The Sainsbury (J) plc Board has recommended an interim dividend of 4.1 pence per share (HY 2025/26: 4.1 pence). Consistent with prior years, this represents 30% of the prior year’s full year dividend per share. This will be paid on 18 December 2026 to shareholders on the Register of Members at the close of business on 13 November 2026.
Other financial highlights include:
- Agreed sale of Argos to Swift Partners; transaction expected to complete by the end of February 2027 and full separation expected by February 2029. Argos has been classified as a discontinued operation
- Sales from continuing operations (excluding Fuel) £14.0bn, up 2.6%. Grocery sales £13.2bn, up 2.9%, reflecting continued volume growth and lower inflation. Sainsbury’s General Merchandise & Clothing sales £0.8bn, down 3.4%, reflecting General Merchandise space reduction and a subdued clothing market. Fuel sales £2.3bn, up 17.8%, reflecting higher wholesale prices
- Continuing underlying operating profit £525m, up 3.6%, reflecting volume growth, continued cost savings delivery and consistent balanced investment in value, quality, availability and service
- Statutory loss after tax £(164)m (H1 2025/26: profit £155m), primarily relating to discontinued operations
- Free cash flow £333m. On track to deliver more than £500m for the full year
- Completed £200m of previously announced £300m share buyback, with the remaining £100m to be completed in H2
