Steinhoff-controlled Pepkor now expects half-year headline profit growth of between 38% and 58%. This is considerably more than its previous trading statement, released two weeks ago, which forecast a gain of at least 20% from its continuing operations. Pepkor owns Ackermans, Pep as well as JD Group, including brands like Joshua Doore, Incredible Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation. The profit gain is thanks to a strong trading performance, with Pepkor previously saying revenue from continuing operations rose by more than 8% to R36.5 billion for the six months to end-March – compared to the same half-year in the previous period, which was still largely unaffected by the pandemic.