It showed that the grocer had increased sales, excluding petrol, by 1.5 per cent over the period, compared with a growth of 0.8 per cent in the first quarter. However, like-for-like sales dipped by 1.1 per cent.
Total figures were boosted by petrol sales, contributing to growth for the quarter of 4.4 per cent.
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King said: 'Total sales growth includes a contribution from both Bells Stores and Jackson's, with the like-for-like increase of 1.8 per cent reflecting the strong trading from petrol. Underlying profit before tax for the first half of 2004/2005 was impacted by the margin investment and additional costs of managing availability.'
Underlying profit before tax for the first half of the year is expected to be between£125 million and£135 million. The retailer expects the second half of the year to yield similar results.
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