19th Jul 2007 07:01
Morrison(Wm.)Supermarkets PLC19 July 2007 Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc Pre Close Sales Update Morrisons is pleased to provide a sales update in advance of its interimresults, which will be announced on 20th September 2007. • Like for like sales in the 23 weeks to 15th July 2007 increased by 3.0%, (2.6% including fuel) with converted stores, including those that are now in their third year of conversion, continuing to perform well. • Sales growth has slowed slightly since we last reported at our AGM in May, reflecting tougher comparisons against last year when the market benefited from the impact of favourable weather and the World Cup. Commenting on trading, Sir Ken Morrison, Chairman, said "The Board is satisfiedwith the overall performance of the business to-date. Sales volumes are lowerthan we would like, but the company's new marketing and store programme willcommence later this month. Good progress is being made towards meeting ourambitious margin & cost targets and we are confident that we are well on trackto deliver our expected outcome for the year." - ENDS- There will be an analyst conference call at 9am, please dial in as below Access Number +44 (0)20 8609 0205 UK Toll Free Number 0800 358 2705 US Toll Free Number 1866 793 4279 Pin code: 957178# Replay details (available for 72 hours): UK Access Number +44 (0)20 8609 0289 UK Toll Free* Access Number 0800 358 2189 Conference Reference 177707# Contacts: Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC Investors: Niall Addison 07764 624 701 Media: Gillian Hall 0845 611 5359 Citigate Dewe Rogerson 020 7638 9571 Jonathan Clare Simon Rigby Sarah Gestetner This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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