Debenhams Posts Increase In Profit

reported a 4.3 percent gain in its profit for the 26 weeks to February 28. The company's profit before tax for the half year jumped to 88.9 million pounds ($131.6 million), compared to GBP85.2 million, in the year-ago period. Its revenue rose 1.6 percent to GBP1.3 billion in the same period, while like-for-like sales gained 1.3 percent. Online sales increased 12.7 percent. Debenhams declared an interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share. Debenhams shares rose 1.31 percent to close at $4.63 yesterday.