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Halfords Group PLC on Wednesday saw its shares gain ground as it noted ‘sustained progress’ in the first half of its financial year. The Redditch, England-headquartered motoring and cycling retailer reported positive like-for-like sales growth of 4.1% for the 26 weeks to September 26, with Retail and Autocentres growing 4.0% and 4.3% on a like-for-like basis respectively. On a reported basis, sales improved 3.3%, with Retail growing 3.3% and Autocentres by 3.4%. Shares in the company were up 6.7% at 146.40 pence on Wednesday afternoon in London. Halfords also reported gross margin expansion year-on-year, tying this ‘planned cost savings to help mitigate inflationary pressures.’ It added that its balance sheet received a boost during the period from a combination of disciplined stock management and strong cash generation. Looking ahead, Halfords backed its full-year outlook, stating that it is comfortable with consensus figures. Halfords noted consensus expectations for underlying pretax profit of between £36.0 million and £39.8 million. This compares to £38.4 million reported by the company in financial 2025. Halford is set to release its half-year report on November 27 alongside a ‘a more detailed group strategy update’. ‘I am very pleased with our progress in the first half of FY26 and want to thank all our colleagues for their efforts in delivering this performance. I am looking forward to sharing our plans for the future at our interim results announcement next month,’ said Chief Executive Henry Birch. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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