Discount giant B&M has nudged up its earnings forecast after reporting "very strong" trading in the run up to Christmas Day.
The Merseyside-headquartered company has said it now expects its adjusted EBITDA to be between £605m and £625m, ahead of the current analysts' consensus estimate of £578m.
The listed retailer added it has experienced "strong performance" across a number of categories in the last three months of 2021 including "excellent sell-through" of seasonal ranges.
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However, the figures given to the London Stock Exchange show B&M's group revenue remained static at £1.3bn, with UK sales dipping from £1.2bn in the same period in 2020 to £1.1bn.
But there was a rise for Heron Foods from £102.9m to £105.2m and its French sales went from £83.7m to £108.8m.
More than 24,000 staff at B&M are also to get an extra week's wage for their "considerable efforts", the group added.
Chief executive Simon Arora said: "The group has delivered a very strong Golden Quarter, with our two-year like-for-like performance demonstrating strong retention of new customers.
"Our decision to take receipt of imported Christmas stock early in the season meant we were able to provide customers with great products at great prices.
"The consistency of performance in the core B&M UK business reflects the growing appeal of our stores as a destination visit for seasonal products, as well as the strength of our supply chain.
"I would like to thank all of our colleagues for helping to deliver our best-ever Christmas.
"Although the pandemic continues to create challenges for retailers and consumers alike, our relentless focus on value-for-money remains undiminished.
"Despite ongoing supply chain disruption, inflationary pressures and uncertainty surrounding possible Covid-related restrictions, we remain confident in B&M's prospects for 2022."
