Pet supplies group Pets at Home has reported an 11.8% jump in first-half pre-tax profits to £45.2 million, despite warning last month that sales for the second quarter had missed expectations.
In the six months to October 8th, Pets at Home said that it saw strong growth in both mature and maturing vets and groomers as well as good performance from specialist referral hospital Northwest Surgeons, acquired at the start of the financial year.
Nick Wood, CEO, commented: "Our core strategic drivers remain strong and I am pleased with the progress we have made in the first half of the year, highlighted by a 13.4% rise in earnings per share. Pet services have again grown significantly, benefitting from sustained organic growth in both our vet and grooming businesses, together with encouraging results from the acquisition of our first specialist referral hospital. In Merchandise we continue to lead the market and grow our share in Advanced Nutrition foods."
"We have strengthened the business further through the implementation of our new divisional structure, whilst investment in our colleagues and seamless shopping experience continues to build our competitive and strategic strength."
