Highlights 

THE GREAT UNIVERSAL STORES P.L.C.

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

The Great Universal Stores P.L.C ("GUS") today announces its results for the year to 31 March 1999. Highlights of the results are as follows:

  • Turnover grew by £2.1bn to £5.5bn largely as a result of the acquisitions of Metromail and Argos in March and April 1998 respectively

  • Underlying profit before tax was £513.6m as opposed to £555.1m last year

  • Earnings per share before exceptional items and amortisation of goodwill were 38.8p (1998 – 38.9p)

  • Proposed final dividend of 14.4p (1998 – 14.0p)

 

Lord Wolfson of Sunningdale, Chairman of GUS, commented:

"Our results have been affected by the difficult retailing environment which has been experienced during the year. Nevertheless, we believe we are now well-positioned for future developments in UK shopping habits, and well-positioned internationally as a global leader in the fast growing information services market."

 

Enquiries:

G.U.S. Tel: 0171 495 0070

Lord Wolfson of Sunningdale Chairman
David Tyler Finance Director

Finsbury Tel: 0171 251 3801

Rupert Younger

 

 


   
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