Halfords Group Plc has declared a final dividend of 6.0p, increasing the total FY26 dividend by 0.2p to 9.0p. Payment of this dividend will represent an estimated return to shareholders of £13.0m (FY25: £12.6m). This is consistent with our stated policy, which requires our dividend to be 1.5x to 2.5x covered by underlying profit after tax. It will be paid on 15 September 2026 to shareholders who are on the register of members on 14 August 2026.
Other Financial Highlights:
- Group sales: Up 4.8% on a like-for-like basis, with Retail +4.1% and Autocentres +5.8%.
- Gross margin: Expanded 210 basis points to 52.8%, the highest level in ten years.
- Underlying profit before tax: Increased 4.1% to £45.4 million (or over 8% excluding the accounting treatment change).
- Reported profit before tax: Improved to £43.6 million from a £30.0 million loss in FY25.
- Return on capital employed (ROCE): Increased 160 basis points to 14.2%, exceeding the 10.6% cost of capital.
- Free cash flow: Generated £25.3 million, with net cash (excluding lease liabilities) improving to £11.2 million.
