WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED - TRADING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED
("Woolworths")
Registration number 1929/001986/06
ISIN: ZAE000028288
JSE Code: WHL
TRADING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
In terms of the new JSE Listings Requirements, which became effective on 1
September 2003, companies are required to disclose any material change in their
comparative financial results as soon as they become aware thereof. In
compliance with this requirement, Woolworths Holdings Limited advises that
earnings and headline earnings for the 26 week period to 31 December 2003 are
forecast by management to be materially (between 10% and 30%) higher than those
reported for the prior corresponding half year.
Woolworths operating group increased sales for the six months from July to
December 2003 by 13.7% compared to the same period last year. Trading in the
South African operations met expectations, however, trading in the international
franchise stores in the Middle East and Africa was negatively impacted by the
strong rand. This has lead to the recently established franchise in Saudi
Arabia being terminated as it could not meet the viability targets. The impact
of stock cancellations and related costs arising from these difficulties has
been accounted for in this period.
As this forecast has been neither reviewed nor reported on by the group"s
external auditors, holders of Woolworths shares are advised to exercise caution
in dealing in their shares until the group"s results for the period are
published on or about 12 February 2004.
Contact : Simon Susman : Chief Executive Officer 083 252 5696
Norman Thomson : Finance Director 083 251 6354
Sponsor
HSBC
Date: 02/02/2004 03:08:02 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za
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