Accent Group (ASX:AX1) has released its financial results for the first half of the 2026 financial year, reporting a period defined by steady sales growth and significant structural adjustments.
For the 26 weeks ended Dec. 28, 2025, the retail giant recorded total sales of $865.2 million, marking a 2.4% increase over the prior year.
The growth was bolstered by a 5.7% rise in owned sales and a like-for-like retail sales growth of 0.9%, which saw a recovery from a 1.7% decline in the first quarter to a 2.8% gain in the second.
Reported earnings before interest and tax stood at $56.5 million, falling within the previously issued guidance range.
However, this figure includes a $16.2 million negative impact resulting from trading losses and provisions tied to the cessation of the OzSale and Glue businesses.
When excluding these discontinued operations, the pro-forma EBIT from continuing business reached $72.7 million.
Net profit after tax was reported at $28.1 million, with statutory earnings per share at 4.67 cents.
The board has declared a fully franked interim dividend of 3.25 cents per share.
CEO Daniel Agostinelli noted that growth was achieved across several core banners, including The Athlete's Foot, HOKA, and Merrell, despite a highly promotional trading environment.
The group also highlighted the successful launch of the first Sports Direct store, while maintaining disciplined management of inventory and operating costs.
At the time of reporting, Accent Group’s share price was $0.98.