pdf (2.5 MB) - METRO Group
pdf (2.5 MB) - METRO Group
pdf (2.5 MB) - METRO Group
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<strong>METRO</strong> GROUP : ANNUAL REPORT 2010 : BUSINESS<br />
→ GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT : 12. SUPPLEMENTARy ANd FORECAST REPORT<br />
Expected financial position<br />
Planned financing measures<br />
Private as well as institutional investors regard<br />
<strong>METRO</strong> GROUP as a solidly financed company. The redemption<br />
of two bonds with a total volume of about €1.1 billion<br />
falls due in the first half of 2011. These maturities will be<br />
refinanced again in 2011 through ongoing short-term and/or<br />
long-term capital market issuance programmes. In taking<br />
these steps, <strong>METRO</strong> GROUP has for years benefited from<br />
outstanding access to international capital markets.<br />
Planned investments<br />
Our medium-term plans comprise annual investments of<br />
more than €2.2 billion for the modernisation of our store<br />
network and international expansion. In 2011, we plan to<br />
make investments totalling €2.2 billion. Besides modernisation<br />
measures, the budget is primarily allocated to new<br />
store openings. In the medium term, we plan to increase the<br />
number of new Metro Cash & Carry stores in the coming<br />
years. For Real, we want to open 10 new stores a year; for<br />
Media Markt and Saturn, we want to open more than 70 new<br />
stores every year. In 2011, Metro Cash & Carry plans to open<br />
40 new stores. Real will add about 5 new locations, and<br />
Media Markt and Saturn will add a minimum of about<br />
70 consumer electronics stores.<br />
Expected cash development<br />
Our liquidity and debt are characterised by a high share of<br />
fourth-quarter sales in total annual sales. At the end of the<br />
year, we have above-average liquidity as well as higher<br />
trade payables. during the first quarter, both debt and<br />
liquidity return to a more normal level. The measures<br />
already introduced in the context of Shape 2012 will have a<br />
positive effect on the relevant cash figures. In addition, we<br />
aim to generate further liquidity by continuing to improve<br />
our working capital.<br />
Opportunities<br />
Opportunities from changed economic parameters<br />
After the global economic crisis slackened, some countries<br />
and regions were able to return to pre-crisis levels.<br />
Asia, in particular, developed very positively. we can<br />
benefit from the improved economic climate in terms of<br />
sales and earnings. In addition, many countries where we<br />
operate have growing populations. This leads to higher<br />
demand.<br />
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Strategic business opportunities<br />
Our sales divisions enjoy strong name recognition and most<br />
are leaders in their respective markets. The objective is to<br />
consolidate and build on this position. In addition, weaker<br />
market players are expected to drop out of the market or be<br />
put up for sale in the coming years. In these cases, we are<br />
reviewing if it would make sense to acquire these competitors<br />
or individual store locations. One opportunity for location-independent<br />
sales is via the Internet. Through online<br />
sales we can reach new customers. All of our sales divisions<br />
are preparing relevant concepts that offer real added value<br />
compared with pure Internet providers thanks to the multichannel<br />
approach.<br />
Performance-related opportunities<br />
The aim of Shape 2012 is to sustainably increase our earnings.<br />
The profit improvement potential targeted for 2012 and<br />
beyond amounts to €1.5 billion compared to 2008. Overall,<br />
Shape 2012 comprises more than 7,500 individual measures.<br />
The majority of cost-saving measures have already been<br />
implemented and have taken effect. Now, productivity is to<br />
be increased. A large number of concepts have been developed<br />
for this, including the continued improvement of delivery<br />
services and the introduction of own-brand products.<br />
The respective sales share is to be increased further and<br />
have a profit-boosting effect in future.<br />
Opportunities through qualified employees and managers<br />
Employees form the foundation of our success. Their development<br />
produces opportunities. As a result of demographic<br />
change, it is anticipated that recruiting qualified employees<br />
and managers will become increasingly difficult in the<br />
coming years. For this reason, we are intensifying our dialogue<br />
with universities and implementing internship programmes,<br />
among other activities, that not only comprise<br />
work in operating departments, but interdisciplinary training<br />
events as well. The Metro Academy provides training and<br />
further education at an international level to <strong>METRO</strong> GROUP<br />
managers. Building on these measures, we strive to retain<br />
qualified and motivated employees over the long term and<br />
tap the related potential.<br />
Overall statement by the Management Board<br />
of <strong>METRO</strong> AG on the expected course of<br />
<strong>METRO</strong> GROUP<br />
we will continue on our profitable growth course and thus<br />
expand the position of <strong>METRO</strong> GROUP as one of the leading