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JD Sports has warned of a “muted market” in FY27 as it monitors the evolving conflict in the Middle East, adding that a prolonged crisis could impact consumers and its business operations.
In its full-year results, the group welcomed a “resilient” year of trading but management provided a wider profit guidance range of £750m to £850m for the 2027 financial year to reflect current global uncertainties.
Nonetheless, for the 2025/26 financial year, JD Sports has reported organic sales growth of 2.1% as total sales rose 11.7% at constant exchange rates to reach £1.3bn, though statutory pre-tax profit fell 12% to £629m following various adjusting items.
Profits before tax and adjusting items also fell in FY26, from £923m the year prior to £852m.
However, JD Sports has reported a resilient performance in apparel supported by online growth in North America and Europe, which grew 5%, while footwear sales remained flat due to product cycle evolution – though it noted encouraging momentum in the running category.
In light of its performance for FY26, JD Sports expects market conditions to remain muted throughout the 2027 financial year, citing ongoing uncertainty and plans for continued price investment.
Strategic priorities for the coming year include the completion of a global e-commerce re-platforming programme and the acceleration of AI adoption. The company also intends to convert further stores in the US and address under-performing sites in Europe.
The board also confirmed the launch of a £200m share buyback programme, underpinned by a three-year free cash flow target of more than £1.4bn.
Régis Schultz, chief executive of JD Sports, said: “We delivered a resilient performance, achieving organic sales growth of 2.1% despite tough market conditions. 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.
“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.”
