• Pre-tax profits up 19% to 144m in 26 weeks to October 29
  • Group half-year like-for-likes rise 4%
  • UK & Ireland like-for-likes up 5%

Dixons Carphone has reported a 19% surge in half-year profits, but said it is planning for “more uncertain” times in the face of Brexit.

Pre-tax profits hit £144m in the 26 weeks to October 29, the retailer said today.

Group sales on a reported basis rose 11% to £4.9bn, while on a like-for-like basis revenue increased 4%.

UK and Ireland like-for-likes rose 6%. In the Nordics, like-for-likes increased 5% and in Southern Europe comparable sales rose 2%.

Boss Seb James branded it a “strong start” to the year.  

James said the move to combine Currys, PC World and Carphone Warehouse stores since 2014’s merger is ”delivering exactly as expected”.

Looking ahead, he said: “We remain optimistic about our ability to continue to gain market share in all our key markets, and, while we have still not seen any effect on consumer demand as a consequence of Brexit, we have been planning for the possibility of more uncertain times ahead.

”In particular, we have been focusing on reducing our fixed cost base, identifying areas of potential market share growth if the world becomes a tougher place for our competitors, and generally preparing for all eventualities – just in case.

He added: ”We are also planning our offer so that potential currency impacts are minimised for the customer.”

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