Associated British Foods on Tuesday reported a 1% fall in first-half profit, with a resilient performance at its Primark fashion business offset by a previously flagged dip in the performance of its sugar business.
In January AB Foods had warned that revenue and profit from sugar would fall more than previously forecast in 2017-18 because of lower prices across the European Union.
For the six months to 3 March the group, which also owns major grocery, ingredients and agriculture businesses, made adjusted operating profit of £648 million. That compares with company guidance of a "flat" outcome and £652 million made in the first half of its 2016-17 year.
Group revenue rose 2% to £7.42 billion.
On a constant currency basis sales and profit growth was achieved in all of the divisions, other than sugar, where the reduction was as expected.
The group maintained its full-year outlook, forecasting "progress" in both adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share (EPS).
Second-Half Acceleration
It forecast a second-half acceleration in profit growth at Primark, due to margin improvement, and continued profit growth from the other non-sugar businesses.
"These should more than offset the decline in profit at AB Sugar in the balance of the year," said chairman Michael McLintock.
Shares in the group, down 23% over the last six months, closed Monday at 2,583 pence, valuing the business at £20.3 billion.
The group is majority-owned by the family of chief executive George Weston.
News by Reuters, edited by ESM. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
