5th Oct 2006 07:00
Halfords Group PLC05 October 2006 Halfords Group plc ("Halfords") Trading Update 5 October 2006 Halfords, the UK's leading auto, leisure and cycling products retailer todayissues the following trading update for the 26 weeks to 29 September 2006, inadvance of publishing interim results on Thursday, 23 November 2006. Sales for the 26 weeks to 29 September 2006 increased by 9.3% over theequivalent period in 2005 and like-for-like sales increased by 6.5%1. As well as maintaining its focus on growing sales, Halfords has continued todeliver further significant reduction in the level of gross profit percentagedilution experienced last year. Ian McLeod, Chief Executive, said: "Halfords' sales and service strategy has continued to deliver like-for-likesales growth in each of its key categories. We remain confident in theresilience of our business as demonstrated by these results, giving usencouragement for our prospects in the second half." Notes 1. Adjusting for the Easter period, underlying like-for-like sales growth is 5.0%. 2. Since announcing its share buy-back programme on the 8 June 2006, Halfords has purchased 5,183,956 of its own shares for cancellation at a consideration, before costs, of £15,935,149, an average of 307.4 pence per share. Interim Results Halfords will announce its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 29 September2006 on Thursday, 23 November 2006. A presentation for analysts and investorswill be held at 9.30 a.m. at the City Presentation Centre, 4 Chiswell Street,London, EC1Y 4UP. For further information: Media Gainsborough CommunicationsAndy Cornelius 020 7190 1703Julian Walker 020 7190 1705 Analysts Halfords Group plcIan McLeod, Chief ExecutiveNick Carter, Finance DirectorTony Newbould, Investor Relations 01527 513113 07753 809522 Notes to Editors: Halfords Group plc www.halfords.co.uk www.halfordscompany.co.uk Halfords is the UK's leading auto, leisure and cycling products retailer, with420 stores and 10,000 employees. It was established in 1892 and was floated onthe London Stock Exchange in June 2004. The Group sells 11,000 different productlines, ranging from car parts and cycles through to the latest in-cartechnology, alloy wheels, child seats, roof boxes and outdoor leisure andcamping equipment. Halfords' own brands include Ripspeed, for car enhancement,and Bikehut, for cycles and cycling accessories, including the Apollo andCarrera brands. Stores offer a "We'll fit it" service for car parts, childseats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "We'llrepair it" service for cycles. ENDS This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Halfords