Woolworths Holdings Limited - Trading Statement
WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1929/001986/06)
ISIN Code: ZAE000028288
JSE Share Code: WHL
TRADING STATEMENT
Woolworths operating group increased sales for the six months from July to
December 2003 by 13.7% compared to the same period last year. Sales from
comparable stores (which includes local and international franchise) grew by
7.5%.
Clothing and Home sales grew by 10.9% in total and by 7.9% in comparable stores
whilst Foods sales grew by 17.7% in total and by 7.0% in comparable stores.
The average price movement for the period in corporate stores was 9.5% for
Clothing and Home and 8.6% for Foods. The price movement dropped by the month
of December to 7.6% for Clothing and Home and 7.5% for Foods.
Foods sales during the festive season were slightly ahead of expectations while
Clothing and Home met expectations.
Sales for the Australian subsidiary, Country Road, for the six months were 6.7%
below the same period last year, in Australian dollar terms. Trading
conditions for the period were extremely competitive, with discounting and
promotional activity across the market. Expenses have been well controlled and
it is expected that the business will make a small profit for the period.
The above financial information has not been reviewed or reported on by the
company"s auditors. Accordingly, shareholders are advised to exercise caution
when dealing in shares in the company until the interim results are published.
The publication of the interim results of the company for the 26-week period to
28 December 2003 is scheduled for mid February 2004.
Contact:
Simon Susman: Chief Executive Officer - 083 252 5696
Norman Thomson: Financial Director - 083 251 6354
Cape Town
7 January 2004
Sponsor
HSBC
Date: 08/01/2004 09:06:02 AM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za
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