Half Year Report

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Sanderson Design Group PLC reported interim results for the six months ended 31 July 2026, showing a 6% increase in revenue to £51.4 million, driven by strong growth in North America and a significant rise in Third Party Manufacturing revenue to £11.0 million. The company also saw a 47% increase in adjusted underlying profit before tax to £3.3 million, with net cash rising to £10.4 million. The Highgrove collection was noted as the Group's most successful launch to date, and the company expects full-year trading to be in line with market expectations. An interim dividend of 0.5p per share, unchanged from the previous year, was declared.

Disclaimer*

Sanderson Design Group PLC
12 October 2026
 

12 October 2026

 

Sanderson Design Group plc

("Sanderson Design Group", "Sanderson", the "Company" or the "Group")

 

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 July 2026

 

-      Sustained improvement in profitability and return to revenue growth

-      Continued strategic delivery with significant growth in North America

-      Strong Manufacturing performance following completion of restructuring

-      Highgrove collection the Group's most successful launch to date

-      In line with market expectations for the full year1

 

Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, announces unaudited financial results for the six months ended 31 July 2026 ("H1 FY27").

 

Financial highlights

 

·    Group revenue up 6% to £51.4m (H1 FY26: £48.3m), reflecting continued strategic progress and prior management actions

·     Total Brand product revenue grew 2% to £35.5m (H1 FY26: £34.7m), with strong North America growth +16% more than offsetting UK softness

·      Third Party Manufacturing revenue up 19% to £11.0m (H1 FY26: £9.2m), driven by substantial US demand

·      Total Licensing revenue up 13% to £4.9m (H1FY26: £4.4m), including £1.4m accelerated income from Blinds2Go renewal

·    Direct-to-consumer revenue up 137% to £1.6m (H1 FY26: £0.7m), reinforcing its high-margin growth potential and demonstrating operational execution

·     Adjusted underlying PBT increased +47% to £3.3m (H1 FY26: £2.2m) driven by sustained improvement in Manufacturing, pricing actions taken, and strong Licensing performance

·      Net cash increased to £10.4m (31 January 2026: £9.8m) after £1.3m of EBT share purchases

·      Interim dividend 0.5p in line with last year

·      The Board expects full-year trading to be in line with market expectations1

 

 

Six months ended 31 July

% Change (reported)

Year ended 31 January

 

2026

(H1 FY27)

2025

(H1 FY26)


2026

(FY26)

Revenue

£51.4m

£48.3m

+6%

£99.5m

Adjusted underlying profit before tax2

£3.3m

£2.2m

+47%

£5.3m

Adjusted underlying basic EPS2

3.32p

2.22p

+49%

5.39p

Statutory profit/(loss) before tax

£2.5m

£1.5m

+69%

£3.1m

Basic EPS

2.45p

1.41p

+74%

2.98p

Net cash3

£10.4m

£7.8m

+34%

£9.8m

Dividend per share

0.50p

0.50p

-

1.50p

 

1  FY27 market expectations for adjusted underlying PBT are £6.5m, and revenues of £102.0m

2 Excluding share-based incentives, defined benefit pension charge and non-underlying items as summarised in note 4.

3 Net Cash is defined as cash and cash equivalents less borrowings. For the purpose of this definition, borrowings does not include lease liabilities.

 

Operational highlights

 

·    Continued strategic progress to increase market position in North America, focusing on strengthening the Group's network of interior designers to ensure continued growth in the world's largest market

·      North America is now the Group's most profitable, highest-margin and fastest-growing territory

·     The Highgrove by Sanderson collection has been the most successful launch to date and created a clear halo effect on the broader Sanderson brand

·     Delivery of topline growth in Manufacturing, with performance driven by previous investment in capabilities at both factories. Positive order book for H2 FY27

·   Continued focus on Digitalisation driving efficiencies and strengthening relationships with trade customers. Direct-to-consumer websites now live for six brands with good momentum in the first half and the Designers Guild site now being developed for launch

·     Strong pipeline of future licensing opportunities, supported by the recent design launches including Morris & Co x The Huntington, the Highgrove Collection and the Voysey House collection

·   Post period-end, signed a 10-year worldwide licensing agreement to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics, and paints, adding another globally-renowned brand to the Sanderson Design Group portfolio

 

Lisa Montague, Chief Executive Officer of Sanderson Design Group, commented:

 

 

Webcast details

 


Enquiries:

 

Sanderson Design Group PLC

Lisa Montague, Chief Executive Officer

Mike Woodcock, Chief Financial Officer

David Gracie, Company Secretary

 

via Vigo Consulting

Singer Capital Markets

Jen Boorer / Sara Hale / James Todd

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000

Vigo Consulting

Fiona Hetherington / Guy Scarborough / Joe Quinlan / Safia Colebrook

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7390 0230

sdg@vigoconsulting.com

 

About Sanderson Design Group

 



CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW

 

Overview

 

 

Revenue

 


H1 FY27

£m

H1 FY26

£m

Change reported currency %

Change constant currency %

Brands

 




United Kingdom

14.0

15.1

-7.8%

-7.8%

North America

13.0

11.2

16.3%

19.0%

Northern Europe

4.4

4.3

1.7%

-2.6%

Rest of World

4.1

4.1

-0.5%

-1.1%

Total Brands

35.5

34.7

2.1%

2.0%


 




Manufacturing

 




External

11.0

9.2

19.3%

19.3%

Internal

6.2

5.3

17.6%

17.6%

Total Manufacturing

17.2

14.5

18.7%

18.7%


 




Licensing

4.9

4.4

12.7%

12.7%


 




Total

51.4

48.3

6.3%

6.3%

 

Brands

 


H1 FY27

£m

H1 FY26

£m

Change reported currency %

Change constant currency %

Morris & Co.

9.3

8.8

5.1%

4.7%

Sanderson

8.0

6.8

17.0%

17.0%

Zoffany

3.4

3.3

2.6%

2.9%

Clarke & Clarke

8.2

9.4

-12.9%

-13.0%

Harlequin

6.0

6.0

0.4%

0.8%

Scion

0.5

0.3

62.5%

61.8%

Other

0.1

0.1

-

-

Total

35.5

34.7

2.1%

2.0%

 

 

 

Lisa Montague

Chief Executive Officer

9 October 2026



 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW

 

Key financial indicators

 

We set out below a summary of the Group's key financial indicators.

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

 

6 months to

31 July 2025

 

% change (reported)

Revenue (£m)

51.4

48.3

+6%

Profit before tax (£m)

2.5

1.5

+69%

Earnings per share - Basic (pence)

2.45

1.41

+74%

Adjusted underlying profit before tax (£m)

3.3

2.2

+47%

Adjusted earnings per share - Basic (pence)

3.32

2.22

+49%

Net cash (£m)

10.4

7.8

+33%

Inventory (£m)

20.6

24.7

-17%

Capital expenditure (£m)

1.0

0.3

+180%

 

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£m

6 months to

31 July 2025

£m

% change (reported)

Brands

35.5

34.7

2.1%

Licensing

4.9

4.4

12.7%

Manufacturing - external

11.0

9.2

19.3%

Total revenue

51.4

48.3

6.3%

 

 

 

Six months to 31 July 2026

Brands

£m

Licensing

£m

Manufacturing

£m

Eliminations

£m

Total

£m

Revenue - external

35.5

4.9

11.0

-

51.4

Revenue - internal

-

-

6.2

(6.2)

-

Total revenue

35.5

4.9

17.2

(6.2)

51.4

Cost of sales

(11.4)

-

(10.4)

5.9

(15.8)

Gross profit

24.1

4.9

6.8

(0.3)

35.5

Gross profit %

67.9%

100.0%

39.7%

-

69.2%

 

Six months to 31 July 2025

Brands

£m

Licensing

£m

Manufacturing

£m

Eliminations

£m

Total

£m

Revenue - external

34.7

4.4

9.2

-

48.3

Revenue - internal

-

-

5.3

(5.3)

-

Total revenue

34.7

4.4

14.5

(5.3)

48.3

Cost of sales

(11.3)

-

(9.6)

5.6

(15.3)

Gross profit

23.4

4.4

4.9

0.3

33.0

Gross profit %

67.5%

100.0%

33.6%

-

68.3%

 

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£m

6 months to

31 July 2025

£m

Revenue

51.4

48.3

Cost of sales

(15.8)

(15.3)

Gross profit

35.5

33.0

Distribution and selling expenses

(11.3)

(11.9)

Administration expenses

(23.3)

(21.6)

Other operating income

1.0

1.7

Profit from Operations

1.9

1.2

Net finance income

0.5

0.3

Profit before tax

2.5

1.5

 

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£m

6 months to

31 July 2025

£m

Statutory profit before tax

2.5

1.5

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

0.1

0.1

Restructuring and reorganisation costs

-

0.4

Underlying profit before tax

2.6

2.0

Share-based payment charge

0.3

0.0

Defined benefit pension charge

0.4

0.2

Adjusted underlying profit before tax

3.3

2.2

 

-     Amortisation of intangible assets in respect of the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke in 2016

-     Restructuring and reorganisation costs £nil (H1 FY26: £0.4m that arose out of changes to head office functions and both factories)

-     Share based payment charges of £0.3m (H1 FY26: £0.0m) are excluded as they are a non-cash measure

-     Administration costs of £0.4m (H1 FY26: £0.2m) related to the Group's two legacy defined benefit pension schemes

 

 

Mike Woodcock

Chief Financial Officer

9 October 2026



 

Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 31 July 2026



Note

6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Revenue

2

51,376

48,319

Cost of sales


(15,831)

(15,315)

Gross profit


35,545

33,004

Net operating (expenses)/income:


 


Distribution and selling expenses


(11,297)

(11,930)

Administration expenses


(23,303)

(21,552)

Other operating income


993

1,669

Profit from operations


1,938

1,191

Finance income

 

875

665

Finance costs

 

(359)

(401)

Net finance income

 

516

264

Profit before tax

2

2,454

1,455

Tax expense

3

(680)

(439)

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent


1,774

1,016

Earnings per share - Basic

4

2.45

1.41

Earnings per share - Diluted

4

2.40

1.37

Adjusted earnings per share - Basic*

4

3.32

2.22

Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted*

4

3.24

2.16

 


 


*  These are alternative performance measures.

All of the activities of the Group are continuing operations.

 



Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 31 July 2026

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Profit for the period

1,774

1,016

Other comprehensive (expense)/income:

 


Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

 


Remeasurements of defined benefit pension schemes

226

(351)

Deferred tax (charge)/credit relating to pension scheme liabilities

(57)

36

Corporation tax credit relating to pension scheme contributions

-

53

Investment-related defined benefit pension costs

-

(1)

Cash flow hedge

17

(54)

Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

186

(317)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

 


Currency translation losses

70

(256)

Other comprehensive expense for the period, net of tax

256

(573)

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to the owners of the parent

2,030

443

 

 


 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2026

 


31 July 2026 £000

31 January 2026 £000

Non-current assets



Intangible assets

10,071

10,387

Property, plant and equipment

10,715

10,881

Right-of-use assets

8,673

9,719

Retirement benefit surplus

3,301

3,260

Minimum guaranteed licensing receivables

13,342

12,553


46,102

46,800

Current assets

 


Inventories

20,648

21,465

Trade and other receivables

14,920

13,133

Minimum guaranteed licensing receivables

5,255

4,442

Corporation tax debtor

97

1,086

Financial derivative instruments

36

53

Cash and cash equivalents

10,429

9,808


51,385

49,987

Total assets

97,487

96,787

Current liabilities

 


Trade and other payables

(12,283)

(11,038)

Lease liabilities

(2,708)

(2,977)

Corporation tax payable

-

(131)

Provision for liabilities and charges

(23)

(122)


(15,014)

(14,268)

Net current assets

36,371

35,719

Non-current liabilities

 


Lease liabilities

(7,494)

(8,355)

Deferred income tax liabilities

(3,017)

(3,274)

Provision for liabilities and charges

(974)

(974)


(11,485)

(12,603)

Total liabilities

(26,499)

(26,871)

Net assets

70,988

69,916

 

 


Equity

 


Share capital

723

723

Share premium account

18,682

18,682

Retained earnings

12,239

11,237

Other reserves

39,344

39,274

Total equity

70,988

69,916



 

Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended 31 July 2026

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Cash flows from operating activities



Profit from operations

1,938

1,191

Intangible asset amortisation

519

476

Property, plant and equipment depreciation

929

1,161

Right-of-use asset depreciation

1,208

1,247

Share-based payment charge

214

32

Defined benefit pension charge

482

243

Employer contributions to pension schemes

(203)

(386)

Decrease in inventories

817

2,453

Increase in trade and other receivables

(1,761)

(1,044)

Increase in minimum guaranteed licensing receivables

(947)

(552)

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

1,242

(505)

Decrease in provision for liabilities and charges

(109)

(296)

Tax paid

(37)

(281)

Net cash from operating activities

4,292

3,739

Cash flows from investing activities

 


Finance income received

125

-

Purchase of intangible assets

(203)

(310)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(754)

(32)

Net cash used in investing activities

(832)

(342)

Cash flows from financing activities

 


Repayment of lease liabilities

(1,645)

(1,094)

Purchase of shares held in trust

(1,272)

-

Interest paid

(10)

(73)

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,927)

(1,167)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

533

2,230

Net foreign exchange movement

88

(281)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

9,808

5,814

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

10,429

7,763

 

 




Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 31 July 2026


Attributable to owners of the parent

Share   capital

£000

Share premium account

£000

Retained earnings

£000

Other
reserves*

£000

Total equity

£000

Balance at 1 February 2025

720

18,682

9,534

39,796

68,732

Profit for the period

-

-

1,016

-

1,016

Other comprehensive income/(expense):






Remeasurements of defined benefit pension schemes

-

-

(351)

-

(351)

Investment-related defined benefit pension costs

-

-

(1)

-

(1)

Deferred tax credit relating to pension scheme liabilities

-

-

36

-

36

Corporation tax credit relating to pension scheme contributions

-

-

53

-

53

Cash flow hedge

-

-

(54)

-

(54)

Currency translation differences

-

-

-

(256)

(256)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

-

-

699

(256)

443

Transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity:






Issuance of share capital for share-based payment vesting

1

-

(1)

-

-

Share-based payment equity charge

-

-

32

-

32

Related tax movements on share-based payment

-

-

35

-

35

Balance at 31 July 2025

721

18,682

10,299

39,540

69,242

Profit for the period

-

-

1,132

-

1,132

Other comprehensive income/(expense):






Remeasurements of defined benefit pension schemes

-

-

805

-

805

Deferred tax charge relating to pension scheme liabilities

-

-

(274)

-

(274)

Corporation tax credit relating to pension scheme contributions

-

-

72

-

72

Investment-related defined benefit pension costs

-

-

-

-

-

Cash flow hedge

-

-

126

-

126

Currency translation losses

-

-

-

(266)

(266)

Total comprehensive income

-

-

1,861

(266)

1,595

Transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity:






Dividends

-

-

(1,082)

-

(1,082)

Issuance of share capital for share-based payment vesting

2

-

(2)

-

-

Share-based payment equity charge

-

-

181

-

181

Related tax movements on share-based payment

-

-

(20)

-

(20)

Balance at 31 January 2026

723

18,682

11,237

39,274

69,916

 


 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 31 July 2026


Attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

£000

Share premium account £000

Retained earnings £000

Other reserves*

£000

Total equity £000

Balance at 1 February 2026

723

18,682

11,237

39,274

69,916

Profit for the period

-

-

1,774

-

1,774

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension schemes

-

-

226

-

226

Deferred tax charge relating to pension scheme liabilities

-

-

(57)

-

(57)

Cash flow hedge

-

-

17

-

17

Currency translation differences

-

-

-

70

70

Total comprehensive income

-

-

1,960

70

2,030

Transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of shares held in trust

-

-

(1,272)

-

(1,272)

Share-based payment equity charge

-

-

214

-

214

Related tax movements on share-based payment

-

-

100

-

100

Balance at 31 July 2026

723

18,682

12,239

39,344

70,988

 






*other reserves represent capital reserve, merger reserve and foreign currency translation reserve

 


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of preparation

 

No new standards and interpretations issued and effective for the period have had any significant impact on the preparation of the financial statements.

 

 

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 

Going concern

In the context of the continuing economic and political uncertainties, the Board of Sanderson Design Group PLC has undertaken an assessment of the ability of the Group and Company to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of its assessment. In doing so, the Board considered events throughout the period of their assessment from the date of signing of the report to 31 January 2028, including the availability and maturity profile of the Group's financing facilities and covenant compliance. These interim financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which the Directors consider appropriate for the reasons set out below.

 

The Group funds its operations through cash generated by the Group and has access to a £10.0m (31 January 2026: £10.0m) Revolving Credit Facility ('RCF') which is linked to two covenants and was renewed on 1 February 2024. These covenants are tested quarterly at 30 April, 31 July, 31 October and 31 January each year until the facility matures on 1 February 2029. Throughout the financial period and up to the date of this report, the Company has met all required covenant tests and maintained available liquidity of over £5m (31 January 2026: £5.0m). The total available liquidity of the Group at 31 July 2026 was £20.4m (31 January 2026: £19.8m), including cash and cash equivalents of £10.4m (31 January 2026: £9.8m) and the committed facility of £10.0m (31 January 2026: £10.0m). The Group has access to an uncommitted accordion facility of £7.5m (31 January 2026: £7.5m).

 

A Management Base Case ('MBC') model has been prepared, together with alternative stress tested

scenarios, given the uncertainties regarding the impact of economic difficulties. These scenarios indicate that the Group retains adequate headroom against its borrowing facilities and bank covenants for the foreseeable future.

 



 

2. Segmental analysis

The Group is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of luxury interior furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper. The reportable segments of the Group are aggregated as follows:

 

-     Brands - comprising the design, marketing, sales and distribution of Morris & Co., Sanderson, Zoffany, Clarke & Clarke, Harlequin and Scion brands.

-     Licensing - comprising the licensing activities of Morris & Co., Sanderson, Zoffany, Clarke & Clarke, Harlequin and Scion brands.

-     Manufacturing - comprising the wallcovering and printed fabric manufacturing businesses operated by Anstey and Standfast & Barracks respectively.

 

This is the basis on which the Group presents its operating results to the Board of Directors, which is the CODM for the purposes of IFRS 8. Other Group-wide activities and expenses, predominantly related to corporate head office costs, defined benefit pension costs, long-term incentive plan expenses, stock consolidation adjustments in Brands and eliminations of inter-segment items, are presented within 'unallocated'. The segmental Income Statement disclosures are measured in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. Inter-segment revenue earned by Manufacturing from sales to Brands is determined on normal commercial trading terms as if Brands were any other third-party customer. Tax charges are not allocated or reviewed by segment, and therefore are not included in the segmental Income Statement disclosures.

 

a) Principal measures of profit and loss - Income Statement segmental information

 

 

Six months to 31 July 2026

Brands

£000

Licensing

£000

Manufacturing

£000

Unallocated

£000

Total

£000

UK Revenue

13,976

1,803

6,302

-

22,081

International Revenue

21,493

3,142

4,661

-

29,295

Revenue - External

35,468

4,945

10,963

-

51,376

Revenue - Internal

-

-

6,199

(6,199)

-

Total Revenue

35,468

4,945

17,162

(6,199)

51,376

Cost of sales

(11,375)

-

(10,352)

5,896

(15,831)

Gross profit

24,093

4,945

6,810

(303)

35,545

Distribution and selling expenses

(10,381)

(316)

(600)

-

(11,297)

Administration expenses

(14,845)

(514)

(4,830)

(3,114)

(23,303)

Other operating income

1,002

-

(9)

-

993

Net finance (expense)/income

(250)

656

(1)

111

516

(Loss)/profit before tax

(381)

4,771

1,370

(3,306)

2,454

Management charge

(970)

-

-

970

-

(Loss)/profit before tax

(1,351)

4,771

1,370

(2,336)

2,454

Non-underlying and adjusting items

-

-

-

829

829

Adjusted underlying (loss)/profit before tax

(381)

4,771

1,370

(2,477)

3,283

 

 

Six months to 31 July 2025

 

Brands

£000

Licensing

£000

Manufacturing

£000

Unallocated

£000

Total

£000

UK Revenue

15,161

2,407

5,473

-

23,041

International Revenue

19,580

1,981

3,717

-

25,278

Revenue - External

34,741

4,388

9,190

-

48,319

Revenue - Internal

-

-

5,271

(5,271)

-

Total Revenue

34,741

4,388

14,461

(5,271)

48,319

Cost of sales

(11,303)

-

(9,595)

5,583

(15,315)

Gross profit

23,438

4,388

4,866

312

33,004

Distribution and selling expenses

(11,154)

(95)

(681)

-

(11,930)

Administration expenses

(13,852)

(538)

(4,722)

(2,440)

(21,552)

Other operating income

1,656

-

13

-

1,669

Net finance (expense)/income

(329)

598

-

(5)

264

(Loss)/profit before tax

(241)

4,353

(524)

(2,133)

1,455

Management charge

664

-

-

(664)

-

Profit/(loss) before tax

423

4,353

(524)

(2,797)

1,455

Non-underlying and adjusting items

400

-

32

351

783

Adjusted underlying profit/(loss) before tax

159

4,353

(492)

(1,783)

2,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

b) Additional segmental revenue information

 

Brands revenue by geography

6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

United Kingdom

13,976

15,161

North America

13,003

11,182

Northern Europe

4,379

4,307

Rest of the World

4,110

4,091


35,468

34,741


 


Brands revenue by brand

6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Morris & Co.

9,279

Clarke & Clarke

8,217

Sanderson

7,987

Harlequin

6,043

Zoffany

3,389

Scion

494

Other brands

59

25


35,468

34,741

 

 

Manufacturing revenue by division (including internal revenue)

6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Standfast & Barracks

9,347

7,771

Anstey

7,815

6,690


17,162

14,461

 

3. Tax expense


6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Corporation tax:

 


- UK current tax

(715)

(597)

- Overseas, current tax

(179)

(31)

Corporation tax

(894)

(628)

Deferred tax:

 


- Current period

214

189

Deferred tax

214

189

Total tax charge for the period

(680)

(439)

 

4. Earnings per share

 

4. (a) Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share ('EPS') is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, excluding those held in the Employee Benefit Trust ('EBT') and those held in treasury, which are treated as cancelled. The adjusted basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the adjusted earnings by the weighted average number of shares.

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Earnings

£000

Weighted average number of shares

(000s)

Per share amount

Pence

Earnings

£000

Weighted average number of shares

(000s)

Per share amount

Pence

Basic earnings per share

1,774

72,265

2.45

1,016

72,037

1.41

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 




Shares under share-based payment

 

1,587

 


2,068


Diluted earnings per share

1,774

73,852

2.40

1,016

74,105

1.37

Adjusted underlying basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 




Add back share-based payment charge

303

 

 

38



Add back defined benefit pension charge

388

 

 

175



Add back non-underlying items (see below)

138

 

 

570



Tax effect of non-underlying items and other add backs

(207)

 

 

(196)



Adjusted underlying basic earnings per share

2,396

72,265

3.32

1,602

72,037

2.22

Adjusted underlying diluted earnings per share

2,396

73,852

3.24

1,602

74,105

2.16

 

4. (b) Adjusted underlying profit before tax

The Group uses an Alternative Performance Measure 'adjusted underlying profit before tax'. This is defined as statutory profit before tax adjusted for the exclusion of share-based incentives, defined benefit pension charge and non-underlying items. This is recognised by the investment community as an appropriate measure of performance for the Group and is used by the Board of Directors as a key performance measure. The table below reconciles statutory profit before tax to adjusted underlying profit before tax.

 


6 months to

31 July 2026

£000

6 months to

31 July 2025

£000

Statutory profit before tax

2,454

1,455

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

138

138

Restructuring and reorganisation costs

-

432

Total non-underlying charge included in statutory profit before tax

138

570

Underlying profit before tax

2,592

2,025

Share-based payment charge

303

38

Defined benefit pension charge

388

175

Adjusted underlying profit before tax

3,283

2,238

 

 


5. Dividend

A final dividend of 1.00p in respect of the year ended 31 January 2026 was paid on 7 August 2026 to the shareholders on the Company's register on 10 July 2026.

The Board is announcing an interim dividend of 0.50p for the six months ended 31 July 2026 (H1 FY26: 0.50p), payable on 27 November 2026 to shareholders on the register on 23 October 2026. The ex-dividend date is 22 October 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

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