JD Sports Fashion PLC maintained its full-year profit forecast of £700 million to £800 million despite subdued consumer sentiment and a difficult first half. Profit before tax and adjusted items fell 19.7% to £282 million ($376.3 million) in the six months ended Aug. 1, from £351 million a year earlier, but exceeded the £279 million analyst estimate provided by the company. Revenue declined 0.7% to £5.90 billion, while like-for-like sales fell 2.8%. A slight improvement in gross margin helped offset weaker performance in the North American business.