Companies

JD Sports announces full-year 2026 results

May 13, 2026 United Kingdom

The UK-based sportswear retailer reported a 2.1% year-on-year increase in organic sales in fiscal 2026, while profit before tax and adjusting items declined amid challenging market conditions

“We delivered a resilient performance, achieving organic sales growth of 2.1% despite tough market conditions ”, said Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports Fashion. “Our deep understanding of our customers and lifestyle trends give us a clear view of how they want to shop and spend, allowing us to consistently deliver the right products, in the right places and at the right prices. This customer-led focus, alongside disciplined cost and capital management, supported a 36% increase in free cash flow”, he added.

Full-Year Results

In the twelve months ending on the 31^st of January 2026, JD Sports recorded total sales of 12.66 billion British pounds (14.60 billion euros), representing an increase of 11.7% at constant exchange rates and 10.5% at reported rates compared to the previous year.

Excluding the two businesses acquired in the previous financial year (Hibbett and Courir), organic sales growth was 2.1% at constant exchange rates.

In North America, its largest market, organic sales rose by 3.2% in the 2026 financial year, while like-for-like sales declined by 1.8% year-on-year. Europe also showed resilience, with organic sales rising by 4.2% and like-for-like sales falling by 1.2%. In the Asia-Pacific region, its least significant market, organic sales grew by 8.5%, while like-for-like sales increased by 0.4%.

By contrast, the UK experienced weak sales trends throughout the previous fiscal year against a challenging consumer backdrop, particularly on the online channel, where a higher proportion of sales are generated than in other regions. Consequently, the region recorded an organic sales decrease of 2.5% and a like-for-like sales decrease of 3.9%.

JD Sports reported a gross margin of 47.0%, which was unchanged from the 2025 financial year. This was due to controlled price investments, particularly in online operations, being offset by higher marketing contributions.

The company’s full-year profit before tax and adjusting items fell from 923 million to 852 million British pounds (1.06 billion euros to 982.6 million euros) in the 2026 financial year, while statutory pre-tax profit declined by 12.0% year-on-year to 629 million British pounds (725.4 million euros).

JD Sports reported stronger cash generation during the period, with free cash flow rising to 462 million (532 million) from 123 million British pounds (141 million euros) in the 2025 financial year. Meanwhile, inventory growth remained broadly in line with sales growth.

FY 2027 Outlook

JD Sports said it continues to expect subdued market growth this year, in line with previous guidance. Although the company has no direct exposure to the Middle East, it is monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation and its potential impact.

Nevertheless, the retailer has widened its profit guidance range, stating that it expects its full-year 2027 profit before tax and adjusting items to be between 750 million and 850 million British pounds (864 million and 980 million euros), with free cash flow forecast at between 460 million and 520 million British pounds (530 million and 599 million euros).

1 GBP = 1,15 EUR

Image Credits: wwd.com

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