The group also confirmed it was scrapping plans to sell-off its Dunnhumby data analysis business that runs its Clubcard loyalty scheme, which follows reports of poor interest from prospective buyers. Tesco shares dropped 2% after the half-year report, described as " disappointing on many levels" by Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Mike Dennis. He estimated that UK stores were loss making at an operative level in the first half and forecast more store closures among Tesco's 3,500-strong UK estate. But Mr Lewis sought to assure the group was not planning to make a cash call to investors, instead hoping to rely on "self-help" measures to reduce debts and improve profits. Mr Lewis - who took over at the helm from Philip Clarke last September - has been leading a turnaround to restore the fortunes of the supermarket giant's core UK business.