CONTROLADORA COMERCIAL MEXICANA ("CCM") ANNOUNCES RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER 2005. (Mexico City, July 26, 2005) Controladora Comercial Mexicana (BMV: "Comerci"; NYSE: "MCM") announces on this date its Second Quarter 2005 results. This report shows the status of the Company in terms of operation as well as the financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2005. During the second quarter sales store sales remained without change decreasing 0.09% compared to same period of 2004. Regarding the income statement, net sales increased 2.4% from $8,791.3 million during the second quarter 2004 compared to $8,998.5 million for the same period in 2005. Gross profit increased 7.8%, from $1,761.4 million in 2004 to $1,897.9 million in 2005, increasing gross margin in 105 basis points to conclude with 21.1% in 2005. It is important to point out that this quarter’s benefit comes from the Distribution Center’s efficiency. Operating expenses increased only 0.7% from $1,431.6 million during 2004 to $1,441.9 million in 2005, representing a decrease of 26 basis points of net sales percentage. As a result, the operating profit increased 38.3% from $329.8 million during the second quarter of 2004 to $456.0 million for the same period in 2005, representing 3.8% and 5.1% of net sales for 2004 and 2005 respectively. EBITDA during the quarter increased 22.0% from $513.7 million during 2004 to $626.5 million for the same period of 2005. With respect to integral cost of financing it is worth mentioning the following: During the individual quarter interest paid increased 182.3% from $73.1 million in 2004 to $206.5 million in 2005 due to the debt restructuring expenses as well as to the increase of mark-to-market reserve valuation of exchange rate operations derived from the peso appreciation, that do not represent cash expenses. Interest gained during 2005 decreased 46.3% compared to last year from $24.6 million in 2004 to $13.2 million in 2005. Foreign exchange gain represented an increase of 6.1 million in 2004 to $58.6 million gain in 2005 basically due to the exchange rate revaluation during this year. In consequence, integral result of financing increased 249.6% during the individual quarter from $39.9 million expense in 2004 to $139.5 million in 2005. Other financial operations maintains the goodwill’s amortization from Auchan’s acquisition as well as less fixed assets write offs. Cumulative net effect from deferred and non-deferred tax represents a charge of $129.8 million for the second quarter of 2004 compared to $114.5 million in 2005. Due to above-mentioned net profit increased 51.1% from $143.3 million gain in 2004 to $216.5 million gain in 2005. Net profit expressed as percentage of net sales was 1.6% in 2004 and 2.4% in 2005. In cumulative terms we present the following: Same stores increased 0.1%. Net sales increased 2.7% from $17,574.5 in 2004 to $18,056.7 million 2005. Gross profit increased 6.3% showing 70 basis points of gross margin to conclude with 20.9% in 2005. Operating expenses increased 0.6% representing a reduction of 33 basis points in the percentage of net sales in 2005 compared to same period of 2004. As a result, operating results increased 28.9% from $710.8 million in 2004 to $916.3 million in 2005 representing 4.0% and 5.1% of net sales in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Cumulative EBITDA increased 17.2% from $1,071.6 million in 2004 to $1,255.6 million in the same period of 2005 with EBITDA margin of 6.95%. Integral result of financing varied from $27.6 million gain in 2004 to $88.7 million expense in 2005. Cumulative net effect of deferred and non-deferred total taxes represents a charge of $245.3 million in 2004 compared to $225.8 million in 2005. As a result of above-mentioned net profit increased 37.4% from $486.1 million in 2004 to $667.8 million in 2005. Net profit expressed as percentage of net sales was 2.8% in 2004 and 3.7% in 2005. Capital investments during the semester reached $1,230.5 million. At June 30, 2005 the Company had 180 stores and 59 Restaurantes California. It is worth mentioning that the Company’s expansion program is working and during this year we have inaugurated four Megas, one Bodega, two Restaurantes California; we have converted two Comercial Mexicana to Megas. It is planned to open during the rest of the year three Megas, three Costcos, three Bodegas, one Comercial Mexicana, two Sumesas and two Restaurantes California. During this semester four Comercial Mexicana stores were closed. Additionally the Company’s working capital, that is the difference between suppliers’ turnover and inventories, compared to the first semester of 2004 was maintained in nine days mainly due to the fact that the Distribution Center is on the learning process and new suppliers’ incorporation curve. Majority stockholder’s equity increased 11.3% from $14,090 million in 2004 to $15,680 million in 2005. We are adequately moving towards a sustained improvement accomplishing the objectives and commitments previously established. Regards, Francisco Martínez de la Vega Chief Financial Officer
CCM is a holding company which operates one of Mexico’s leading retailing groups. Utilizing five store formats, the Company sells a wide variety of food items, including basic groceries and perishables, as well as non-food items such as general merchandise and clothing. CCM also operates a chain of 59 family style restaurants under the name Restaurantes California. In addition, the Company owns 50 percent interest in a joint venture with Costco Co. of the United States, which operates a chain of 25 warehouse clubs in Mexico. CCM’s network of 239 units is located throughout Mexican territory and targets all income levels.
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