Woolworths on Thursday said headline earnings per share increased 19.6 percent from 44.4 cents to 53.1 cents for the 26 weeks ended December 2005.

The retailer said revenue grew 16.7 percent to R7.415-billion, while operating profit was up 19.6 percent at R730.3-million.

An interim dividend of 24 cents a share was declared, up 29.7 percent from a previous interim dividend of 18.5 cents a share.

The local retail environment remained robust due to stable interest rates, low inflation, continued growth of the emerging black market and an increase in consumers' real disposable income, the company said.

Shares fell 0.77 percent to end at 15.46 rand on the JSE on Thursday.

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