Carphone upbeat ahead of merger

Dixons Carphone is set to be created before the end of September and aims to tap into the way technology is transforming modern households through the increasing overlap of the mobile phone and electrical goods sectors.

Carphone said a 14​ per cent​ rise in its underlying earnings to £151​m was in line with guidance for the year to March 29 after like-for-like revenues grew 5.3​ per cent​.

Dixons Retail Group said its profits increased by 76​ per cent​ to £166.2​m​, with same-store sales in the UK & Ireland up ​five per cent​ and underlying profits for the region up 24​ per cent​ to £141​m​ in the year to April 30.

Its boss Sebastian James, who will be chief executive of the enlarged group, said Dixons was stronger than it has been for a number of years and “well positioned to set sail into new waters.”

He said the new financial year has started well, with an uplift in TV sales driven by the World Cup and the early glimmers of a consumer recovery.

Mr James added: “On this there is no certainty just yet, but what we know for sure is that if we maintain a tight rein on costs, our pricing sharp - against all comers - and our service levels high, customers will continue to choose us over others.”

Carphone reported good performances in the UK, Spain and Ireland, offset by tougher mainland European markets including the Netherlands and Germany.

Chief executive Andrew Harrison said Carphone was approaching the merger from a “position of strength” as the speed, range of new devices, increased data usage and new 4G tariffs have increased its appeal.

He said 4G was a major new dynamic in the mobile marketplace as network infrastructure is rolled out more widely across the UK market.

Mr Harrison added: “The significantly improved network quality and download speeds have encouraged customers to take richer data packages, which in turn drive increases in monthly line rental.”