19th Jul 2006 07:00
Wetherspoon (JD) PLC19 July 2006 JD WETHERSPOON PLC Press Release 19 July 2006 Pre Year-End Trading Update Current trading For the first 12 weeks (to 16 July 2006) of the final quarter, like-for-likesales increased by 5.1%, helped by good weather, resulting in a year to date (51weeks) like-for-like sales increase of 2.0%. Total company sales increased by5% to £197.5 million for the period and by 2.3% to £813.1 million for the yearto date. Property We expect to open 9 pubs in the current financial year, with a slightlyincreased number likely next year. Non-smoking pubs As highlighted in our third quarter update on the 26 April 2006, our non-smokingpubs in Scotland had a positive start with like-for-like sales in the firstmonth (April) of 3.2%. The following 12 weeks have seen a like-for-like salesdecline of 0.3%. Outlook Based on the current strong sales performance, the company currently expects theoutcome for the year to 30 July 2006 to be towards the top end of marketexpectations. The company currently intends to announce its preliminary results covering the53 weeks to 30 July on 8 September 2006. Enquiries: John Hutson Chief Executive 01923 477777Jim Clarke Finance Director 01923 477777Eddie Gershon Company Spokesman 0208 352 5012/ 07956 392234 Visit our web site at www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Wetherspoon (J.D)