26th Mar 2008 07:01
Booker Group PLC26 March 2008 26th March 2008 Booker Group plc Pre-close and Fourth Quarter Update In the final quarter total sales, including Blueheath, are up +3.2% (versus+1.3% in Q3). Non-tobacco like-for-likes are up +4.1% (versus +2.4% in Q3) whilelike-for-like tobacco sales have declined by -5.0% (versus -7.9% in Q3). Total sales in the 52 weeks to 28th March 2008 are up +2.3% on the same periodlast year. Like-for-like non-tobacco sales are up +3.3% and like-for-liketobacco sales have declined by -5.4% due to the ban on smoking in public places.Sales and profits remain in line with management expectations. Net debt will bearound £50m compared to £76.5m a year ago. In the interim statement released last October, we gave guidance that theprojected tax charge for the year would be 18.4%. This remains the case and weexpect to hold our effective rate of tax at around this level through to 2011. The preliminary results will be announced on 22nd May 2008. Charles Wilson, Chief Executive said, "Booker is on track to deliver results in line with expectations, in spite ofthe cooling in the economy and the impact of the smoking ban in public places." For further information contact: Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc) 020 7353 4200 Susanna Voyle Celia Gordon Shute Investec Bank UK (Nominated Adviser to Booker Group plc) 020 7597 5970 Keith Anderson This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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