First-half sales rose 9% to £3.5bn, supported by higher and more targeted marketing spend. Online International and UK sales grew 24% and 7%, respectively, partially offset by a small decline in UK Retail stores.
Pre-tax profit rose 11% to £569mn, driven by sales growth and improved operational efficiencies.
Free cash flow was flat at £0.4bn, as increased investment in property and infrastructure offset stronger profits. Net debt, including lease liabilities, rose from £1.5bn to £1.9bn.
Full-year guidance has been upgraded slightly, with sales now expected to grow by 7% to £7.5bn, and pre-tax profits to rise 8% to £1.3bn.
The group completed £355mn of share buybacks over the period and announced an interim dividend of 98p per share, up 13%.
The shares were up 2.3% in early trading.
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