Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (HVN) said sales from the franchised “Harvey Norman” complexes, commercial divisions and other sales outlets in Australia, New Zealand, Slovenia and Ireland (excluding Singapore) for the six months ended 31 December 2009 increased 4% on the previous corresponding period. The retailer said unaudited preliminary accounts for the half-year indicate that profit before tax and minority interests should exceed the profit of the pcp by in excess of 40%.

Harvey Norman said sales totalled $3.27 billion, while like-for-like sales rose 2.5% in the six-month period

The company said Australian sales in the first increased 6.4% on the pcp, which included 5.8% and 6.8% rises in the first and second quarter respectively.

In the same periods, like-for-like sales rose 5.6%, 4.6% and 6.5%.

The company said it remains cautiously optimistic about the next five months, with sales for the month of January 2010 having met managements’ expectations.

As at 1054 AEDT, Harvey Norman shares were down 4c to $3.68.