Diageo posts 1.8 percent rise in first-half sales
LONDON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Diageo (LSE: DGE.L - news) reported a 1.8 percent rise in half-year sales on Thursday, weighed down by foreign exchange rates and the sale of assets including its wine business.
On a reported basis, the maker of Johnnie Walker Scotch and Smirnoff vodka said that net sales were 5.6 billion pounds ($8 billion), down 5 percent. Earnings per share were 56.1 pence.
For the full year, Diageo said it expects volume growth to drive stronger top-line performance, with margins improving slightly. ($1 = 0.7015 pounds) (Reporting by Martinne Geller in London; Editing by David Goodman)