Profits up at cash-rich Power City despite decline in sales

Cash funds at family-owned company now stand higher than €40m

Pretax profits climbed at Power City despite revenues falling by 10.48% to €94.5 million in the 12 months to the end of September 24th last. Photograph: iStock
Pretax profits climbed at Power City despite revenues falling by 10.48% to €94.5 million in the 12 months to the end of September 24th last. Photograph: iStock

Profits at Power City, the electronics retailer owned by the McKenna family, last year grew by 7 per cent to €9.3 million.

New accounts show that Power City Ltd recorded the increase in pretax profits despite revenues falling by 10.48 per cent to €94.5 million in the 12 months to the end of September 24th last.

The company’s directors noted that “trading during the year continued satisfactorily”, with costs declining slightly during the period. It did not pay a dividend for the year, having paid out €2.5 million in the previous 12 months.

The cash-rich firm saw its cash funds increasing sharply from €30.22 million to €43.42 million during the year.

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With no dividend payout last year, the firm’s accumulated profits increased from €107.58 million to €118.83 million.

Directors’ pay was 45 per cent, or €1.3 million, lower at €1.58 million. This was comprised of emoluments of €1.39 million and pension contributions of €196,000.

Seven directors served during the year but only three remain on the board: Liam T McKenna, Dermot B McKenna and Sinead McKenna. Joseph Kelly resigned from the board on December 5th last and Stephen Kelly, Stephen McKenna and Karen McKenna all resigned on February 22nd this year.

Numbers employed at the McKenna-owned firm last year decreased by one to 230.

Power City’s stores are located in the eastern part of the State, with its Dublin stores at Tallaght, Sallynoggin, Blanchardstown, Finglas, Coolock, Fonthill, Carrickmines and Swords, while it also has outlets in Bray, Co Wicklow. Naas, Co Kildare and Drogheda, Co Louth.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times