Sports Direct posted a 14.6% rise in profit in its third quarter and said it was “very confident” of hitting its full year target.
In the 13 weeks to 26 January 2014 Sports Direct, which operates in 19 countries in Europe and has 400 stores in the UK, saw group sales rise to £655.4 million from £589.5 million in the previous financial year while gross profit increased to £280.7 million from £244.8 million.
Chief executive Dave Forsey said: "Despite tougher comparisons during the period, sports retail continues to perform well driven by our ongoing focus on exceptional quality, unbeatable value and availability."
The company believes much of its success is down to the positive impact of a lucrative bonus scheme, which last year rewarded around 2,000 staff with shares worth more than £68,000.
Today's performance should keep the company on track to meet targets under a new four-year bonus scheme, due in the summer of 2015.
