File Steinhoff-controlled Pepkor said it saw a 50.6% increase in headline earnings per share with revenue of R36.5 billion and a 18.5% growth in operating profit. On Thursday, the group said strong operational performance in addition to a significantly lower level of debt resulted in the growth of headline earnings per share for the six-month period ended 31 March 2021. Pepkor owns Ackermans, Pep, and JD Group - which includes brands such as Joshua Doore, Incredible Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation. The group saw 8.1% growth in revenue to R36.5 billion while it also reduced net debt by R8 billion to R6.1 billion. The group said it has made excellent progress in strengthening its balance sheet and liquidity, which will support its investment in growth opportunities.