JD Sports expects full year profits to be at the lower end of its target range, according to a trading update.

Régis Schultz, CEO, said North America delivered an improved like-for-like sales trend in Q3, alongside resilient trends in Europe. 

Reporting trading for the third quarter to the start of November, he said the company said it was taking a pragmatic approach to the full year outlook and expects profit before tax and adjusting items (PBTAI) to be within the lower end of current market expectations.

“We are navigating a year of volatility in external factors with disciplined execution, reflected in a solid Q3,” he said.

“In the near term, as we enter an important trading period, we are mindful of recent weak macro and consumer indicators in our key markets. These lead us to take a pragmatic approach for our FY26 profit outturn.

“We remain confident in the overall positive trajectory for our industry and JD Group over the medium term, and this is well reflected in our commitment to enhanced shareholder returns.”

Begbies Traynor

Begbies Traynor Group has posted a strong first half performance with revenues rising by about 7% and adjusted pre-tax profits improving by 5%.

Operating margins were eroded by increased employer National Insurance Contributions of £700,000 in the period, while net debt was £5.7m after acquisition earn out payments of £3.8m, share buy-backs of £1.2m and dividends of £2.2m.

The group is confident of delivering market expectations of adjusted pre-tax profits of £23.7m-£24.9m for the full year to April 30,  2026, which will extend its financial track record of profitably growing the business.

Executive chairman, Ric Traynor, said: “Our new leadership structure, which we implemented in September, with Mark Fry stepping up to become CEO, is operating as expected, managing our enlarged business on a day-to-day basis and developing and executing our growth strategy.

“We have an attractive pipeline of acquisition and organic investment opportunities giving us further confidence of continuing our track record of growth in the current financial year and beyond.”

Dr Martens

Higher sales in North America saw bootmaker Dr Martens narrow its first-half losses and hold guidance for its 2026 fiscal year.

Adjusted pre-tax losses came it at £9.2m for the six-months to 28 September, compared with £16.6m last year. Americas was the best performing region with revenue up 6% with both the direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels in positive growth.

The company said it was expecting adjusted profits in a £53m to £60m range, according to consensus forecasts and excluding the impact from tariffs

“Since the end of the first half, our Americas business has continued to deliver positive full price DTC growth. Our EMEA business continues to see variable trading and a particularly challenging performance in retail across our largest markets,” said the company.