JMHLY Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd (PK)

LONDON--Pan-Asian retailer Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd (DFIB.LN), said Wednesday that cost pressures and margin investment in certain businesses led to earnings continuing to be slightly lower during the from period from July 1 to Nov. 5.

MAIN FACTS:

-Sales growth was achieved in most of the Group's major businesses during the period.

-Satisfactory sales and profit growth were seen in the Group's Health and Beauty businesses, IKEA operations and restaurant associate, Maxim's.

-Overall, the Food businesses recorded lower profits despite an increase in sales.

-The Group's financial position remained strong and it held net cash at 31st October 2013.

-Write to Razak Musah Baba at razak.baba@wsj.com; Twitter: @Raztweet

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