1st Apr 2010 11:00
1 April 2010
Booker Group plc
The following amendment has been made to the 'Quarter Four Trading Statement' announcement released on 1 April 2010 at 07:00 under RNS No 5834J.
'16 Weeks to 26 March 2010' amended to '12 Weeks to 26 March 2010'.
All other details remain unchanged.
The full amended text is shown below.
Quarter Four Trading Statement
12 Weeks to 26 March 2010
In the final quarter total sales rose by 3.8% on the same period last year, with total like-for-likes up by 3.6%. Non-tobacco like-for-likes rose by 3.0%, while like-for-like tobacco sales increased by 4.6%. Fresh departments did particularly well with fruit and vegetables up 61% and meat up 16%.
Total sales in the 52 weeks to 26 March 2010 were £3.4bn up by 6.5% and total like-for-likes were also up by 6.5%. Like-for-like non-tobacco sales rose by 6.9%, while like-for-like tobacco sales increased by 5.8%. Like-for-like sales to caterers were +9.1% and retailers were +5.3%. Customer numbers increased by 4.1% to approximately 431,000 and customer satisfaction improved. Internet sales increased by 62.8% to £407m.
The Group had £7.0m net cash at the end of the year compared to net debt of £24.9m a year ago. Profits for the 52 weeks to 26 March 2010 remain in line with management expectations.
Our performance in India continues to be encouraging. We will provide an update on our future plans in India with the full year results on 20 May 2010.
Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive said:
"Booker continues to make good progress with like-for-like sales up 3.6% in the final quarter against a strong comparative period last year. We served 17,000 more customers in the year and customer satisfaction improved. We know that January was difficult for many of our customers due to the poor weather; we are very grateful for their continuing business."
Note: Sales represent amounts receivable for goods net of discounts, customer returns and value added tax
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)
020 7353 4200
Susanna Voyle
Lucy Legh
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