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Halfords expects its full-year underlying pre-tax profit to reach the upper end of its £36m to £41.2m target following strong sales growth across the group.
The motoring and cycling retailer reported a 4.8% increase in like-for-like sales for the 2026 financial year. Revenue in its autocentres division rose by 5.8%.
Meanwhile, retail motoring sales grew by 2.9% while the cycling category saw a 6.4% increase. The group finished the period in a net cash position.
Management said trading throughout March and April remained in line with expectations despite an “uncertain macroeconomic backdrop” caused by conflict in the Middle East.
The company has hedged the majority of its 2027 energy costs and foreign exchange requirements. Freight rates are largely contracted in advance to mitigate volatility.
Halfords is comfortable with current market consensus for the 2027 financial year, which projects an underlying pre-tax profit between £42m and £48.6m.
Chief executive Henry Birch said: “I am pleased to see the positive results that are starting to materialise from the ‘optimise’ phase of our ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy as we focus on driving operational excellence and strengthening our foundations for future growth. This momentum further underlines the significant potential that exists within the Halfords business, and I look forward to sharing more detail on our progress at our full-year results announcement in June.
“In the meantime, I want to thank the 12,500 trusted experts in our stores and garages who have played a critical role in delivering this performance. They are the heart of this business and will continue to make Halfords the nation’s first choice for motoring and cycling, providing our customers with the helpful advice and service that keeps them moving day after day.”
