CatalystWireBeta

Results for the six months ended 31 August 2026

In brief · summary, not quotable

Boohoo Group Plc reported a significant turnaround in its first half of fiscal year 2027, with reported EBITDA increasing over 600% to £19.7 million, a £23.2 million improvement from the prior year's first half, and profit before tax reaching £28.3 million, a £46.2 million improvement. Gross merchandise value (GMV) pre-returns grew 1.8% to £863.8 million, with the Debenhams brand showing a 14.1% increase, and the company expects net debt to be negligible by year-end following post-period transactions, including the disposal of the Sheffield automation and Nasty Gal brand, with a medium-term ambition of over £100 million in profit before tax.

Half year to 31 Aug 2026NowYear beforeChange
Revenue £409.6m £422.4m −3.0%
Operating profit £41.4m (£8.8m)
Adj. operating profit £10.8m (£7.7m)
Adj. EBITDA £24.0m £21.0m +14.3%
Profit before tax £28.3m (£17.9m)
Net income £25.8m (£14.7m)
Cash from operations £11.1m (£14.2m)
Net cash / (debt) (£98.5m) (£111.1m)
Cash £46.9m £30.3m +54.8%

Figures as reported, converted to £ where needed – see all financials.

Full announcement

Select text to share a quote on X · sign in to keep highlights & notes in your DEBS notes

GMV growth continues to accelerate

Reported EBITDA £19.7m, a £23.2m improvement on H1 FY26

Profit before tax £28.3m, a £46.2m improvement on H1 FY26

Post-period-end transactions will reduce net debt to negligible levels by year-end

Medium-term ambition for Debenhams Group of £100m+ profit before tax

Dan Finley, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The turnaround continues at pace. The Group has returned to GMV growth, gross margins are expanding and returns rates lowering. Reported EBITDA has increased over 600% and profit before tax has improved to £28.3m. This is the first time the Group has delivered positive profit before tax since August 2021. I am pleased to report that net debt is expected to be negligible at year-end. This is significantly ahead of our original guidance provided at the start of the year. I see material opportunities ahead and we are fully focused on maximising them.”

H1 FY27 Financial Summary

  • Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.6% to £24.0m (H1 FY26: £21.0m), with margin of 5.9% (H1 FY26: 5.0%). Reported EBITDA was £19.7m (H1 FY26: loss of £3.5m), a £23.2m improvement, as exceptional costs reduced by 82.4% to £4.3m (H1 FY26: £24.5m).
  • GMV (pre returns) grew 1.8% to £863.8m, accelerating from 0.5% in Q1 to 2.9% in Q2. With the improvement in the returns rate, GMV post returns grew 3.7%. The Debenhams brand grew 14.1% (c.42% of Group GMV), and PrettyLittleThing (PLT), boohoo and Karen Millen have all returned to growth, with the consolidation of the PLT and boohoo management teams driving visible benefits in young fashion womenswear. MAN’s rate of decline is slowing, with the focus on driving profitability. Marketplace reached a record 38.9% of GMV (H1 FY26: 32.7%), against an ambition of well over 50%, lifting gross margin by 220bps to 54.1%.
  • Statutory profit before tax was £28.3m (H1 FY26: loss of £17.9m) and profit after tax £25.8m (H1 FY26: loss of £14.7m). Both periods include non-cash lease credits (c.£40m relating to the US distribution centre sublease; H1 FY26: £34.3m relating to Daventry); excluding them, the loss before tax narrowed from c.£52m to c.£12m.
  • Free cash flow was an inflow of £5.6m (H1 FY26: outflow of £22.1m), with capital expenditure down 27% to £5.5m (H1 FY26: £7.5m). Net debt reduced to £98.5m (H1 FY26: £111.1m) and is expected to be negligible at the year-end following the Sheffield and Nasty Gal disposals. Inventory was £124.4m (H1 FY26: £105.9m on a like-for-like basis¹¹), reflecting deliberate and controlled investment in stock to support growth.

Summary H1 FY27 Performance

£ millionH1 27H1 26Change
GMV Pre Returns¹863.8848.61.8%
Debenhams brand363.8318.814.1%
PLT and boohoo368.8364.91.1%
Karen Millen51.454.0(4.8%)
MAN79.8110.9(28.0%)
Marketplace Mix %²38.9%32.7%6.2pp
GMV Post Returns³619.5597.33.7%
Returns Rate %⁴28.3%29.6%1.3pp
Revenue409.6422.4(3.0%)
Gross profit221.5219.31.0%
Gross margin54.1%51.9%220bps
Operating costs⁵(199.8)(198.6)(0.6%)
Other income2.30.3n/m
Adjusted EBITDA⁶24.021.014.6%
% of revenue5.9%5.0%90bps
Exceptionals(4.3)(24.5)82.4%
Reported EBITDA19.7(3.5)n/m
Adjusted EBIT⁷10.8(7.7)n/m
% of revenue2.6%-1.8%450bps
Adjusted loss after tax⁸(2.1)(13.9)84.9%
Adjusted diluted loss per share⁹(0.13p)(1.04p)0.91p
Statutory profit/(loss) before tax28.3(17.9)n/m
Statutory profit/(loss) after tax25.8(14.7)n/m
Inventory¹¹124.4105.917.5%
Capex(5.5)(7.5)26.7%
Free cash flow¹⁰5.6(22.1)n/m
Net debt¹²(98.5)(111.1)11.4%

Adjusted items, which are not statutory IFRS measures, show the underlying performance of the Group excluding large, non-cash and exceptional items. Definitions are set out in the notes to this table, which follow the Cautionary Statement.

Turnaround gathering pace

  • GMV returning to growth, with marketplace mix accelerating
  • Returns rates lowering and gross margins expanding
  • Adjusted and Reported EBITDA stepping forward, supported by a significant reduction in exceptional costs
  • Profit before tax positive and free cash flow improving
  • Net debt reducing, with post-period-end transactions expected to take it to negligible levels by the year-end
£ millionH1 FY27 31 st Aug ‘26H1 FY26 31 st Aug ‘25H1 FY25 31 st Aug ‘24
GMV growth1.8%(27.9%)(7.3%)
Marketplace mix38.9%32.7%19.5%
Returns rateᵃ28.3%29.6%31.4%
Gross margin54.1%51.9%50.7%
Adjusted EBITDA24.021.020.8
Exceptional costs at EBITDA levelᵇ4.324.515.4
Reported EBITDAᶜ19.7(3.5)5.4
Reported profit before taxᵈ28.3(17.9)(147.3)
Capex5.57.514.9
Free cash flowᵉ5.6(22.1)(35.6)
Net debt(98.5)(111.1)(143.1)

H1 FY26 amounts have been restated to reflect the reclassification of PLT from discontinued operations to continuing operations in the FY26 annual financial statements.

Post-Period-End

As announced, the Group completed the £90m disposal of the Sheffield automation and lease assignment on 10 September (£76.5m received post-period-end, with the remaining £13.5m to be received on vacant possession early in 2027) and the sale of Nasty Gal for $16m (£11.9m) on 15 September. Together, these transactions materially reduce the Group’s debt, and net debt is expected to be negligible at the year-end.

The Group has appointed GXO as its new global 3PL partner to migrate fulfilment from Sheffield to Burnley after Peak and operate the Burnley site, with the total cost to fulfil no more expensive than the cost incurred in Sheffield. The partnership also gives the Group better options to scale Fulfilled / Delivered by Debenhams, utilising GXO’s UK and international network.

At 31 August 2026, the Group’s Burnley distribution site was classified as held for sale. Following the period end, and as a result of the Sheffield transaction, the Group has decided to retain the site, and it is no longer classified as held for sale. The Group’s expectation of negligible net debt at the year-end does not assume any proceeds from Burnley.

OUTLOOK

Trading in September continued to be good, with the Group experiencing further accelerated growth. In respect of the full year, the Board expects to deliver GMV growth and Adjusted EBITDA of no less than £59m, as previously guided, representing double-digit growth year-on-year, together with continued material improvement in Reported EBITDA, positive profit before tax, free cash flow generation and negligible net debt. The £100m fixed cost target remains on track.

Looking ahead, additional material cost reductions are expected in FY28: depreciation reduced to £14m (FY27: £22m), lease costs reduced to £4m (FY27: £14m) and interest reduced by at least c.£10m based on the current facility, with potential for a further reduction under a new financial facility. The future cash flows are supported by significant brought forward tax losses of over £200m.

In the medium term we see the opportunity for Debenhams Group to become a £multi-billion GMV business delivering £100m+ profit before tax and generating significant cash.

Total Voting Rights

The total number of Ordinary Shares and voting rights in the Company is 1,619,720,334. No Ordinary Shares are held in treasury. This figure for the total number of Ordinary Shares may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Notes to the Summary H1 FY27 Performance table

¹ GMV pre returns is all merchandise sold to customers after cancellations and before returns, including VAT, carriage receipts and premier subscription income.

² Marketplace mix is GMV pre returns generated from marketplace sales divided by total Group GMV pre returns. Revenue on marketplace sales is recognised as commission only.

³ GMV post returns is all merchandise sold to customers after cancellations and after returns, including VAT, carriage receipts and premier subscription income.

⁴ Returns rate is the value of customer returns (GMV pre returns less GMV post returns) expressed as a percentage of GMV pre returns.

⁵ Operating costs are distribution costs and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation, amortisation, share-based payment charges and exceptional items. Other income is presented separately and is included in Adjusted EBITDA.

⁶ Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit/(loss) before tax, interest, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payment charges and exceptional items. Reported EBITDA is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA after exceptional items at EBITDA level, excluding impairments, lease credits and disposal gains and losses.

⁷ Adjusted EBIT is calculated as profit/(loss) before tax, interest, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment charges and exceptional items.

⁸ Adjusted loss after tax is statutory profit/(loss) after tax before amortisation of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment charges, impairment and exceptional items, and the related tax effect.

⁹ Adjusted diluted loss per share is adjusted loss after tax divided by the diluted weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

¹⁰ Free cash flow is defined as net cash generated from operating activities, less cash used for capital expenditure for the total Group.

¹¹ H1 FY26 inventory is presented on a like-for-like basis. Reported H1 FY26 inventory of £67.9m excluded £16.7m of net stock classified as held for sale and was stated after a £21.4m held-for-sale write-down.

¹² Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings, excluding lease liabilities.

Notes to the “Turnaround gathering pace” table

ᵃ Returns rate is the value of customer returns (GMV pre returns less GMV post returns) expressed as a percentage of GMV pre returns.

ᵇ Exceptional items charged at EBITDA level, excluding impairments, lease credits and disposal gains and losses.

ᶜ Adjusted EBITDA less exceptional items at EBITDA level. H1 FY25 and H1 FY26 are derived from the exceptional items notes in the H1 FY25 and H1 FY26 interim results.

ᵈ H1 FY26 includes a £34.3m non-cash lease credit and H1 FY27 a £40.6m non-cash credit on the sublease of the US distribution centre.

ᵉ Net cash generated from operating activities, less capital expenditure, for the total Group, consistent with the H1 FY26 interim results. Tax refunded is excluded.

​

​

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Consolidated summary income statement

6 months to 31 August 2026 £ million6 months to 31 August 2025 £ millionChange H1 FY27 on H1 FY26
GMV Pre Returns863.8848.61.8%
Revenue409.6422.4(3.0%)
Cost of sales(188.1)(203.1)7.4%
Gross profit221.5219.31.0%
Gross margin %54.1%51.9%220bps
Operating costs(199.8)(198.6)(0.6%)
Other income2.30.3
Adjusted EBITDA24.021.014.6%
Adjusted EBITDA margin %5.9%5.0%90bps
Depreciation(9.9)(19.8)
Amortisation of other intangible assets(3.0)(8.9)
Adjusted EBIT10.8(7.7)n/m
Adjusting items:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets(3.4)(3.3)
Share-based payment charges(3.0)(7.6)
Exceptional items37.09.8
Operating profit/(loss)41.4(8.8)n/m
Finance income0.33.2
Finance expense(13.4)(12.3)
Profit/(loss) before tax28.3(17.9)n/m
Taxation(2.5)3.2
Profit/(loss) after tax25.8(14.7)n/m
Share of results of associates--
Profit/(loss) for the period25.8(14.7)n/m
Basic earnings/(loss) per share1.64p(1.10)pn/m

Totals may not sum due to rounding.

*H1 FY26 amounts have been restated to reflect the reclassification of PLT from discontinued operations to continuing operations in the FY26 annual financial statements.

† Share-based payment charges of £3.0m include £0.7m of employer’s National Insurance contributions.

6 months to 31 August 2026 £ million6 months to 31 August 2025 £ millionChange
Adjusted profit/(loss) after tax for the period(2.1)(13.9)84.9%
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets(3.4)(3.3)
Share-based payment charges(3.0)(7.6)
Impairment of assets--
Exceptional costs37.09.8
Adjustment for tax(2.7)0.3
Profit/(loss) after tax for the period25.8(14.7)n/m
Adjusted diluted earnings/(loss) per share(0.13)p(1.04)p0.91p

Exceptional costs before non-cash credits were £4.3m (H1 FY26: £24.5m). A full breakdown is provided in note 1 to the financial statements.

Consolidated summary statement of financial position

At 31 August 2026 £ millionAt 28 February 2026 £ million
Intangible assets41.842.9
Property, plant and equipment109.7117.3
Right-of-use assets13.315.7
Financial assets – equity investments10.88.6
Net investment in finance lease43.6-
Investments in associates--
Deferred tax asset51.453.6
Non-current assets270.6238.1
Working capital(141.4)(145.0)
Assets held for sale (net)22.026.0
Lease liabilities(69.1)(74.4)
Net financial assets/(liabilities)--
Cash and cash equivalents46.952.1
Interest bearing loans and borrowings(145.4)(145.3)
Deferred tax liability(11.9)(11.9)
Current tax asset/(liability)(0.1)2.7
Net assets(28.4)(57.7)

Liquidity and financial resources

Net debt as at H1 FY27 was £98.5m, reducing by 11.4% in comparison to H1 FY26 (£111.1m). Following the post-period-end disposals of the Sheffield automation and lease assignment and the Nasty Gal brand, net debt is expected to be negligible at the February 2027 year-end.

Consolidated summary cash flow statement

6 months to 31 August 2026 £ million6 months to 31 August 2025 £ million
Profit/(loss) for the period25.8(14.7)
Share-based payments charge2.37.6
Depreciation charges, amortisation and impairment16.331.5
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment(0.8)0.6
Non-cash lease gains(40.6)(35.4)
Foreign exchange movements(1.0)3.2
Finance income(0.3)(3.2)
Finance expense13.412.3
Tax expense2.5(3.2)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories(19.1)8.5
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables(5.4)4.3
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables18.0(26.1)
Operating cash inflow/(outflow)11.1(14.6)
Capital expenditure and intangible asset purchases(5.5)(7.5)
Free cash inflow/(outflow)5.6(22.1)
Tax refunded-0.4
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment5.29.1
Finance income received0.31.1
Finance expense paid(10.0)(12.3)
Lease payments(6.3)(9.1)
Drawdown/(repayment) of borrowings-18.5
Net cash (outflow)(5.2)(14.4)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period52.144.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period46.930.3

Free cash inflow/(outflow) in the summary cash flow statement is net cash generated from operating activities less capital expenditure, for the total Group, consistent with free cash flow in the Summary H1 FY27 Performance table (£5.6m; H1 FY26: £(22.1)m) and with the H1 FY26 interim results. Tax refunded and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment are shown below free cash flow.

Unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the period ended 31 August 2026

Note6 months to 31 August 2026 Pre Exceptional items6 months to 31 August 2026 Exceptional items6 months to 31 August 2026 Total6 months to 31 August 2025 Pre Exceptional items (2)6 months to 31 August 2025 Exceptional items (2)6 months to 31 August 2025 Total (2)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Revenue3409.6409.6422.4422.4
Cost of sales(188.1)(188.1)(203.1)(203.1)
Gross profit221.5221.5219.3219.3
Distribution costs(67.8)37.8(30.0)(68.4)15.0(53.4)
Administrative expenses(151.6)(0.8)(152.4)(169.8)(5.2)(175.0)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles(3.4)(3.4)(3.3)(3.3)
Other administrative expenses(148.2)(0.8)(149.0)(166.5)(5.2)(171.7)
Other income2.32.30.30.3
Operating profit/(loss)4.437.041.4(18.6)9.8(8.8)
Finance income0.30.33.23.2
Finance expense(13.4)(13.4)(12.3)(12.3)
Profit/(loss) before tax4(8.7)37.028.3(27.7)9.8(17.9)
Taxation(1.6)(0.9)(2.5)5.7(2.5)3.2
Profit/(loss) after tax(10.3)36.125.8(22.0)7.3(14.7)
Share of results of associates-----
Profit/(loss) for the period(10.3)36.125.8(22.0)7.3(14.7)
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the period
(Gain)/loss reclassified to profit or loss during the period (1)--
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations(1.0)
Fair value gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges during the period (1)-(0.1)
Fair value gain on investments at FVOCI92.2-
Income tax relating to these items-0.3
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period27.0(14.5)

Net fair value gains/losses on cash flow hedges will be reclassified to profit or loss during the two years to 31 August 2028.

H1 FY26 amounts have been restated to reflect the reclassification of PLT from discontinued operations to continuing operations in the FY26 annual financial statements.

Unaudited consolidated statement of financial position

at 31 August 2026

NoteAt 31 August 2026At 31 August 2025At 28 February 2026
(unaudited)(unaudited)(audited)
£ million£ million£ million
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets641.861.742.9
Property, plant and equipment7109.7181.7117.3
Right-of-use assets813.316.315.7
Financial assets – equity investments1010.80.38.6
Net investment in finance lease1143.6--
Investment in associates-9.1-
Deferred tax1251.464.153.6
Total non-current assets270.6333.2238.1
Current assets
Inventories124.467.9105.3
Trade and other receivables1339.321.733.9
Financial assets-0.1-
Current tax asset1.8-2.7
Cash and cash equivalents46.930.352.1
Total current assets212.4120.0194.0
Assets Held for Sale922.016.726.0
Total assets505.0469.9458.1
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables14(271.2)(215.7)(251.8)
Provisions15(15.6)(17.2)(19.8)
Lease liabilities17(11.5)(8.9)(11.0)
Tax(1.9)--
Total current liabilities(300.2)(241.8)(282.6)
Non-current liabilities
Other long-term payables(9.4)-(2.9)
Provisions14(8.9)-(9.7)
Interest bearing loans and borrowings16(145.4)(141.4)(145.3)
Lease liabilities17(57.6)(66.9)(63.4)
Financial liabilities20---
Deferred tax12(11.9)(19.7)(11.9)
Total liabilities(533.4)(469.8)(515.8)
Net assets(28.4)0.1(57.7)
Equity
Share capital1816.214.016.2
Share premium930.1893.4930.1
EBT reserve(33.1)(31.7)(33.1)
Other reserves19(751.6)(752.4)(752.8)
Retained earnings(190.0)(123.2)(218.1)
Total equity(28.4)0.1(57.7)
Unaudited consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share capitalShare premiumHedging reserveEBT reserveOther reservesRetained earningsTotal equity
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Balance at 28 February 202616.2930.10.0(33.1)(752.8)(218.1)(57.7)
Profit for the period-----25.825.8
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Gain reclassified to profit and loss in revenue-------
Translation of foreign operations----(1.0)-(1.0)
Fair value gain on investments at FVOCI----2.2-2.2
Total comprehensive income for the period----1.225.827.0
Issue of shares-------
Share-based payments charge-----2.32.3
Balance at 31 August 202616.2930.1-(33.1)(751.6)(190.0)(28.4)
Share capitalShare premiumHedging reserveEBT reserveOther reservesRetained earningsTotal equity
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Balance at 29 February 202514.0893.40.1(31.7)(755.9)(116.0)3.9
Loss for the period-----(14.7)(14.7)
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Income tax relating to these items----0.3-0.3
Fair value loss on cash flow hedges during the period--(0.1)---(0.1)
Total comprehensive expense for the period--(0.1)-0.3(14.7)(14.5)
Issue of shares-------
Share-based payments charge-----7.57.5
Translation of foreign operations----3.2-3.2
Balance at 31 August 202514.0893.4-(31.7)(752.4)(123.2)0.1
Share capitalShare premiumHedging reserveEBT reserveOther reservesRetained earningsTotal equity
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Balance at 29 February 202514.0893.40.1(31.7)(755.9)(116.0)3.9
Loss for the year-----(108.3)(108.3)
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Loss reclassified to profit or loss--(0.1)---(0.1)
Fair value loss on equity instruments----(0.2)-(0.2)
Translation of foreign operations----3.3-3.3
Total comprehensive expense for the year--(0.1)-3.1(108.3)(105.3)
Issue of shares2.236.7-(1.4)--37.5
Share-based payments charge-----6.26.2
Total Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners2.236.7-(1.4)-6.243.7
Balance at 28 February 202616.2930.1-(33.1)(752.8)(218.1)(57.7)
Unaudited consolidated cash flow statement
for the period ended 31 August 2026
Note6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
(unaudited)(restated)(audited)
£ million£ million£ million
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) for the period25.8(14.7)(108.3)
Adjustments for:
Share-based payments charge2.37.66.2
Depreciation charges, amortisation and impairment16.331.5100.9
Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment(0.8)0.60.5
Non-cash lease gains(40.6)(35.4)(35.4)
Lease payments charged to P&L--2.5
Share of results of associates--8.1
Fair value gain on financial instruments--(3.5)
Exchange movements(1.0)3.2-
Finance income(0.3)(3.2)(4.6)
Finance expense13.412.328.2
Tax expense2.5(3.2)-
Loss on de-recognition of loan liability--1.2
RDEC tax credit--(2.3)
Tax credit--(0.3)
17.6(1.3)(6.8)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories(19.1)8.513.2
Decrease/(increase) in stock provision movement--(28.5)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables13(5.4)4.3(6.9)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables1418.0(26.1)23.2
Increase/(decrease) in other long-term payable--2.9
Cash (used in)/generated from operations11.1(14.6)(2.9)
Tax repaid-0.40.5
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities11.1(14.2)(2.4)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of intangible assets6(5.3)(7.5)(13.4)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment7(0.2)-(2.6)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment5.29.19.1
Acquisition of financial assets – equity investments--(4.0)
Finance income received0.31.14.6
Net cash generated / (used in) investing activities-2.7(6.3)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares--38.9
Purchase of own shares by EBT--(1.4)
Finance expense paid(10.0)(12.3)(25.3)
Lease payments17(6.3)(9.1)(11.2)
Lease payments charged to P&L--(2.5)
Drawdown/(repayment) of borrowings16-18.518.7
Net cash generated from /(used in) financing activities(16.3)(2.9)17.2
Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(5.2)(14.4)8.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period52.144.744.7
Effects of exchange-rates changes on cash(1.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period46.930.352.1

Notes

(forming part of the interim report and accounts)

Accounting policies

General information

Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the group’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2026, prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The interim financial statements are unaudited and were approved by the board of directors on 22nd October 2026.

Going concern

Accounting policies

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the group’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2026.

Significant estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the UK requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates and any subsequent changes are accounted for when such information becomes available. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that are the most subjective or complex are discussed below and are unchanged from those at 28 February 2026, except for those relating to finance sublease accounting, which is new in the current interim period.

Exceptional items and impairment of assets

Exceptional items are those of significant size and of a non-recurring nature that require disclosure in order that the underlying business performance can be identified. The exceptional costs in these interim statements include additional costs associated with the restructuring of warehousing facilities and onerous contracts. Such additional costs do require estimation by management.

Exceptional costs and impairment of assets6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025
£ million£ million
Cost of sales--
--
Selling and distribution costs
Restructuring costs-4.4
Gain on recognition of finance lease receivable(40.6)-
De-recognition of lease liabilities-(34.3)
Profit on property disposal(0.7)-
UK Warehouse restructuring and post closure expenditure2.713.6
UK property related costs-1.0
USA warehouse associated closure costs0.80.3
(37.8)(15.0)
Administration expenses
Technology platform – dual running costs0.41.0
Restructuring costs-3.9
Professional fees0.40.3
0.85.2
Total before tax(37.0)(9.8)
Tax0.92.5
Total after tax(36.1)(7.3)
Principal risks and uncertainties
Segmental analysis
6 months ended 31 August 2026
Youth BrandsDebenhamsKaren MillenTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
Revenue267.5118.223.9409.6
Cost of Sales(131.6)(45.2)(11.3)(188.1)
Cost of Sales – exceptional costs----
Gross Profit135.973.012.6221.5
Distribution costs(67.8)
Distribution costs – Exceptional costs37.8
Administrative expenses(148.2)
Administrative expenses – Exceptional costs(0.8)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles(3.4)
Other Income2.3
Operating profit/(loss)41.4
Finance Income0.3
Finance expense(13.4)
Profit/(loss) before tax28.3
6 months ended 31 August 2025
Youth BrandsDebenhamsKaren MillenTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
Revenue298.098.226.2422.4
Cost of Sales(150.7)(39.9)(12.5)(203.1)
Cost of Sales – exceptional costs----
Gross Profit147.358.313.7219.3
Distribution costs(68.4)
Distribution costs – Exceptional costs15.0
Administrative expenses(166.5)
Administrative expenses – Exceptional costs(5.2)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles(3.3)
Other Income0.3
Operating loss(8.8)
Finance Income3.2
Finance expense(12.3)
Loss before tax(17.9)
Year ended 28 February 2026
Youth BrandsDebenhamsKaren MillenTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
Revenue609.5249.558.0917.0
Cost of Sales(313.2)(107.1)(28.0)(448.3)
Cost of Sales – exceptional costs---8.5
Gross Profit477.2
Distribution costs(124.6)
Distribution costs – Exceptional costs(29.0)
Administrative expenses(350.3)
Administrative expenses – Exceptional costs(47.6)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles(7.6)
Discontinued operations – total cost-
Other Income5.0
Operating loss(76.9)
Finance Income4.6
Finance expense(28.2)
Share of results in associates(8.1)
Loss before tax(108.6)

Due to the nature of its activities, the group is not reliant on any individual customers.

Profit/(loss) before tax

Profit/(loss) before tax is stated after charging/(crediting):6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Short-term operating lease rentals for buildings-0.1-
Share-based payment charges3.07.66.2
Exceptional costs, excluding impairment (note 1)(37.0)(9.8)68.1
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 7)7.317.624.0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (note 1, 7)--33.1
Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 8)2.62.27.5
Impairment of right-of-use assets (note 1, 8)---
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 6)3.08.912.8
Impairment of intangible assets (note 6)---
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (note 6)3.43.37.6
Impairment losses on trade receivables1.11.0-
Amortisation of software--15.9
Daventry gain on re-assignment--(35.4)
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment(0.8)-0.5
Fair value movement on classification of investment to IFRS9--(3.5)
Share of results of associates--(8.1)
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss(0.2)(5.1)-
Earnings per share
Earnings per share for continuing operations
6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
Weighted average shares in issue for basic earnings per share (million)1,574.11,341.81,399.8
Dilutive share options (million)48.591.4106.5
Weighted average shares in issue for diluted earnings per share (million)1,622.61,433.21,506.3
Profit/(loss) (£ million)25.8(14.7)(108.3)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share1.64p(1.10)p(7.74)p
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share1.59p(1.10)p(7.74)p
Profit/(loss) (£ million)25.8(14.7)(108.3)
Adjusting items:
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisitions3.43.37.6
Share-based payment charges3.07.68.1
Exceptional items(37.0)(9.8)68.1
Impairment of assets---
Share of results of associate--8.1
Adjustment for tax2.7(0.3)(16.7)
Adjusted loss(2.1)(13.9)(33.1)
Adjusted loss per share(0.13)p(1.04)p(2.36)p
Adjusted diluted loss per share(0.13)p(1.04)p(2.36)p
Intangible assets
Patents and licencesTrademarksComputer softwareTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
Cost
Balance at 28 February 20261.3115.6149.1266.0
Additions--5.35.3
Balance at 31 August 20261.3115.6154.4271.3
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 28 February 20260.882.1140.2223.1
Amortisation-3.43.06.4
Balance at 31 August 20260.885.5143.2229.5
Net book value
At 28 February 20260.533.58.942.9
At 31 August 20260.530.111.241.8
Property, plant and equipment
Short leasehold alterationsFixtures and fittingsComputer equipmentMotor vehiclesLand & buildingsTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Cost
Balance at 28 February 202638.8197.316.40.927.1280.5
Additions-0.1---0.1
Exchange differences------
Disposals-(0.4)--(0.5)(0.9)
Balance at 31 August 202638.8197.016.40.926.6279.7
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 28 February 202622.7103.215.90.720.7163.2
Depreciation charge1.25.80.2-0.17.3
Impairment of assets------
Exchange differences------
Disposals-(0.4)--(0.1)(0.5)
Balance at 31 August 202623.9108.616.10.720.7170.0
Net book value
At 28 February 202616.194.10.50.26.4117.3
At 31 August 202614.988.40.30.25.9109.7
Right-of-use assets
Short leasehold properties
£ million
Cost
Balance at 28 February 2026165.5
Additions0.2
Balance at 31 August 2026165.7
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 28 February 2026149.8
Depreciation2.6
Balance at 31 August 2026152.4
Net book value
At 28 February 202615.7
At 31 August 202613.3
Asset Held for Sale
At 31 August 2026At 31 August 2025
£ million£ million
Burnley Warehouse26.0
PLT Held for Sale16.7
Burnley Warehouse disposals(4.0)
Total Assets held for sale22.016.7
Financial assets – Investment in equity instruments
Investments
£ million
Fair value
Balance at 28 February 20268.6
Fair value gain2.2
Balance at 31 August 202610.8

Shortly before 28 February 2026, the group ceased to exercise significant influence over Revolution Beauty Group plc ("REVB") and the investment ceased to be accounted for as an associate using the equity method. At 31 August 2026 the group holds 25.47% of the ordinary share capital of REVB.

The investment is classified as an equity instrument measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) in accordance with IFRS 9. The group made an irrevocable election as part of the February 2026 year-end, to present subsequent changes in fair value in other comprehensive income, and these gains and losses are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss. The fair value of the investment is determined by reference to REVB’s quoted share price and is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. A fair value gain of £2.2 million has been recognised in other comprehensive income in the six months to 31 August 2026.

Net investment in finance lease

31 August 202631 August 202528 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Balance at beginning of period---
Recognised on entering into sub-lease43.4--
Interest income0.2--
Lease receipts---
Balance at end of period43.6--

During the period the Group entered into an arrangement to sub-lease its US distribution centre to a third party for the remaining term of the head lease. The sub-lease has been classified as a finance lease because it transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.

On commencement of the sub-lease, the Group recognised a net investment in the sub-lease (a finance lease receivable) of £43.4m (US$58.3m). The net investment comprises the present value of the sub-lease payments receivable of £40.6m (US$54.5m) and initial direct costs of £2.8m (US$3.8m), which are included in its initial measurement. The gain of £40.6m, being the present value of the sub-lease payments receivable has been recognised in exceptional items (note 1). The Group continues to recognise the lease liability relating to the head lease (note 17). Finance income of £0.2m has been recognised in the period, giving a closing balance of £43.6m.

Finance income on the net investment in the sub-lease is recognised over the lease term. The net investment is measured at amortised cost and assessed for expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9.

Deferred tax

Assets

Unused tax lossesShare-based paymentsTemporary DifferencesTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
At 28 February 202554.25.80.160.1
Recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income(5.5)(1.0)-(6.5)
At 28 February 202648.74.80.153.6
Recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income(2.2)--(2.2)
At 31 August 202646.54.80.151.4
Liabilities
Business combinationsCapital allowances in excess of depreciationTotal
£ million£ million£ million
At 28 February 2025(0.5)(19.2)(19.7)
Recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income-7.87.8
At 28 February 2026(0.5)(11.4)(11.9)
Recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income---
At 31 August 2026(0.5)(11.4)(11.9)
Trade and other receivables
6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Trade receivables15.68.113.5
Prepayments17.79.414.7
Accrued income6.04.25.7
39.321.733.9
6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
Age of trade receivable%%%
60 - 90 days past due511
91 - 120 days past due355
Over 121 days past due109090

Trade receivables represent amounts due from wholesale customers.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is not materially different from the carrying value.

6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Due within 30 days15.37.46.3
Provision for impairment(0.4)(0.6)(0.3)
Due in 31 to 90 days3.33.411.1
Provision for impairment(2.8)(2.1)(3.6)
Past due2.71.21.4
Provision for impairment(2.5)(1.2)(1.4)
Total amounts due and past due21.312.018.8
Total provision for impairment(5.7)(3.9)(5.3)
15.68.113.5
Trade and other payables
6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Trade payables97.952.575.4
Other creditors43.830.755.4
Accruals101.1107.393.4
Deferred income6.111.17.7
Taxes and social security payable22.314.119.9
271.2215.7251.8

Trade and other payables include £10.8m (28 February 2026: £nil) in respect of claims which crystallised during the period. Of this, £1.4m is due within one year and is included within accruals and £9.4m is due after more than one year and is presented within other long-term payables in non-current liabilities. At 28 February 2026, the Group recognised a provision of £5.9m, representing its best estimate of the liability at that date (note 15). Following crystallisation of the amount during the six months ended 31 August 2026, this provision was transferred to payables

Provisions

DilapidationsReturnsClaimsTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million
Provision at 28 February 202511.218.62.832.6
Movements in provision charged/(credited) to income statement:
Prior year provision utilised-(18.6)-(18.6)
Increase in provision period(11.2)17.2(2.8)3.2
Exchange differences----
Provision at 31 August 2025-17.2-17.2
Provision at 28 February 20269.813.85.929.5
Movements in provision charged/(credited) to income statement:----
Prior year provision utilised(1.0)(13.8)-(14.8)
Transferred to payables--(5.9)(5.9)
Increase in provision period0.115.6-15.7
Exchange differences----
Provision at 31 August 20268.915.6-24.5
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Non-current liabilities
Revolving credit facility145.4141.4145.3

In August 2025, the Group replaced its previous £125 million revolving credit facility, which was due to mature in October 2026, with a new three-year facility providing access to funding of up to £175 million and maturing in August 2028.

​

Movement in interest-bearing loans and borrowings

6 months to 31 August 2026Re-stated 6 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Opening balance145.3122.9122.9
Repayment of RCF-(6.9)(9.0)
Repayment of term loan-(116.0)-
Drawdown of RCF-136.4-
Derecognition of old loan--(116.2)
Recognition of new loan--136.4
Drawdown on RCF-5.026.0
Repayment of RCF drawdown--(18.7)
Loss recognised on derecognition of old RCF--1.2
Loss of loan modification--0.9
Interest on old loan--4.6
Repayment of interest on old loan--(3.7)
Interest accrued8.412.310.4
Interest paid(8.3)(12.3)(9.5)
Transaction costs---
Closing balance145.4141.4145.3

Reconciliation of movements in cash flows from financing activities to movements in liabilities:

Balance at 28 February 2026Cash flow from financing activitiesAdditions, disposals and exchange differencesStatement of comprehensive incomeMovement in retained earnings and other reservesBalance at 31 August 2026
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Equity(57.7)--27.02.3(28.4)
Leases74.4(6.3)(0.1)1.1-69.1
Bank borrowings145.3(8.3)-8.4-145.4
162.0(14.6)(0.1)36.52.3186.1

Financing cash flows of £16.3m include £1.7m of interest accrued at 28 February 2026 (within accruals) and paid in the period, which is not included in the borrowings movement above.

Reconciliation of net debt:

6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Cash and cash equivalents46.930.352.1
Interest bearing loans and borrowings(145.4)(141.4)(145.3)
Net debt(98.5)(111.1)(93.2)
Lease liabilities
Minimum lease payments dueWithin 1 year1-2 years2-5 years5-10 yearsMore than 10 yearsTotal
£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million£ million
Lease payments13.411.024.627.9-76.9
Finance charges(1.9)(1.6)(3.2)(1.1)-(7.8)
Net present value11.59.421.426.8-69.1
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Current lease liability11.58.911.0
Non-current lease liability57.666.963.4
Total69.175.874.4
Movement in lease liabilities:
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Opening balance74.4120.2120.2
Interest accrued1.11.22.4
Cash flow lease payments(6.3)(9.0)(11.2)
Daventry re-assignment-(32.4)-
Additions0.20.11.7
Disposals-(0.1)(37.3)
Lease modifications--3.1
Exchange differences(0.3)(4.2)(4.5)
Closing balance69.175.874.4

The lease liabilities relate to leasehold properties.

Share capital

6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
At start of period16.214.016.2
Share issues---
At end of period16.214.016.2

Share capital at period end: 1,619,720,334 authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p each (2025: 1,397,295,661). No dividends have been paid or are payable by the parent company for the period ended 31 August 2026 (2025: £nil).

Reserves

6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Translation reserve(0.4)1.20.6
Capital redemption reserve0.10.10.1
Reconstruction reserve(515.3)(515.3)(515.3)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest in PrettyLittleThing.com Limited(249.4)(249.4)(249.4)
Revaluation gain on transition of investment to associate10.210.210.2
Fair value on other comprehensive income reserve2.4-0.2
Proceeds from issue of growth shares in boohoo holdings Limited0.80.80.8
(751.6)(752.4)(752.8)
Financial instruments
Fair values
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Financial assets At amortised cost:
Cash and cash equivalents46.930.352.1
Trade receivables15.68.113.5
Accrued income6.04.25.7
Net investment in finance lease43.6--
At fair value through profit or loss:
Cash flow hedges---
At fair value through other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges---
Equity investments10.80.38.6
122.942.979.9
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Financial liabilities
At amortised cost:
Trade payables97.952.575.4
Other creditors43.830.755.4
Accruals101.1107.393.4
Provisions24.517.229.5
Other payables non-current9.4-2.9
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings145.4141.4145.3
Lease liabilities69.175.874.4
At fair value through profit or loss:
Cash flow hedges---
At fair value through other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges---
491.2424.9476.3
Capital commitments
6 months to 31 August 20266 months to 31 August 2025Year to 28 February 2026
£ million£ million£ million
Property, plant and equipment---

Contingent liabilities

Related Party Transactions

There have been no material changes in the nature or level of related party transactions during the six months ended 31 August 2026 from those disclosed in the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 28 February 2026.

Events after the reporting period

On 10 September 2026, the Group completed the sale of the automation in its Sheffield distribution centre and the assignment of the related lease to Primark Stores Limited for cash consideration of £90m. £76.5m was received on completion and the remaining £13.5m will be received on vacant possession early in 2027. Fulfilment of the Group’s stocked product will transfer to GXO, a global third-party logistics provider, which will migrate fulfilment to the Group’s Burnley site after Peak and operate the site. The disposal will be recognised in the second half of the year, and will result in the derecognition of the related property, plant and equipment, right-of-use asset and lease liability. The financial effect of the disposal is being assessed and will be reported in the Group's financial statements for the year ending 28 February 2027.

At 31 August 2026, the Group’s Burnley site was classified as held for sale. In September 2026, following the Sheffield transaction, the directors decided to retain the site as the Group’s fulfilment centre, to be operated by GXO. As the decision was taken after the reporting date, the site remains classified as held for sale at 31 August 2026. It will be reclassified to property, plant and equipment from the date of the decision and measured, in accordance with IFRS 5, at the lower of its carrying amount before it was classified as held for sale (adjusted for depreciation that would otherwise have been recognised) and its recoverable amount. [The reclassification is not expected to have a material effect on the income statement.]

On 15 September 2026, the Group completed the disposal of the Nasty Gal brand and its associated intellectual property for $16m. The disposal will be recognised in the second half of the year, and the financial effect of the disposal is being assessed and will be reported in the Group's financial statements for the year ending 28 February 2027.

These are non-adjusting events after the reporting period.

Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.

Share this quote

Quote card
Post on X WhatsApp Download image

The link opens this announcement with the quote highlighted. Quotes are checked against the original text.

Add a note