The Board of Laura Ashley Holdings plc is not recommending payment of an interim dividend for the 26 weeks to 31 December 2017 compared to 0.5 pence a year ago.

The company reported unaudited group earnings results for the six months ended December 31, 2017. For the period, the company reported revenues of £134.7 million against £146.0 million a year ago. Profit from operations was £4.8 million against £8.2 million a year ago. Profit before taxation was £4.3 million against £7.8 million a year ago. Profit for the financial period was £3.4 million against £6.2 million a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per share were 0.47 pence against 0.85 pence a year ago. Net cash generated from operations was £6.1 million against £7.3 million a year ago. Purchase of intangible assets was £0.2 million against £0.1 million a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was £1.3 million against £0.1 million a year ago. Total like-for-like retail sales down 0.5%.