Primark denies short-term impact of coronavirus, foresees 4.2 percent rise in H1 sales

For the half year, Primark, part of Associated British Foods Plc, expects sales to be 4.2 percent at constant currency and 2.5 percent at actual exchange rates, driven by increased retail selling space and level like-for-like sales. The company said in a statement that with the expected decline in margin, operating profit is expected to be marginally down on last year at constant currency and on a lease-adjusted basis, while on a reported basis, operating profit is expected to be ahead of last year.