JD Sports posts higher sales but weaker profit for FY26

JD Sports reported higher revenue for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), despite ongoing pressure on consumer spending and wider challenges across the retail sector while profit declined from the previous year.

For the year ended 31 January 2026, revenue increased 10.5% to £12.66bn ($17.23bn).

Profit before tax and adjusting items fell 7.7% to £852m.

Operating profit before adjusting items and after interest on lease liabilities fell 5.4% year-on-year (YoY) to £886m in FY26, from £937m in FY25.

Operating margin on the same basis narrowed to 7.0% from 8.2%. On a statutory basis, operating profit declined 12.8% to £787m.

Organic sales rose 2.1% at constant exchange rates, supported by growth across all regions apart from the UK.

Like-for-like (LFL) sales decreased 2.1%, which the company said was in line with expectations.

The group said overall revenue growth benefited from contributions from the Hibbett and Courir acquisitions completed in the prior year.

Apparel recorded stronger organic growth globally, increasing around 5% YoY, while footwear sales remained broadly flat as product cycles shifted during the year.

JD Sports added that the running category continued to gain momentum.

Online performance remained positive, with organic digital sales increasing 12.2% in North America and 3.8% in Europe.

The retailer attributed this growth to ongoing investment in omni-channel capabilities, product ranging and technology platforms.

Looking ahead, JD Sports said first-quarter organic sales for FY27 were flat YoY, while LFL sales declined 2.3% in the period to 25 April 2026.

The company said subdued trading conditions are expected to continue and that it is monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential impact on consumer demand.

JD Sports CEO Régis Schultz said: “Whilst we continue to expect muted market growth in FY27, we remain confident in JD Group's medium‑term trajectory, underpinned by our strong brand partnerships and agile, multi‑brand model.

“For the year ahead, we are focused on further enhancing and optimising our product offer, customer experience and store footprint, and delivering strong cost and cash discipline - in essence, 'controlling the controllables'.”

For FY27, JD Sports expects profit before tax and adjusting items to be between £750m and £850m, while free cash flow is forecast at £460m to £520m.

The retailer said it will continue advancing its five strategic priorities during FY27, including strengthening product assortment, improving store productivity, completing its global e-commerce replatforming, increasing AI adoption and expanding data-led customer personalisation.

"JD Sports posts higher sales but weaker profit for FY26" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.

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