(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 7 mag - UK retailer JD Sports said that in the full year ended January 31, sales rose a reported 10.5% and a constant currency 11.7% to 12.662 billion pounds driven by annualisations of the Hibbett and Courir acquisitions in the prior year.

Organically sales rose 2.1% with growth in all regions expect the UK, while like for like sales fell 2.1%, in line with the company's expectations.

Profit before adjusting items fell a reported 7.7% and a constant currency 6.4% to 852 million pounds, while operating profit was down 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively, to 886 million pounds with a margin of 7.0% from 8.2%. The gross margin was unchanged at 47%.

Adjusted earings per share fell 5.5% to 11.71 pence.

In the first quarter to April 25, organic sales were flat year on year and like for like sales fell 2.3%. The first quarter traditionally has the lowest sales weighting in the financial year of the company.

The company said it continues to anticipate muted market growth in the near term, in line with previous guidance.

For the full year, reflecting the uncertainty, the company providing a wider range, expecting pretax profit before adjusting items of 750-850 million pounds, and free cash flow of 460-520 million pounds.

JD Sports said that in North America, its largest region at nearly 40% of sales, sales trends sequentially improved through the year, culminating in a return to like for like.

sales growth in the fourth quarter.

(RADIOCOR) 07-05-26 09:03:50 (0250) 5 NNNN