Retail giant GUS has posted forecast- beating earnings and said it remains upbeat about its prospects.
Pre-tax profits before exceptional items at the UK group, which owns the Argos chain, jumped 44% to £354m ($601m) in the six months to September.
That compares with analysts' forecasts of between £330m and £343m.
Chief executive John Peace said: "Although we face some challenges in the second half, we remain confident in the outlook for the future."
GUS owns 67.5% of luxury goods company Burberry, as well as well as home improvements retailer Homebase and
financial information firm Experian.
Analysts had anticipated a weakening sales trend in
the company's second quarter at Argos and Homebase after the UK summer heat wave hit its main rivals.
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