British luxury brand Burberry continued to point to a "more difficult external environment" as it posted a 6% rise in half-year adjusted pre-tax profit that was in line with market expectations.
The 158-year-old fashion firm, known for its raincoats with camel, red and black-check patterned linings, made an adjusted profit before tax of £152m for the six months to September 30.
It said it would focus on aspects of the business it could control, without giving detailed forecasts.
The company proposed raising the interim dividend by 10% to 9.7 pence a share, which it said reflected its intention to move progressively to a 50% dividend payout ratio.
Burberry said last month that conditions in some of its markets, including China, had worsened in its second quarter, overshadowing a 14% increase in the group's first-half sales.
Christopher Bailey has held the role of chief executive at Burberry for six months, combining it with that of chief creative officer.
