating profit, SEK m 20,138 18,382 15,298 13,173 10,667
Operating margin, % 22.7 23.5 22.4 21.5 19.9
Depreciation for the year, SEK m 2,202 1,814 1,624 1,452 1,232
Profit after financial items, SEK m 21,190 19,170 15,808 13,553 11,005
Profit after tax, SEK m 15,294 13,588 10,797 9,247 7,275
Liquid funds and short-term investments, SEK m 22,726 20,964 18,625 16,846 15,051
Stock-in-trade, SEK m 8,500 7,969 7,220 6,841 5,142
Equity, SEK m 36,950 32,093 27,779 25,924 22,209
Number of shares, thousands* 827,536 827,536 827,536 827,536 827,536
Earnings per share, SEK* 18.48 16.42 13.05 11.17 8.79
Shareholders' equity per share, SEK* 44.65 38.78 33.57 31.33 26.84
Cash flow from current operations
per average number of shares, SEK*
21.71 18.59 14.57 12.25 10.46
Dividend per share, SEK 15.50** 14.00 11.50 9.50 8.00
Return on shareholders' equity, % 44.3 45.4 40.2 38.4 34.4
Return on capital employed, % 61.1 63.7 58.7 56.3 51.9
Share of risk-bearing capital, % 75.7 78.5 80.0 80.2 82.5
Equity/assets ratio, % 72.1 76.9 78.1 78.1 79.0
Total number of stores 1,738 1,522 1,345 1,193 1,068
Average number of employees 53,430 47,029 40,855 34,614 31,701

* Before and after dilution

** Proposed by the Board of Directors

Definition on key figures see Annual Report 2007.

The International Standards (IFRS) are beeing applied from 2005/2006. The restatement of the 2004/2005 figures according to IFRS has not involved any adjustment. 2003/2004 is accounted to previous principles based on the International Standards (IFRS).

SALES INCLUDING VAT BY COUNTRY AND NUMBER OF STORES

Full year, 1 December 2007--30 November 2008

SEK m SEK m Change in % No. of stores New Closed
COUNTRY 2008 2007 SEK Local currency 30 Nov. 2008 stores stores
Sweden 7,444 7,228 3 3 150 29 3
Norway 5,290 5,155 3 0 85 4 1
Denmark 3,867 3,746 3 -1 69 5 1
United Kingdom 7,337 7,320 0 10 146 20 3
Switzerland 4,879 4,206 16 9 66 7 1
Germany 25,487 22,150 15 11 339 25 5
Netherlands 6,793 6,147 11 7 96 8 1
Belgium 3,122 2,836 10 6 55 3 2
Austria 5,020 4,543 10 7 60 2
Luxembourg 351 331 6 2 9 1
Finland 2,450 2,247 9 4 36 3 1
France 7,988 6,972 15 10 114 16
USA 6,513 5,816 12 17 169 24
Spain 5,778 5,114 13 9 99 20
Poland 2,508 1,776 41 25 53 11
Czech Republic 670 610 10 -5 16 2
Portugal 764 672 14 10 17 2
Italy 2,675 1,742 54 48 46 15
Canada 1,812 1,449 25 26 43 8
Slovenia 594 485 22 18 9 3
Ireland 488 418 17 13 9 2
Hungary 304 197 54 47 8 2
Slovakia 137 81 69 50 3 1
Greece 301 141 113 106 8 5
China 881 482 83 82 13 6
Japan 198 2 2
Franchise 390 259 51 51 18 8
Total 104,041 92,123 13 11 1,738 234 18

SALES INCLUDING VAT BY COUNTRY AND NUMBER OF STORES

Fourth quarter, 1 September 2008--30 November 2008

30,848 26,836 15 8 1,738 129 9
108 97 11 11 18 6
198 2 2
298 203 47 27 13 4
104 58 79 70 8 4
42 36 17 -3 3 1
88 65 35 26 8 2
140 120 17 8 9 2
194 157 24 16 9 1
577 474 22 23 43 2
891 625 43 34 46 7
224 182 23 14 17 2
189 182 4 -13 16 2
726 563 29 15 53 6
1,663
2,482
1
4
1
1
2
2008 2007 SEK 30 Nov. 2008 stores stores
SEK m No. of stores New Closed
2,000
1,425
1,082
2,165
1,525
7,541
2,018
904
1,490
105
659
2,010
SEK m
2,051
1,485
1,090
2,122
1,221
6,257
1,861
796
1,313
93
599
2,063
1,648
1,475
-2
-4
-1
2
25
21
8
14
13
13
10
20
22
13
Change in %
Local currency
-2
-4
-8
9
9
13
2
6
6
6
-1
13
8
5
150
85
69
146
66
339
96
55
60
9
36
114
169
99
9
3
4
9
5
16
3
1
1
2
10
12
13

SEGMENT REPORTING (SEK m) 1 December-30 November

2008 2007
Nordic region
External net sales 15,323 15,017
Operating profit 1,154 7,033
Operating margin, % 7.5 46.8
Assets, excluding tax receivables 4,059 17,826
Liabilities, excluding tax liabilities 1,168 3,317
Investments 268 322
Depreciation 198 231
Eurozone excluding Finland
External net sales 49,961 43,430
Operating profit 2,938 8,316
Operating margin, % 5.9 19.1
Assets, excluding tax receivables 14,190 14,716
Liabilities, excluding tax liabilities 2,911 2,703
Investments 2,439 1,778
Depreciation 1,051 872
Rest of the World
External net sales 23,248 19,899
Operating profit
Operating margin, %
1,196
5.1
3,033
15.2
Assets, excluding tax receivables 9,234 8,309
Liabilities, excluding tax liabilities 1,601 934
Investments
Depreciation
1,827
823
1,508
711
Group Functions
Net sales to other segments
51,558
Operating profit 14,850
Operating margin, % 28.8
Assets, excluding tax receivables 22,461
Liabilities, excluding tax liabilities 5,516
Investments 659
Depreciation 130
Eliminations
Net sales to other segments -51,558
Total
External net sales 88,532 78,346
Operating profit 20,138 18,382
Operating margin, % 22.7 23.5
Assets, excluding tax receivables 49,944 40,851
Liabilities, excluding tax liabilities 11,196 6,954
Investments 5,193 3,608
Depreciation 2,202 1,814

Internal follow-up of the business is carried out by country. To present information on different segments in an easily accessible way, the operations are divided into three geographical regions: the Nordic region, Euro Zone countries excluding Finland, and the Rest of the World. There is no internal division into different business segments and hence reporting in secondary segments is not relevant. In 2007 the Group structure was refined in order to facilitate the division of the logistics functions into regions and to support continued expansion. As a result of this, the central functions of design, logistics, stock 16 management and buying were transferred into a separate subsidiary. Along with all the other subsidiaries with no external sales, the parent company is reported with effect from 1 December 2007 in a separate segment: Group Functions. A great deal of the Group's value-added is created in this segment. In 2007 the internal pricing model was adapted in accordance with this, with the result that the operating profit and operating margin in individual segments for the current financial year are not comparable with previous years.

PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT (SEK m)

1 December-30 November

2008 2007
Sales including VAT 136 10,738
Sales excluding VAT 136 7,112
Internal sales excluding VAT* 5,175 2,517
Cost of goods sold -32 -3,579
GROSS PROFIT 5,279 6,050
Selling expenses -1,773 -2,934
Administrative expenses -1,388 -1,092
OPERATING PROFIT 2,118 2,024
Dividend from subsidiaries 12,839 8,465
Interest income 438 449
Interest expense 0 0
PROFIT AFTER FINANCIAL ITEMS 15,395 10,938
Year-end appropriations -663 130
Tax -534 -751
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 14,198 10,317
Earnings per share, SEK** 17.16 12.47
Number of shares, thousands** 827,536 827,536
Depreciation, total 88 88
of which cost of goods sold 11 12
of which selling expenses 73 72
of which administrative expenses 4 4

* Includes received royalty from group companies.

** Before and after dilution.

Store operations in Sweden were run up until 31 May 2007 by the Parent Company.

Internet and catalogue sales in Sweden were run up until 30 November 2007 by the Parent Company. In conjunction with Group restructuring activities, these businesses have been transferred to separate subsidiaries. The departments for design, logistics and buying that previously were part of the parent company were also transferred into a separate subsidiary as of 1 June 2007. The external revenue that still remains in the Parent Company in the amount of SEK 136 m refers to

franchise revenues and remuneration for administrative expenses related to franchising.

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (SEK m)

30 November

ASSETS 2008 2007
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
Buildings and land 58 59
Equipment, tools, fixture and fittings 356 258
414 317
Financial fixed assets
Shares and participation rights 583 17
Receivables from subsidiaries 345 0
Long-term receivables 13 10
Deferred tax receivables 51 32
992 59
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 1,406 376
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock-in-trade - 407
Short-term receivables
Accounts receivables - 508
Receivables from subsidiaries 8,579 5,786
Tax receivables 143 -
Other receivables 46 42
Prepaid expences and accrued income 12 40
8,780 6,376
Short-term investments - 4,900
Liquid funds 6,525 1,417
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 15,305 13,100
TOTAL ASSETS 16,711 13,476

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (SEK m)

30 November

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2008 2007
EQUITY
Restricted equity
Share capital 207 207
Restricted reserves 88 88
295 295
Non-restricted equity
Retained earnings 783 2,050
Profit for the year 14,198 10,317
14,981 12,367
TOTAL EQUITY 15,276 12,662
Deferred tax liabilities 782 119
Long-term liabilities*
Provisions for pensions 193 113
Short-term liabilities**
Accounts payable 98 124
Liabilities to subsidiaries - -
Tax liabilities - 5
Other liabilities 219 221
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 143 232
460 582
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,435 814
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 16,711 13,476
Pledged assets - -
Contingent libilities 11,751 12,431

* Only provisions for pensions are interest bearing.

** No current liabilities are interest bearing.

Store operations in Sweden were run up until 31 May 2007 by the Parent Company. Internet and catalogue sales in Sweden were run up until 30 November 2007 by the Parent Company. In conjunction with Group restructuring activities, these businesses have been transferred to separate subsidiaries. The departments for design, logistics and buying that previously were part of the parent company were also transferred into a separate subsidiary as of 1 June 2007.

Note 1 Acquisitions

As stated in a press release of 6 March 2008, H&M has signed an agreement to acquire the privately owned Swedish fashion company FaBric Scandinavien AB, which designs and sells fashion under a number of own brands including Cheap Monday and which also runs the store chains Weekday and Monki. Following approval of the transaction by the relevant competition authorities, as of 30 April 2008 H&M acquired 60 percent of the shares in the company for SEK 551 m in cash. This means that Fabric Scandinavien AB is included in the consolidated accounts for the Group with effect from 1 May 2008.

The parties have also entered into an agreement under which H&M has the opportunity/obligation to acquire the remaining shares within three to five years. The calculated value of the put options given to minority shareholders in conjunction with the acquisition of the company is reported at a provision for a conditional price supplement. As a result, no minority share is reported. The provision at the time of acquisition was SEK 368 m. Any change in the fair value of the put options/price supplement will be reported as an adjustment of goodwill.

The total purchase price including provisions for the minority shareholders' put options is calculated as SEK 919 m. In addition to this there are acquisition expenses of SEK 8 m, resulting in a total acquisition cost of SEK 927 m. The acquisition gives rise to goodwill of SEK 431 m following the identification of intangible assets relating to the brands of SEK 470 m and of SEK 131 m relating to customer relationships, while deferred tax liability is reported at SEK 169 m. Goodwill in connection with the acquisition relates for example to synergy effects achieved through economies of scale in areas such as production, logistics and expansion, as well as know-how in the existing organisation.

SEK m Reported value within Values according to
FaBric Scandinavien provisional acquisition
analysis
Intangible fixed assets
- Brands* 470
- Customer relationships* 131
- Leasehold rights 8 8
Tangible fixed assets 42 42
Financial fixed assets 1 1
Stock-in-trade 48 48
Other current assets 51 51
Liquid funds 4 4
Deferred tax liabilities -5 -174
Non current liabilities -22 -22
Current liabilities -63 -63
Identifiable net assets acquired 496
Goodwill 431
Total 64 927
Purchase price for shares in subsidiaries 551
Acquisition expenses 8
Provisions for price supplement/put 368
options
Total acquisition cost 927

The assets and liabilities included in the acquisition are as follows:

*The utilisation period for these assets has been assessed as ten years.

FaBric Scandinavien AB's result after tax during the shortened fiscal year 2008-08-11—2008-11-30 was MSEK 9, sales excluding VAT for the same period amounted to MSEK 218.

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