Universal Store (UNI) H1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Group sales reached AUD 209.6 million in H1 FY26, up 14.2% year-over-year, with robust growth across all banners and strong like-for-like sales, supported by eight new store openings and operational investments in team, technology, and governance.

• Underlying EBIT rose 23.2% to AUD 43.6 million, driven by sales growth and improved gross profit margin; underlying NPAT increased 22% to AUD 28.3 million.

• Gross profit margin expanded by 150 basis points to 62.1%, reflecting strong private brand performance and disciplined pricing.

• Online sales grew 10.4% to AUD 27.8 million, representing 13.3% of total sales.

• Fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.26 per share declared, up 18.1% year-over-year.

Financial highlights

• Underlying EBIT up 23.2% to AUD 43.6 million; underlying NPAT up 22% to AUD 28.3 million; statutory NPAT up 150.4% due to prior year impairment charges.

• Group sales up 14.2% to AUD 209.6 million; Universal Store sales up 11.9% to AUD 174.8 million; Perfect Stranger up 41.5% to AUD 17.8 million; CTC up 4.8% to AUD 23.2 million.

• Underlying EPS increased 21.5% to 36.8 cents; five-year sales CAGR of 12.2%.

• Strong cash position with AUD 38.4 million and no bank debt; robust operating cash flow of AUD 72.1 million, up 3%.

• Online sales represented 13.3% of total sales, up 10.4% year-over-year.

Outlook and guidance

• Direct-to-consumer sales up 13.5% to date in FY26; store network on track to deliver 11–17 new stores in FY26, with five confirmed for Q4.

• Disciplined approach to hedging foreign currency risk and product pricing; management remains focused on macroeconomic factors and prudent lease renewals.

• Expecting continued growth in the second half, with no material impact anticipated from interest rate increases.

• Long-term targets include over 100 Universal Store and 60+ Perfect Stranger locations, with further THRILLS expansion under evaluation.