Australian supermarket group Woolworths has reported a 13% rise in first-half profit, despite fierce competition from rival Coles Myer.
Woolworths posted net profit of A$420m (US$324m) for the first half to 11 January, compared to $372m a year earlier, narrowly missing analysts’ expectations of $425m net profit, reported Reuters.
The retailer, which has been undergoing a cost savings plan, reiterated its forecast of annual earnings per share growth of 12-15%.
Woolworths is currently in a fierce battle with Coles Myer, as both retailers attempt to increase their share of Australia’s $65bn food retail market. Woolworths currently has a 38% market share, while Coles Myer has a 31% share.
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