The Dunelm Board has declared an interim dividend of 12 pence per share, recognising that no dividends were paid in respect of FY20. The amount of the final dividend will be decided in due course, considering the external environment at the time, together with an assessment of our balance sheet position. They remain committed to returning to their published capital and dividend policies over time, including returning any surplus cash to shareholders.
Other financial highlights include:
Very strong sales growth of 23%, despite the impact of store closures in the second quarter
Continued market share growth, with sales growth significantly ahead of the homewares market
Digital sales growth of 111%, with ongoing development of digital capabilities and successful scaling of technology and operations to respond to growth in peak volumes
Growth in total active customers of 4.4%, driven primarily by growth in online customers, with clear opportunities to grow customer numbers and frequency
Continued focus on the health and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues; customer perceptions of safety in our stores and via their Click & Collect offer at 97%
Gross margin +50bps, driven mainly by sourcing gains
PBT of £112.4m, +34.4% (FY20 H1: £83.6m), after the commitment to repay the £14.5m Job Retention Scheme (JRS) monies claimed in FY20
Free cash flow of £98.0m, with net cash at period end of £140.9m (FY20 H1: net debt £67.7m)
