The retail group’s combined revenue for the year ending February 1 stood at £1.3 billion, up 5.7 per cent on the previous 12 months, earning JD a pre-tax profit of £57.8 million.
In its UK and Ireland sports business, like-for-like sales for the year rose 6.7 per cent, while operating profit before exceptional items increased by 20 per cent to £93.4 million.
Gross revenue for the division was just over £1 billion.
JD said the turnaround of its outdoor division was progressing, with combined Blacks and Millets fascias breaking even in the second half, compared to a loss of £4.9 million in the second half of the previous year.
In 2013 Blacks’ and Millets’ warehousing and central functions in Northampton were absorbed into JD’s group infrastructure.
“I am delighted to report that our core sports fascias delivered another year of substantial progress,” Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD, says.
“It is particularly pleasing that they have produced a record result in our core markets in the UK and Ireland.
“These businesses continue to provide the foundations for profit and expansion in the group.”
Cowgill adds: “I am encouraged that the Blacks and Millets business achieved a significant improvement in the second half of the year and we expect continued progress in the new financial year.
“The group continues to be well positioned with its retail proposition, increased financial resources and extensive management experience to take advantage of opportunities both in the UK and internationally.”
