Booker Group has reported a 2.3% rise in like-for-like sales in the 24 weeks to 13 September, with non-tobacco like-for-likes up 5%, on sales up 16.5% to £2.2bn.
Profit before tax (pre exceptionals) increased 17% to £58.1m and operating profit, before a £7m exceptional credit related to its acquisition of Makro, grew 16% to £59m.
Underlying earnings per share were up 0.25 pence to 2.73 pence, with basic earnings per share increased by 0.82p to 3.11p.
The company said its plan to turnaround Makro is “on track” and should deliver £26m of synergies this year. “Following the successful integration of Makro into the group and strong cash generation, we intend to implement a special cash return to shareholders of approximately £60m in 2014.”
Progress of Booker Direct, Ritter Courivaud, Classic and Chef Direct are also on track, the firm added. Internet sales were up 11% in the period to £369m.
Meanwhile, it opened two sites in India in the period, taking its estate in the country to six.
Charles Wilson, chief executive of Booker, said: “Our plan to focus, drive and broaden Booker Group is on track.
“The team at Makro have settled into the group and are making a real contribution. Through working together Booker and Makro are improving the choice, price and service for our retail, catering and small business customers. Our customer satisfaction improved, which helped drive non tobacco like for like sales up 5%.”
