3rd May 2012 07:00
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC
Q1 Interim Management Statement - 13 weeks to 29 April 2012
Morrisons has made a satisfactory start to its new financial year.
As expected, the economic environment for the consumer has remained challenging, with the high price of oil and other commodity prices putting pressure on disposable incomes. Against this backdrop we have continued to keep prices low for our customers without compromising on Morrisons quality.
In the quarter total sales* excluding fuel were up by 1.5% (3.1% including fuel) and like for like sales* were down 1.0% (up 0.9% including fuel).
We continue to focus on the delivery of our previously announced range of strategic and operating initiatives which, combined with a close management of our cost base, gives us confidence of achieving continued profitable growth. An update on progress will be provided at our Interim Results in September.
We are well advanced on our programme to retire £1bn of equity over the two years to March 2013. To date we have acquired and cancelled 168m shares at a total investment of £491m. The financial position of the Group remains strong.
Outlook
The uncertain economic background is expected to remain challenging for the consumer and accordingly the Board remains cautious. Our performance in the first quarter was broadly in line with our expectations and our financial outlook for the year remains unchanged.
*exc. VAT and reported in accordance with IFRIC 13
Enquiries:
Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc | |
Richard Pennycook - Group Finance Director | 0845 611 5000 |
Niall Addison - Investor Relations Director | 07764 624701 |
Media Relations | |
Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc - Richard Taylor | 0845 611 6912 |
Citigate Dewe Rogerson: | |
Simon Rigby | 020 7638 9571 |
Kevin Smith | 020 7282 1054 |
There will be an analyst conference call at 9 a.m. today, the details of which are as follows:
Dial in number: | +44(0)20 7136 2050 |
Passcode: | 9194226 |
Replay facility available for 7 days | |
Replay access number: | +44(0)20 7111 1244 |
Replay access code: | 9194226 |
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