Sports Direct Is The UK's Leading Sports Retailer - Sports Direct ...

Chief exeCutive’s report and Business review Continued
We have later in this report commented on risks and uncertainties that relate
to the Group’s businesses, and while we manage risks to reduce, where
possible, the likelihood of their occurring and their impact if they do, they are
factors that could influence the Group or part of it.
We anticipate that the football World Cup in 2010 will be a major opportunity
for the UK Retail business, but given the likely launch of new football strips
in March - a month later than in previous years - it’s impact (subject to
qualification of the home nations – and in particular England) will come later
in the calendar year than hitherto, and will be largely reflected in the 2010–11
financial year.
As previously commented, the Group’s holding of forward foreign exchange
contracts has greatly reduced during the Year, reducing an element of
potential volatility in reported profit, and we expect the holding to continue at
or below the current low level in 2009–10.
environmental matters
A review of the assessment of the Group’s impact on the environment, is
included in the Corporate Social Responsibility Report on page 29.
employees
The hard work and loyalty of our employees are key to our success, and we
intend to motivate them and enable them to share in the Group’s success by
seeking shareholder approval at the AGM for a new bonus scheme.
The bonus scheme is intended to drive underlying EBITDA, and to motivate
and help improve retention of key employees, to encourage those employees
participation in the shares of the Company and to align the interests of those
employees and shareholders.
All permanent UK employees in UK Retail, Brands and Head Office with at
least one year’s service at the beginning of 2009/10 will participate. The
scheme will replace, where relevant, existing annual bonus schemes, but not
workplace based schemes. The bonus targets are stretch targets, and are net
of scheme costs.
The bonus is in two stages. The first bonus is 25% of base pay in shares at
£1.00 per share. The first bonus target is Underlying EBITDA of £155m in
2009-10. The first bonus will vest two years after the EBITDA target of £155m
is reached, and is subject to continuous employment until then.
The second bonus is 75% of base pay in shares at £1.25 per share. The second
stage of the bonus is conditional upon the first bonus target being met in
2009-10, and the second bonus targets are Underlying EBITDA of £195m in
2010-2011, and Underlying EBITDA/Net Debt ratio of 2 or less at the end of
2010-11. The shares vest, subject to continuous employment until then, 2
years after the second bonus targets are met.
shireBrook Campus
The Group continues to invest in infrastructure, and the process of
consolidating the Brands business, including acquired businesses, at
Shirebrook continues.
risks and unCertainties relatinG to the Group’s Business
Risks are an inherent part of the business world. The Group has identified
the following factors as potential risks to, and uncertainties concerning, the
successful operation of its business.
supply Chain
Any disruption or other adverse event affecting the Group’s relationship with
any of its major manufacturers or suppliers, or a failure to replace any of its
major manufacturers or suppliers on commercially reasonable terms, could
have an adverse effect on the Group’s business, operating profit or overall
financial condition.
foreiGn exChanGe risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk
arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US
dollar and Euro.
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or
recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the
entity’s functional currency, as exchange rates move. As explained above,
in the Group’s case, the majority of contracts relating to the sourcing of
Group branded goods are denominated in US dollars, and a strengthening
of the dollar or a weakening of the pound sterling makes those goods more
expensive.
6
Chief Executive’s Report & Business Review