JD Sports H1 gross profit up 0.4 percent

REPORT_ JD Sports Fashion has announced interim

results for the 26 weeks ended August 3, 2013. Interim dividend increased by 3.5 percent. Gross profit in 2013 showed a 0.4 percent increase compared to 2012. Like for like sales for the 26 week period in the core UK and Ireland Sport and Fashion fascias increased by 5.8 percent. Like for like sales for the core UK and Ireland Sport and Fashion fascias in the five week period to September 7, 2013, were up 2.8 percent.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, said: “The strong overall result in the first half has been driven by a record performance in our core sports fascias in the UK. This business continues to provide the group with a very solid platform for group profitability and future cash generation. We are also pleased with the continued evolution of the JD fascia in mainland Europe. Elsewhere, the performance of both the fashion and outdoor fascias has been impacted by significant continued reorganisation activity in the period. Given the continued robust performance in our core sports fascias, the board believes that the group is well positioned to deliver results that are within the range of current expectations.”