**Summary of Sainsbury (J) PLC Half-Year Report (28 weeks ended 13 September 2025)**
**Financial Performance Highlights**
**Sales Growth** Sainsburys sales (excluding fuel) increased by 5.2%, with Grocery sales up 5.3% and General Merchandise & Clothing sales rising 3.3%. Argos sales grew by 2.3%, while Fuel sales declined by 11.3%.
**Profitability** Retail underlying operating profit reached £504 million, in line with the previous year, despite higher employment and regulatory costs. Statutory profit after tax was £165 million, up from £76 million in the same period last year.
**Cash Flow** Retail free cash flow was £310 million, on track to exceed £500 million for the full year.
**Bank Disposal** Proceeds from the bank disposal are expected to exceed £400 million, with £250 million returned to shareholders via a special dividend and £150 million allocated for share buybacks.
**Dividends** Interim dividend increased by 5% to 4.1 pence per share. Total cash returns to shareholders in FY 2025/26 are expected to surpass £800 million.
**Strategic Initiatives and Market Position:**
**Value and Quality Focus** Sainsburys continued to emphasize value, quality, and service, driving market share gains. Initiatives like Aldi Price Match and personalized Nectar Prices helped customers save on essential items.
**Innovation and Range Expansion** Launched new Taste the Difference Discovery ranges, offering restaurant-quality food at home, and expanded premium own-label share gains.
**Operational Efficiency** Invested in technology and automation to improve store and logistics operations, alongside hourly colleague pay increases.
**Sustainability** Committed to tackling food poverty, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable practices, including Fairtrade initiatives and reducing environmental impacts.
**Outlook and Guidance**
**Profit Guidance** Expects Retail underlying operating profit to exceed £1 billion for FY 2025/26, with Retail free cash flow over £500 million.
**Strategic Commitments** On track to deliver on eight key commitments, including food volume growth ahead of the market, £1 billion in cost savings, and higher customer satisfaction.
**Nectar Loyalty Program** Expanded personalized savings and launched Nectar360 Pollen, a retail media platform, to drive revenue growth.
**Argos Transformation** Strengthened online offer, improved digital customer journey, and optimized store presence for better efficiency.
**Conclusion**
Sainsburys demonstrated resilience and growth in a competitive market, driven by a strong focus on value, quality, and innovation. Strategic investments in technology, sustainability, and customer experience, coupled with efficient cost management, position the company for continued success. Enhanced shareholder returns and a robust financial outlook underscore confidence in the companys future performance.
| Metric | 2024/25 (28 weeks) | 2025/26 (28 weeks) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail sales (excl. VAT, excl. fuel) | £14,865m | £15,577m | 4.8% |
| Retail underlying operating profit | £503m | £504m | 0.2% |
| Underlying profit before tax | £309m | £340m | 10% |
| Retail free cash flow | £425m | £310m | (£115)m |
| Net debt (inc. lease liabilities) | £(5,584)m | £(5,527)m | £57m |
| Non-lease net debt | £(152)m | £(81)m | £71m |