JOHANNESBURG, July 23 (Reuters) - South African food and clothing retailer Woolworths (WHLJ.J) expects to report a 30-40 percent rise in earnings per share boosted by a one-off profit and sales in the fourth quarter showed signs of recovery.

South Africa Woolworth's womenswear

The company said EPS in the 52 weeks to end June were expected to rise up to 40 percent versus the previous year's 53-week period, boosted by the profit from the sale of a majority stake in its financial services division.

The company said growth in headline EPS, which strips out certain one-off, non-trading and financial items, was unlikely to exceed 5 percent, based on the previous period being adjusted to 52 weeks. On this basis, EPS would rise 40-50 percent.

Sales increased 5.5 percent versus the previous 53 weeks, or 7.2 percent compared with the previous 52 weeks. Comparable store sales fell 1.3 percent, and rose 0.4 percent on a comparable 52-week basis.

South African retailers have been battling a slowdown in consumer spending as the country tipped into its first recession in 17 years, with Woolworths one of the hardest hit as its largely middle class customer base opted for cheaper options.

However Woolworths said that while sales in the second half were in line with the first six months of the year, the fourth quarter showed signs of recovery as a string of interest rate cuts aimed at spurring spending fed into the economy.

Woolworths shares gained slightly on the news, ending 0.99 percent higher at 14.35 rand, compared to a 0.44 percent higher JSE General Retailers index .JGERE. (Reporting by Rebecca Harrison; Editing by Muchena Zigomo)